Mzwandile Poncana
@mzwandilep.bsky.social
Community Impact Reporter at Mississauga News, Brampton Guardian and Caledon Enterprise | “the function of freedom is to free someone else” — Toni Morrison | https://www.mississauga.com/users/profile/mzwandile-poncana/
Peel's police board has again voted to increase it's annual budget — this time by 9.9% for 2026.
“I don't believe Mississauga taxpayers will be happy” said Mayor Parish, urging the region to balance "safety needs" with affordability.
www.mississauga.com/news/peel-po...
“I don't believe Mississauga taxpayers will be happy” said Mayor Parish, urging the region to balance "safety needs" with affordability.
www.mississauga.com/news/peel-po...
Peel police board approves 9.9 per cent budget hike, one year after passing an unprecedented $144M spending increase
Residents urge restraint as Peel’s proposed police budget climbs for a third year.
www.mississauga.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Peel's police board has again voted to increase it's annual budget — this time by 9.9% for 2026.
“I don't believe Mississauga taxpayers will be happy” said Mayor Parish, urging the region to balance "safety needs" with affordability.
www.mississauga.com/news/peel-po...
“I don't believe Mississauga taxpayers will be happy” said Mayor Parish, urging the region to balance "safety needs" with affordability.
www.mississauga.com/news/peel-po...
New research shows Brampton had the GTA’s second-highest eviction filing rate during the pandemic. Studies and tenant data reveal racialized renters face disproportionate risks, with corporate landlords driving much of the increase in no-fault evictions.
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
Brampton had second-highest eviction rate in GTA during pandemic, report finds
A new report finds Brampton renters faced the GTA’s second-highest eviction rate during COVID, with racialized households most at risk.
www.bramptonguardian.com
August 29, 2025 at 1:59 PM
New research shows Brampton had the GTA’s second-highest eviction filing rate during the pandemic. Studies and tenant data reveal racialized renters face disproportionate risks, with corporate landlords driving much of the increase in no-fault evictions.
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
1 in 3 tenants in Peel Region report cockroaches and other bugs, a new Peel ACORN survey finds.
Peel ACORN attribute this to a broader crisis of housing neglect and disrepair in Brampton and Mississauga.
www.mississauga.com/news/1-in-3-...
Peel ACORN attribute this to a broader crisis of housing neglect and disrepair in Brampton and Mississauga.
www.mississauga.com/news/1-in-3-...
1 in 3 Peel tenants report cockroaches or bugs, ACORN survey finds
A new ACORN survey of 257 Peel Region tenants reveals widespread cockroach and bug infestations, unresolved maintenance issues, and rent hikes above provincial limits.
www.mississauga.com
August 13, 2025 at 10:06 PM
1 in 3 tenants in Peel Region report cockroaches and other bugs, a new Peel ACORN survey finds.
Peel ACORN attribute this to a broader crisis of housing neglect and disrepair in Brampton and Mississauga.
www.mississauga.com/news/1-in-3-...
Peel ACORN attribute this to a broader crisis of housing neglect and disrepair in Brampton and Mississauga.
www.mississauga.com/news/1-in-3-...
In late July, Brampton moved to threaten legal action against a church and a homelessness program, citing ‘neighborhood safety concerns.’
Weeks later, the church and the program say they’re open to solutions — but have heard nothing from the City.
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
Weeks later, the church and the program say they’re open to solutions — but have heard nothing from the City.
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
Brampton church, outreach hub serving vulnerable downtown clients disappointed not to hear from city over threatened lawsuit
The Brampton church and outreach hub that serve vulnerable downtown clients are disappointed not to hear from the city over a threatened lawsuit.
www.bramptonguardian.com
August 11, 2025 at 3:28 PM
In late July, Brampton moved to threaten legal action against a church and a homelessness program, citing ‘neighborhood safety concerns.’
Weeks later, the church and the program say they’re open to solutions — but have heard nothing from the City.
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
Weeks later, the church and the program say they’re open to solutions — but have heard nothing from the City.
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
City staff have delayed a decision on a proposed 10-storey condo at 900 Lakeshore Rd. W. in Mississauga, citing multiple missing environmental studies.
www.mississauga.com/news/council...
www.mississauga.com/news/council...
Controversial 10-storey Mississauga condo proposal requires additional environmental impact study, say city planning staff
A 10-storey condo proposed at 900 Lakeshore Rd. West has sparked concern over zoning, environment, and traffic. Mississauga staff say more studies are needed.
www.mississauga.com
July 30, 2025 at 2:55 PM
City staff have delayed a decision on a proposed 10-storey condo at 900 Lakeshore Rd. W. in Mississauga, citing multiple missing environmental studies.
www.mississauga.com/news/council...
www.mississauga.com/news/council...
Brampton is threatening legal action against a church & outreach program serving unhoused residents, citing 'safety concerns.'
But service providers say the city is scapegoating the unhoused for a homelessness crisis it is failing to address.
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
But service providers say the city is scapegoating the unhoused for a homelessness crisis it is failing to address.
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
Brampton threatens legal action against church and community outreach program
City cites public safety concerns at Grace United Church and Regeneration Outreach. Leaders say they weren’t warned and are already addressing issues.
www.bramptonguardian.com
July 28, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Brampton is threatening legal action against a church & outreach program serving unhoused residents, citing 'safety concerns.'
But service providers say the city is scapegoating the unhoused for a homelessness crisis it is failing to address.
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
But service providers say the city is scapegoating the unhoused for a homelessness crisis it is failing to address.
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
Peel’s only supervised drug-use site shut down in May due to provincial legislation.
Ontario promised a replacement HART Hub to service vulnerable drug users — but months later, it hasn't opened yet.
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/very-co...
Ontario promised a replacement HART Hub to service vulnerable drug users — but months later, it hasn't opened yet.
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/very-co...
‘Very concerned’: Peel Region’s only supervised drug consumption site was forced to close in May, the promised HART Hub still isn’t open
Peel Region’s only supervised drug consumption site was forced by the province to close in May.
www.bramptonguardian.com
July 17, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Peel’s only supervised drug-use site shut down in May due to provincial legislation.
Ontario promised a replacement HART Hub to service vulnerable drug users — but months later, it hasn't opened yet.
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/very-co...
Ontario promised a replacement HART Hub to service vulnerable drug users — but months later, it hasn't opened yet.
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/very-co...
Anti-Black racism is driving African asylum seekers in Peel and the GTA into overcrowded shelters, rental discrimination and job barriers, according to new qualitative research released by United Way today. www.bramptonguardian.com/news/united-...
United Way report lays bare anti-Black barriers facing African asylum seekers in Peel and other Greater Toronto communities
New United Way report shows anti-Black discrimination, shelter overcrowding and work-permit delays trap African asylum seekers in Peel’s housing crisis.
www.bramptonguardian.com
July 15, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Anti-Black racism is driving African asylum seekers in Peel and the GTA into overcrowded shelters, rental discrimination and job barriers, according to new qualitative research released by United Way today. www.bramptonguardian.com/news/united-...
“I’m freaking out.”
Many Brampton residents living near the city’s waste incinerator say they were never told it would expand — and now fear for their health and families as air pollution could rise by over 200%. (1/3) www.bramptonguardian.com/news/this-is...
Many Brampton residents living near the city’s waste incinerator say they were never told it would expand — and now fear for their health and families as air pollution could rise by over 200%. (1/3) www.bramptonguardian.com/news/this-is...
‘This is all very scary’: Brampton residents raise alarm over incinerator expansion
Residents near Brampton’s incinerator say they were not properly informed about expansion plans and fear its impact on health and democracy.
www.bramptonguardian.com
June 11, 2025 at 4:57 PM
“I’m freaking out.”
Many Brampton residents living near the city’s waste incinerator say they were never told it would expand — and now fear for their health and families as air pollution could rise by over 200%. (1/3) www.bramptonguardian.com/news/this-is...
Many Brampton residents living near the city’s waste incinerator say they were never told it would expand — and now fear for their health and families as air pollution could rise by over 200%. (1/3) www.bramptonguardian.com/news/this-is...
A new report from Peel Region shows asylum seekers now make up 37% of the region’s homeless population. Of those, 81% are Black Africans. www.bramptonguardian.com/news/sharp-r...
Sharp rise in homelessness, disproportionate impact on Black African asylum claimants sparks concern in Peel
Peel’s point-in-time count shows asylum seekers make up 37 per cent of the region’s homeless. Of those, 81 per cent are Black African.
www.caledonenterprise.com
May 13, 2025 at 5:19 PM
A new report from Peel Region shows asylum seekers now make up 37% of the region’s homeless population. Of those, 81% are Black Africans. www.bramptonguardian.com/news/sharp-r...
Despite progress in visibility, accessing safe, affirming care in Peel region remains difficult for many trans and non-binary residents, according to service providers. www.mississauga.com/news/still-a...
‘Still a struggle’: Peel region’s trans community faces deep health care gaps
Advocates say trans and non-binary people in Peel face major barriers to health-care access, with few affirming services and long waits forcing many to leave the region.
www.mississauga.com
April 30, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Despite progress in visibility, accessing safe, affirming care in Peel region remains difficult for many trans and non-binary residents, according to service providers. www.mississauga.com/news/still-a...
As many international students in Peel face debt, joblessness, and potential life-altering deportation, students — alongside community orgs and settlement experts — are calling for a more stable, humane immigration system ahead of the federal election. www.bramptonguardian.com/politics/fed...
‘I never thought I’d have to fight like this’: Peel’s international students say immigration system is broken as election looms
As federal immigration rules change, Peel’s international students call the system broken and demand better support ahead of the 2025 election.
www.bramptonguardian.com
April 23, 2025 at 11:10 PM
As many international students in Peel face debt, joblessness, and potential life-altering deportation, students — alongside community orgs and settlement experts — are calling for a more stable, humane immigration system ahead of the federal election. www.bramptonguardian.com/politics/fed...
As Brampton’s supervised drug consumption site nears its March 31 closure, its frontline workers reflect on its impact. They say the site provided critical harm reduction services and support—and without it, a gap in life-saving care will remain.
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
Brampton supervised drug consumption site closure ‘a step backwards’ in helping those living with addiction, say staff
Workers at Brampton’s supervised drug-use site say its closure will put lives at risk and force drug use into unsafe spaces.
www.bramptonguardian.com
March 14, 2025 at 1:52 PM
As Brampton’s supervised drug consumption site nears its March 31 closure, its frontline workers reflect on its impact. They say the site provided critical harm reduction services and support—and without it, a gap in life-saving care will remain.
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
Peel’s only supervised drug consumption site is set to close on March 31 due to provincial legislation. At a recent council meeting, health officials and advocates warned of the risks of the closure, while Mayor Patrick Brown welcomed the decision. www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
Brampton supervised drug consumption site’s scheduled closure pleases mayor, but concerns support workers and health officials
At a Peel council meeting, officials and advocates raised concerns over the province’s decision to close the region’s only supervised drug-use site.
www.bramptonguardian.com
March 4, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Peel’s only supervised drug consumption site is set to close on March 31 due to provincial legislation. At a recent council meeting, health officials and advocates warned of the risks of the closure, while Mayor Patrick Brown welcomed the decision. www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...
With nearly 1 in 4 Peel residents facing food insecurity and over 111,000 in the region living in poverty, Ontario parties pitch affordability plans ahead of the election. But are any of the promises enough? Read more below:
www.mississauga.com/politics/pro...
www.mississauga.com/politics/pro...
Ontario election parties pitch affordability plans as food insecurity rises in Peel Region
Ontario parties unveil affordability plans as food insecurity affects nearly one in four Peel residents.
www.mississauga.com
February 23, 2025 at 4:13 PM
With nearly 1 in 4 Peel residents facing food insecurity and over 111,000 in the region living in poverty, Ontario parties pitch affordability plans ahead of the election. But are any of the promises enough? Read more below:
www.mississauga.com/politics/pro...
www.mississauga.com/politics/pro...
TMU and Peel’s school board hosted a panel of Black health-care professionals at Mississauga Secondary School — the event addressed the historical lack of diversity in medicine and aimed to inspire future generations to pursue careers in the field.
www.mississauga.com/news/toronto...
www.mississauga.com/news/toronto...
Toronto Metropolitan University medical school hosts panel discussion urging Peel board students to break down barriers in medicine
Black health-care workers spoke to Peel students about breaking barriers in medicine at a TMU and Peel school board panel discussion.
www.mississauga.com
February 14, 2025 at 9:57 PM
TMU and Peel’s school board hosted a panel of Black health-care professionals at Mississauga Secondary School — the event addressed the historical lack of diversity in medicine and aimed to inspire future generations to pursue careers in the field.
www.mississauga.com/news/toronto...
www.mississauga.com/news/toronto...
A recent Mississauga town hall — led by the Find Ontario Missing Boys committee — aimed to spread awareness about missing Black boys in the GTA. Advocates called for police accountability and better media coverage of the issue. www.mississauga.com/news/mississ...
Mississauga town hall hears concerns over missing Black boys in the GTA
Community members gathered in Malton to discuss the number of missing Black boys in the GTA. Advocates are calling for action, police accountability, and greater media attention.
www.mississauga.com
February 14, 2025 at 6:53 PM
A recent Mississauga town hall — led by the Find Ontario Missing Boys committee — aimed to spread awareness about missing Black boys in the GTA. Advocates called for police accountability and better media coverage of the issue. www.mississauga.com/news/mississ...
Food Banks Mississauga has laid off 16 per cent of its paid workforce and cancelled two programs in an effort to sustain operations as demand for emergency food assistance surges.
www.mississauga.com/news/food-ba...
www.mississauga.com/news/food-ba...
Food Banks Mississauga cuts staff, cancels programs amid financial strain
Food Banks Mississauga is laying off staff and cutting programs as demand for food assistance surges, citing financial strain and government inaction.
www.mississauga.com
February 12, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Food Banks Mississauga has laid off 16 per cent of its paid workforce and cancelled two programs in an effort to sustain operations as demand for emergency food assistance surges.
www.mississauga.com/news/food-ba...
www.mississauga.com/news/food-ba...
After workers at a Mississauga distribution centre became the first Walmart staff in the country to unionize, the workers — and the union representing them — are now accusing the retail giant of violating multiple labor laws.
Read more here: www.mississauga.com/news/unifor-...
Read more here: www.mississauga.com/news/unifor-...
Unifor accuses Walmart of violating labour laws, following historic vote to unionize
Unifor files complaints claiming Walmart’s wage freeze for unionized Mississauga workers breach labour laws and discourage unionization.
www.mississauga.com
December 23, 2024 at 4:47 PM
After workers at a Mississauga distribution centre became the first Walmart staff in the country to unionize, the workers — and the union representing them — are now accusing the retail giant of violating multiple labor laws.
Read more here: www.mississauga.com/news/unifor-...
Read more here: www.mississauga.com/news/unifor-...
New: Re/Max report says Mississauga home prices set to rise 6% in 2025. Some families are weighing tough choices.
www.mississauga.com/news/re-max-...
www.mississauga.com/news/re-max-...
Re/Max report says Mississauga home prices set to rise 6% in 2025. Some families are weighing tough choices
Mississauga home prices are projected to rise six per cent in 2025, leaving families grappling with affordability and tough housing decisions.
www.mississauga.com
December 18, 2024 at 10:37 PM
New: Re/Max report says Mississauga home prices set to rise 6% in 2025. Some families are weighing tough choices.
www.mississauga.com/news/re-max-...
www.mississauga.com/news/re-max-...
“People are breaking down, people are crying,” said Ariane, a third-year student in Sheridan’s creative writing and publishing program.
A close look at how recent program cuts at Sheridan are impacting the college and its surrounding community: www.mississauga.com/news/sherida...
A close look at how recent program cuts at Sheridan are impacting the college and its surrounding community: www.mississauga.com/news/sherida...
Sheridan College program cuts ‘could ripple through community’
Sheridan College announced last week it was suspending 40 programs and reviewing 27 others.
www.mississauga.com
December 4, 2024 at 5:41 PM
“People are breaking down, people are crying,” said Ariane, a third-year student in Sheridan’s creative writing and publishing program.
A close look at how recent program cuts at Sheridan are impacting the college and its surrounding community: www.mississauga.com/news/sherida...
A close look at how recent program cuts at Sheridan are impacting the college and its surrounding community: www.mississauga.com/news/sherida...
Ontario promised to become accessible by 2025, but advocates warn the province is falling short when it comes to meeting the housing needs of people with disabilities.
The accessible housing crisis continues to leave many behind, they say.
Read more: www.mississauga.com/news/ontario...
The accessible housing crisis continues to leave many behind, they say.
Read more: www.mississauga.com/news/ontario...
Ontario accessibility act lacks standards to solve housing crisis for people with disabilities
As Ontario’s 2025 accessibility deadline looms, advocates highlight critical gaps in housing standards, calling for urgent reforms to address affordability and accessibility for seniors and people wit...
www.mississauga.com
December 2, 2024 at 10:24 PM
Ontario promised to become accessible by 2025, but advocates warn the province is falling short when it comes to meeting the housing needs of people with disabilities.
The accessible housing crisis continues to leave many behind, they say.
Read more: www.mississauga.com/news/ontario...
The accessible housing crisis continues to leave many behind, they say.
Read more: www.mississauga.com/news/ontario...
Rising HIV rates in Peel Region disproportionately high among most vulnerable groups: Advocates and officials link rising HIV rates to stigma, systemic barriers and a lack of accessible health-care services.
www.mississauga.com/news/rising-...
www.mississauga.com/news/rising-...
Rising HIV rates in Peel Region disproportionately high among most vulnerable groups
HIV rates in Peel Region increased by 154 per cent between 2018 and 2022. Experts cite stigma, systemic barriers, and lack of access to care as key factors. Public health calls for investment in clini...
www.mississauga.com
December 1, 2024 at 5:54 PM
Rising HIV rates in Peel Region disproportionately high among most vulnerable groups: Advocates and officials link rising HIV rates to stigma, systemic barriers and a lack of accessible health-care services.
www.mississauga.com/news/rising-...
www.mississauga.com/news/rising-...