Cooksville, Mississauga is an area defined by its vibrant businesses. From South Asian and Arab textile stores to Afro-Caribbean restaurants and barber shops, the neighbourhood's rich cultural diversity is visible in its storefronts. The area is particularly known as a hub for entrepreneurs—of the area’s 570 businesses, 75 percent have fewer than five employees. The COVID-19 pandemic, though, impacted the neighbourhood’s economic vitality and social connectivity.

“A large percentage of the population are struggling to make ends meet,” explains Christine Bennett, a life-long resident of Mississauga and an advisor to the local non-profit community organization, Heart Comonos. “There is also a significant marginalized population, including people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, and there are so few places for them to come together.”

In August 2021, the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), invested $23.25 million to establish My Main Street. The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) is playing an important a role by leading My Main Street’s Community Activator program, which supports community revitalization projects. A My Main Street contribution of $50,000 helped Heart Comonos produce “Cooksville Connectz Eventz”—a series of 17 free activities designed to strengthen residents’ social connections and boost activity in their local shopping district.

Heart Comonos’ organizers are inspired by the “Asset-Based Community Development” approach, which aims to build upon the existing strengths in the community and encourage residents to share their gifts, skills and knowledge in positions of leadership. Organizers aspire to build a healthier, more connected Cooksville in which residents can experience better social and economic outcomes. “We are working towards a community that is 100 percent livable for everyone,” says Bennett.

To support local businesses that faced financial challenges during the pandemic, Heart Comonos hosts frequent in-person events that increase foot traffic to the area. From hiring local salsa dance instructors to catering food from nearby restaurants, their events always prioritize community residents. “One of our business partners recently told us ‘No one else is doing what you are doing in this community,’” says Bennett. “This is so affirming of our work!”

As part of Cooksville Connectz Eventz, Heart Comonos established partnerships with over 13 local associations and institutions. This past summer, the organizers brought together 60 participants to beautify the area with a neighbourhood cleanup, launched a community gardening group and a book club, and held interactive puppet shows and Easter Egg decorating events for children. The “Music, Art, Poetry and Conversations” event series drew 400 people to Cooksville’s main intersection—known by locals as the “Four Corners.” All events are free, accessible and focused on engaging the community.

“We’ve heard comments like ‘I've lived here for 10 years and have never seen anything like this before,’” says Bennett. “Our Four Corners events were held next to a major bus stop, and people were so intrigued, they missed several buses just so they could participate for a while!”

Photo Credit: Ankit Sachdeva

Photo Caption: “Bollywood dance lesson led by local dance instructor, Sanya Sachdeva.”