A fresh short film made by young residents of Mississauga sheds new light on Ridgeway Plaza. “Meet Me At Ridgeway” delves into the plaza’s diverse culture, obstacles, potential for civic engagement, and insights for urban planners and the city of Mississauga.
The 10-minute documentary, featuring two sisters interviewing local business owners, had its debut at the Kaneff Centre on the University of Toronto’s Mississauga campus. Laila Vahed, one of the film’s directors, expressed the aim to dispel misconceptions surrounding Ridgeway.
Ridgeway, located in the Erin Mills area at Eglinton Avenue W. and Ninth Line, has stirred controversy since its establishment in 2022, facing issues such as noise disturbances, large gatherings, and street racing. The Ontario Superior Court granted a temporary injunction to the city of Mississauga to address unauthorized gatherings and curb disruptive behavior at the plaza.
Criticism was raised by Vahed, the lead researcher of the project, regarding the city council’s portrayal of Ridgeway Plaza. She emphasized a disconnect between the council’s negative rhetoric and the filmmakers’ positive experiences of the space as a vibrant hub for communal gatherings.
Business owners were invited to share their perspectives on the plaza’s reputation in the documentary. Hamzah Al-Ameri, co-owner of Sumaq Iraqi Charcoal Grill, highlighted the collaborative efforts among plaza owners to ensure safety and address concerns.
During a panel discussion post-screening, attendees explored the negative associations tied to Ridgeway, particularly concerning the South Asian and Middle Eastern communities predominant in the area. Zoha Ahsan, an urban planning expert, emphasized the need to avoid stereotyping and derogatory labeling of demographics associated with the plaza.
Lessons on urban planning and community development were drawn from Ridgeway’s organic evolution. The filmmakers acknowledged challenges like congestion and noise while underscoring the vibrancy that characterizes the place. They suggested that city planners should be more adaptable to spontaneous growth and community needs as demonstrated by Ridgeway.
Ahsan highlighted the plaza’s appeal to a multi-generational population, especially younger individuals seeking inclusive late-night venues. The filmmakers aimed to illustrate how municipal decisions impact popular spots like Ridgeway, stressing the importance of voter engagement and civic participation in shaping community spaces.
