Newcomers to Canada looking for affordable rental homes close to immigrant services as well commercial buyers looking for affordable factories or warehouses.

Dixie, also known as “Bloor-Dixie”, is a Mississauga neighbourhood in the north part of the city that’s primarily commercial and industrial in nature, although there is some residential housing mainly in the east end including high percentage of Mississauga homes for rent. Dixie’s commercial concentration is largely along main arteries like Dixie Road and Eglinton Avenue West.

Dixie has a high immigrant population and is often used as a “gateway city” into the rest of the GTA, with newcomers landing here first until they’re established enough to move on. Unfortunately, Dixie has not had the most positive history with a high rate of crime but that’s changing.

Residents are working hard to change the reputation (and the reality) of Dixie from a transient community to a place where new Canadians can safely raise their families and enjoy a good quality of life.

Dixie, unfortunately, has a bad reputation for high crime rates but the down-to-earth and welcoming residents – largely newcomers to Canada who have chosen to live in Dixie for its affordability and local, immigrant services – are working hard to make Dixie a vibrant and safe community to raise their families in.

The Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre is at the heart of these efforts. Founded in 1988 by concerned members of the community, the Centre offers many free programs to improve the quality of life of Dixie residents including everything from ESL classes and job search assistance to conflict resolution advice and after-school youth programs.

There are a bunch of other new Canadian services in the area from employment training centres to ESL schools.

Its Arena is Awesome

The Canadian Ice Academy is a favourite spot for hockey lovers and figure skaters with its state-of-the art facilities including an Olympic-sized arena, another larger, studio rink and figure skating equipment. The Academy offers classes for all age groups and skill levels.