For the first time, Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services has earned the highest possible grade from Verisk Canada’s Fire Underwriters Survey, a coast-to-coast evaluation that sizes up fire protection in every Canadian community. The survey, relied upon by over 90% of property and casualty insurers, handed Mississauga a Public Fire Protection Classification (PFPC) 1 rating—the gold standard no other Ontario municipal fire service achieved, and a feat matched by just four others nationwide, city officials announced Tuesday.
A PFPC 1 signals “peak fire protection,” while a 10 flags a complete lack of it. Mississauga’s previous best was a PFPC 2, but upgrades in its mechanical operations, training programs, fire prevention efforts, and communication hub propelled it to the top tier, per city brass.
Fire Chief Deryn Rizzi called the milestone “a proud moment” that reflects the grit of her team, from backroom staff to frontline heroes. “This is for everyone—our crew, leaders, and community supporters—who’ve pushed us to sharpen response times, broaden safety education, boost training for certified firefighters, and enforce fire codes,” she said.
Mayor Carolyn Parrish touted the win as a game-changer for Mississauga’s residents and businesses. “This sets a new bar for public safety here,” she said. “In tough economic times, it’s a green light for investors and property owners—insurers see us as a safe bet, which could trim costs.”
The Fire Underwriters Survey fuels the insurance world with Fire Insurance Grades, shaping rates for homes and businesses across Canada. City officials say Mississauga’s top mark could spark economic perks: “A stellar rating draws companies looking for solid fire protection and might ease insurance premiums for property owners, giving investors peace of mind about their stores, warehouses, and offices.”