Peel Regional Police have reached a concerning milestone in 2026, seizing their tenth firearm of the year in a dramatic incident at a Mississauga community complex. The seizure occurred at the Erin Meadows Community Centre, which houses St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School, a public library, and a swimming pool.
Arrests Made Without Incident
On February 25 at approximately 1:40 p.m., officers responded to reports of a student in possession of a firearm at the school near Erin Centre Boulevard and Glen Erin Drive. Police quickly located two suspects in the community centre corridor connecting the various facilities.
"They were found to be in possession of a loaded illegal handgun, and neither were students at the adjoining school," said police officials. "Further investigation determined that no threats were made and there was no indication the suspects intended to cause harm at the school or community centre."
Youths Face Multiple Charges
The suspects, identified as a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old male from Mississauga, were arrested without incident and held in custody. They face multiple charges including possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and various other gun-related offenses.
Peel Police Deputy Chief Marc Andrews emphasized the potential danger of the situation: "This could have been disastrous due to the setting, but quick, decisive police work ended this dangerous situation without anyone being hurt."
Community Setting Raises Alarm
The incident has raised significant concerns about public safety in community spaces traditionally considered safe havens. The community centre serves multiple vulnerable populations including mothers with young children, seniors attending fitness classes or library programs, and high school students attending classes.
"There is something haunting and disturbing about someone bringing a gun into a place where moms are with their tots, seniors are in for fitness or library time and a high school full of kids in class," noted observers familiar with the case.
Police Response Praised
Authorities credited the school administration's quick thinking for alerting police to the potential threat. The school was temporarily locked down as a precautionary measure while police conducted their investigation.
"This was great work by our frontline officers at 11 Division responding to a call from the school administration," said Deputy Chief Andrews, highlighting the coordinated response that prevented potential violence.
Broader Context of Gun Seizures
This incident marks the tenth firearm seized by Peel Police frontline officers in just eight weeks of 2026, averaging more than one gun seizure per week. While most previous seizures occurred during routine traffic stops, this case stands out for its location in a densely populated community facility.
The seizure comes amid growing concerns about youth violence and illegal firearms in the region. Recent months have seen increased criminal activity in the area, including jewelry store smash-and-grab robberies at the nearby Erin Mills Town Centre, shootings in local housing complexes, and a separate incident where a currency exchange employee was robbed and beaten.
Community Reaction
Local residents have expressed alarm at the normalization of gun violence in community spaces. Social media posts from the scene showed a heavy police presence at the Gonzaga Community Centre, with community members sharing updates and expressing concern about safety in public facilities.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating illegal firearms, particularly when they appear in spaces traditionally reserved for education, recreation, and community gathering.
