July 2020: Latitude 44

Latitude 44 opened in Mississauga years ago as a DIY framing business, coming from a line of small family businesses. When they decided it was time for a change of space, the Junction seemed like the right place to be. 

When Janet was young, she used to visit the Junction with her grandmother for a soda, and the neighbourhood continued to evolve into the vibrant place it is today. When Janet and Mary Ann sent out a letter about the big move, their customers were thrilled to follow them to the Junction.

The move made way for a shift in Latitude 44’s business model, allowing it to be partially a gallery that showcases Canadian artist’s work. Janet and Mary Ann felt that the community would appreciate the art as much as they did, and the amount of walking traffic would allow people to come in and have the opportunity to purchase the art for their own collections. 

While the gallery is in place, Latitude 44 still operates as a framing business, with all pieces worked on lovingly in-house by Janet and Mary Ann. 

Part of Latitude 44’s mandate is to give back to the community through initiatives like Function in the Junction, Habitat for Humanity, Project Canoe, the Historical Society, etc. They also have worked with the Historical Society to preserve some of the history of their own building, which was previously a children’s clothing store, by donating bags they had found when they had moved in.

Currently, with cleaning stations, warning signs, and caution, Latitude 44 would love to invite community members in to enjoy the Canadian art for sale, and (by appointment) and work with you on all your framing needs.

Riley Wiley, Journalism Intern, The Junction BIA