Province Announces Plans to Dissolve Peel Region

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Thursday, 18 May 2023 13:51

Premier Doug Ford says that the hope is to have the process completed by January 1, 2025.

ONTARIO - The Ford Government has announced that they want to dismantle the Peel Region, splitting its three cities into separate municipalities.

The proposed changes came during today's announcement that introduced the Hazel McCallion Act, which honours the legacy of Peel Regions longest serving Mayor. If passed, the act will establish a transition board of around five people to ease the changes to local government and financial affairs.

Premier Doug Ford says that the hope is to have the process completed by January 1, 2025.

Over the next few weeks Regional Facilitators will also be assessing municipalities in Durham, Halton, Niagara, Simcoe, Waterloo and York to address the possibilities of dissolving as well.
The Mayors of Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon had this to say about the news.

Mayor of Mississauga Bonnie Crombie:

"This is an historic day for the people of Mississauga and for our future. I want to thank the Minister and the Premier for answering our calls for an independent Mississauga. As Ontario’s third-largest city that’s home to 100,000 businesses and the province’s second-largest economy, we’re ready to stand on our own two feet and make our own decisions about the future of our city. An independent Mississauga will allow us to be more nimble when it comes to responding to the housing crisis, increase efficiencies, reduce duplication and save residents time and money. This process will take some time and we are committed to ensuring the continuity of frontline and essential services across the Region of Peel. I want to thank residents and staff at both the City of Mississauga and the Region of Peel for their patience and understanding as we navigate this next chapter in our city’s history."

Mayor of Brampton Patrick Brown:

"As the Region of Peel dissolves, we will work constructively to ensure Brampton taxpayers are treated fairly. I want to thank Premier Ford for assuring the residents of Brampton they will not be shortchanged during this process. We expect to work closely with the transition board to achieve a result that respects the taxpayers of Brampton, allows our city to continue its significant growth, and treats all municipalities within Peel Region equitably."

Mayor of Caledon Annette Groves:

"Caledon is a special place, and the town’s residents have made it clear that they want Caledon to retain its unique identity. As one of the fastest growing municipalities in the Province, Caledon needs partners at the table to ensure we hit our growth targets when it comes to infrastructure and community service. We will work with the Province to ensure a fair transition for our town that protects our financial security and makes sure residents continue to receive the high levels of service that they need and have come to expect. As Mayor, I am committed to ensuring the best outcome for the residents of Caledon in an open and transparent manner. We understand that this will be a lengthy and involved process and we look forward to working productively to reach an outcome that is fair, equitable and respects the current and future capabilities of a growing Caledon."