Council moves ahead with proposed aggregate policy updates despite Minister warning

May 21, 2026 · 0 Comments

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

At May 19’s Planning and Development meeting, Caledon Council decided to move ahead with their proposed aggregate policy update process, despite having received a letter from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Rob Flack, weeks earlier.

In a May 4 letter, Minister Flack noted that Caledon Council had prepared a draft amendment to its Official Plan that would “reinstate mineral aggregate-related policies that were altered or removed by the Ministry.”

“The decision is final and not subject to appeal. The Ministry therefore expects the Town to implement the mineral aggregate policies now in force, as approved through Official Plan Amendment 1, without further changes,” stated Flack.

“I strongly recommend that the Town withdraw its proposed amendment and proceed

with implementation of its current Official Plan, including the mineral aggregate policies

approved through Official Plan Amendment 1. If the Town does not do so, the Ministry

may need to take further action to protect provincial interests.”

At the May 19 meeting, Staff presented three options to Council: Proceed, Revise or Withdraw with the proposed official plan and zoning by-law amendments, asking them how Staff should proceed with the matter.

This began when, back in January of 2026, the Province approved the Town’s Official

Plan Amendment #1 (Mineral Aggregates) with numerous modifications. Council then directed staff to review the modifications to OPA 1 and report back by April 21 on priority matters for inclusion in a potential further OPA.

Following this, staff proposed that a zoning by-law amendment (ZBA) be prepared to repeal and replace the previous aggregates ZBA.

Since then, public engagement sessions have been held, and drafts have been posted to the Town’s website.

Staff added that if they do proceed, the Province could potentially declare provincial interest and effectively become the approval authority, and Staff would expect that would result in similar modifications to the first amendment that the Province made.

“I think the province has given the corporation a pretty clear direction, what they think about the contents of OPA1 and what they think about this constituent assignment so far,” says Joe Nethery, Lead Planner.

Council debated pushing back on the matter and what would be most beneficial to the residents of Caledon, noting potential room for negotiation, especially when it comes to air quality, something Council members noted directly affects residents of the community.

Councillors also noted that this was an opportunity to discuss the letter and the draft with the Minister.

Debra Wilson of the Forks of the Credit Conservation Group delegated to Council, saying that reading the letter from the Province that “states the Town’s proposed amendment would work against these provincial objectives is not just puzzling, it’s ridiculous.”

“We just want to talk, and truly, that’s not a lot to ask. It certainly doesn’t need to be met with a not-so-veiled threat,” says Wilson.

“We are calling on the province to immediately withdraw its ultimatum and engage in meaningful consultation with the Town of Caledon regarding the revised aggregate policies. We maintain that municipalities must retain the ability to protect their communities, drinking water and natural heritage while balancing provincial interests,” says Wilson.

Council echoed Wilson’s point, noting the opportunity to have consultation with the Minister in response to the letter, adding that what they’re asking needs to be communicated, that it does not “impact the provincial mandate or the provincial interests.”

A recommendation report on the proposed OPA is set to come forward at the June 16 Planning and Development meeting for Council consideration.

Staff informed the Council that, between now and that time, there is an opportunity for Staff to have conversations with the Minister’s office regarding these proposals.

Council moved to wait until the June 16 meeting, where they will be able to see the recommendation from Staff, presented with all the information and justifications.