Future Caledon wants to hear from locals

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

The Town of Caledon will be reviewing and building on currently policies to plan and organize for the next 20 plus years.

This launch gives the community the opportunity to share ideas, opinions and thoughts on what they would like to see Future Caledon become.

Official Plans are to be reviewed every five to 10 years under the Planning Act. The Town is working to organize a modernized and clear vision for Caledon full of growth and balance.

The Official Plan highlights five key areas for review: Climate Change, Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure, Growth, Settlement, Housing and Employment, Tourism, Heritage, Healthy Communities and Culture, and Natural Resources and Agriculture

The Town is requesting members of the public to come forward and have their say through public consultations and conversations.

“I feel strongly that Caledon should plan for Caledon” said Mayor Allan Thompson. “That's why Future Caledon, our Official Plan launch, and public consultations are so important. It's your opportunity to have your say on what Caledon should look like in the future.”

There are several opportunities put in place for community involvement. The Town wants to hear residents' stories, to find out what they love about Caledon, and what they want to see improve. Community meetings, events, conversations and several online tools are provided for the community to speak with the Town. 

This launch is a community-wide engagement process for the Town to listen and learn. They will rely on the input from seniors and older resident and Caledon, but look forward and hoping to here from the younger generations as well. 

“We need a lot of experience from the seniors, but I realy need to make sure we get the youth engaged,” says Mayor Allan Thompson. “A lot of young people have a lot at risk, and what they see in their next 20-25 years of being in business for the next generation. We really need their input, no matter if its business or agriculture, we really need that input.”

According to the Future Caledon website, “Provincial and Regional government policies identify Caledon as a place for future growth. Our community is evolving and welcoming new residents and businesses. Our strong cultural heritage has created a proud legacy. A focused, coordinated approach is essential to guide the future we want to see.”

The review process began on March 5. It will now move on to four different stages , including informing and visioning, idea development, policy development. The final stage, being the approval process, will take place in 2022.