Mayor says opportunity for independent Caledon “exciting” 

By Zachary Roman

While Mayor Annette Groves has said the dissolution of Peel is not a move Caledon wanted, that isn't stopping her from looking forward to the Town's future as an independent municipality. 

On May 18, Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark announced Premier Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative government was tabling legislation to dissolve the Region of Peel.

Caledon, Brampton and Mississauga will no longer form the Region of Peel effective January 1, 2025.

At Caledon Council's May 23, 2023 meeting, in a confidential session, Council discussed a “strategy on negotiations with the Province and transition board regarding the Hazel McCallion Act.”

The legislation that will dissolve the Region of Peel is being called the Hazel McCallion Act as a nod to the late former Mississauga mayor, who always wanted an independent Mississauga. 

On May 23, Town staff presented Council with an overview of the act and its potential impact on Town staff, residents and businesses in Caledon.

In a May 24 media release, Groves said we're at an exciting time in Caledon's history.

“Caledon is situated in the right place in the GTA, we have an enviable quality of life, and tremendous employment and housing opportunities,” said Groves. “The Province has provided the Town the opportunity to be independent and plan our own destiny.”

According to the release, Council is committed to standing together and working with the Province on its promises to keep Caledon whole. 

“This means maintaining service delivery and minimizing the financial impact to the community,” reads the release.

Carey Herd, Caledon's Chief Administrative Officer, echoed Groves in saying it's an exciting time to live and work in Caledon. 

“The Town of Caledon administration will support the Transition Board to ensure services are seamless and residents experience minimal impact,” said Herd.

A five-person transition board is going to be implemented by the Province to oversee the dissolution of Peel. The board is expected to be appointed by this Fall, with the board's recommendations anticipated for Summer 2024.