Peel non-profits worried about impact of regional dissolution

Over 80 non-profits form Metamorphosis Network to address challenges

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Local non-profits want to make sure the dissolution of Peel won't negatively impact the people they serve.

On October 24, the Metamorphosis Network was launched with a media event at Queen's Park. The Metamorphosis Network consists of over 80 non-profit community organizations from across the Region of Peel working together to address the impacts of Peel's dissolution.

Some of the non-profit community organizations involved in the network are Caledon Community Services, Roots Community Services, Brampton Multicultural Community Centre, Catholic Family Services Peel Dufferin, Indus Community Services, and Peel Alliance to End Homelessness.

In July, the Provincial Government passed legislation that will dissolve Peel, making Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga independent municipalities as of January 2025. 

This has big implications for the non-profit sector, as the Region of Peel currently oversees social services for its three municipalities. Peel manages affordable housing, childcare, public health, seniors' services, homelessness services and shelters, transportation for people with disabilities, long-term care, youth programs and more. It also coordinates funding for the non-profit sector.

According to a Metamorphosis Network media release, its priority is to “ensure that vulnerable people and equity-deserving populations are not adversely impacted by the dissolution of Peel.”

The Network wants to ensure services are not disrupted by the dissolution.

Geraldine Aguiar, CEO of Caledon Community Services, spoke at the Queen's Park media event.

Aguiar is a member of the Metamorphosis Network leadership team.

She said Caledon faces some of the biggest funding challenges in Peel. Since Caledon has the smallest population of the three Peel municipalities, she said people often have to rely on services in other communities. For example, there is no youth shelter in Caledon. The closest mental health support services are in Brampton, she added.

Aguiar said after Peel's dissolution, it is unclear how residents will have access to some services. She said when you try to divide a pie that's already too small, it's impossible for everyone to have a piece.

Aguiar said she's counting on Premier Doug Ford and the Provincial Government to map out a plan to fully-fund local social services. She said Peel's dissolution shouldn't end up accidentally undermining services in Peel. 

She said the Metamorphosis Network is working with the Peel Transition Board to address potential gaps.

“We need to act quickly,” said Aguiar.

The Peel Transition Board consists of five members appointed by the Provincial Government. It is tasked with handling the separation of Peel and must report to the government next summer. At that time, the government will make final decisions on Peel's dissolution.

One of the tasks of the transition board is to reallocate regionally-delivered services to Caledon, Brampton and Mississauga.