Peel to continue funding Metamorphosis Network

Non-profit's new mandate is to ensure social services are fully-funded and effective

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Region of Peel will continue to fund a non-profit first created as a response to the Region's potential dissolution. 

On November 7, Region of Peel Councillors unanimously voted to continue funding the Metamorphosis Network. 

The network represents over 100 Peel non-profits in the health and community services sectors and was originally created to advocate for Peel's non-profits ahead of the Region's dissolution, which never came to be. 

The Metamorphosis Network's new mandate is to advocate to ensure that social services in Peel are fully-funded, effective, and meet the needs of the community. 

Regional Councillors approved a two-year funding plan for the Metamorphosis Network; in 2025 the non-profit will receive $450,000 from the Region and in 2026 it will receive $400,000. 

The money is coming from Peel's tax rate stabilization reserve and will be administered through Peel's Community Investment Program under the oversight of the Region's Commissioner of Human Services. 

Geraldine Aguiar, CEO of Caledon Community Services (CCS), delegated to Regional Council on November 7 in support of the Metamorphosis Network's funding request.

She said ongoing underfunding remains a consistent barrier for residents needing to access essential community support services in Peel.

Aguiar said the Metamorphosis Network has become the go-to for consultation on non-profit issues and has been key in bringing the fact that Peel's non-profits are underfunded to light.

“Our collective work to advocate for a new deal for Peel aims to ensure that Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon don't get left behind,” said Aguiar.

A study commissioned by the Metamorphosis Network earlier this year found that, on average, Peel receives $578 less per person for social services than comparable municipalities. 

The study, from research firm Blueprint ADE, found an $868 million annual funding shortfall for Peel non-profits.

According to the study, the funding shortfall impacts services like housing, child care, schools, seniors' care, mental health programs and youth programs.

In a media release earlier this year, the Metamorphosis Network stated Peel municipalities have to charge taxpayers $138 per year on their property taxes to “compensate for inadequate provincial funding of essential services.”

Peel resident Melissa Harricharan was quoted in the release.

“I rely on local community services that support me and my family, but I see how stretched they are, with long waiting lists and limited capacity,” said Harricharan. “I am counting on our MPPs to speak with the Premier and Cabinet to make sure that these gaps don't continue.”