Province overrules Peel Region in approving Mayfield West development

July 23, 2020 · 0 Comments

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

The Ontario government has superseded the regional government in Peel by giving developers the green light to move forward with plans to construct empty land in Mayfield West.

A ministerial zoning order (MZO) was issued for the development of the Mayfield West area on July 10. The MZO was requested by members of Caledon Council.

The development plans will bring much employment to the local area, says Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson, and will see residential and commercial amenities boosted in the area. The Town took the step to request the MZO after watching the proposed development of Mayfield West stall in recent years. Constructing the area, it is believed, will provide a big boost to the Caledon community.

All members of Caledon Council approved the decision to lobby the provincial government, except one.

Ward 5 Regional Councillor Annette Groves, took to social media recently, displaying her anger with the Province, Region and fellow Caledon council members for allowing this development to move forward.

“Doug Ford and his government granted yet another Ministerial Zoning Order to a group of developers in Caledon. These are the same group of developers that received a number of these Ministerial Zoning Orders in Vaughan,” read her Facebook post. “Caledon Council claims that Caledon should plan Caledon, which is such hypocrisy, because the way I see it, is that a certain group of developers and the Province of Ontario is planning Caledon.”

The residential development is said to provide accommodation for up to 7,600 people and bring 550 new jobs to the community, stated Mayor Allan Thompson in his blog.

“Getting shovels in the ground will help stimulate our economy during these unprecedented times,” he stated.

Mayor Thompson organized the request for an MZO from the Province during the May 26 Town Council meeting claiming that Mayfield West Phase 2, Stage 2 has been going through a series of consultations and public meetings since 2017, but supposedly has been consistently held back by the Regional Council, which Mayor Thompson claimed was “inconsistent and confusing.”

“It is important to note that this development went through a transparent and robust public consultation process, with seven public meetings taking place since 2017. It’s also important to know that the experienced and professional planning staff at both the Town of Caledon and Region of Peel recommended, in detailed planning reports, the approval of this development,” Mayor Thompson wrote.

The Mayfield West Phase 2 began all the way back in 2002. In total, the project would bring a combined effort of over 21,000 more residents and jobs.

“Completing the Mayfield West Community is good for all of Caledon. Connected transportation, completion of a transit hub, variety of housing types, jobs, schools and additional parkland. It is a progressive and responsible way to grow,” said Mayor Thompson.

For more information, please visit Caledon.ca.