Region of Peel asks Province to fully fund transition board

Ask comes from motion at May 9 Region of Peel Council meeting

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Region of Peel would like to see the Provincial Government fully fund the Peel Region Transition Board. 

At Region of Peel Council's May 9 meeting, Councillors unanimously supported a motion requesting that the Province fund, in its entirety, the work of the Peel Region Transition Board. 

In a May 10 news release, Region of Peel Communications Staff said if the Province were to fund the work of the transition board, it would be a significant step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in financial matters concerning the board.

Staff noted the motion was initiated by Regional Councillor Gurpartap Singh Toor and highlights the need for clarity and responsible use of public funds.

“Bill 112 cost $1.5 million in direct billing from the Provincial Transition Board and $2.7 million incurred by Peel in responding to the Hazel McCallion Act, which included maintaining business continuity, and supporting the work of the Provincial Transition Team,” said the Region in its announcement.

The motion unanimously supported by Regional Councillors also calls on the transition board to provide detailed information on all third-party consultants it used and any associated costs.

“The apparent disparity in funding approaches for regional governance reviews across Ontario is of significant concern,” reads the news release. “While Peel Region is required to fund its transition process, other regions benefit from a provincially funded public consultation process via the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure, and Cultural Policy.”

Region of Peel Chair Nando Iannicca said the Region of Peel is committed to fiscal responsibility and transparency.

“It is imperative the Province supports our efforts and the allocation of taxpayer dollars,” said Iannicca.

The Peel Region Transition Board was initially formed to dissolve the Region of Peel, but has since been given a new mandate as the Region of Peel will be staying together.

A January 24 letter from Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra to John Livey, Peel Region Transition Board Chair, outlines the Board's current role. 

The Board is currently tasked with making recommendations on transferring the following Region-provided services to lower-tier municipalities: land-use planning, water and wastewater, regional roads, and waste management.