The provincial government is abandoning its plans to dissolve Peel Region, reversing the decision less than a year after it was announced by Premier Doug Ford’s administration.
Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs Paul Calandra made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that the government will introduce new legislation in 2024. This legislation will focus on recalibrating the accreditation of the Peel Region Transition Board to prioritize improving essential services like policing, paramedics, and public health instead of proceeding with the dissolution.
Calandra acknowledged that initial plans for dissolution were based on the belief that it would lead to better services and lower taxes. However, feedback from external leaders and stakeholders highlighted concerns about significant tax hikes and disruptions to critical services in Peel Region. The government now aims to address these concerns by concentrating on enhancing services rather than proceeding with the dissolution.
Opposition NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized Ford and Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, suggesting they were engaged in a “crazy political chess game” with the region. Stiles emphasized that the people of Peel and their livelihoods should not be treated as a game, pointing to other policy reversals made by the government in recent months.
While Crombie favored the dissolution, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown strongly opposed it, citing potential tax increases. Caledon Mayor Annette Groves also urged the government to reconsider the split.
Calandra noted that feedback from associations like Peel police and paramedics indicated that dissolution would significantly impact residents and create uncertainty hindering construction projects.
During a news conference, Crombie referred to the decision as “the first phase in Mississauga’s independence from the region of Peel” and expressed hope for further independence in the future. She called on the government to provide an independent report to verify the potential impacts of dissolution.
Brown, who previously raised concerns about increased operating costs and taxes, welcomed the decision, describing it as the right move to avoid a fiscal disaster.
Calandra also announced changes to Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs), indicating a review of several MZOs unrelated to housing and enhanced monitoring for those linked to housing due to a lack of progress. Additionally, Ontario is canceling examinations of six cities to determine if they are facing financial challenges as a result of changes in parochial laws affecting developer fees.
The former External Affairs and Housing Minister had initiated examinations, aiming to address potential funding gaps resulting from the parochial changes. The cancellation of these examinations follows the government’s commitment to amend or drop MZOs that do not yield expected results.
