Premier Doug Ford is reportedly reconsidering his plan to dissolve Peel Region, going back on his commitment to the late Hazel McCallion, former mayor of Mississauga, as reported by the Star.
Concerns about potential tax increases and service setbacks for Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon as standalone municipalities are prompting Ford to reassess the dissolution. A five-member transition board appointed by the premier is currently examining the matter.
According to the Star, insiders, speaking on the condition of confidentiality to discuss internal deliberations, reveal that Ford was troubled by recent data released by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown. The data suggested that property taxes in Brampton might need to increase by an additional $1.3 billion over a decade.
Mayor Brown stated on Tuesday, “The regional dissolution financial train wreck would be an albatross around the necks of taxpayers in Peel Region. It would lead to the largest tax increase in Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon history. It would seriously compromise public health, paramedic services, long-term care, and policing in Peel. It could put lives at risk.”
Brown added, “The arrangement made between the previous minister of municipal affairs and outgoing mayor of Mississauga needs to be relooked at.” This refers to former minister Steve Clark, who resigned in September due to the Progressive Conservatives’ Greenbelt land swap scandal, and Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, who was elected Ontario Liberal leader in September.
During McCallion’s state funeral, Premier Ford emotionally recalled their final conversation, stating, “I did what any friend would. I took her hand and offered her as much comfort as I could. I told her, ‘I love you, Hazel.’ Those words will stay with me until my last moment. I love you Hazel, forever. Rest easy, my friend.”
In May, Ford expressed his support for an independent Mississauga, stating, “You can’t have a city the size of Mississauga—close to 800,000 people and it’s continuing to grow—being tied into other jurisdictions.” According to Ford’s legislation, Peel Region is slated to cease to exist on January 1, 2025.
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