Ontario Government Proposes Breakup of Peel Region, Paving the Way for Independent Cities
The transition board, which will be formed later this year, will consist of up to five members appointed by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
The Ontario government has introduced legislation to break up the Region of Peel, paving the way for Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon to become independent cities by 2025. The bill, named the Hazel McCallion Act in honor of the late mayor of Mississauga, aims to establish a transition board to ensure a fair and balanced process.
The transition board, which will be formed later this year, will consist of up to five members appointed by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. These members will possess expertise in labor, governance, and finance, and will provide recommendations by the summer or fall of 2024.
Minister Steve Clark emphasizes the need for a successful transition board and aims for a swift establishment after the legislation passes. He intends to initiate active and comprehensive discussions on the proposed changes and provide certainty to the three communities involved.
The transition board’s responsibilities include analyzing labor relations, untangling regional services, determining property tax arrangements, and ensuring financial sustainability. While the board will oversee the financial decisions of all three municipalities, its level of interference in local decision-making remains unclear. However, if any municipality makes a decision contrary to the transition board’s advice in the next two years, the minister will have the power to override it.
Similar stories
Comments are closed.