December 13, 2023 – In a significant turn of events, the Doug Ford government has decided to abandon its plans to dissolve Peel Region, opting instead for a recalibration of the Peel Region Transition Board’s mandate. The announcement, made by Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra, comes after growing concerns about the financial implications and potential disruptions to critical services in Brampton, Caledon, and Mississauga.
In his press conference, Minister Calandra specifically said “in response to municipal feedback, including from Regional service providers and first responders, it is clear that the full dissolution of Peel is not the best way to achieve [the highest level of service, with the lowest cost to tax payers]. The evidence we have seen is clear. Full dissolution would disrupt services and lead to higher taxes for the people of Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon.”
Financial Disaster Averted:
The proposed dissolution, initially fast-tracked through legislation, faced backlash from municipal leaders and residents alike. Independent data, including a recent report from Deloitte, highlighted catastrophic financial impacts. Mayor Patrick Brown, a vocal advocate against dissolution, pointed out a potential 38% tax increase and additional operating costs of $1.31 billion over 10 years, painting a grim financial picture for Peel Region residents.
Brown’s Opposition:
Mayor Patrick Brown’s relentless efforts in opposing the dissolution played a pivotal role in the government’s reconsideration. Through social media, interviews, editorials, and press releases, Brown raised awareness about the financial risks and potential service disruptions. His concerns echoed those of Peel Region paramedics, the Peel Paramedic Union, and other key stakeholders. PC Party insiders, speaking anonymously, had said Premier Ford was concerned about the numbers presented by Brown. The announcement today indicated this was a major factor for the government’s reversal.
Coalition Against Dissolution Grows:
Brown’s stance gained support from various quarters, including the Peel Paramedic Union, former Peel CAO Janice Baker, and Caledon Mayor Annette Groves. Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, initially in favor of dissolution, faced scrutiny, especially after a poll backlash and criticisms from Brown. The coalition against dissolution continued to grow, encompassing paramedics, police unions, and mayors.
Government’s U-Turn:
The decision to reverse the dissolution comes after realizing the significant tax hikes and disruptions to essential services that residents would face. Premier Doug Ford’s government will introduce new legislation to refocus the Peel Region Transition Board on improving regional services, such as policing, paramedics, and public health. The move aims to eliminate a duplicative layer of regional bureaucracy while ensuring efficient governance.
Mayor Brown’s Response:
Mayor Patrick Brown, reacting to the announcement, commended the government for averting a “financial trainwreck” and safeguarding emergency services. Brown’s consistent advocacy, backed by financial analyses and public support, played a crucial role in steering the government away from the dissolution plan.
Mayor Brown called his own press conference after the provincial announcement on the reversal of the Peel Region Dissolution. He started very positive, saying “It is a great day for the City of Brampton, the City of Mississauga, the town of Caledon, and all of those who live in the Region of Peel.” He applauded the Provincial government on their decision of averting a ‘financial train wreck’, quipping “It is never the wrong time to do the right thing.”
But he had some words for Mayor Bonnie Crombie too: “In terms of Mayor Crombie, I would encourage her to move forward in a positive fashion. We did our homework in Brampton, and I think its fair to say that the transition board and the province saw that there was no financial analysis put forward by Mayor Crombie to support her position – it was the opposite.” He concluded the portion of his remarks directed towards Crombie with: “My message to Mayor Crombie would be: the only thing worse than making the wrong decision, would be doubling down on the wrong decision where the evidence is irrefutable.”
You can watch the full press conference here:
https://www.facebook.com/CityBrampton/videos/343916114935125/
Bonnie Crombie’s Stance:
And double-down she did. In contrast to Brown’s opposition, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie remained steadfast in her support for the dissolution. Despite the government’s decision to recalibrate the Peel Region Transition Board’s mandate, Crombie continues to advocate for independence, stating, “This isn’t the end of our path to independence; it’s simply a bump in the road.” She referred to today’s statement as “the first phase in Mississauga’s independence from the region of Peel.” The statement from Minister Calandra today made no indication that Peel would be dissolved at some future date.
This announcement came on the same day Mayor Crombie made a tearful resignation speech as Mayor of Mississauga.
What’s Next:
As the dust settles, the future governance and financial stability of Peel Region remain a focal point. Residents and stakeholders await further details on the recalibrated mandate and legislative changes, but Peel staff can now feel more secure in their future. The decision reflects the power of community advocacy, emphasizing the importance of transparent, evidence-based decision-making in matters of significant public concern. Mayor Brown noted this decision is a “big win” for the residents of Peel, the Police, Paramedics, and other stakeholders – but it is also a big win for Mayor Patrick Brown himself, and seemingly a large loss for Mayor Bonnie Crombie in her first days as Ontario Liberal Leader.
