The Ontario government has officially halted the plan to dissolve Peel Region, which would have seen Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon become independent municipalities. This decision comes as part of the newly enacted Bill 185, the Cutting Red Tape to Build More Housing Act.
The bill, which has received royal assent, introduces extensive changes to the approval and construction processes for housing across Ontario. It also reaffirms the provincial government’s commitment to maintain Peel Region, counteracting the initial plan to split the region. The proposal to dissolve Peel Region had previously sparked significant debate among local leaders, with Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown warning of a potential 38% tax hike for residents if the split occurred. Caledon Mayor Annette Groves had also expressed concerns, suggesting that the transfer of services could lead to a 70% increase in taxes.
Despite the reversal of the dissolution plan, Bill 185 mandates the province’s Transition Board to submit recommendations on the transfer of essential services. These services include land use planning, water and wastewater, stormwater management, highways, and waste management. This transfer could still result in higher costs for taxpayers as responsibilities shift from the region to individual municipalities.
Peel Regional Chair Nando Iannicca welcomed the news that Peel Region will remain intact. He stated, “The royal assent of Bill 185 is good news as it confirms that Peel will not be dissolved, allowing us to maintain the high quality of services and governance that residents and businesses rely on.” However, Iannicca acknowledged that significant work remains with the provincial Transition Board, which is expected to deliver its recommendations in the near future.
The initial proposal to dissolve Peel was introduced as a measure to reduce bureaucracy at the regional level and accelerate housing projects. However, this plan faced opposition from local leaders, including Mayor Brown and Mayor Groves, while former Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie had been in favor.
The proposed breakup also raised concerns among emergency services. A paramedics’ union had warned of a potential “mass exodus” of first responders, although Peel Regional Police and Peel Paramedics Services will continue to operate under the regional framework.
As the region anticipates the Transition Board’s recommendations, there is no set date for when these changes will be implemented. Peel Region remains committed to working collaboratively with all its municipalities to foster growth, sustainability, and a high standard of living for all residents.