Peter Robertson, former mayor of Brampton and long-serving city councillor, has passed away at the age of 86, drawing heartfelt tributes from local leaders who remember him as a tireless public servant and community builder.
The news was confirmed on Thursday by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, who extended his condolences to Robertson’s family on behalf of Brampton City Council.
“Peter was a dedicated public servant who spent decades working to make Brampton stronger and more inclusive,” Mayor Brown said in a social media post. “His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched – as Mayor, educator, and community leader.”
No cause of death has been disclosed.
Decades of Service to Brampton
Robertson first became mayor in 1991, winning the mayoral seat following the death of then-Mayor Ken Whillans. He served in the role until 2000, when he was succeeded by Susan Fennell.
Prior to serving as mayor, Robertson had been active in municipal politics and civic engagement. His tenure was marked by a focus on city building, youth engagement, and fostering inclusivity in Brampton’s rapidly growing population.
A longtime educator, Robertson was also known for championing education and mentorship during and after his time in office.
Remembered by Colleagues and Community
Among those paying tribute was Councillor Martin Medeiros, who recalled serving on Robertson’s youth council as a teenager.
“He left a lasting impact on how I view community service,” Medeiros wrote. “Years later, before deciding to run as a Regional Councillor, Peter took me across the city identifying building opportunities and challenges.”
Mayor Brown echoed those sentiments, noting Robertson had also offered personal support during Brown’s early days as mayor.
“I will always be grateful for the advice Peter gave me when I started as Mayor,” he said. “We are grateful for his service and lasting impact on our city.”
Legacy Beyond Politics
After leaving office, Robertson remained active in public life. He was later found not guilty of dangerous driving after a widely reported incident involving a striking worker during a Region of Peel labour dispute.
He is commemorated locally with Peter Robertson Boulevard, a Brampton street named in his honour — a permanent reminder of his lasting contribution to the community.