Several Brampton city councillors are voicing strong opposition to Ontario’s newly passed Bill 60, warning the legislation will strip municipalities of local decision-making power and could ultimately drive up property taxes.
The province’s “Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act,” which became law on Nov. 27, makes sweeping changes to multiple statutes, including planning, development charges, transportation and infrastructure oversight. While the Ford government says the bill is meant to cut red tape and speed up housing and infrastructure projects, Brampton councillors say it centralizes power at Queen’s Park at the expense of fast-growing cities.
Following a staff presentation to council last month, Wards 2 and 6 Coun. Michael Palleschi described the legislation as the “meddling in municipal government bill,” a sentiment echoed by several colleagues. City staff outlined how Bill 60 will affect areas such as zoning, bike lanes, development charges, and water and wastewater systems, raising concerns about reduced local control.
Planning officials warned that new “as-of-right” zoning rules could limit the city’s ability to manage neighbourhood character, infrastructure capacity, parking and residential occupancy, potentially undermining initiatives like Brampton’s residential rental licensing pilot. Staff also cautioned that standardized provincial planning approaches may not work for a rapidly growing city like Brampton.
Bill 60 also introduces major changes to Peel Region’s water and wastewater system, mandating a future provincially regulated, for-profit corporation to manage infrastructure once ownership is transferred to Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon by 2029. Staff said the shift will require new governance, financial and rate-setting frameworks.
Councillors further criticized provisions that give the province greater control over lane use on major roads, including requiring approval for bike lanes, which they say could interfere with Brampton’s active transportation, complete streets and road safety plans.
Wards 3 and 4 Coun. Dennis Keenan said the province continues to override municipal work and priorities, while Wards 1 and 5 Coun. Rowena Santos warned the cumulative impact of provincial downloading could result in higher property taxes. Santos and Keenan both suggested future city budgets clearly spell out tax increases tied directly to provincial decisions.
Council members say they plan to continue pushing back and raising awareness about the local consequences of Bill 60, arguing that Brampton residents are losing their voice as more authority shifts to the province.