Today is a significant day in the history of the City of Mississauga and its peer municipalities that currently comprise the Region of Peel. After many years of debate and discussion, the Government of Ontario has tabled the Hazel McCallion Act, legislation that, if passed, will restructure municipal government in Peel. The legislation proposes that as of January 1, 2025, the City of Mississauga, the City of Brampton, and the Town of Caledon will become single-tier, stand-alone municipalities.

 

Under the proposed legislation, the province would “establish a transition board of up to five people to facilitate this change in local government and, if needed, oversee the financial affairs of Peel and its lower-tier municipalities to help ensure prudent financial stewardship until dissolution. The board would provide recommendations to the province to help Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon prepare to become single-tier municipalities…If the legislation passes, names of the members of the board will be released in the coming weeks.”

 

Clearly, there are many issues to resolve through the dissolution process to ensure a fair outcome for all three municipalities in the Region of Peel. As the voice of Mississauga’s business community, the Mississauga Board of Trade will remain engaged throughout this process and continue to advocate for the interests of businesses in our community. Our advocacy will continue regarding any potential impacts on business costs and overall competitiveness, including any impacts on commercial/industrial tax rates and other business costs related to how business services are delivered under a single-tier municipal governance model.

 

There is no doubt that there will be challenges leading up to and following January 1, 2025. During this time, MBOT will be on the front lines, consulting with our members and stakeholders. We will advocate with elected officials at the provincial and municipal levels of government for the interests of Mississauga’s vibrant and growing business community to support a thriving and prosperous local economy.

 

Regards,