Caledon outlines local priorities ahead of provincial election

Caledonenterprise.com
May 16, 2022

The Town of Caledon says it is reaching out to provincial parties and local candidates on priority issues affecting Caledon residents and businesses ahead of the provincial election on June 2.

Here are the issues it is looking for the next provincial government to take action on:

CALEDON-VAUGHAN GO LINE

The rail line would connect Bolton and western Vaughan to Toronto. Caledon wants the Caledon-Vaughan GO Line business case to be supported to completion and include the rail service in the next Metrolinx regional transportation plan update with an in-service date of before 2041.

LOCAL PLANNING EQUITY

The town wants to be provided with equity in control of local planning matters, growth, settlement areas and boundary expansions, transit areas and employment lands. Caledon says this would allow it to manage its unique interest and to balance growth pressures with its rural population, environmental sustainability protection, and agricultural land.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Caledon wants an increase in provincial investment for resilient infrastructure and to support communities to adapt to extreme heat and precipitation. It’s also looking for funding and programs to electrify buildings and transportation and decarbonize energy infrastructure.

FINANCE

The town wants a commitment to a provincial-municipal fiscal framework that is “stable, sustainable and affordable for property taxpayers.”

INFRASTRUCTURE

Caledon is looking for investments in roads, transit, low carbon energy infrastructure and active transportation such as trails. It wants infrastructure investments to include the extension of Highway 427 to Highway 9 on provincial transportation plans and planning for low carbon transportation, including HOV lanes and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

BROADBAND

The town wants the rollout of provincial broadband funding to be accelerated and continued advocacy for the rollout of federal funding. It says allocating broadband funding brings residents and businesses one step closer to being connected to high-speed internet. It also wants municipalities to be consulted to address the remaining gaps where residents and businesses are not currently serviced and will not receive service through provincial programs.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Caledon is calling for collaboration to speed up a full range of affordable rental, independent living and multi-storey housing options.

More information on the Town of Caledon’s priorities for the provincial election is available online through the 2022 Provincial Election: Town of Caledon Priorities document.