'Deeply concerned': Caledon mayor calls emergency council meeting to discuss impacts of Bill 23

More Homes Built Faster Act plans to build 13,000 new homes in Caledon and 246,000 homes in Peel region by 2031

Caledonenterprise.com
Nov. 25, 2022
Rohan Puri

Mayor Annette Groves has expressed "serious concern" regarding the fast-tracking of Bill 23, also known as the More Homes Built Faster Act, and called an emergency council meeting on Friday, Nov. 25, to establish the town's formal position.

Bill 23 plans to build 13,000 new homes in Caledon and 246,000 homes in Peel region by 2031. Groves had earlier told the Caledon Enterprise that the plan was "not feasible" and had called it a "developer's dream."

The meeting will be held at 4 p.m. in the council chamber at town hall and can also be attended remotely on the town's website.

"In alignment with our GTHA Small Urban partner municipalities, I am asking the province for more time to understand its implications and the consequences to our town's future, our residents and businesses," Groves said in a news release.

Groves said the purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for council to establish a position on Bill 23 and inform the community of the impacts of this proposed legislation.

"Caledon is in a position where it is expecting some of the highest greenfield growth in the province," Groves said. "Bill 23 will reduce the town's ability to ensure growth pays for growth, resulting in higher tax rates and reduced levels of service."

Groves said the bill would impact almost every service the town provides and result in an inability to meet the needs of the growing community.

"I am deeply concerned with the lack of consultation with our Indigenous partners," Groves added. "This is especially troubling given our relationship and recent memorandum of understanding with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation."

Groves said town staff are undertaking a detailed analysis to better equip Caledon to "move forward in a strategic manner that works for all residents as well as future generations."

"We need more time to complete this work. Therefore, I am asking the province to consult and collaborate with all municipalities on a path forward to balance housing and community needs," she said.