An Update from Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson….
Here is an update on the outcome of the Regional Council meeting held yesterday, Thursday June 23rd.
Caledon Wards 3,4 Regional Councillor Jennifer Innis moved a motion, which I seconded, for Regional Council to approve Option 2 of the staff report. Brampton Regional Council voted with Caledon on this option and the motion was passed.
This option would have four existing local Brampton Councillors having a seat and voice at the Regional Council table, Mississauga maintaining 50% and the rural representation for Caledon preserved. This option meets many of the interests of each municipality.
During the debate my colleagues from Mississauga expressed concerns about adding politicians. It’s important to note that increasing Brampton’s representation at the Region does not require adding politicians as they already exist. This option gives them a seat at the Regional Council table which is the fair and right thing to do given the growth they have experienced over the last decade. In terms of adding seats in Mississauga, there are other options that would give them a greater voice without adding politicians should they wish. Caledon’s representation remaining at 5 is critical given our land mass (56% of the Region), road network, greenlands and growing communities.
The next step is to notify the Province of the vote and begin the triple majority process. Mississauga has the ability to veto the vote as they have the majority of population in the Region and they have indicated they will do that.
For me and my Council the issue is that Brampton rightly deserves 11 seats at the Regional Council table and it should not come at the expense of effective rural representation.
I want to thank Mayor Jeffrey and her Council for standing up for what is right and fair for both Brampton and the Region as a whole.
We are over represented at the Region, and at Caledon Town Council. Taxpayers dollars are going to waste. I’d be more than happy with five TOTAL on Town Council and everyone sit at the Region. With the cost savings from removing area councillors, hire one staff person for two wards, and have two councillors share that person. Better use of my taxes. Right now, issues are discussed at the Region, then back to the Town, then back to the Region.
Otherwise, have tow regional councillors from north/south and leave the area councillors. There’s just too many of them and no one is listening to residents – everyone is out for their own agenda. Or carrying out the previous mayor’s agenda.