PDSB implements Two Spirit & LGBTQIA+ Action Plan following protests; Region preparing for COVID surge 

Peel Democracy Watch is The Pointer’s weekly feature aimed at increasing the public’s awareness and political involvement in the Region of Peel by highlighting key agenda items, motions and decisions. 

Regional Council

Date: September 27 - 9:30 a.m. | Delegate | Full agenda | Watch Live

Health and the urban environment

The health of residents is directly linked to how the urban environment is built-up around them. Complete communities, where residents have access to everything they need within a 15-minute walk can help prevent chronic diseases caused by a lack of physical activity. The Region of Peel (ROP) is implementing a Health and the Built Development Framework, which requires health assessments as a necessary step in development applications. A report coming to council Thursday details the success of this framework and initiatives implemented as part of the Region’s Official Plan. 

Between 2017 and 2022, the annual number of residential development proposals undergoing a health assessment has more than doubled from 40 to 95, according to the report. 

With the looming dissolution of the Region of Peel, there is significant uncertainty in how these initiatives that support  the creation of complete communities will continue after 2025.  According to Peel Public Health, “several immediate tactics are underway to address this risk, such as continued integration of health into tools and processes developed by local municipal partners.”

The staff report can be read here.

Past reporting:

• Region working to maintain critical social services amid historic upheaval triggered by looming dissolution

Provincial audits update 

In May, the Government of Ontario announced a series of financial audits of municipalities across the GTA to assess their ability to meet the provincial housing targets and analyze their “financial sustainability”. 

On Thursday, regional councillors will receive further information about the ongoing audit of the Region of Peel being conducted by Ernst & Young. According to a regional staff report, an interim report from Ernst & Young is currently under review, and a further analysis of the impacts of Bill 23 on regional finances is expected to be completed by auditors next month. Regional staff previously estimated the infrastructure needs of the Bill 23 housing plan would cost the Region more than $20 billion. 

Read the full staff report here. 

Past reporting:

• ‘This is a poorly thought plan’: Bill 23 makes sustainable, complete communities nearly impossible

• Bill 23 will remove at least $164M for affordable housing in Peel; loss of developer fees will impact other major capital projects

• ‘It’s very colonial for Ontario to abuse their power’: Bill 23 latest example of Ford government trampling on constitutionally protected rights of First Nations

Preparing for a COVID surge

A presentation from Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Nicholas Brandon will detail the Region of Peel’s plans to handle a projected surge in flu and COVID-19 cases this fall and winter. 

Past reporting: 

• Peel COVID cases remain low but recent uptick raises concern as school returns

City Council

Date: September 27 - 9:30 a.m. 

Brampton’s Council Meeting scheduled for September 27 has been cancelled. A notice on the City’s website states: “In consultation with Mayor Brown, the regular Council Meeting scheduled for September 27, 2023 has been cancelled.”

No further information is provided. 
 

Board Meeting

Date: September 27 - 6:00 p.m. | Delegate | Full agenda | Watch live

Two Spirit & LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 

With the aim to “dismantle homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, and other forms of oppression created by cis heteronormativity within the education system”, the Peel District School board has drafted a 

Two Spirit & LGBTQIA+ Action Plan to ensure those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ — both students and staff— “can be their authentic selves in a safe and supportive environment.”

The plan will go to the Board of Trustees Wednesday evening for discussion. 

The full report can be read here.

Previous reporting:

• Racial, gender, and sexual orientation bias in PDSB leads to labels of behavioural problems, report finds

• 2SLGBTQIA+ groups in Peel struggle to create a sense of community in the shadow of Toronto

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