Doug Ford’s developer-driven sprawl plan will have mental health impacts on future generations

Doug Ford’s developer-driven sprawl plan will have mental health impacts on future generations

Since forcing Bill 23 on the province, Doug Ford’s government has come under fire from housing and environmental activists for promoting sprawl. Ignoring the growth of sustainable communities, according to a University of Waterloo study, could have profoundly negative consequences for young people.



Hearing date for challenge of Caledon’s moratorium on new quarries set for early September

Hearing date for challenge of Caledon’s moratorium on new quarries set for early September

Despite a hearing date scheduled just a month before its expiry, Canadian Building Materials — an aggregate giant — is moving forward with its challenge of the Town of Caledon’s interim control bylaw extension that prevents new quarry applications from moving forward. The Ontario Land Tribunal will deal with a battle between the corporation and the Town, with the fate of an 800-acre blasting quarry proposed for west Caledon in the village of Cataract hanging in the balance. 



Protest at Brampton Civic will push for better healthcare following release of alarming Ontario Health Coalition report highlighting PC move to privatization

Protest at Brampton Civic will push for better healthcare following release of alarming Ontario Health Coalition report highlighting PC move to privatization

A protest at Brampton Civic Hospital has been announced by Brampton Caledon Health Coalition, a local branch of the Ontario Health Coalition, which recently released a scathing report about the Doug Ford PC government and cuts to the public health sector while providing significant funding to the private, for-profit sector. Residents are encouraged to turn out to demand better healthcare facilities and staffing in the city, as well as an end to privatization and for OHIP to be accessible to all.



‘Renovictions’ on the rise in Ontario according to recent report by ACORN; cities should require building permits  

‘Renovictions’ on the rise in Ontario according to recent report by ACORN; cities should require building permits  

Ontario ACORN has released a new report analyzing eviction data from the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Brampton has high eviction rates and the tenant-advocacy organiziation is calling on City Hall to take action by adopting anti-renoviction bylaws, similar to the one passed by the City of Hamilton. 



Urban-Rural divide: Residents identify significant concern with environmental policy in Caledon’s new Official Plan

Urban-Rural divide: Residents identify significant concern with environmental policy in Caledon’s new Official Plan

The Town of Caledon will implement a new Official Plan that will guide growth in the municipality to 2051. Residents have expressed concerns with portions of the plan that relate to the protection of natural systems and the environment. At a public information meeting last week, delegates raised red flags over the attention to urban policies rather than rural ones. 



Report shows ‘a perfect storm’ is brewing as Ontario falls further behind on wages in child care sector

Report shows ‘a perfect storm’ is brewing as Ontario falls further behind on wages in child care sector

A workforce shortage is limiting access to affordable child care.

A report from the Ontario Coalition for Better Childcare — the province’s central advocacy group for a universal early childhood education and care system — shows that Ontario has fallen behind most other provinces on wages in the sector. 



Clerical staff, union, push William Osler for fair pay

Clerical staff, union, push William Osler for fair pay

The Government of Ontario recently repealed its controversial Bill 124, which froze wage increases for public sector workers, including those in the healthcare industry. While much attention has been paid to doctors and nurses, clerical staff, who are an essential component to running hospitals and supporting patient care, are still fighting for fair pay increases of their own.  



Many in Brampton, Mississauga not receiving life-saving early cancer screenings

Many in Brampton, Mississauga not receiving life-saving early cancer screenings

A report from Cancer Care Ontario reveals participation in cancer screening is lower for areas described as materially deprived in Brampton and Mississauga.

These typically lower income areas have fewer people receiving critical tests that can detect cancer early and lead to more successful treatment. The findings place further emphasis on the need for enhanced medical services across the underfunded Peel Region.



No receipts, no documentation, no problem: Brampton’s system for tracking expensive equipment and tools completely broken, audit finds 

No receipts, no documentation, no problem: Brampton’s system for tracking expensive equipment and tools completely broken, audit finds 

The systems in place to manage Brampton's small equipment and tools are either completely ineffective or non-existent, a recent audit has found. 

These expensive pieces of equipment are often not tracked, secured or documented, opening the City up to significant losses—like the $35,000 theft from one of its tool sheds in December.



Governments need to step up; finance clean, efficient energy for Canada’s most vulnerable, experts say

Governments need to step up; finance clean, efficient energy for Canada’s most vulnerable, experts say

As Canadians face increasing cost of living pressures, some are having to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table.

While energy poverty has hit different demographics for decades with little in the way of response from government leaders, organizations are now demanding the issue be addressed in conjunction with the clean electricity transition, to make energy accessible and affordable for everyone.



In a first step to saving the urban forest, Brampton taking stock of its trees 

In a first step to saving the urban forest, Brampton taking stock of its trees 

Brampton’s tree canopy has been dealt tough blows in recent years. From the 2013 ice storm to an ongoing battle with invasive species, thousands of trees have been lost. 

To get a handle on its health and biodiversity, the City wants to take an inventory of the urban tree canopy.

The exercise will help inform future plans to protect these crucial pieces of natural heritage. 



Despite 20 years of issues, Peel paramedics are still being dispatched using a flawed system 

Despite 20 years of issues, Peel paramedics are still being dispatched using a flawed system 

Peel's paramedic service are once again trying to resolve issues that have plagued its dispatch centre for much of the last two decades. 

Problems at the Mississauga Central Ambulance Communications Centre, which the Ministry of Health is directly responsible for operating, are creating service delays and impacting the ability of paramedics to improve their response times.



In loco parentis: what does duty of care mean for our schools during a climate crisis?

In loco parentis: what does duty of care mean for our schools during a climate crisis?

Dr. Ellen Field, a professor of education at Lakehead University has been granted funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada to implement climate change education into teacher training programs.

As the consequences of climate change are magnified, Field sees an opportunity for schools to serve as a place to foster skills and habits for both teachers and youth.



‘The right to inspect’: Brampton holds tele-town hall to discuss paused landlord licensing program

‘The right to inspect’: Brampton holds tele-town hall to discuss paused landlord licensing program

Thousands of Brampton residents took part in a tele-town hall to discuss the City of Brampton’s controversial residential rental licensing program. It paused the initiative less than a month after launching it at the beginning of 2024 after backlash from landlords. The consultations are meant to inform changes to the program which is designed to help tenants have safe living conditions. 



‘Unreasonable, unjust, and wrong’: Ombudsman investigation highlights Ontario’s long-term care system collapse during pandemic 

‘Unreasonable, unjust, and wrong’: Ombudsman investigation highlights Ontario’s long-term care system collapse during pandemic 

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across communities, devastating countries worldwide, those residing in long-term care homes were among the hardest hit, revealing very quickly the harrowing reality of how unprepared Ontario was. A recent investigation by Ombudsman Paul Dubé revealed the Ministry of Long-Term Care “took limited steps to enforce compliance with legislative requirements,” as its inspection system collapsed during the first wave of the pandemic. 



Lack of government transit investment misaligned with green policies, promotes wrong type of housing, new report argues

Lack of government transit investment misaligned with green policies, promotes wrong type of housing, new report argues

A new report from Environmental Defence and Equiterre models how Canada can double public transit use and decrease single occupancy vehicle use by 35 percent.

Transit service levels would have to roughly double, and the federal government has to step up to achieve this goal, which aligns directly with Ottawa’s current emissions reduction commitments.



To help change reckless driving behaviour Brampton will have 185 speed cameras throughout the city: could sky-high insurance rates finally drop? 

To help change reckless driving behaviour Brampton will have 185 speed cameras throughout the city: could sky-high insurance rates finally drop? 

Brampton will be allocating $1.5 million to accommodate its own Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) Processing Center right in the city, instead of continuing to lease its current 50 ASE cameras through a Toronto-based facility which staff said has processing limitations that cause delays.

It will bring in an additional 135 cameras with the goal of improving road safety and modifying driver behaviour to reduce speeding. 



‘Mississauga can only approve housing, we cannot build it’: PCs deny City Hall of critical infrastructure funding under flawed criteria 

‘Mississauga can only approve housing, we cannot build it’: PCs deny City Hall of critical infrastructure funding under flawed criteria 

Mississauga City officials are calling on the PC government to revisit the criteria of its new infrastructure funding program which measures municipalities on their housing starts (which municipalities cannot control) rather than approvals. The City was deemed ineligible for provincial funding that would help Mississauga build “more homes faster” to meet its housing target of 120,000 new homes by 2031.



Brampton forming Women’s Advisory Committee to provide Council with input on key issues

Brampton forming Women’s Advisory Committee to provide Council with input on key issues

The City of Brampton will appoint citizen members to its new Women’s Advisory Committee which will offer Council advice and recommendations on gender equity matters and ways to improve engagement by women in municipal politics, among other critical issues. 



Their properties need to be expropriated for the Riverwalk, but Brampton has left these residents in the dark 

Their properties need to be expropriated for the Riverwalk, but Brampton has left these residents in the dark 

Full or partial expropriation of several properties is necessary to begin construction on the transformative Riverwalk project, but one of the property owners tells The Pointer the City has failed to provide proper communication about the process.

The fate of unsheltered residents living along the Etobicoke Creek is also unclear, as they likely face displacement without access to Peel’s overburdened emergency shelter system.



Liberals’ draft Clean Electricity Regulations won’t get sector to net zero by 2035, experts say

Liberals’ draft Clean Electricity Regulations won’t get sector to net zero by 2035, experts say

The federal government has taken a step forward in establishing Clean Electricity Regulations to oversee the national transition to low or no carbon electricity systems.

But while the goal of achieving a net zero electricity grid by 2035 is critical to mitigate atmospheric harm, the draft regulations released by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change last fall, and updated last month, will not reach the lofty goal, experts say.



Safe consumption site set to open in Peel but PC delays put municipalities in a chokehold as opioid crisis worsens

Safe consumption site set to open in Peel but PC delays put municipalities in a chokehold as opioid crisis worsens

As opioid-related deaths continue to climb and accidental overdoses become more frequent, more municipalities are looking at Supervised Consumption Sites, like the one anticipated to open at 10 Peel Centre Drive, a stop-gap to the harm occurring on city streets.

Despite the increasing number of deaths, the PC government has halted any new site approval after a deadly shooting near a Toronto facility in July. Evidence has shown these sites actually reduce harms associated with drug injecting and minimize risks to the communities around them. 



Housing, mental health & cost of living crises pulling youth from climate movement, activists say

Housing, mental health & cost of living crises pulling youth from climate movement, activists say

Younger generations are seemingly becoming more disengaged, with less activists showing up for climate strikes and participation in other facets of the movement. Facing pressures around affordability and housing and a range of other forces pushing in on them including those that impact their mental health, many young Canadians are struggling with how much is on their plate, which often turns climate activism into a privilege. 



Province accepts Initial Business Case for Brampton’s downtown LRT expansion, but will not commit to $3B tunnel  

Province accepts Initial Business Case for Brampton’s downtown LRT expansion, but will not commit to $3B tunnel  

The PC government has announced it will move forward with the restoration of the previously cancelled downtown Mississauga LRT loop and an extension of the transit line into the Brampton city centre, after the city’s council members rejected the provincially funded alignment in 2015.

But the big question remains: will Doug Ford approve the Brampton LRT alignment demanded by Patrick Brown, who has insisted on a tunnel option that would cost almost $3 billion, about three times more than a surface route? 



Peel Manor chosen for specialized unit to help residents with cognitive conditions like dementia

Peel Manor chosen for specialized unit to help residents with cognitive conditions like dementia

Peel Manor in Brampton will receive provincial funding for an additional Behavioural Specialized Unit. The investment will introduce 26 new beds, while similar funding needs and increased staffing issues continue to create gaps in senior care across the province. 



‘A slap in the face’: PCs dismiss documented cases of sexual abuse, discrimination against deaf, blind students as ‘opposition rhetoric’ 

‘A slap in the face’: PCs dismiss documented cases of sexual abuse, discrimination against deaf, blind students as ‘opposition rhetoric’ 

MPPs, parents, students and teachers within Ontario schools for the deaf and blind still have no answer as to why the PC government refuses to address numerous allegations of abuse, discrimination and ongoing mismanagement—all of which is documented in lawsuits, Ministry of Labour investigations and accounts from parents and teachers. 

The current government sees it as nothing more than “opposition rhetoric” and despite overwhelming evidence of failed leadership, the PCs “remain steadfast” in supporting these schools. 



Non-profit developer defends affordable housing project opposed by NIMBY residents: Regional staff say Peel is only meeting 3% of need 

Non-profit developer defends affordable housing project opposed by NIMBY residents: Regional staff say Peel is only meeting 3% of need 

In a recent letter to the Region, NIMBY residents have banded together expressing concerns over a Mississauga development meant to bring supportive, affordable housing to the Clarkson community.

As staff report, the Region is only meeting three percent of Peel’s core housing needs; the CEO of Indwell Community Homes, the architect behind the housing project, is defending the organization’s plan to bring more desperately needed affordable housing to Peel. 



$25.5 million in PC funding for Brampton housing infrastructure falls far short of need

$25.5 million in PC funding for Brampton housing infrastructure falls far short of need

Last week Premier Doug Ford announced $25.5 million in funding for infrastructure in the city to help support new housing units.

The amount falls well short of the $200 million annually Brampton City staff have identified as necessary to support the accelerated growth Ford and his PC government have mandated onto the municipality.



System ‘isn’t going to work’: As Peel waits for federal funding, shelters reach 383% occupancy; Region explores more dorm-style facilities 

System ‘isn’t going to work’: As Peel waits for federal funding, shelters reach 383% occupancy; Region explores more dorm-style facilities 

Regional officials are scrambling to find sustainable, cost-efficient solutions to address the surge in demand for emergency shelter space. A staff report to Peel councillors on Thursday revealed Peel’s shelters are currently operating at nearly 400 percent capacity. While the Region has submitted yet another claim to the federal government’s Interim Housing Assistance Program for incurred costs, the report calls for sustained funding streams, instead of BAND-AID solutions.



Provincial short-changing leaves Peel youth waiting 737 days for mental health supports, waitlist ballooned 133% in 4 years

Provincial short-changing leaves Peel youth waiting 737 days for mental health supports, waitlist ballooned 133% in 4 years

The amount of mental health services for young people in Peel continues to lag far behind what is available in other jurisdictions. This is despite a startling revelation exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic that youth were waiting years for help.

Almost four years later, very little has changed. 



800-acre blasting quarry could hurt local Caledon businesses and tourism industry

800-acre blasting quarry could hurt local Caledon businesses and tourism industry

As the controversy over a proposed 800-acre blasting quarry in northwest Caledon unfolds, local business owners speak out about how the aggregate operation could impact the growing local tourism industry and other commercial interests in the area. 



Brampton gets closer to first permanent youth shelter as economy poses unique challenges 

Brampton gets closer to first permanent youth shelter as economy poses unique challenges 

Progress continues on Brampton’s first permanent youth shelter, after council members approved a motion in January, despite opposition from some local residents. Access to affordable housing is one of many obstacles for young people dealing with various challenges unique to their generation.



Peel municipalities reaffirm commitment to protecting air quality while climate action continues to fall short

Peel municipalities reaffirm commitment to protecting air quality while climate action continues to fall short

Cities across southern Ontario are increasingly implementing policies to target the climate crisis and signing declarations affirming their strong commitments to climate action.

But an analysis of the actual achievements municipalities have made, and the latest carbon inventory report show emissions across the GTHA are increasing at an alarming rate, suggesting a lot of the actions taken by municipalities may be simply performative.



PCs continue destructive sprawl agenda with ‘Get it Done’ Act

PCs continue destructive sprawl agenda with ‘Get it Done’ Act

On Tuesday the PC government and Premier Doug Ford unveiled the Get it Done Act, an omnibus piece of legislation that Ford billed as a path to getting critical infrastructure built to support housing while keeping “costs down” for people and businesses.

This legislation furthers the environmentally destructive agenda the PCs have been advancing since 2018 by stripping down the environmental assessment process for major infrastructure projects like Highway 413 while doing little to promote the types of housing development Ontario desperately needs. 



Blasting quarry would expose Cataract residents to unhealthy levels of air pollution, new analysis suggests

Blasting quarry would expose Cataract residents to unhealthy levels of air pollution, new analysis suggests

A new analysis undertaken by an independent air quality engineer working alongside the Forks of the Credit Preservation Group concluded northwest Caledon could quite easily experience harmful levels of particulate matter, above Ministry standards, during the operations of a blasting quarry currently under consideration.

The study is ringing alarm bells about the health of residents in the nearby community and the natural environment. 



It’s Human Trafficking Awareness Day, so let’s talk about it  

It’s Human Trafficking Awareness Day, so let’s talk about it  

Studies show Canadians know human sex trafficking is a problem in this country, but many wouldn’t know the warning signs if they encountered them and have no idea how to talk about it with their loved ones. 

This lack of knowledge and education has allowed this crime to flourish in recent years. 

The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking is releasing a new tool to try and get people talking. 



Trucking and logistics operators flouting Brampton bylaws; complaints mount as City uncovers environmental degradation 

Trucking and logistics operators flouting Brampton bylaws; complaints mount as City uncovers environmental degradation 

The City of Brampton’s efforts to stop trucking businesses from breaking the law are falling short.

More and more Bramptonians are seeing large logistics operations taking over land not zoned for such heavy use. A recent staff report exposes concerning and costly environmental degradation and recommends council approve a task force to try and come up with new solutions for holding businesses accountable. 



PDSB seeking help to fix disciplinary systems that continue to disproportionately harm Black and Indigenous students

PDSB seeking help to fix disciplinary systems that continue to disproportionately harm Black and Indigenous students

A recent progress report on efforts to fix its disciplinary systems revealed the Peel District School Board continues to hand out suspensions and expulsions to Black and Indigenous students at twice the rate compared to other students.

The board is forming a new committee and looking for Black and Indigenous community members to inform the necessary changes. 



New trial dates set in case against former Peel CAS employee charged with defrauding the organization of more than $250K

New trial dates set in case against former Peel CAS employee charged with defrauding the organization of more than $250K

The case against Marino Cader, the former director of finance for the Peel Children’s Aid Society charged with defrauding the organization of more than $250,000, will finally be moving ahead following a series of delays. A new trial date is set for April 15.

The charges against Andre Paul, the co-accused in the case, were withdrawn in December after the Crown determined the “scope of [Paul’s] involvement… was significantly less.”



Virtual governance undermines democracy and weakens public accountability

Virtual governance undermines democracy and weakens public accountability

Community activist and longtime Caledon resident Joe Grogan has, since his retirement from the academic world two decades ago, involved himself in numerous local issues that directly impact the lives of residents. He fears virtual government, a hangover from the pandemic, is eroding public accountability at the municipal level. He writes that our democracy is weakened when voters can’t square off face to face with the elected officials who are supposed to protect them.



On Brampton’s clogged suburban streets bike lanes are commonly used to park cars

On Brampton’s clogged suburban streets bike lanes are commonly used to park cars

The City of Brampton is increasing fines for drivers illegally parking in bike lanes from $35 to $150 as complaints mount. The ongoing conflict between cyclists and drivers highlights a challenge in Brampton where a push for active transportation infrastructure, necessary for achieving critical emission reduction targets, clashes with the city’s historic car-centric design.



After years of community opposition will Caledon be the next municipality to formally oppose 413 Highway?

After years of community opposition will Caledon be the next municipality to formally oppose 413 Highway?

While the PC government continues to push a new 400-series corridor across the southern edge of the Greenbelt, Highway 413 has faced widespread community opposition for years. One Caledon councillor might follow the lead of local elected officials across the GTA whose motions cemented formal opposition to the controversial project.



Auto thefts connected to organized crime becoming increasingly violent

Auto thefts connected to organized crime becoming increasingly violent

Stealing cars has been happening since they were invented, but the recent increase in violent auto thefts across Peel and beyond has drawn the attention of the federal government. In an effort to tackle the growing trend, Ottawa recently announced two funding envelopes — $121 million for Ontario and another $28 million for the Canada Border Services Agency. As these organized crimes become increasingly violent, local officials are calling for tougher penalties and stricter sentencing, which is nothing new.



Report shows province not on track to meet target of 1.5 million new homes by 2031

Report shows province not on track to meet target of 1.5 million new homes by 2031

As the PC government pressures some of Ontario’s largest municipalities to get housing built, a recent policy report from the Ontario Real Estate Association reveals housing starts were down in 2023. Based on data from the report, the annual pace of construction would need to nearly double to 150,000 new units by 2025 to have any hope of achieving the PCs’ ambitious goal. 

Municipalities want the PCs to adjust the criteria for provincial funding incentives, using units approved, rather than housing starts, which cities often can not control. 



She escaped from war-torn Gaza, but at what cost?

She escaped from war-torn Gaza, but at what cost?

Mervat Ghaboun recently fled Gaza amid the ongoing bombardment by the Israeli army. She has landed in St. Catharines with relatives, but her siblings are still stuck in the middle of a war.

She is working to bring them to Canada—with every step another roadblock sets her back. She is desperately trying to rescue them from the same fate that took the life of her youngest brother two weeks ago. 



After ignoring Brampton’s most critical needs Patrick Brown asks federal government for help

After ignoring Brampton’s most critical needs Patrick Brown asks federal government for help

In a submission to the federal government ahead of the 2024 budget process, Brampton Council has identified housing, transit and climate change among a number of key issues it would like Ottawa to support.

Patrick Brown, who has demanded a high-price tunnel option for the proposed LRT into downtown, instead of a normal surface route, wants $1.4 billion from the federal government. After years of cuts and cancellations inside City Hall, so Brown can build a political brand as a fiscal conservative, his moves have crippled Brampton’s own finances.



Auditor called to investigate systemic failures amid disturbing allegations of abuse within Ontario schools for the deaf and blind

Auditor called to investigate systemic failures amid disturbing allegations of abuse within Ontario schools for the deaf and blind

Ontario NDP Education Critic Chandra Pasma is calling on the provincial auditor general to investigate the systemic issues plaguing Ontario’s provincial schools for the deaf and blind.

The request follows years of sustained advocacy from parents, teachers and union officials who have sounded the alarm about underfunding, understaffing, abuse and neglect within the board which has led to two class action lawsuits settled by the Ontario government at a cost of over $20 million. 



Ottawa won’t designate funding amount for Peel to support overwhelmed emergency shelters, frustrating councillors

Ottawa won’t designate funding amount for Peel to support overwhelmed emergency shelters, frustrating councillors

Over a week since the federal government announced $362.4 million in funding for provinces and municipalities struggling to meet the demand created by the surge of asylum seekers, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada remains reluctant to provide Peel Region with details of immediate funding support. 

Frustrated by the lack of urgency, Peel’s councillors are calling on Ottawa to designate tax dollars, as staff report the rapidly rising cost to deal with the humanitarian crisis—$68 million is needed in 2024 to support those in desperate need of emergency shelter.



More negative impacts of Patrick Brown’s budget cuts—Brampton neglecting proper funding for critical services

More negative impacts of Patrick Brown’s budget cuts—Brampton neglecting proper funding for critical services

Brampton’s Internal Audit has revealed that under Mayor Patrick Brown the City is not properly maintaining its fleet of vehicles including those that perform critical duties to keep residents safe. 

Gaps in procurement processes related to fleet management, overcharges on services that have to be performed outside City-owned maintenance garages which are over capacity and a lack of oversight on vendor spending are among the issues auditors have red flagged. 



Under Patrick Brown another badly needed piece of Brampton Transit infrastructure remains underfunded

Under Patrick Brown another badly needed piece of Brampton Transit infrastructure remains underfunded

A new Brampton Transit Maintenance Facility, required before electric buses can be accommodated, does not have enough funding for construction. A troubling staff report shows there is a budget “shortfall”.

This third transit facility has been delayed for years due to financial mismanagement under Patrick Brown. His unsustainable budget cuts have bottlenecked the city’s transit system which is facing unprecedented demands from a rapidly growing population.