Canadian snowbirds watch anxiously as Florida hurricanes create more climate refugees

Canadian snowbirds watch anxiously as Florida hurricanes create more climate refugees

Hurricane Milton has unleashed devastation across parts of Florida, just days after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across six states, marking one of the deadliest hurricane seasons in recent history.

More than 4 million Canadians visit Florida each year and they account for almost $100 billion in economic activity there; for those who invest in real estate, concerns mount about the safety and viability of these properties in the face of climate-driven natural disasters.



Patrick Brown’s involuntary treatment plan for those suffering mental health & addiction crises criticized by Peel councillors 

Patrick Brown’s involuntary treatment plan for those suffering mental health & addiction crises criticized by Peel councillors 

Brown's claims about the benefits of placing individuals involuntarily into treatment programs to address opioid addiction and mental health problems were challenged for the lack of details. The approach’s effectiveness is unproven, he has failed to address the potential strain on emergency services, while long wait times for existing voluntary treatments in Peel left councillors wondering how Brown would manage his plan.



‘A bitter pill to swallow’; Lakeview Village affordable housing commitments changed in latest agreement with Mississauga

‘A bitter pill to swallow’; Lakeview Village affordable housing commitments changed in latest agreement with Mississauga

The latest agreement between the City of Mississauga and the development consortium behind Lakeview Village indicates only 5 percent of the housing units beyond the 8,050 approved prior to the Province’s zoning order that doubled the scale of the development to 16,000, will be deemed fully affordable. The latest agreement leaves the 10 percent commitment that was previously promised by the developers — a number that already falls dramatically short from the 30 percent recommended by the Region of Peel to address the worsening housing crisis — unclear.



Caledon’s future as a green oasis hangs in the balance: does a new policy to rein in gravel mining go far enough? 

Caledon’s future as a green oasis hangs in the balance: does a new policy to rein in gravel mining go far enough? 

Caledon is at a critical juncture—community members gathered with town council on October 7th to discuss proposed policy changes aimed at safeguarding vital resources like clean air and water, and habitat.

While some view these recommendations as a positive step, others urge for even stronger protections amid concerns about proposed new mega blasting quarries that would destroy more greenspace.



Brampton tenants stuck in deteriorating apartments with no alternative as rents skyrocket & housing shortages persist

Brampton tenants stuck in deteriorating apartments with no alternative as rents skyrocket & housing shortages persist

Renters in apartment buildings across Brampton describe alarming conditions inside: pictures of caved in ceilings, mold on walls, broken doors and other shocking signs of neglect. 

Slum landlords, meanwhile, know they can increase rent above guidelines as tenants have few options in a city whose housing stock continues to fail its residents and where bylaw enforcement is an afterthought.



Geoff Wright is the steady hand in charge of Mississauga City Hall

Geoff Wright is the steady hand in charge of Mississauga City Hall

In his latest role leading a staff of thousands in Canada’s seventh largest city, Geoff Wright takes over at a pivotal time in the municipality’s history. The city is booming, spurred by its first commuter rail line which will run the entire length of Mississauga along its major north-south corridor. A number of other massive projects will reshape entire precincts as part of an urban big-city agenda in the rapidly transforming former suburb. 

Vertical growth is happening alongside an ongoing housing crisis while financial pressures mount due to infrastructure needs and the consequences of climate change. With a new mayor beside him, how will Wright balance what’s best for Mississauga with the political will of council?

 



‘Ecological breakdown’: Environmental devastation from Highway 413 becoming clearer; Brampton & Mississauga at significant risk

‘Ecological breakdown’: Environmental devastation from Highway 413 becoming clearer; Brampton & Mississauga at significant risk

The evidence is clearer than ever—the PC government’s Highway 413 project will cause irreversible environmental destruction to Peel’s watersheds. A new report paints a grim picture of the future for three key GTA water courses should the controversial highway be built.



Education minister doesn’t rule out inquiry into schools for deaf & blind plagued by disturbing abuse allegations 

Education minister doesn’t rule out inquiry into schools for deaf & blind plagued by disturbing abuse allegations 

Ontario schools for the deaf and blind have faced allegations of abuse and mismanagement for years. The PC government has refused to acknowledge the evidence, or investigate problems that have led to $23 million in payouts for legal settlements with little transparency to the taxpayers forced to cover the negligence.

Will the new person in charge of the ministry finally take action?



PCs silent on $21M funding shortfall for outdoor education; another swipe at environmental protection

PCs silent on $21M funding shortfall for outdoor education; another swipe at environmental protection

A new report highlights a $21 million gap in the ability of Ontario’s largest school boards to provide critical outdoor education for young learners.

The cost amounts to less than a tenth of a percent of the PC’s education budget, but the government refuses to answer questions about whether it will protect funding to strengthen the relationship between young people and the environment that surrounds them. 



Disability and safety advocates want to see end to e-scooter program in Brampton

Disability and safety advocates want to see end to e-scooter program in Brampton

A five-year test phase for e-scooters is nearing its end, leaving it in the hands of the PC government to determine the future of these micro-mobility machines in Ontario. Disability advocates are hoping the government will finally listen to their warnings about the risks—many of them played out across Brampton, where a pilot program has come under fire.  



Mississauga Council passes sweeping suite of policies to protect residents and combat future flood risks

Mississauga Council passes sweeping suite of policies to protect residents and combat future flood risks

Two rebate programs worth as much as $7,800 for impacted households were part of the moves made by Mississauga’s local elected officials last week after more and more residents are growing frustrated by inaction in the face of our changing climate. Several major stormwater projects to strengthen Mississauga’s resilience were also approved, as City Hall continues to deal with the fallout from two catastrophic storms this summer.



Defunding homeless outreach a deadly decision by St. Catharines council 

Defunding homeless outreach a deadly decision by St. Catharines council 

The elimination of funding by the City of St. Catharines for a critical homelessness outreach organization will have devastating impacts on one of the city’s most vulnerable populations. 



Peel’s future is already uncertain—Transition Board chair’s departure raises even more questions 

Peel’s future is already uncertain—Transition Board chair’s departure raises even more questions 

A report delivered to council earlier this year made it clear the impact of a transition process that mishandles the downloading of key regional portfolios like land use; water and wastewater infrastructure and roads could have drastic consequences across Peel. With the resignation of the chair of the provincially-appointed Transition Board, questions are being asked about the timeline and value of any final recommendations to the provincial government. 



PC housing policy threatens watershed security and democracy

PC housing policy threatens watershed security and democracy

The litany of policy changes made by the PC government have stripped environmental protections to the bone. In their place, policies that favour sprawl and ignore smart growth strategies of the past have been enacted. The Ontario Headwaters Institute wants municipalities to support a new Charter for Watershed Security to try and safeguard our valuable natural assets. 



Region of Peel keeps changing position on opening of welcome centre for asylum claimants after Ottawa handed over $22M 

Region of Peel keeps changing position on opening of welcome centre for asylum claimants after Ottawa handed over $22M 

As cold weather nears, The Pointer has tried for weeks to get answers regarding a reception facility for asylum claimants that is supposed to open by November 1st under terms given by the federal government, which provided $22 million in upfront funding for the centre.

Despite the desperate need for the facility after the death of two asylum seekers in Mississauga, the Region of Peel has failed to answer key questions and continues to change its story about meeting the deadline to open the centre by the start of November.



While transit satisfaction in neighbouring Toronto & Brampton craters, it’s a different story in Mississauga 

While transit satisfaction in neighbouring Toronto & Brampton craters, it’s a different story in Mississauga 

A recent survey conducted by the City of Mississauga shows rider satisfaction with the MiWay transit system has increased even as demand rises. 

Investments are now being made to capitalize on the good news trend, in a city that hopes to shed its identity as a car-dominated suburb. 



$135M gap: Peel Region demanding Ottawa and Queen’s Park cover costs before welcome centre for asylum claimants can open

$135M gap: Peel Region demanding Ottawa and Queen’s Park cover costs before welcome centre for asylum claimants can open

Despite recently receiving $22 million in federal funding for a welcome centre and shelter to help asylum seekers arriving in Peel, the regional government says the reception facility will not proceed unless more money for other long-term costs to support the surge of asylum claimants is handed over.

The confusing demand has some councillors concerned about the future of a desperately needed service ahead of winter. 



A $50 million battle is brewing at Niagara Region: St. Catharines mayor wants taxpayer dollars to help developers

A $50 million battle is brewing at Niagara Region: St. Catharines mayor wants taxpayer dollars to help developers

Controversial incentives for developers funded by taxpayers are back on the regional agenda. While some councillors are pushing to extend the programs, without justification through an informed staff report, others have expressed concern about the burden these programs place on taxpayers, often without delivering what developers promise in return. 



Peel says centre for asylum claimants will not open without federal funding; Ottawa says it already provided $22M 

Peel says centre for asylum claimants will not open without federal funding; Ottawa says it already provided $22M 

The federal government says it has given the Region of Peel $22 million for a new reception centre to help asylum seekers. The Region, which has been demanding financial aid from upper levels of government for nearly a year and a half since the asylum crisis began, says the funding is contingent on the centre being operational by November 1 — a timeline up in the air as the Region says it’s still waiting for money from higher levels of government. 



A survivor’s story—how her human traffickers were aided by dangerous pitfalls in our child protection systems 

A survivor’s story—how her human traffickers were aided by dangerous pitfalls in our child protection systems 

For nearly four years, Cassandra Harvey was trafficked by three different men. They beat her, sexually assaulted her, took the money she earned and racked up debt in her name.

She’s now fighting back and sharing her story, to help other survivors like her, while educating government agencies working to eradicate this devastating crime. 



PDSB trustee concerned about board’s special needs, ‘anti-Black, anti-Indigenous and anti-equity’ budget cuts for school year

PDSB trustee concerned about board’s special needs, ‘anti-Black, anti-Indigenous and anti-equity’ budget cuts for school year

As students and teachers settle into the 2024-25 academic year, the Peel District School Board’s latest budget has drawn criticism for cutting back on funding in the very areas the troubled board has been directed to focus on by the provincial government. 

Equity advocates whose tireless work led to the provincial takeover of PDSB, after decades of systemic racism carried out by teachers, administrators and trustees, have questioned if the board’s commitment to eradicating internal discrimination was nothing more than lip service. 



Billions in flood damage this summer crippled GTA residents, but finally grabbed the attention of local politicians after Doug Ford abandoned municipalities   

Billions in flood damage this summer crippled GTA residents, but finally grabbed the attention of local politicians after Doug Ford abandoned municipalities   

Two extreme weather events in July and August have forced the Region of Peel to immediately mitigate the impact of climate change. The July flood alone, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, caused $940 million in insured damage.

The City of Mississauga and the Region of Peel, where areas were swamped twice over the summer, are now rushing to protect against the next catastrophic storm, as residents grow frustrated over the lack of effective plans for more than a decade. 



Future of healthcare in Ontario looks even worse, according to new report 

Future of healthcare in Ontario looks even worse, according to new report 

In Niagara Region and across the rest of the province, residents will have to cope with a deteriorating health care system under the PC government. The disturbing findings of an extensive study by some of the largest public sector unions in the country add to concerns about widespread burnout among healthcare professionals, unprecedented closures of emergency rooms and wait times far beyond provincial targets. 



Part 3: Developmental psychologist Darcia Narvaez offers information for parents to help raise confident, resilient children

Part 3: Developmental psychologist Darcia Narvaez offers information for parents to help raise confident, resilient children

From birth to around the age of four, the building blocks for a healthy emotional life are established. Parents, along with other immediate caregivers, are the key to establishing a comforting, supportive environment for babies, toddlers and young children, whose brain chemistry is being constructed. How this architecture is shaped in the first few years greatly influences the future life of adolescents and young adults, many of whom are struggling with unprecedented rates of anxiety and depression.



Province promises audit of broken child welfare system 

Province promises audit of broken child welfare system 

An increasing number of children and youth suffering from trauma, addiction and violence are not getting the help they desperately need from the system designed to help them. This has led to a growing number of complaints about Ontario’s children’s aid societies, which have exposed a fractured system whose underfunding is putting more young people at risk.



Part 2 of our conversation with developmental psychologist Darcia Narvaez about why young people are losing resilience

Part 2 of our conversation with developmental psychologist Darcia Narvaez about why young people are losing resilience

Last week Ontario’s biennial mental health and well-being survey of 10,000 students in grades seven to twelve was released by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Its findings are not surprising, but they are disturbing. Many young people are struggling with anxiety, depression and other signs of poor mental health. What are the root causes, and how can we collectively help a generation that often feels helpless?



Road diary of our first EV trip to Florida — a retired couple steps outside their comfort zone

Road diary of our first EV trip to Florida — a retired couple steps outside their comfort zone

Elaine and Randy Moore are the key to electric vehicle takeup. They do not describe themselves as keen environmentalists, the early adopters who bought into the electric vehicle market years ago; or innovators, those that have to have the latest technology and gadgets as soon as they come out. 

They are part of the roughly 85 percent of Canadians who will enter the green vehicle market only when it makes sense to them. Their recent trip to Florida in their new mid-size electric SUV was the first test of the decision they made to go green.



Part 1: American psychologist Darcia Narvaez wants a return to the ‘evolved nest’ — our children need it now more than ever 

Part 1: American psychologist Darcia Narvaez wants a return to the ‘evolved nest’ — our children need it now more than ever 

The Professor Emerita and author has studied mammalian parenting during her acclaimed career at the University of Notre Dame. Since retiring four years ago from lecturing on developmental psychology and neurobiology, Narvaez has focused her energy on public education. 

The Pointer speaks with her about the challenges young people face, and how a return to earlier developmental upbringing could help stem the forces pushing in on children and youth today.



Parrish says Peel's request for fair share funding from Queen’s Park ‘landed with a thud’; local residents are subsidizing other parts of Ontario

Parrish says Peel's request for fair share funding from Queen’s Park ‘landed with a thud’; local residents are subsidizing other parts of Ontario

During the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa last week, local elected officials echoed a report by Peel’s Metamorphosis Network showing the region’s 1.5 million residents are being drastically underserved, with a gap of $868 million annually in social service funding.

The response from provincial officials did not inspire confidence that help is on the way.



Peel’s opioid strategy hangs in the balance as Ford refuses to back down on shuttering of supervised consumption sites

Peel’s opioid strategy hangs in the balance as Ford refuses to back down on shuttering of supervised consumption sites

A crucial piece of the Region of Peel’s harm reduction response to the growing opioid crisis has been left in limbo following the PC government’s decision last week to close more than half of its Consumption and Treatment Services sites across Ontario, a decision advocates have labelled a “deadly mistake”.

The announcement leaves the future of Peel’s SCS and additional sites planned for Brampton and Mississauga unclear.



PC decision to abandon safe injection sites amid opioid crisis could have deadly implications; Peel’s plan up in the air 

PC decision to abandon safe injection sites amid opioid crisis could have deadly implications; Peel’s plan up in the air 

Ten supervised consumption sites have been ordered to close after Minister of Health Sylvia Jones announced during the 2024 Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa the Province will be banning sites within 200 metres of schools and childcare centres.

Despite clear evidence of the positive impacts of these sites, the PCs also said they will be introducing legislation in the fall that will prevent any future sites from opening, raising questions about two such locations Peel Region planned to open in Mississauga and Brampton.



Will species on the brink of extinction be enough to kill Highway 413?

Will species on the brink of extinction be enough to kill Highway 413?

The PC government claims Highway 413 will begin construction next year. It’s an unlikely timeline based on an examination of studies that must be done and the fact that basic design of the 59-kilometre highway has yet to be completed.

A recently released recovery strategy from the federal government for an endangered species could put another serious hurdle in the path of the PC government’s controversial pet project. 



MiWay expands routes as Mississauga pushes for transit-oriented city 

MiWay expands routes as Mississauga pushes for transit-oriented city 

The City’s MiWay transit system is carrying out a plan for a four percent increase in service hours for 2024 after ridership exceeded pre-pandemic levels. To capitalize on the gradual shift to active transportation in Canada’s seventh largest city, critical projects must take advantage of the multibillion dollar Hurontario light rail transit system set to open in the next year or so. 



As crisis deepens Big City mayors pressure PC government to create new ministry to address homelessness 

As crisis deepens Big City mayors pressure PC government to create new ministry to address homelessness 

As the number of unhoused people in municipalities across the province continues to rise, Ontario’s Big City Mayors have launched a campaign called ‘Solve the Crisis’.

The growing problem in their backyard needs a coordinated effort by upper levels of government, mayors say. A new provincial ministry with designated funding specifically to tackle homelessness, is a starting point.



Sprawl master plan pushed by Mayor Annette Groves will decimate species at risk in Caledon 

Sprawl master plan pushed by Mayor Annette Groves will decimate species at risk in Caledon 

The premature approval of zoned land for 35,000 homes in Caledon will have devastating impacts on the habitat for nearly 25 species at risk, an analysis by The Pointer has found. The disregard for environmental protection is being facilitated by a PC government that refuses to fix the department responsible for protecting the habitat of vulnerable wildlife.



‘Treated like dirt’: advocates, survivors of intimate partner violence shockingly disrespected by Liberal MP

‘Treated like dirt’: advocates, survivors of intimate partner violence shockingly disrespected by Liberal MP

During a rare summer parliamentary committee meeting, members of the House of Commons status of women committee left sexual assault survivor and advocate Cait Alexander in tears after she shared the intimate details of her story with MPs, only to be sidelined by a chaotic display of political sparring after Liberal MP Anita Vandenbeld railroaded the discussion on Alexander’s horrific experience to debate an abortion rights motion. 



Rental licensing ignites long-running tensions over secondary suites in Brampton

Rental licensing ignites long-running tensions over secondary suites in Brampton

A licensing system currently in the pilot phase at the City of Brampton is trying to identify the city’s small landlords to ensure they are keeping their properties safe and clean—and penalize those who are not doing so. The initiative has inflamed pre-existing tensions over alternative forms of housing in Brampton. 

A newly formed association of landlords has criticized the program for hitching struggling business owners with new fees and blaming them for issues they can’t fix. 



Canada’s strategy to combat human trafficking expires this year; advocates demand government action on a new, stronger plan

Canada’s strategy to combat human trafficking expires this year; advocates demand government action on a new, stronger plan

Organizations working to eradicate human trafficking are urging the federal government to begin consultations on a renewed approach to ensure vital services for vulnerable survivors are not disrupted.

With the rise of sophisticated criminal networks operating online and around the world in the rapidly growing human trafficking market, experts are calling for preventative measures and more supports for those victimized by these horrific crimes.



After years of ignoring the City’s green priorities, Mayor Patrick Brown and council risk missing critical emissions targets 

After years of ignoring the City’s green priorities, Mayor Patrick Brown and council risk missing critical emissions targets 

Unless quick action is taken to make Brampton more sustainable, the City risks missing its 2030 emissions reduction targets.

The revelation comes after years of Mayor Patrick Brown and councillors only paying lip service to the climate crisis and ignoring the investments that are desperately needed. 



Peel social service collective demands change after being shortchanged millions; Mississauga mayor sits down with Premier to demand fair share for region

Peel social service collective demands change after being shortchanged millions; Mississauga mayor sits down with Premier to demand fair share for region

The lack of adequate federal and provincial funding has left Peel’s social services unable to help everyone in need with everything from mental health and addiction services, to affordable housing, to emergency shelter support.

Metamorphosis Network, a group of over 100 local organizations, are demanding change after a report showed the gap in funding amounts to millions of dollars annually.  In a recent meeting with the Premier, Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish called on the PCs to establish a new funding deal for Peel.



The PCs claim their new law will end puppy mills in Ontario—it won’t even come close

The PCs claim their new law will end puppy mills in Ontario—it won’t even come close

A new law touted as the solution to shutting down puppy mills across Ontario is nothing but window dressing, advocates state.

The government currently has no idea how many puppy mills operate in the province, and without a licensing regime to identify them and set detailed standards of care for these animals—which the new legislation lacks—little will change for animals in desperate need of aid. 



Greenbelt lands moved back into massive sprawl plan pushed through by Caledon Mayor Annette Groves

Greenbelt lands moved back into massive sprawl plan pushed through by Caledon Mayor Annette Groves

After removing a parcel of land with sensitive Greenbelt features from a collection of areas rezoned for development, Caledon council members, led by the mayor, approved the rezoning of the land for residential construction last week. Critical environmental studies have yet to be completed for the lands. 

Some experts say the entire plan is dead in the water due to the numerous violations of provincial and federal policies.  



Deadline for Caledon to update crucial aggregate policies nears; local opposition to proposed mega blasting quarry grows

Deadline for Caledon to update crucial aggregate policies nears; local opposition to proposed mega blasting quarry grows

For the third time, Town staff have revamped their timeline for a critical study to create new rules to govern the aggregate industry within Caledon’s borders.

The current timeline has the new regulations being finalized just over three weeks before an interim control bylaw expires and the Town will once again be able to approve new aggregate operations.



If extreme weather can’t shift Ontarians to a more sustainable mindset, what will?

If extreme weather can’t shift Ontarians to a more sustainable mindset, what will?

The economic cost of the recent flooding across the GTA was as much as $4 billion. 

Human nature is hardwired for survival, but we have never been good at the long game.

If the existential threat of the climate crisis is too distant, too disconnected or too inconvenient to change our daily routines, its rapidly increasing cost to each of us might be the key to dramatically shifting our habits. 



Six months later: Niagara Regional Council’s removal of a motion supporting a Gaza ceasefire continues to reverberate

Six months later: Niagara Regional Council’s removal of a motion supporting a Gaza ceasefire continues to reverberate

On Thursday, Niagara Regional Council will consider amendments to its Procedural By-law and Code of Conduct as a result of the “exceptionally challenging” meeting of January 25th that saw members of Niagara’s Palestinian community blocked from speaking, leading to outrage across the region. 



How the PC government was going to end private drinking water testing in Ontario

How the PC government was going to end private drinking water testing in Ontario

A voluminous report from the Provincial Auditor General, an inefficient laboratory system under Public Health Ontario and a long gestating plan that would see the end of free private drinking water testing in Ontario.

With shades of Walkerton, how the keen eye of a Source Protection employee averted what critics describe as a move that would put communities at risk. 



HRTO case against Visual Arts Mississauga underscores struggles of deaf students neglected by PC government   

HRTO case against Visual Arts Mississauga underscores struggles of deaf students neglected by PC government   

Visual Arts Mississauga is failing to provide the basic needs for one of its deaf students, an application before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario alleges. The case exposes the decades-long failure of the PC government to adequately assist Ontarians with disabilities and its unwillingness to enforce its own laws designed to provide equal treatment to disabled individuals.  



‘For-profit operators are ready to step in’: Peel remains childcare desert, needs partners for $10-a-day program 

‘For-profit operators are ready to step in’: Peel remains childcare desert, needs partners for $10-a-day program 

The PC government and Association of Municipalities of Ontario do not always see eye-to-eye, but they agree on one thing: many municipalities cannot find enough childcare providers to implement Ottawa’s $10-a-day mandate. A recent letter criticizes the federal government’s child care program for limiting for-profit providers’ participation in the program. Peel was held up as the example of a childcare desert, where non-profit organizations simply cannot meet the demand for affordable care.  



Peel ACORN says PC government’s latest rent increase allowance gives landlords more power to renovict

Peel ACORN says PC government’s latest rent increase allowance gives landlords more power to renovict

After the PC government set the annual rental increase guideline at 2.5 percent for the third consecutive year, local housing advocacy group Peel ACORN is condemning the decision. It creates more incentive for landlords to “renovict” tenants, the group says. It wants Queen’s Park to introduce a sweeping policy of rent control that applies to all residential buildings. 



Emerald’s massive incinerator expansion plans in Brampton would compromise Peel’s pollution reduction targets; Parrish raises concerns about Mississauga air quality

Emerald’s massive incinerator expansion plans in Brampton would compromise Peel’s pollution reduction targets; Parrish raises concerns about Mississauga air quality

Environmental groups and councillors are battling a proposal to expand an incineration facility in Brampton that would more than quadruple the amount of waste burned each year. Questions are swirling about the impacts on Brampton neighbourhoods and surrounding ones in Mississuaga’s Malton burrough. 

After hearing from several delegates during Thursday’s regional council meeting, elected officials referred their remarks to Peel Public Health to report back to Brampton council in the fall on the potential health implications.