Earlier this month more than 300 residents participated in the City of Mississauga’s Resident Town Hall meeting on regional governance. The meeting featured a detailed presentation by City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer, Janice Baker on Mississauga’s position for independence, followed by moderated questions and comments from both audience members and those watching the live stream.

“As Canada’s sixth largest city, it’s time we had our own voice and ability to control our future," said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. "Our Council remains committed to our position, in principle, that becoming an independent city is in the best interest of the City and our residents. We’ve done our homework, and we know we are not getting a fair deal. Mississauga is subsidizing Brampton and Caledon to the tune of 85 million dollars a year. Mississauga taxpayer dollars should stay in Mississauga. We’ve heard directly from our residents who’ve voiced their support and I’m confident the Region’s new report will serve to further validate what City Council has been saying for years – the Regional model in Peel is not working and Mississauga only stands to benefit from becoming an independent city.”

Read the Mayor’s full statement on Regional Government

Mississauga residents are asked to show their support towards independence by:

1) Mailing a postage paid postcard to the Premier that will be delivered to Mississauga households in early May.

2) Completing the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing online public consultation at ontario.ca/page/consultation-regional-government-review before May 21, 2019.

3) Posting support for Mississauga’s independence on social media using the hashtag #OneCityOneVoice.

For more information about Mississauga's position on the Regional Government Review, visit mississauga.ca/regional-government-review.

BACKGROUND

On March 27, Mississauga City Council adopted a motion, approving in principle that Mississauga become independent from the Region of Peel, subsequent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s Regional Government Review.

In January 2019, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced that it had appointed two special advisors, Ken Seiling and Michael Fenn, to review regional government in Ontario.

The goal of the review is to help ensure these municipalities are working effectively and efficiently and can continue to provide the vital services that communities depend on. The City will be submitting its official position for independence by the May 21, 2019 deadline, established by the Government of Ontario for public consultation. The outcome of the Regional Government Review is expected later this summer.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is inviting online public consultation until May 21, 2019. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts on regional government reform through this channel.

Last week, at Regional Council, all four municipalities agreed to work together to have an independent financial analysis prepared by May 21.