2024 Mississauga Mayoral Candidate Profile - Brian Crombie
/With the upcoming 2024 Mayoral By-election happening on June 10th, Modern Mississauga Media has reached out to all candidates inviting them to answer the same questions so voters can become more familiar with them.
Invitations went out to all candidates on Friday, May 3rd.
Click here to read all of the Mississauga Mayoral candidate profiles and check back often as responses will be posted within 72 hours of receipt.
Candidate answers are unedited and their contact information is at the bottom if you’d like to connect with them.
Click here to learn how to vote in the Mayoral election.
1. Why are you running for Mayor?
I believe we have lost our way. Mississauga faces four crises, and I possess the business experience and political courage to address them head-on.
• Tax and budget crisis: Our taxes aren't increasing by a modest 2.3%, but actually by 6.3%. Our council misrepresents the numbers, attempting to deceive either you or themselves.
• Affordability crisis: Red tape and regulations need cutting, perpetuated and permitted to flourish by our council.
• Transit crisis: Discussions without actions prevail. South Mississauga is heading towards a congestion catastrophe with Brightwater and Lakeview, yet there's been no progress on additional lanes or new transit despite 25 years of dialogue about all-day two-way GO on the Mississauga Milton line.
• Crime escalation crisis: Home invasions, car thefts, and guns in Port Credit demand urgent attention. Failure to address these issues jeopardizes our city's appeal as a place to reside or relocate to.
2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
I bring a unique blend of real-world business acumen and community leadership to the mayoral race. With 24 years of residence in Mississauga and a diverse background spanning Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Boston, New York, and Los Angeles, I offer a deep understanding of our city's dynamics combined with insights from major urban centers. My commitment to civic engagement is evident through roles such as co-chair of the Mississauga Summit for seven years at the request of Mayor McCallion and President of the Mississauga Arts Council for two years, with seven years on the Board.
Furthermore, my involvement in coaching hockey and soccer, along with campaigning across the city in various elections, writing speeches and policy papers, showcases my dedication to community building and advocacy. Additionally, as Chair of Transit Alliance, I've championed transportation solutions across the GTA, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Moreover, I host a nightly radio show on Sauga 960 AM, conducting over 1,500 long-form interviews on various topics, which further connects me with the pulse of our community.
Adding to this, I currently serve as the Chief Operating Officer for a prominent real estate development company, overseeing assets across Canada and three US states. My previous role as CFO for innovative high-tech, biotech, sports, and entertainment companies, coupled with projects such as downtown revitalization initiatives in Ottawa and Montreal, and major land developments in Florida and California, underscore my practical experience in driving economic growth and urban development. This multifaceted background, complemented by a Harvard MBA and ongoing pursuit of a DBA focusing on urban and economic development, uniquely positions me to lead Mississauga into a prosperous future.
3. What are your campaign priorities and what's your approach to tackling them?
Our municipal democracy has failed us, evidenced by a dismal 21% turnout in city elections, leaving voters feeling disconnected and disillusioned. Housing affordability, misleading tax increases, budget mismanagement, worsening congestion, and rising crime plague our city. City Hall's perceived indifference and ineffectiveness further exacerbate the situation. However, within these challenges lies an opportunity for transformation. I propose a new era of accountability and community empowerment. To achieve this, I'll prioritize active listening and accountability, introducing municipal referendums and term limits to empower citizens and counter incumbency. Rebuilding trust through community engagement and revitalizing public spaces is paramount. Mississauga must evolve into a thriving city, not merely one that survives.
Additionally, our youth have lost the Canadian dream of homeownership. We need to give it back to them. I will cut the development review time period by 50% to lower the cost and risk of development and increase supply. Increasing density in transit nodes by 20%, with a focus on affordability and streetscape enhancement rather than height, will foster vibrant, inclusive communities. Streamlining zoning processes and reducing development fees on less expensive homes will further incentivize housing accessibility. Additionally, exploring the utilization of municipal finance corporations for financing infrastructure projects will provide sustainable funding solutions for our city's growth.
Moreover, I will bring a finance-oriented zero-based budget process to review and evaluate the budget and every program transparently, ensuring no misleading tax increases by the current council. To address rising crime, I will close the export of used cars, tighten bail conditions, and enhance community engagement, recognizing that vigilant neighbours are our best deterrent. Through these comprehensive strategies, we will revitalize Mississauga, fostering prosperity, safety, and community cohesion.
4. What budget item is the most important for Mississauga?
Peel Police represents almost half of the Peel budget and is a key responsibility of the Mayor, one of only two from Mississauga to sit on the police board. Crime rates are escalating, yet the police budget has increased several times inflation. We need safety, but it must be achieved efficiently and requires a thorough review. I believe we are amidst a crime spree, with burglaries, car thefts, and gun violence on the rise. Balancing safety and the cost of policing is our biggest budget challenge and necessitates a serious, business-oriented review.
5. What are your three favorite aspects of Mississauga?
The waterfront is a gem, but it requires investment. I propose converting the 18-acre 150,000-square-feet One Port Street into a retail entertainment farmers market attraction comparable to the St. Lawrence Market or Granville Island, positioning Mississauga as the most vibrant city on the Great Lakes.
Erindale Park and Riverwood offer biking and hiking opportunities, yet they remain hidden gems rather than the spectacular parks central to Mississauga they could and should be. Combined, they span 551 acres, making them the third-largest urban park in North America. However, they lack the amenities and presence of parks like Stanley Park or Central Park. I will combine and nurture these parks, programming them to be the first or second thing you think of when you mention Mississauga.
Moreover, I love walking my dog along safe streets, through well-maintained parks, vibrant Main Streets, beside clean rivers, and Lake Ontario, and to the top of the hill just behind my house to gaze over the lake and downtown, both Mississauga and Toronto, providing a peaceful moment to pause, reflect on life, and appreciate its beauty.
6. How will you actively support our local businesses if elected?
The Airport Corporate zone, from Pearson to Pill Hill, stands as the second-largest employment area in all of Canada, excelling in pharma, biotech, high tech, AI, and Aeronautics. However, it is neglected, lacking transit, a BIA or Board of Trade, an incubator, or a Mayor’s Economic Development task force. Other cities globally would actively and aggressively promote such an economic engine, high-paying job creator, and source of commercial tax base. I am a business builder and will focus on harnessing and helping this critical ecosystem flourish.
7. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Mississauga currently excels at two contrasting aspects: inertia and inclusion. On one hand, we have lost our way, lacking vision and a winner's attitude. We've allowed inertia to dominate, hindering progress and growth. Despite discussions dating back decades, initiatives like the subway and all-day two-way GO remain unrealized dreams. Our urban design reflects an outdated mindset, and we urgently need a new, bold vision to propel us forward. We must shed the mentality of being a mere bedroom community to Toronto and embrace our potential as a vibrant city on the cusp of reaching a million people.
On the other hand, our diversity in Mississauga is a beacon of vibrancy, uniqueness, and strength. With over 55% of our citizens having lived in Canada for less than 10 years, we are a melting pot of cultures from around the world. Our rainbow of religions, symphony of languages, and diverse culinary landscape enrich our community, offering residents the opportunity to experience the world without leaving home. Embracing this inclusivity is key to shaping a bright future for Mississauga.
8. How would you communicate with residents, and what communication standards can voters expect?
I will listen. Hosting a nightly talk radio show on Sauga 960 AM has provided me with a platform to engage in intimate cerebral exchanges with residents. Through initiatives like co-chairing the Mississauga Summit and Western GTA Summit, I've emphasized citizen engagement as a cornerstone of effective governance. I advocate for referendums, valuing substantive exchanges over quick photo opportunities. Some may refer to this approach as "idea sex," where diverse ideas converge to birth innovative solutions.
Moreover, my ongoing DBA research on economic development and social capital has led to the development of the ten Powers of Co framework. These powers encompass connections, conversations, communication, cooperation, collaboration, confidence, commitment, courage, compassion, and the recognition of competition and the significance of collisions and coincidences in community building. These principles guide my communication strategy, ensuring that residents are not just heard but actively engaged, fostering a community-driven approach to decision-making.
