Council Highlights - July 23, 2024

July 25, 2024 (CALEDON, ON) - The following are highlights from the Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2024. Council received and voted on a variety of key initiatives to support Caledon’s future growth, prioritizing the need for more transit options and amenities to improve community vitality and livability.  

Council approves 12th rezoning application 
Earlier on June 25, Council approved the rezoning of 11 of 12 development applications to provide nearly 35,000 housing units in Caledon as it prepares to grow to 300,000 residents by 2051. Rezoning of the 12th application, which was referred back to staff for further information, returned to Council on Tuesday, July 23. Following the report back from staff, Council voted in favour of the rezoning. 

Caledon Cavaliers RFC wins Ontario’s Minor Club Program for second year in a row 
Council gathered in the atrium of Town Hall, prior to the start of the Council Meeting, to celebrate the Caledon Cavaliers Rugby Football Club on winning Ontario’s Minor Rugby Club Program of the Year for two years in a row. Each year, Rugby Ontario marks the end of the rugby season by recognizing individuals and clubs for their achievements and contributions to the game. 

Caledon Agricultural Society Request for Community Partnership 
Ed Taccone, President of Caledon Agricultural Society, requested a partnership with the Town of Caledon to explore opportunities to make use of the new facility being built on the fairgrounds. Aligning with the Town’s Strategic Plan to focus on the best of urban and rural experience through community partnerships, Councillor Lynn Kiernan motioned to support the request. Noting the success of ongoing partnerships with the Agricultural Society, including Movies in the Park and use of the fairgrounds for emergency services training, Council supported the motion and directed staff to explore opportunities.  

Caledon Integrity Commissioner Services Presentation 
The Integrity Commissioner (IC) submitted a memorandum to Mayor and Council to further explain the role of the IC and the process related to Council’s dealings with IC reports and investigations. The IC clarified that their reports and recommendations are independent of government and cannot be amended or influenced by the public or Council. Council considers the recommendations as presented by the IC and decides how to proceed. 

A review of the Town’s Code of Conduct was referred to the IC and Chief Legal Officer for report back at a General Committee Meeting in Q4 2024. Councillor Mario Russo also put forward a motion that the Chief Human Resources Officer arrange sensitivity training for Council at an upcoming workshop and received the support of Council. 

Council reinstates Canadian National Anthem 
At General Committee on July 9, Councillor Mario Russo presented a motion to reinstate the Canadian National Anthem at regularly scheduled Council Meetings. With the support of Council, the motion was approved so staff can move forward with updating the procedural process to include when to play the anthem at meetings starting in the fall. 

Council increases push for GO Train Service in Bolton 
At Planning and Development Committee on Tuesday, July 16, Councillor Tony Rosa brought forward a motion to prioritize advocacy for a GO train station on Highway 50 in Bolton. The proposed GO train line to Caledon had two stops: South Bolton/Hwy 50 and Macville. The motion prioritized advocacy for the Highway 50 location because water and wastewater infrastructure to support high-density residential development is already in place. With Council’s support, staff are working to update the approach for Highway 50 for the upcoming Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) advocacy conference in August.   

Outdoor Maintenance Assistance Program 
Council directed staff to update the Snow Removal Financial Assistance Program and approved an annual budget of $150,000 starting in January 2025 to fund the grant program. The program will also be expanded to include outdoor lawn and yard supports and renamed to the Outdoor Maintenance Assistance Program. In September 2022, Caledon launched the program for residents based on financial eligibility criteria to support older adults and individuals with a physical disability with snow removal challenges. As this program continues to gain interest from the public and the age of Caledon’s population is expected to increase over the next 10 years, it plays a key role in improving community vitality and livability.   

Community Recognition Task Force 
At the General Committee Meeting on Tuesday, July 9, Ryan Giles, Supervisor of Community Sports and Events, brought forward a recommendation to form a Community Recognition Task Force. Council voted in favour of the recommendation and staff will move forward with forming the task force, which will be comprised of five volunteers from the community to manage and review nominations from the public for the Caledon Civic Awards Program taking place every year on the main stage at Caledon Day. The task force will also help facilitate the award of one recipient to the Walk of Fame during each Term of Council, during the third year of the term. 

Support for Family Doctors 
Council received correspondence from the Town of Petrolia regarding Support for Family Doctors. The correspondence included a recent resolution from the City of Belleville, requesting the province take immediate action to ensure family physicians are properly compensated and get relief from the administrative burden they are experiencing. Council supported the Town of Petrolia and City of Belleville in their request, echoing the same challenges being faced by family doctors in Caledon. 

– 30 –