Council Highlights - May 21, 2024

Zoning of Town Land at Hospice Caledon and Transfer Ownership of the Bethel Hospice 
Councillor De Boer motioned for staff to complete the zoning for the Town-owned land at the Hospice Caledon Inglewood location as soon as possible and prepare a public notification to transfer ownership of the Bethel Hospice. Council voted in favour, the motion carried. 

Council says no to Peel download of regional roads and waste management 
Council called on the Transition Board to keep regional roads and waste management at the Region of Peel to protect Caledon taxpayers. Caledon remains committed to the process overall, but as the final report looms, the Town is concerned there may be an option on the table where Caledon taxpayers would be asked to pay the bill for the transition of these services. In that scenario, Caledon taxpayers would be hit with a minimum 70% tax hike and perhaps more. 

Proposed demolition of 18 Ann Street deferred 
After delegations from residents regarding the proposed demolition of 18 Ann Street for a Town Square, Council voted for staff to proceed with no immediate action at this time and deferred its decision for further consideration. Residents highlighted the historical significance of the building at 18 Ann Street.  

Mayor Groves proclaims National AccessAbility Week from May 26 to June 1 
Following Councillor Russo’s motion at Council on April 30, Mayor Groves proclaimed National AccessAbility Week for the Town of Caledon from May 26 to June 1. This endorsement reflects Town and Council’s commitment to achieving a barrier-free Caledon and support for the Accessibility Advisory Committee. 

Council appoints Governance Review Committee 
Council appointed Councillor Sheen as Chair and Councillor Maskell as Vice-Chair of the Governance Review Committee for the remainder of the 2022 to 2026 term of Council. The 2024 Council and Committee Meeting Schedule will be amended to reflect the meeting dates for the Governance Review Committee. 

Council approves Green Development Standards 
The Town of Caledon formalized its first Green Development Standards (GDS) program to improve the sustainability and livability of communities for current and future residents. The GDS program outlines climate-friendly design standards that all new residential, commercial and industrial development in Caledon must comply with. 

Council appoints Planning and Development Committee Chair and Vice-Chair 
Following Councillor De Boer’s resignation as Chair of the Planning and Development Committee, Council appointed Councillor Russo to Chair and Councillor Rosa to Vice-Chair. Councillor Russo previously served as Vice-Chair on the Committee. 

Draft Parks and Recreation Strategy 
At the General Committee Meeting on May 8, Catherine McLean, Commissioner of Community and Human Services, and Jason Shildroth, Manager of Recreation and Culture, provided a presentation regarding the draft Parks and Recreation Strategy. The presentation provided an overview of the strategy, highlighting a variety of programs and services for residents through delivery, collaboration between departments and community engagement. Council received the draft presentation. 

Alton Cemetery Ownership Decision 
Following the results from public consultation, Council directed staff to proceed for the Town to maintain ownership of the Alton Cemetery as an active cemetery and to retain a Cemetery Operator or Consultant to evaluate resourcing and program needs. Staff will report back with recommendations on financing and an administration model. 

2023 Caledon Public Library (CPL) Annual Report 
Coleen Lipp, CEO and Chief Librarian of the Caledon Public Library, provided an update to Council on the Library’s 2023 Annual Report. Lipp marked a variety of accomplishments and innovations at CPL, including an increase in active memberships by 17.4%, branch visits by 64%, items borrowed or used by 9.9%, use of digital titles and online resources by 14.4%, and a growth in demand for technology services by 110%. For videos of the amenities the Library has to offer, please visit the Caledon Public Library YouTube Channel. 

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Media contact:  

Lavina Dixit 
Manager, Communications 
905.584.2272 x. 4076 | lavina.dixit@caledon.ca   
www.caledon.ca | @TownofCaledon