Ontario Proposes Stronger Municipal Accountability and New Tools for Peel Region Municipalities

TORONTO – The Ontario government has introduced new legislation aimed at strengthening municipal governance and accountability while granting Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon greater independence to manage local services as their populations grow.

The proposed Municipal Accountability Act, 2024 outlines measures to standardize codes of conduct across Ontario’s municipalities, establish a consistent process for integrity commissioner inquiries, and mandate code of conduct training for council members and certain local boards.

“This process will support consistent accountability across our municipalities,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. He noted the government worked with Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner to design a province-wide framework for municipal governance.

Key measures in the act include penalties for severe breaches of the code of conduct, such as removal and disqualification from office. These penalties would require a recommendation from the municipal integrity commissioner, a concurring report from Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner, and a unanimous council vote excluding the affected member and others with conflicts of interest.

Our government is giving Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon the tools they need to provide high-quality services to local taxpayers as these municipalities continue to grow.

🔗: https://t.co/g7OWNmfjxG pic.twitter.com/2Q2pG2qzg4

— Paul Calandra (@PaulCalandra) December 12, 2024

Additionally, the government tabled the Peel Transition Implementation Act, 2024, which, if passed, would transfer certain key public works services from the Region of Peel to its constituent municipalities by July 1, 2026. The transition plan includes:

• Transferring ownership and maintenance of regional roads and stormwater infrastructure to Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon.
• Assigning waste collection services and two community recycling centers in Mississauga to the city.

These changes build on earlier reforms enacted on July 1, 2024, which shifted land-use planning responsibilities to the municipalities.

The Peel Region Transition Board engaged stakeholders, including local governments, provincial ministries, industry groups, and community agencies, to guide the proposed transition. The Ontario Provincial Land and Development Facilitator (PLDF) will provide further support, with the province covering the associated costs.

“This legislation reflects the government’s commitment to empowering municipalities with the tools they need to serve their communities effectively,” Calandra added.

The proposed changes aim to position Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon for growth and to improve the quality of services delivered to local taxpayers.

GTA Today will continue to monitor developments as the legislation moves through the provincial legislature.