Acting Mayor Chris Fonseca says that Mississauga is prepared to become a single-tier independent municipality.
“We’ve advocated for this change for years and are prepared to take on the challenge of becoming a single-tier, independent municipality. The City has proven its ability to be a world-class destination with strong financial management, exceptional leadership and extensive experience,” said Chris Fonseca, Acting Mayor and Ward 3 Councillor. “This is good news for Mississauga.”
City officials say that through independence, the majority of property tax revenues will now remain in Mississauga allowing it to invest in its strategic priorities without interference.
At present, of every dollar collected from property tax, around 36 per cent stays with Misssissauga, while almost half (45 per cent) goes to the Peel Region. This money is used to help pay for services such as police, housing supports, roads, water and wastewater treatment and waste management, among others. Under the current structure, Mississauga pays 60 per cent of the regional tax levy.
“Moving to a single-tier government structure will provide residents and taxpayers with cost savings and more co-ordinated service delivery,” City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer said Shari Lichterman said while presenting an update to Council about Mississauga going solo.
“We will have the ability to make decisions independently and that means we can do things like approving housing more quickly to reach our provincial housing targets and deliver improved programs and services that meet the direct needs of those in our Mississauga community,” Lichterman added
In June 2023, the provincial government passed Bill 112, Hazel McCallion Act (Peel Dissolution), 2023. This legislation dissolves Peel Region as a governing body and makes Mississauga an independent city.
Official say that Mississauga is working closely in collaboration with the Ontario government, the provincially-appointed Transition Board, Peel Region, Brampton and Caledon to ensure that all matters are handled fairly and equitably. The recommendations and decisions will be shared with the province for their final approval.
