Legal challenge just ‘scare tactics’ to stop 35,000 new housing units in Caledon, mayor says

A lawsuit looking to block a dozen bylaws that would allow for 35,000 new units and homes in Caledon are “scare tactics” and “completely without merit,” the town says.

“It is disappointing that Democracy Caledon is once again using inaccurate and misleading information to raise fears within our community,” Groves says of the a lawsuit filed by a group looking to quash or cancel the 12 bylaws fast-tracked through zoning earlier this year.

The legal challenge looks to “take the Town back to the drawing board to do proper planning for phased and managed growth.”

Democracy Caledon says the bylaws don’t conform with the town’s official plan and are “illegal” under the Municipal Act – a claim the town says is “inaccurate.”

“The 12 by-laws were enacted in accordance with the provincial legislation, and in keeping with all procedural requirements of both the Planning Act and the Municipal Act,” the town says.

Expediting the rezoning applications followed the province’s award of $2.8 million to Caledon for making progress toward its housing pledge.

The province has set a target of building 1.5 million new homes in Ontario by 2031, with Caledon expected to start 13,000 builds. Some 778 new housing units were started in Caledon in 2023 accounting for 82 per cent of a 953-unit target.

Caledon said the move signalled to developers that the town “is open for business” and will help meet future changes in housing demand.

Groves says the challenge is using “inaccurate and misleading information to raise fears within our community,” and it isn’t the first time.

She says Democracy Caledon “stoked fear” earlier in the year warning of tax increase between 100 and 200 per cent, while the 2025 budget projects “a modest 2 (per cent) tax increase and 1 (per cent) infrastructure levy.”

“Caledon residents deserve better than to have fake news like this circulating in the community,” Groves said, adding that the town’s solicitors “have advised that this lawsuit is completely without merit.”

Caledon will “vigorously” defend the bylaws, Groves says.

The province granted the mayors of Caledon and Brampton so-called “strong mayor powers” in 2022, expanding their authority over city budgets, the hiring and firing of senior city staff, affordable housing and other infrastructure projects.

Only a two-thirds majority vote of council can overturn a strong mayor decision.