Q1: The Town of Caledon recently approved population projections to grow to       108,000 by 2031.  The recent growth strategy issued by the Provincial            Government puts 27,000 acres of south Caledon into the unprotected “White Belt” and available for future growth.  What is your plan for Caledon’s growth strategy? Do you envision Caledon of the future as a town or a city?

Regional Council Candidates:

Donna Cragg

"I see Caledon as a town long into the future and when the population growth would allow us to consider to city status, I still believe it is essential to maintain the small town character, the caring community based feeling and focus  Growth should be managed to enhance lifestyle opportunities and strengthen the character and charm of Caledon"

Dave Tatla

No reply.

Allan Thompson

"In my opinion (and vision for the town) the Town of Caledon will remain more of a town than a city—even with the realization of the projected growth—because we have many environmentally-sensitive areas within our town’s boundaries that makes a large portion of the town prohibitive or unavailable for development."

"My growth plan strategy for the Town of Caledon is that we need to be smart about planning for the future.  We must lead it, versus having the developers drive it forward for us.  Practical, vision-based planning must be a key priority for the next council." 

"A current deficit for our community is that we are lacking sufficient employment lands to support our tax base and I’m a big advocate of employment land growth as opposed to residential development for a number of reasons.  By virtue of the high density housing to the south of Caledon in the newer developments of Brampton, we have a large work force.  Increasing our employment lands and opportunities in Caledon would be attractive for those commuters who may now travel into the busier sections of the province.  With shorter commutes, this would have a positive environmental impact as well." 

"Another reason that I favour more commercial-industrial development is that with an escalating population comes more demands on infrastructure and capital projects and we need to ensure that not all the burden for servicing these is borne entirely by the Caledon taxpayer."

Area Council Candidates:

Gord McClure

No reply

Stephen Townsend

"Caledon’s growth strategy / planning should consider all aspects of our community, i.e.

a)     Maintain Caledon’s Town, Village, Agricultural and Rural status

b)     Protect prime agricultural lands

c)      Smart Planning – sustainable growth, through the balancing of residential, commercial and industrial growth, while ensuring the infrastructure is there, when and where needed.

d)     But, most important of all … hold the Province accountable for its policies, which would support Caledon’s planning strategy. A few examples follow:

                                            i.      Provincial Agricultural Policy - Prime agricultural areas will be protected for agriculture

                                          ii.      Smart Growth - promoting and planning for growth in ways that create strong economies, build vibrant communities and promote clean and healthy environments