SUPPORT DEMOCRACY CALEDON
Democracy Caledon, founded in 2024, is dedicated to protecting open, democratic, resident-focused decision-making in our town. The two words of our name express what we are passionate about – our local, municipal democracy and Caledon, the wonderful place we call home.
We are writing today to ask for your financial support to help us keep fighting for Caledon. For donations to receive a charitable tax receipt please go here or you can e-transfer directly to info@democracycaledon.org.
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What Happened
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In spring 2024, Mayor Annette Groves used Strong Mayor Powers to pre-zone 12 land areas for urban development, dramatically increasing land values while bypassing proper planning and public consultation processes. There were no fiscal, water and sewer infrastructure, environmental or transportation studies. Caledon residents still do not know the medium to longer-term impact on our property taxes and financial health of our Town.
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As you may know, hundreds of Caledon residents rose up to oppose the pre-zonings. However, a majority of Council members voted in summer 2024 to approve.
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On December 6, 2024, Democracy Caledon served the Town of Caledon with notice of a legal challenge under the Municipal Act. One year later, after a lot of preparatory work by our lawyers and land use planner, we are making good progress in that a hearing date has been set for the first week in January at the Brampton courthouse. Stay tuned!
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Why We Took Legal Action
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Our lawsuit, filed by the law firm Dentons Canada Ottawa, claims that the Town’s pre-zoning of 12 land parcels comprising 5,000 acres was illegal because it did not conform to Caledon’s and Peel’s Official Plans.
This is a complex and costly court case and not one we took on lightly. Because the Province eliminated the right of the general public to appeal such a municipal decision, we felt that our only option was to challenge Council’s decision at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
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If the Court agrees with our claim, then the zoning by-laws could be quashed (cancelled) and the Town would be required to go back to square one to do proper development and community planning. The case could also set an important precedent – that municipalities throughout Ontario need to adhere to their Official Plans and sound planning principles.
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Please Consider Supporting Our Case
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We will always keep fighting for Caledon, and to date we’ve raised significant funds, but still have a long way to go. We hope you’ll stand with us by pledging a donation to Democracy Caledon to help defray our legal costs. Whether this is your first donation, or a top-up to a previous donation – we need your help as 2025 draws to a close.
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The very future of our precious town – its green countryside, its food-producing farmlands, its distinctive communities – is at stake. If these pre-zonings were to go ahead, the Caledon that we have come to know and love – whether we were born here or came here only a few years ago – may become unrecognizable in the future. Caledon is a rich tapestry of rural and urban environments, a town with so much to offer economically, recreationally and culturally. We acknowledge that we need to accept growth, but this needs to be done in careful, thoughtful ways and without preconceived notions that we must become a city of subdivisions and high-rises.
For donations with a charitable tax receipt: Please donate to us via our Small Change Fund account (called Caledon For All) here.
For donations directly to Democracy Caledon and for which a charitable receipt is not issued: Please e-transfer to info@democracycaledon.org or contact us at info@democracycaledon.org to discuss another payment method (e.g. cheque).
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Thank you for helping to defend local democracy. I’d be pleased to answer any questions you have. If you’d like to schedule a call or perhaps an in-person meeting, please send an email to info@democracycaledon.org.
With best regards,
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Debbe Crandall
President, Democracy Caledon
Small Change Fund empowers individuals and grassroots organizations across Canada. They have supported over 270 organizations, primarily addressing climate-related issues. Their award-winning crowdfunding platform, along with expertise in campaigning, government relations, and fundraising, amplifies the impact of their partners. Small Change Fund also leads initiatives such as Keep The Greenbelt Promise. With a diverse team of 28 experts, they provide vital support for changemakers. ​​