The Town of Caledon has been served with a lawsuit filed by Democracy Caledon that challenges 12 priority zoning by-laws passed in June.
A notice of application filed in the Ontario Court of Justice on Dec. 5, argues council’s approval of the zoning bylaws doesn’t conform to the official plans of Caledon and Peel Region and can be quashed for illegality under Section 273 of the Municipal Act.
The bylaws are part of a huge residential plan that would rezone 5,000 acres of land to build 35,000 new homes.
Democracy Caledon said the rezonings threaten farmland, the Greenbelt and ratepayers’ tax bills.
The town said the by-laws were enacted following provincial legislation, and in keeping with all procedural requirements of both the Planning Act and the Municipal Act.
“It is disappointing that Democracy Caledon is once again using inaccurate and misleading information to raise fears within our community,” said Mayor Annette Groves in a release. “Democracy Caledon recently stoked fear of a 100 to 200 per cent tax increase when our presented 2025 budget projects a modest two per cent tax increase and one per cent infrastructure levy. Caledon residents deserve better than to have fake news like this circulating in the community.”
“Our solicitors have advised that this lawsuit is completely without merit, and the town will be vigorously defending it,” added Groves.
Democracy Caledon is holding a public meeting tomorrow night from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Caledon East Community Complex. The group said it will have some critically important news to share with the community regarding its response to recent land use planning decisions made in the town.
