Municipal Dissolution: Regulating the Role of the Transition Board
Ontario Regulation 187/23, enacted under the Hazel McCallion Act (Peel Dissolution) on July 5, 2023, establishes the operational framework for the Transition Board responsible for dissolving the Regional Municipality of Peel. This regulation identifies the affected municipalities as Peel Region, Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon, while outlining the board’s duties and governance structure. It defines key terms, clarifying that the Transition Board is not classified as a local board under the Municipal Affairs Act.
The Transition Board is assigned several essential responsibilities, including consulting with the affected municipalities and local boards to develop recommendations, holding monthly meetings with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and providing requested information to the Ministry. Additionally, the board must create and submit a comprehensive work plan by August 31, 2023, which will outline strategies for meeting deadlines, communication methods, stakeholder consultation, and anticipated resource needs such as staff hiring and budgeting.
According to the regulation, the Transition Board is set to dissolve on June 1, 2025, marking the conclusion of its functions. Members of the board are appointed by the Minister and serve at their discretion until this dissolution date. The chair receives a daily compensation of $1,500, while other members earn $1,200 per day, with a maximum payment for 320 days. There are specific provisions for shorter engagements, and members can resign by notifying the Minister, with termination effective 60 days after notice.
Expense management is governed by adherence to the “Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Directive,” and members must submit monthly invoices detailing their remuneration and expenses to the Regional Municipality of Peel. This ensures transparency and accountability. The Transition Board is also permitted to arrange necessary facilities for its operations, prioritizing those provided by the affected municipalities. Furthermore, the chair has the authority to delegate certain responsibilities to other members to enhance operational efficiency.
The regulation’s implementation is designed to ensure a structured transition following the dissolution of Peel Region. By mandating consultations with local municipalities and requiring thorough planning and reporting, the regulation promotes transparency and effectiveness in the board’s operations. The emphasis on collaboration with the Ministry and local boards aims to streamline processes and minimize disruptions during this transition period.
Ontario Regulation 187/23 intention is to ensure the board can fulfill its mandate efficiently and responsibly, paving the way for the successful dissolution of the Regional Municipality of Peel by June 2025.
Ontario (187/23) July 23, 2023