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The Sheen Test II — The fate of Dave Sheen came before Caledon's Town Council Tuesday night, revealing just how strained relations have become.
“We’re a divided council,” said Lynn Kiernan during the meeting, as her colleague faced the outcomes of two integrity commission reports over violations of town conduct. Catch up.
Sheen faced a potential month-long pay dock as a penalty for violating the town’s code of conduct, according to Boghosian’s recommendations. Sheen made remarks during a May meeting, deemed to be “impugning [to] the professional reputation and credibility” of Groves and two senior bureaucrats, Chief Planning Officer Eric Lucic and Director of Engineering Solmaz Zia.
Seven residents came to delegate on Sheen’s behalf, ranging from concerned residents to town leaders.
Former Councillor Ian Sinclair said he “detected no malice, nor any desire to hurt anyone,” in Sheen’s remarks.
Cheryl Connors, an ex-council candidate, echoed the view among all the delegates that “Councillor Sheen was doing his job.” She lamented the “chilling environment” around public debate at council meetings.
Among councillors, too, it was contentious. Lynn Kiernan spoke to the “threatening” nature of integrity commissioner reports, and how councillors have been afraid to speak their minds in the face of “weaponization.”
Boghosian presented his two reports to council. Sheen, who said he initially planned to keep his remarks “brief,” found himself floored at the “relitigation” of the issue.
Sheen pushed back against the code-of-conduct allegations, framing his actions as free speech — though he still apologized to Groves, Lucic and Zia. Boghosian then moved to reduce the pay suspension to 20 days.
Nick de Boer pushed a motion to spare Sheen of all penalties, siding with Kiernan and Christina Early — but it failed on a 3–5 vote.
“Words have consequences,” said Mario Russo, who supported the penalties.
Groves sought to cut Sheen’s pay dock to 15 days, stressing the sanction “was not personal.”
Ultimately: Council voted 3-5 to waive relieve the Integrity Commissioner from his authority to levy a penalty — and then voted 3-5 to approve Sheen's 15-day pay dock (he requested his docked pay be sent to the Kids Help Phone.)
The reaction: Sheen said he felt “humbled” by the support of residents and fellow councillors on Tuesday, In spite of the penalty, he still rejects the reports' findings.
“It was deflating,” said Democracy Caledon’s Debbe Crandall, one of the delegates defending Sheen, who felt the lack of sway that residents had over this resolution.
She pointed to the 5–4 split — with Groves and four councillors backing sanctions — as a sign of how future legislation could be shaped.
Crandall looks toward next Monday's open house, to discuss the controversial Swan Lake fill by-law, saying she and other advocates opposing the proposal “have their work cut out for them.”
Meanwhile: Mayor Groves, in a statement, reiterated her stance on Sheen's conduct was “not personal” and that she “hopes this serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful, ethical conduct at all levels of Council.”
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: General Committee will meet in Mississauga. On the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Council will meet in Brampton. On the agenda:
— On Monday, Patrick Brown cut the ribbon at the opening of Great Indian Grocery and Kerala Foods, alongside Dennis Keegan. He was also at the groundbreaking of Panattoni’s new Mobile Climate Control facility with Gurpartap Singh Toor.
— On Tuesday, he spoke at the Peel Police’s Victims and Survivors Symposium alongside local police chiefs.
— He announced Brampton’s Small Business Month coming up in October.
— Mais oui: He spoke at an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontario flag.
— During a meeting on Wednesday, Carolyn Parrish awarded the key to the city to local hockey hero Lloyd Stockley, which his daughter Heather accepted on his behalf.
— She wished residents a Happy Jewish New Year.
— Parrish was also at the re-dedication of the Port Credit Cenotaph with Stephen Dasko.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Seen: An anonymous text message is asking Mississauga residents to mobilize ahead of an expected Wednesday vote on the proposed fireworks ban. “Mississauga! The city wants to ban fireworks. Final call to oppose! Speak: Oct. 1, 9:30 AM at City Hall,” the message read.
Meanwhile, a protest is being planned for Wednesday.
— The RCMP busted a drug-trafficking ring stretching across Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga.
— Brampton shared a survey for residents, closing on Oct. 3, for input on its proposed lodging house policy.
— Following parental pushback, Paul Calandra has overturned a Dufferin-Catholic District School Board ban on flying “Every Child Matters” flags ahead of National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
— A provincial mediator has been appointed to negotiate with the over 10,000 college staff, who have been on strike for the past two weeks. “We remain hopeful that all parties reach a fair deal that puts students first,” a spokesperson for Nolan Quinn said.
— Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a Brampton-based Sikh nationalist leader, was arrested on firearms charges on Monday. He had previously reported threats against his life from the Indian government.
— Ontario’s Superior Court granted a request to freeze the assets of iPro Realty, as the company is being investigated for financial mismanagement. Co-founder Rui Alves said the “suggestion that millions of dollars was diverted for our personal use is false.”
— The Local looks at the uncertain fate of TDSB-owned lands, worth over $20 billion, now under provincial control.
— The Pointer has more on parents pushing back against the Ford government’s mandate to bring police safety officers back to school. School trustees and public reports show this policy could have a “disproportionate impact” on students of marginalised races.
— On CBC Radio, new med students at TMU’s Brampton campus want to learn how to practice culturally-sensitive treatment, and to navigate different ethnic languages and customs to provide quality care.
— New data found that residents are steadily leaving Ontario for Alberta. What’s behind this exodus?
— Tonight at 6 p.m.: Alvin Tedjo is co-hosting a fundraising gala for Gaza. “The evening will feature reflections and words of encouragement… alongside a warm community gathering dedicated to hope and resilience,” according to ISNA Canada. It’s $50-a-ticket.
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Fireworks ban: yay or nay? I want to hear from you, and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.
The Sheen Test II — The fate of Dave Sheen came before Caledon's Town Council Tuesday night, revealing just how strained relations have become.
“We’re a divided council,” said Lynn Kiernan during the meeting, as her colleague faced the outcomes of two integrity commission reports over violations of town conduct. Catch up.
Sheen faced a potential month-long pay dock as a penalty for violating the town’s code of conduct, according to Boghosian’s recommendations. Sheen made remarks during a May meeting, deemed to be “impugning [to] the professional reputation and credibility” of Groves and two senior bureaucrats, Chief Planning Officer Eric Lucic and Director of Engineering Solmaz Zia.
Seven residents came to delegate on Sheen’s behalf, ranging from concerned residents to town leaders.
Former Councillor Ian Sinclair said he “detected no malice, nor any desire to hurt anyone,” in Sheen’s remarks.
Cheryl Connors, an ex-council candidate, echoed the view among all the delegates that “Councillor Sheen was doing his job.” She lamented the “chilling environment” around public debate at council meetings.
Among councillors, too, it was contentious. Lynn Kiernan spoke to the “threatening” nature of integrity commissioner reports, and how councillors have been afraid to speak their minds in the face of “weaponization.”
Boghosian presented his two reports to council. Sheen, who said he initially planned to keep his remarks “brief,” found himself floored at the “relitigation” of the issue.
Sheen pushed back against the code-of-conduct allegations, framing his actions as free speech — though he still apologized to Groves, Lucic and Zia. Boghosian then moved to reduce the pay suspension to 20 days.
Nick de Boer pushed a motion to spare Sheen of all penalties, siding with Kiernan and Christina Early — but it failed on a 3–5 vote.
“Words have consequences,” said Mario Russo, who supported the penalties.
Groves sought to cut Sheen’s pay dock to 15 days, stressing the sanction “was not personal.”
Ultimately: Council voted 3-5 to waive relieve the Integrity Commissioner from his authority to levy a penalty — and then voted 3-5 to approve Sheen's 15-day pay dock (he requested his docked pay be sent to the Kids Help Phone.)
The reaction: Sheen said he felt “humbled” by the support of residents and fellow councillors on Tuesday, In spite of the penalty, he still rejects the reports' findings.
“It was deflating,” said Democracy Caledon’s Debbe Crandall, one of the delegates defending Sheen, who felt the lack of sway that residents had over this resolution.
She pointed to the 5–4 split — with Groves and four councillors backing sanctions — as a sign of how future legislation could be shaped.
Crandall looks toward next Monday's open house, to discuss the controversial Swan Lake fill by-law, saying she and other advocates opposing the proposal “have their work cut out for them.”
Meanwhile: Mayor Groves, in a statement, reiterated her stance on Sheen's conduct was “not personal” and that she “hopes this serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful, ethical conduct at all levels of Council.”
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: General Committee will meet in Mississauga. On the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Council will meet in Brampton. On the agenda:
— On Monday, Patrick Brown cut the ribbon at the opening of Great Indian Grocery and Kerala Foods, alongside Dennis Keegan. He was also at the groundbreaking of Panattoni’s new Mobile Climate Control facility with Gurpartap Singh Toor.
— On Tuesday, he spoke at the Peel Police’s Victims and Survivors Symposium alongside local police chiefs.
— He announced Brampton’s Small Business Month coming up in October.
— Mais oui: He spoke at an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontario flag.
— During a meeting on Wednesday, Carolyn Parrish awarded the key to the city to local hockey hero Lloyd Stockley, which his daughter Heather accepted on his behalf.
— She wished residents a Happy Jewish New Year.
— Parrish was also at the re-dedication of the Port Credit Cenotaph with Stephen Dasko.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Seen: An anonymous text message is asking Mississauga residents to mobilize ahead of an expected Wednesday vote on the proposed fireworks ban. “Mississauga! The city wants to ban fireworks. Final call to oppose! Speak: Oct. 1, 9:30 AM at City Hall,” the message read.
Meanwhile, a protest is being planned for Wednesday.
— The RCMP busted a drug-trafficking ring stretching across Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga.
— Brampton shared a survey for residents, closing on Oct. 3, for input on its proposed lodging house policy.
— Following parental pushback, Paul Calandra has overturned a Dufferin-Catholic District School Board ban on flying “Every Child Matters” flags ahead of National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
— A provincial mediator has been appointed to negotiate with the over 10,000 college staff, who have been on strike for the past two weeks. “We remain hopeful that all parties reach a fair deal that puts students first,” a spokesperson for Nolan Quinn said.
— Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a Brampton-based Sikh nationalist leader, was arrested on firearms charges on Monday. He had previously reported threats against his life from the Indian government.
— Ontario’s Superior Court granted a request to freeze the assets of iPro Realty, as the company is being investigated for financial mismanagement. Co-founder Rui Alves said the “suggestion that millions of dollars was diverted for our personal use is false.”
— The Local looks at the uncertain fate of TDSB-owned lands, worth over $20 billion, now under provincial control.
— The Pointer has more on parents pushing back against the Ford government’s mandate to bring police safety officers back to school. School trustees and public reports show this policy could have a “disproportionate impact” on students of marginalised races.
— On CBC Radio, new med students at TMU’s Brampton campus want to learn how to practice culturally-sensitive treatment, and to navigate different ethnic languages and customs to provide quality care.
— New data found that residents are steadily leaving Ontario for Alberta. What’s behind this exodus?
— Tonight at 6 p.m.: Alvin Tedjo is co-hosting a fundraising gala for Gaza. “The evening will feature reflections and words of encouragement… alongside a warm community gathering dedicated to hope and resilience,” according to ISNA Canada. It’s $50-a-ticket.
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Fireworks ban: yay or nay? I want to hear from you, and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.
The Sheen Test II — The fate of Dave Sheen came before Caledon's Town Council Tuesday night, revealing just how strained relations have become.
“We’re a divided council,” said Lynn Kiernan during the meeting, as her colleague faced the outcomes of two integrity commission reports over violations of town conduct. Catch up.
Sheen faced a potential month-long pay dock as a penalty for violating the town’s code of conduct, according to Boghosian’s recommendations. Sheen made remarks during a May meeting, deemed to be “impugning [to] the professional reputation and credibility” of Groves and two senior bureaucrats, Chief Planning Officer Eric Lucic and Director of Engineering Solmaz Zia.
Seven residents came to delegate on Sheen’s behalf, ranging from concerned residents to town leaders.
Former Councillor Ian Sinclair said he “detected no malice, nor any desire to hurt anyone,” in Sheen’s remarks.
Cheryl Connors, an ex-council candidate, echoed the view among all the delegates that “Councillor Sheen was doing his job.” She lamented the “chilling environment” around public debate at council meetings.
Among councillors, too, it was contentious. Lynn Kiernan spoke to the “threatening” nature of integrity commissioner reports, and how councillors have been afraid to speak their minds in the face of “weaponization.”
Boghosian presented his two reports to council. Sheen, who said he initially planned to keep his remarks “brief,” found himself floored at the “relitigation” of the issue.
Sheen pushed back against the code-of-conduct allegations, framing his actions as free speech — though he still apologized to Groves, Lucic and Zia. Boghosian then moved to reduce the pay suspension to 20 days.
Nick de Boer pushed a motion to spare Sheen of all penalties, siding with Kiernan and Christina Early — but it failed on a 3–5 vote.
“Words have consequences,” said Mario Russo, who supported the penalties.
Groves sought to cut Sheen’s pay dock to 15 days, stressing the sanction “was not personal.”
Ultimately: Council voted 3-5 to waive relieve the Integrity Commissioner from his authority to levy a penalty — and then voted 3-5 to approve Sheen's 15-day pay dock (he requested his docked pay be sent to the Kids Help Phone.)
The reaction: Sheen said he felt “humbled” by the support of residents and fellow councillors on Tuesday, In spite of the penalty, he still rejects the reports' findings.
“It was deflating,” said Democracy Caledon’s Debbe Crandall, one of the delegates defending Sheen, who felt the lack of sway that residents had over this resolution.
She pointed to the 5–4 split — with Groves and four councillors backing sanctions — as a sign of how future legislation could be shaped.
Crandall looks toward next Monday's open house, to discuss the controversial Swan Lake fill by-law, saying she and other advocates opposing the proposal “have their work cut out for them.”
Meanwhile: Mayor Groves, in a statement, reiterated her stance on Sheen's conduct was “not personal” and that she “hopes this serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful, ethical conduct at all levels of Council.”
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: General Committee will meet in Mississauga. On the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Council will meet in Brampton. On the agenda:
— On Monday, Patrick Brown cut the ribbon at the opening of Great Indian Grocery and Kerala Foods, alongside Dennis Keegan. He was also at the groundbreaking of Panattoni’s new Mobile Climate Control facility with Gurpartap Singh Toor.
— On Tuesday, he spoke at the Peel Police’s Victims and Survivors Symposium alongside local police chiefs.
— He announced Brampton’s Small Business Month coming up in October.
— Mais oui: He spoke at an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontario flag.
— During a meeting on Wednesday, Carolyn Parrish awarded the key to the city to local hockey hero Lloyd Stockley, which his daughter Heather accepted on his behalf.
— She wished residents a Happy Jewish New Year.
— Parrish was also at the re-dedication of the Port Credit Cenotaph with Stephen Dasko.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Seen: An anonymous text message is asking Mississauga residents to mobilize ahead of an expected Wednesday vote on the proposed fireworks ban. “Mississauga! The city wants to ban fireworks. Final call to oppose! Speak: Oct. 1, 9:30 AM at City Hall,” the message read.
Meanwhile, a protest is being planned for Wednesday.
— The RCMP busted a drug-trafficking ring stretching across Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga.
— Brampton shared a survey for residents, closing on Oct. 3, for input on its proposed lodging house policy.
— Following parental pushback, Paul Calandra has overturned a Dufferin-Catholic District School Board ban on flying “Every Child Matters” flags ahead of National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
— A provincial mediator has been appointed to negotiate with the over 10,000 college staff, who have been on strike for the past two weeks. “We remain hopeful that all parties reach a fair deal that puts students first,” a spokesperson for Nolan Quinn said.
— Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a Brampton-based Sikh nationalist leader, was arrested on firearms charges on Monday. He had previously reported threats against his life from the Indian government.
— Ontario’s Superior Court granted a request to freeze the assets of iPro Realty, as the company is being investigated for financial mismanagement. Co-founder Rui Alves said the “suggestion that millions of dollars was diverted for our personal use is false.”
— The Local looks at the uncertain fate of TDSB-owned lands, worth over $20 billion, now under provincial control.
— The Pointer has more on parents pushing back against the Ford government’s mandate to bring police safety officers back to school. School trustees and public reports show this policy could have a “disproportionate impact” on students of marginalised races.
— On CBC Radio, new med students at TMU’s Brampton campus want to learn how to practice culturally-sensitive treatment, and to navigate different ethnic languages and customs to provide quality care.
— New data found that residents are steadily leaving Ontario for Alberta. What’s behind this exodus?
— Tonight at 6 p.m.: Alvin Tedjo is co-hosting a fundraising gala for Gaza. “The evening will feature reflections and words of encouragement… alongside a warm community gathering dedicated to hope and resilience,” according to ISNA Canada. It’s $50-a-ticket.
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Fireworks ban: yay or nay? I want to hear from you, and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.
The Sheen Test II — The fate of Dave Sheen came before Caledon's Town Council Tuesday night, revealing just how strained relations have become.
“We’re a divided council,” said Lynn Kiernan during the meeting, as her colleague faced the outcomes of two integrity commission reports over violations of town conduct. Catch up.
Sheen faced a potential month-long pay dock as a penalty for violating the town’s code of conduct, according to Boghosian’s recommendations. Sheen made remarks during a May meeting, deemed to be “impugning [to] the professional reputation and credibility” of Groves and two senior bureaucrats, Chief Planning Officer Eric Lucic and Director of Engineering Solmaz Zia.
Seven residents came to delegate on Sheen’s behalf, ranging from concerned residents to town leaders.
Former Councillor Ian Sinclair said he “detected no malice, nor any desire to hurt anyone,” in Sheen’s remarks.
Cheryl Connors, an ex-council candidate, echoed the view among all the delegates that “Councillor Sheen was doing his job.” She lamented the “chilling environment” around public debate at council meetings.
Among councillors, too, it was contentious. Lynn Kiernan spoke to the “threatening” nature of integrity commissioner reports, and how councillors have been afraid to speak their minds in the face of “weaponization.”
Boghosian presented his two reports to council. Sheen, who said he initially planned to keep his remarks “brief,” found himself floored at the “relitigation” of the issue.
Sheen pushed back against the code-of-conduct allegations, framing his actions as free speech — though he still apologized to Groves, Lucic and Zia. Boghosian then moved to reduce the pay suspension to 20 days.
Nick de Boer pushed a motion to spare Sheen of all penalties, siding with Kiernan and Christina Early — but it failed on a 3–5 vote.
“Words have consequences,” said Mario Russo, who supported the penalties.
Groves sought to cut Sheen’s pay dock to 15 days, stressing the sanction “was not personal.”
Ultimately: Council voted 3-5 to waive relieve the Integrity Commissioner from his authority to levy a penalty — and then voted 3-5 to approve Sheen's 15-day pay dock (he requested his docked pay be sent to the Kids Help Phone.)
The reaction: Sheen said he felt “humbled” by the support of residents and fellow councillors on Tuesday, In spite of the penalty, he still rejects the reports' findings.
“It was deflating,” said Democracy Caledon’s Debbe Crandall, one of the delegates defending Sheen, who felt the lack of sway that residents had over this resolution.
She pointed to the 5–4 split — with Groves and four councillors backing sanctions — as a sign of how future legislation could be shaped.
Crandall looks toward next Monday's open house, to discuss the controversial Swan Lake fill by-law, saying she and other advocates opposing the proposal “have their work cut out for them.”
Meanwhile: Mayor Groves, in a statement, reiterated her stance on Sheen's conduct was “not personal” and that she “hopes this serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful, ethical conduct at all levels of Council.”
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: General Committee will meet in Mississauga. On the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Council will meet in Brampton. On the agenda:
— On Monday, Patrick Brown cut the ribbon at the opening of Great Indian Grocery and Kerala Foods, alongside Dennis Keegan. He was also at the groundbreaking of Panattoni’s new Mobile Climate Control facility with Gurpartap Singh Toor.
— On Tuesday, he spoke at the Peel Police’s Victims and Survivors Symposium alongside local police chiefs.
— He announced Brampton’s Small Business Month coming up in October.
— Mais oui: He spoke at an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontario flag.
— During a meeting on Wednesday, Carolyn Parrish awarded the key to the city to local hockey hero Lloyd Stockley, which his daughter Heather accepted on his behalf.
— She wished residents a Happy Jewish New Year.
— Parrish was also at the re-dedication of the Port Credit Cenotaph with Stephen Dasko.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Seen: An anonymous text message is asking Mississauga residents to mobilize ahead of an expected Wednesday vote on the proposed fireworks ban. “Mississauga! The city wants to ban fireworks. Final call to oppose! Speak: Oct. 1, 9:30 AM at City Hall,” the message read.
Meanwhile, a protest is being planned for Wednesday.
— The RCMP busted a drug-trafficking ring stretching across Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga.
— Brampton shared a survey for residents, closing on Oct. 3, for input on its proposed lodging house policy.
— Following parental pushback, Paul Calandra has overturned a Dufferin-Catholic District School Board ban on flying “Every Child Matters” flags ahead of National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
— A provincial mediator has been appointed to negotiate with the over 10,000 college staff, who have been on strike for the past two weeks. “We remain hopeful that all parties reach a fair deal that puts students first,” a spokesperson for Nolan Quinn said.
— Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a Brampton-based Sikh nationalist leader, was arrested on firearms charges on Monday. He had previously reported threats against his life from the Indian government.
— Ontario’s Superior Court granted a request to freeze the assets of iPro Realty, as the company is being investigated for financial mismanagement. Co-founder Rui Alves said the “suggestion that millions of dollars was diverted for our personal use is false.”
— The Local looks at the uncertain fate of TDSB-owned lands, worth over $20 billion, now under provincial control.
— The Pointer has more on parents pushing back against the Ford government’s mandate to bring police safety officers back to school. School trustees and public reports show this policy could have a “disproportionate impact” on students of marginalised races.
— On CBC Radio, new med students at TMU’s Brampton campus want to learn how to practice culturally-sensitive treatment, and to navigate different ethnic languages and customs to provide quality care.
— New data found that residents are steadily leaving Ontario for Alberta. What’s behind this exodus?
— Tonight at 6 p.m.: Alvin Tedjo is co-hosting a fundraising gala for Gaza. “The evening will feature reflections and words of encouragement… alongside a warm community gathering dedicated to hope and resilience,” according to ISNA Canada. It’s $50-a-ticket.
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Fireworks ban: yay or nay? I want to hear from you, and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.
The Sheen Test II — The fate of Dave Sheen came before Caledon's Town Council Tuesday night, revealing just how strained relations have become.
“We’re a divided council,” said Lynn Kiernan during the meeting, as her colleague faced the outcomes of two integrity commission reports over violations of town conduct. Catch up.
Sheen faced a potential month-long pay dock as a penalty for violating the town’s code of conduct, according to Boghosian’s recommendations. Sheen made remarks during a May meeting, deemed to be “impugning [to] the professional reputation and credibility” of Groves and two senior bureaucrats, Chief Planning Officer Eric Lucic and Director of Engineering Solmaz Zia.
Seven residents came to delegate on Sheen’s behalf, ranging from concerned residents to town leaders.
Former Councillor Ian Sinclair said he “detected no malice, nor any desire to hurt anyone,” in Sheen’s remarks.
Cheryl Connors, an ex-council candidate, echoed the view among all the delegates that “Councillor Sheen was doing his job.” She lamented the “chilling environment” around public debate at council meetings.
Among councillors, too, it was contentious. Lynn Kiernan spoke to the “threatening” nature of integrity commissioner reports, and how councillors have been afraid to speak their minds in the face of “weaponization.”
Boghosian presented his two reports to council. Sheen, who said he initially planned to keep his remarks “brief,” found himself floored at the “relitigation” of the issue.
Sheen pushed back against the code-of-conduct allegations, framing his actions as free speech — though he still apologized to Groves, Lucic and Zia. Boghosian then moved to reduce the pay suspension to 20 days.
Nick de Boer pushed a motion to spare Sheen of all penalties, siding with Kiernan and Christina Early — but it failed on a 3–5 vote.
“Words have consequences,” said Mario Russo, who supported the penalties.
Groves sought to cut Sheen’s pay dock to 15 days, stressing the sanction “was not personal.”
Ultimately: Council voted 3-5 to waive relieve the Integrity Commissioner from his authority to levy a penalty — and then voted 3-5 to approve Sheen's 15-day pay dock (he requested his docked pay be sent to the Kids Help Phone.)
The reaction: Sheen said he felt “humbled” by the support of residents and fellow councillors on Tuesday, In spite of the penalty, he still rejects the reports' findings.
“It was deflating,” said Democracy Caledon’s Debbe Crandall, one of the delegates defending Sheen, who felt the lack of sway that residents had over this resolution.
She pointed to the 5–4 split — with Groves and four councillors backing sanctions — as a sign of how future legislation could be shaped.
Crandall looks toward next Monday's open house, to discuss the controversial Swan Lake fill by-law, saying she and other advocates opposing the proposal “have their work cut out for them.”
Meanwhile: Mayor Groves, in a statement, reiterated her stance on Sheen's conduct was “not personal” and that she “hopes this serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful, ethical conduct at all levels of Council.”
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: General Committee will meet in Mississauga. On the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Council will meet in Brampton. On the agenda:
— On Monday, Patrick Brown cut the ribbon at the opening of Great Indian Grocery and Kerala Foods, alongside Dennis Keegan. He was also at the groundbreaking of Panattoni’s new Mobile Climate Control facility with Gurpartap Singh Toor.
— On Tuesday, he spoke at the Peel Police’s Victims and Survivors Symposium alongside local police chiefs.
— He announced Brampton’s Small Business Month coming up in October.
— Mais oui: He spoke at an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontario flag.
— During a meeting on Wednesday, Carolyn Parrish awarded the key to the city to local hockey hero Lloyd Stockley, which his daughter Heather accepted on his behalf.
— She wished residents a Happy Jewish New Year.
— Parrish was also at the re-dedication of the Port Credit Cenotaph with Stephen Dasko.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Seen: An anonymous text message is asking Mississauga residents to mobilize ahead of an expected Wednesday vote on the proposed fireworks ban. “Mississauga! The city wants to ban fireworks. Final call to oppose! Speak: Oct. 1, 9:30 AM at City Hall,” the message read.
Meanwhile, a protest is being planned for Wednesday.
— The RCMP busted a drug-trafficking ring stretching across Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga.
— Brampton shared a survey for residents, closing on Oct. 3, for input on its proposed lodging house policy.
— Following parental pushback, Paul Calandra has overturned a Dufferin-Catholic District School Board ban on flying “Every Child Matters” flags ahead of National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
— A provincial mediator has been appointed to negotiate with the over 10,000 college staff, who have been on strike for the past two weeks. “We remain hopeful that all parties reach a fair deal that puts students first,” a spokesperson for Nolan Quinn said.
— Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a Brampton-based Sikh nationalist leader, was arrested on firearms charges on Monday. He had previously reported threats against his life from the Indian government.
— Ontario’s Superior Court granted a request to freeze the assets of iPro Realty, as the company is being investigated for financial mismanagement. Co-founder Rui Alves said the “suggestion that millions of dollars was diverted for our personal use is false.”
— The Local looks at the uncertain fate of TDSB-owned lands, worth over $20 billion, now under provincial control.
— The Pointer has more on parents pushing back against the Ford government’s mandate to bring police safety officers back to school. School trustees and public reports show this policy could have a “disproportionate impact” on students of marginalised races.
— On CBC Radio, new med students at TMU’s Brampton campus want to learn how to practice culturally-sensitive treatment, and to navigate different ethnic languages and customs to provide quality care.
— New data found that residents are steadily leaving Ontario for Alberta. What’s behind this exodus?
— Tonight at 6 p.m.: Alvin Tedjo is co-hosting a fundraising gala for Gaza. “The evening will feature reflections and words of encouragement… alongside a warm community gathering dedicated to hope and resilience,” according to ISNA Canada. It’s $50-a-ticket.
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Fireworks ban: yay or nay? I want to hear from you, and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.
The Sheen Test II — The fate of Dave Sheen came before Caledon's Town Council Tuesday night, revealing just how strained relations have become.
“We’re a divided council,” said Lynn Kiernan during the meeting, as her colleague faced the outcomes of two integrity commission reports over violations of town conduct. Catch up.
Sheen faced a potential month-long pay dock as a penalty for violating the town’s code of conduct, according to Boghosian’s recommendations. Sheen made remarks during a May meeting, deemed to be “impugning [to] the professional reputation and credibility” of Groves and two senior bureaucrats, Chief Planning Officer Eric Lucic and Director of Engineering Solmaz Zia.
Seven residents came to delegate on Sheen’s behalf, ranging from concerned residents to town leaders.
Former Councillor Ian Sinclair said he “detected no malice, nor any desire to hurt anyone,” in Sheen’s remarks.
Cheryl Connors, an ex-council candidate, echoed the view among all the delegates that “Councillor Sheen was doing his job.” She lamented the “chilling environment” around public debate at council meetings.
Among councillors, too, it was contentious. Lynn Kiernan spoke to the “threatening” nature of integrity commissioner reports, and how councillors have been afraid to speak their minds in the face of “weaponization.”
Boghosian presented his two reports to council. Sheen, who said he initially planned to keep his remarks “brief,” found himself floored at the “relitigation” of the issue.
Sheen pushed back against the code-of-conduct allegations, framing his actions as free speech — though he still apologized to Groves, Lucic and Zia. Boghosian then moved to reduce the pay suspension to 20 days.
Nick de Boer pushed a motion to spare Sheen of all penalties, siding with Kiernan and Christina Early — but it failed on a 3–5 vote.
“Words have consequences,” said Mario Russo, who supported the penalties.
Groves sought to cut Sheen’s pay dock to 15 days, stressing the sanction “was not personal.”
Ultimately: Council voted 3-5 to waive relieve the Integrity Commissioner from his authority to levy a penalty — and then voted 3-5 to approve Sheen's 15-day pay dock (he requested his docked pay be sent to the Kids Help Phone.)
The reaction: Sheen said he felt “humbled” by the support of residents and fellow councillors on Tuesday, In spite of the penalty, he still rejects the reports' findings.
“It was deflating,” said Democracy Caledon’s Debbe Crandall, one of the delegates defending Sheen, who felt the lack of sway that residents had over this resolution.
She pointed to the 5–4 split — with Groves and four councillors backing sanctions — as a sign of how future legislation could be shaped.
Crandall looks toward next Monday's open house, to discuss the controversial Swan Lake fill by-law, saying she and other advocates opposing the proposal “have their work cut out for them.”
Meanwhile: Mayor Groves, in a statement, reiterated her stance on Sheen's conduct was “not personal” and that she “hopes this serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful, ethical conduct at all levels of Council.”
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: General Committee will meet in Mississauga. On the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Council will meet in Brampton. On the agenda:
— On Monday, Patrick Brown cut the ribbon at the opening of Great Indian Grocery and Kerala Foods, alongside Dennis Keegan. He was also at the groundbreaking of Panattoni’s new Mobile Climate Control facility with Gurpartap Singh Toor.
— On Tuesday, he spoke at the Peel Police’s Victims and Survivors Symposium alongside local police chiefs.
— He announced Brampton’s Small Business Month coming up in October.
— Mais oui: He spoke at an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontario flag.
— During a meeting on Wednesday, Carolyn Parrish awarded the key to the city to local hockey hero Lloyd Stockley, which his daughter Heather accepted on his behalf.
— She wished residents a Happy Jewish New Year.
— Parrish was also at the re-dedication of the Port Credit Cenotaph with Stephen Dasko.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Seen: An anonymous text message is asking Mississauga residents to mobilize ahead of an expected Wednesday vote on the proposed fireworks ban. “Mississauga! The city wants to ban fireworks. Final call to oppose! Speak: Oct. 1, 9:30 AM at City Hall,” the message read.
Meanwhile, a protest is being planned for Wednesday.
— The RCMP busted a drug-trafficking ring stretching across Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga.
— Brampton shared a survey for residents, closing on Oct. 3, for input on its proposed lodging house policy.
— Following parental pushback, Paul Calandra has overturned a Dufferin-Catholic District School Board ban on flying “Every Child Matters” flags ahead of National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
— A provincial mediator has been appointed to negotiate with the over 10,000 college staff, who have been on strike for the past two weeks. “We remain hopeful that all parties reach a fair deal that puts students first,” a spokesperson for Nolan Quinn said.
— Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a Brampton-based Sikh nationalist leader, was arrested on firearms charges on Monday. He had previously reported threats against his life from the Indian government.
— Ontario’s Superior Court granted a request to freeze the assets of iPro Realty, as the company is being investigated for financial mismanagement. Co-founder Rui Alves said the “suggestion that millions of dollars was diverted for our personal use is false.”
— The Local looks at the uncertain fate of TDSB-owned lands, worth over $20 billion, now under provincial control.
— The Pointer has more on parents pushing back against the Ford government’s mandate to bring police safety officers back to school. School trustees and public reports show this policy could have a “disproportionate impact” on students of marginalised races.
— On CBC Radio, new med students at TMU’s Brampton campus want to learn how to practice culturally-sensitive treatment, and to navigate different ethnic languages and customs to provide quality care.
— New data found that residents are steadily leaving Ontario for Alberta. What’s behind this exodus?
— Tonight at 6 p.m.: Alvin Tedjo is co-hosting a fundraising gala for Gaza. “The evening will feature reflections and words of encouragement… alongside a warm community gathering dedicated to hope and resilience,” according to ISNA Canada. It’s $50-a-ticket.
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Fireworks ban: yay or nay? I want to hear from you, and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.
The Sheen Test II — The fate of Dave Sheen came before Caledon's Town Council Tuesday night, revealing just how strained relations have become.
“We’re a divided council,” said Lynn Kiernan during the meeting, as her colleague faced the outcomes of two integrity commission reports over violations of town conduct. Catch up.
Sheen faced a potential month-long pay dock as a penalty for violating the town’s code of conduct, according to Boghosian’s recommendations. Sheen made remarks during a May meeting, deemed to be “impugning [to] the professional reputation and credibility” of Groves and two senior bureaucrats, Chief Planning Officer Eric Lucic and Director of Engineering Solmaz Zia.
Seven residents came to delegate on Sheen’s behalf, ranging from concerned residents to town leaders.
Former Councillor Ian Sinclair said he “detected no malice, nor any desire to hurt anyone,” in Sheen’s remarks.
Cheryl Connors, an ex-council candidate, echoed the view among all the delegates that “Councillor Sheen was doing his job.” She lamented the “chilling environment” around public debate at council meetings.
Among councillors, too, it was contentious. Lynn Kiernan spoke to the “threatening” nature of integrity commissioner reports, and how councillors have been afraid to speak their minds in the face of “weaponization.”
Boghosian presented his two reports to council. Sheen, who said he initially planned to keep his remarks “brief,” found himself floored at the “relitigation” of the issue.
Sheen pushed back against the code-of-conduct allegations, framing his actions as free speech — though he still apologized to Groves, Lucic and Zia. Boghosian then moved to reduce the pay suspension to 20 days.
Nick de Boer pushed a motion to spare Sheen of all penalties, siding with Kiernan and Christina Early — but it failed on a 3–5 vote.
“Words have consequences,” said Mario Russo, who supported the penalties.
Groves sought to cut Sheen’s pay dock to 15 days, stressing the sanction “was not personal.”
Ultimately: Council voted 3-5 to waive relieve the Integrity Commissioner from his authority to levy a penalty — and then voted 3-5 to approve Sheen's 15-day pay dock (he requested his docked pay be sent to the Kids Help Phone.)
The reaction: Sheen said he felt “humbled” by the support of residents and fellow councillors on Tuesday, In spite of the penalty, he still rejects the reports' findings.
“It was deflating,” said Democracy Caledon’s Debbe Crandall, one of the delegates defending Sheen, who felt the lack of sway that residents had over this resolution.
She pointed to the 5–4 split — with Groves and four councillors backing sanctions — as a sign of how future legislation could be shaped.
Crandall looks toward next Monday's open house, to discuss the controversial Swan Lake fill by-law, saying she and other advocates opposing the proposal “have their work cut out for them.”
Meanwhile: Mayor Groves, in a statement, reiterated her stance on Sheen's conduct was “not personal” and that she “hopes this serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful, ethical conduct at all levels of Council.”
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: General Committee will meet in Mississauga. On the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Council will meet in Brampton. On the agenda:
— On Monday, Patrick Brown cut the ribbon at the opening of Great Indian Grocery and Kerala Foods, alongside Dennis Keegan. He was also at the groundbreaking of Panattoni’s new Mobile Climate Control facility with Gurpartap Singh Toor.
— On Tuesday, he spoke at the Peel Police’s Victims and Survivors Symposium alongside local police chiefs.
— He announced Brampton’s Small Business Month coming up in October.
— Mais oui: He spoke at an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontario flag.
— During a meeting on Wednesday, Carolyn Parrish awarded the key to the city to local hockey hero Lloyd Stockley, which his daughter Heather accepted on his behalf.
— She wished residents a Happy Jewish New Year.
— Parrish was also at the re-dedication of the Port Credit Cenotaph with Stephen Dasko.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Seen: An anonymous text message is asking Mississauga residents to mobilize ahead of an expected Wednesday vote on the proposed fireworks ban. “Mississauga! The city wants to ban fireworks. Final call to oppose! Speak: Oct. 1, 9:30 AM at City Hall,” the message read.
Meanwhile, a protest is being planned for Wednesday.
— The RCMP busted a drug-trafficking ring stretching across Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga.
— Brampton shared a survey for residents, closing on Oct. 3, for input on its proposed lodging house policy.
— Following parental pushback, Paul Calandra has overturned a Dufferin-Catholic District School Board ban on flying “Every Child Matters” flags ahead of National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
— A provincial mediator has been appointed to negotiate with the over 10,000 college staff, who have been on strike for the past two weeks. “We remain hopeful that all parties reach a fair deal that puts students first,” a spokesperson for Nolan Quinn said.
— Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a Brampton-based Sikh nationalist leader, was arrested on firearms charges on Monday. He had previously reported threats against his life from the Indian government.
— Ontario’s Superior Court granted a request to freeze the assets of iPro Realty, as the company is being investigated for financial mismanagement. Co-founder Rui Alves said the “suggestion that millions of dollars was diverted for our personal use is false.”
— The Local looks at the uncertain fate of TDSB-owned lands, worth over $20 billion, now under provincial control.
— The Pointer has more on parents pushing back against the Ford government’s mandate to bring police safety officers back to school. School trustees and public reports show this policy could have a “disproportionate impact” on students of marginalised races.
— On CBC Radio, new med students at TMU’s Brampton campus want to learn how to practice culturally-sensitive treatment, and to navigate different ethnic languages and customs to provide quality care.
— New data found that residents are steadily leaving Ontario for Alberta. What’s behind this exodus?
— Tonight at 6 p.m.: Alvin Tedjo is co-hosting a fundraising gala for Gaza. “The evening will feature reflections and words of encouragement… alongside a warm community gathering dedicated to hope and resilience,” according to ISNA Canada. It’s $50-a-ticket.
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Fireworks ban: yay or nay? I want to hear from you, and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.
The Sheen Test II — The fate of Dave Sheen came before Caledon's Town Council Tuesday night, revealing just how strained relations have become.
“We’re a divided council,” said Lynn Kiernan during the meeting, as her colleague faced the outcomes of two integrity commission reports over violations of town conduct. Catch up.
Sheen faced a potential month-long pay dock as a penalty for violating the town’s code of conduct, according to Boghosian’s recommendations. Sheen made remarks during a May meeting, deemed to be “impugning [to] the professional reputation and credibility” of Groves and two senior bureaucrats, Chief Planning Officer Eric Lucic and Director of Engineering Solmaz Zia.
Seven residents came to delegate on Sheen’s behalf, ranging from concerned residents to town leaders.
Former Councillor Ian Sinclair said he “detected no malice, nor any desire to hurt anyone,” in Sheen’s remarks.
Cheryl Connors, an ex-council candidate, echoed the view among all the delegates that “Councillor Sheen was doing his job.” She lamented the “chilling environment” around public debate at council meetings.
Among councillors, too, it was contentious. Lynn Kiernan spoke to the “threatening” nature of integrity commissioner reports, and how councillors have been afraid to speak their minds in the face of “weaponization.”
Boghosian presented his two reports to council. Sheen, who said he initially planned to keep his remarks “brief,” found himself floored at the “relitigation” of the issue.
Sheen pushed back against the code-of-conduct allegations, framing his actions as free speech — though he still apologized to Groves, Lucic and Zia. Boghosian then moved to reduce the pay suspension to 20 days.
Nick de Boer pushed a motion to spare Sheen of all penalties, siding with Kiernan and Christina Early — but it failed on a 3–5 vote.
“Words have consequences,” said Mario Russo, who supported the penalties.
Groves sought to cut Sheen’s pay dock to 15 days, stressing the sanction “was not personal.”
Ultimately: Council voted 3-5 to waive relieve the Integrity Commissioner from his authority to levy a penalty — and then voted 3-5 to approve Sheen's 15-day pay dock (he requested his docked pay be sent to the Kids Help Phone.)
The reaction: Sheen said he felt “humbled” by the support of residents and fellow councillors on Tuesday, In spite of the penalty, he still rejects the reports' findings.
“It was deflating,” said Democracy Caledon’s Debbe Crandall, one of the delegates defending Sheen, who felt the lack of sway that residents had over this resolution.
She pointed to the 5–4 split — with Groves and four councillors backing sanctions — as a sign of how future legislation could be shaped.
Crandall looks toward next Monday's open house, to discuss the controversial Swan Lake fill by-law, saying she and other advocates opposing the proposal “have their work cut out for them.”
Meanwhile: Mayor Groves, in a statement, reiterated her stance on Sheen's conduct was “not personal” and that she “hopes this serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful, ethical conduct at all levels of Council.”
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: General Committee will meet in Mississauga. On the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Council will meet in Brampton. On the agenda:
— On Monday, Patrick Brown cut the ribbon at the opening of Great Indian Grocery and Kerala Foods, alongside Dennis Keegan. He was also at the groundbreaking of Panattoni’s new Mobile Climate Control facility with Gurpartap Singh Toor.
— On Tuesday, he spoke at the Peel Police’s Victims and Survivors Symposium alongside local police chiefs.
— He announced Brampton’s Small Business Month coming up in October.
— Mais oui: He spoke at an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontario flag.
— During a meeting on Wednesday, Carolyn Parrish awarded the key to the city to local hockey hero Lloyd Stockley, which his daughter Heather accepted on his behalf.
— She wished residents a Happy Jewish New Year.
— Parrish was also at the re-dedication of the Port Credit Cenotaph with Stephen Dasko.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Seen: An anonymous text message is asking Mississauga residents to mobilize ahead of an expected Wednesday vote on the proposed fireworks ban. “Mississauga! The city wants to ban fireworks. Final call to oppose! Speak: Oct. 1, 9:30 AM at City Hall,” the message read.
Meanwhile, a protest is being planned for Wednesday.
— The RCMP busted a drug-trafficking ring stretching across Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga.
— Brampton shared a survey for residents, closing on Oct. 3, for input on its proposed lodging house policy.
— Following parental pushback, Paul Calandra has overturned a Dufferin-Catholic District School Board ban on flying “Every Child Matters” flags ahead of National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
— A provincial mediator has been appointed to negotiate with the over 10,000 college staff, who have been on strike for the past two weeks. “We remain hopeful that all parties reach a fair deal that puts students first,” a spokesperson for Nolan Quinn said.
— Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a Brampton-based Sikh nationalist leader, was arrested on firearms charges on Monday. He had previously reported threats against his life from the Indian government.
— Ontario’s Superior Court granted a request to freeze the assets of iPro Realty, as the company is being investigated for financial mismanagement. Co-founder Rui Alves said the “suggestion that millions of dollars was diverted for our personal use is false.”
— The Local looks at the uncertain fate of TDSB-owned lands, worth over $20 billion, now under provincial control.
— The Pointer has more on parents pushing back against the Ford government’s mandate to bring police safety officers back to school. School trustees and public reports show this policy could have a “disproportionate impact” on students of marginalised races.
— On CBC Radio, new med students at TMU’s Brampton campus want to learn how to practice culturally-sensitive treatment, and to navigate different ethnic languages and customs to provide quality care.
— New data found that residents are steadily leaving Ontario for Alberta. What’s behind this exodus?
— Tonight at 6 p.m.: Alvin Tedjo is co-hosting a fundraising gala for Gaza. “The evening will feature reflections and words of encouragement… alongside a warm community gathering dedicated to hope and resilience,” according to ISNA Canada. It’s $50-a-ticket.
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Fireworks ban: yay or nay? I want to hear from you, and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.
The Sheen Test II — The fate of Dave Sheen came before Caledon's Town Council Tuesday night, revealing just how strained relations have become.
“We’re a divided council,” said Lynn Kiernan during the meeting, as her colleague faced the outcomes of two integrity commission reports over violations of town conduct. Catch up.
Sheen faced a potential month-long pay dock as a penalty for violating the town’s code of conduct, according to Boghosian’s recommendations. Sheen made remarks during a May meeting, deemed to be “impugning [to] the professional reputation and credibility” of Groves and two senior bureaucrats, Chief Planning Officer Eric Lucic and Director of Engineering Solmaz Zia.
Seven residents came to delegate on Sheen’s behalf, ranging from concerned residents to town leaders.
Former Councillor Ian Sinclair said he “detected no malice, nor any desire to hurt anyone,” in Sheen’s remarks.
Cheryl Connors, an ex-council candidate, echoed the view among all the delegates that “Councillor Sheen was doing his job.” She lamented the “chilling environment” around public debate at council meetings.
Among councillors, too, it was contentious. Lynn Kiernan spoke to the “threatening” nature of integrity commissioner reports, and how councillors have been afraid to speak their minds in the face of “weaponization.”
Boghosian presented his two reports to council. Sheen, who said he initially planned to keep his remarks “brief,” found himself floored at the “relitigation” of the issue.
Sheen pushed back against the code-of-conduct allegations, framing his actions as free speech — though he still apologized to Groves, Lucic and Zia. Boghosian then moved to reduce the pay suspension to 20 days.
Nick de Boer pushed a motion to spare Sheen of all penalties, siding with Kiernan and Christina Early — but it failed on a 3–5 vote.
“Words have consequences,” said Mario Russo, who supported the penalties.
Groves sought to cut Sheen’s pay dock to 15 days, stressing the sanction “was not personal.”
Ultimately: Council voted 3-5 to waive relieve the Integrity Commissioner from his authority to levy a penalty — and then voted 3-5 to approve Sheen's 15-day pay dock (he requested his docked pay be sent to the Kids Help Phone.)
The reaction: Sheen said he felt “humbled” by the support of residents and fellow councillors on Tuesday, In spite of the penalty, he still rejects the reports' findings.
“It was deflating,” said Democracy Caledon’s Debbe Crandall, one of the delegates defending Sheen, who felt the lack of sway that residents had over this resolution.
She pointed to the 5–4 split — with Groves and four councillors backing sanctions — as a sign of how future legislation could be shaped.
Crandall looks toward next Monday's open house, to discuss the controversial Swan Lake fill by-law, saying she and other advocates opposing the proposal “have their work cut out for them.”
Meanwhile: Mayor Groves, in a statement, reiterated her stance on Sheen's conduct was “not personal” and that she “hopes this serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful, ethical conduct at all levels of Council.”
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: General Committee will meet in Mississauga. On the agenda:
— Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Council will meet in Brampton. On the agenda:
— On Monday, Patrick Brown cut the ribbon at the opening of Great Indian Grocery and Kerala Foods, alongside Dennis Keegan. He was also at the groundbreaking of Panattoni’s new Mobile Climate Control facility with Gurpartap Singh Toor.
— On Tuesday, he spoke at the Peel Police’s Victims and Survivors Symposium alongside local police chiefs.
— He announced Brampton’s Small Business Month coming up in October.
— Mais oui: He spoke at an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontario flag.
— During a meeting on Wednesday, Carolyn Parrish awarded the key to the city to local hockey hero Lloyd Stockley, which his daughter Heather accepted on his behalf.
— She wished residents a Happy Jewish New Year.
— Parrish was also at the re-dedication of the Port Credit Cenotaph with Stephen Dasko.
— Missed this? A survey commissioned by the City of Brampton tested the public’s temperature on the love-’em-or-hate-’em cameras — and a large swath of residents gave them a thumbs-up, Mainstreet Research found. Catch up.
— Seen: An anonymous text message is asking Mississauga residents to mobilize ahead of an expected Wednesday vote on the proposed fireworks ban. “Mississauga! The city wants to ban fireworks. Final call to oppose! Speak: Oct. 1, 9:30 AM at City Hall,” the message read.
Meanwhile, a protest is being planned for Wednesday.
— The RCMP busted a drug-trafficking ring stretching across Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga.
— Brampton shared a survey for residents, closing on Oct. 3, for input on its proposed lodging house policy.
— Following parental pushback, Paul Calandra has overturned a Dufferin-Catholic District School Board ban on flying “Every Child Matters” flags ahead of National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
— A provincial mediator has been appointed to negotiate with the over 10,000 college staff, who have been on strike for the past two weeks. “We remain hopeful that all parties reach a fair deal that puts students first,” a spokesperson for Nolan Quinn said.
— Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a Brampton-based Sikh nationalist leader, was arrested on firearms charges on Monday. He had previously reported threats against his life from the Indian government.
— Ontario’s Superior Court granted a request to freeze the assets of iPro Realty, as the company is being investigated for financial mismanagement. Co-founder Rui Alves said the “suggestion that millions of dollars was diverted for our personal use is false.”
— The Local looks at the uncertain fate of TDSB-owned lands, worth over $20 billion, now under provincial control.
— The Pointer has more on parents pushing back against the Ford government’s mandate to bring police safety officers back to school. School trustees and public reports show this policy could have a “disproportionate impact” on students of marginalised races.
— On CBC Radio, new med students at TMU’s Brampton campus want to learn how to practice culturally-sensitive treatment, and to navigate different ethnic languages and customs to provide quality care.
— New data found that residents are steadily leaving Ontario for Alberta. What’s behind this exodus?
— Tonight at 6 p.m.: Alvin Tedjo is co-hosting a fundraising gala for Gaza. “The evening will feature reflections and words of encouragement… alongside a warm community gathering dedicated to hope and resilience,” according to ISNA Canada. It’s $50-a-ticket.
Thank you for reading The Peel Report. Fireworks ban: yay or nay? I want to hear from you, and I’ll keep you anonymous. We’re back in your inbox on Friday.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Ahmad Elbayoumi. Have feedback? Send us an email.