1. Do you agree with the use of Strong Mayor Powers? If elected Mayor, would you use those powers? Why or why not?

No. I do not support the use of Strong Mayor powers.

Democracy in Caledon has been weakened by the concentration of authority in one office, and I believe it must be restored.

Throughout my time on Council, I have focused on building relationships, encouraging respectful discussion, and ensuring every elected representative has a voice in the decisions that shape our community. The best outcomes come from open debate, collaboration, and accountability; not from limiting participation or bypassing Council.

My concerns are grounded in recent events in Caledon. The use of Strong Mayor powers to create a three-member Transition Committee on Peel Region restructuring excluded other elected Council members from discussions involving major financial and operational consequences for residents. Decisions of this magnitude should never be made behind closed doors or by only a select few.

I brought forward motions to dissolve the committee because I believe democracy works best when the full Council participates openly and transparently. Every elected member was chosen by residents to represent their community, and every resident deserves confidence that their voice is being heard through a fair and democratic

process.

As Mayor, I will work to return decision-making to full Council, strengthen transparency, and restore trust in local government. Caledon deserves leadership that respects democracy, values collaboration, and ensures residents have a meaningful voice in shaping our future.

Democracy must be returned to Caledon!

2. If elected, would you support passing the proposed new Site Alteration By law, or would you prefer improving and strengthening the current Fill By law instead? 

3. Do you support expanding Caledon’s Fill By law to specifically address commercial fill operations and fill imported from outside Caledon? 

4. Residents have raised concerns about groundwater, aggregate impacts, and environmental protections connected to fill operations. What additional safeguards, if any, would you support?

I am deeply concerned about Fill Operations, Imported Fill, Groundwater Protection and Environmental Safeguards.Residents across Caledon have raised the same serious concerns about commercial fill operations, imported fill, truck traffic, groundwater protection and the long-term impacts these operations can have on our communities and environment. I share those concerns, hear them and agree. I want to bring back to Council an

environment where our resident opinions matter and good decisions are made for our community.

My focus is not on simply replacing one by-law with another - it is on ensuring we have strong, enforceable rules that protect residents, groundwater, farmland and the character of our communities. Caledon should not become a destination for unchecked imported fill. Many residents rely on private wells and rural infrastructure that was never designed to support large-scale commercial fill activity. Residents deserve confidence that the Town has meaningful oversight, strong environmental protections and the ability to enforce the rules effectively.

I support stronger monitoring, improved testing requirements, increased transparency and better tracking and reporting of imported fill. I also believe residents deserve greater access to information and stronger public consultation before major policy decisions are finalized.

Throughout this term of Council, residents consistently raised concerns about environmental impacts, truck traffic and a lack of trust in the process. That is why I supported expanded public consultation regarding the proposed Site Alteration By-law and why I believe any framework moving forward must include strict accountability, meaningful enforcement and a cautious, science-based approach.

Once groundwater is compromised, the impacts can be serious, costly and long lasting. Protecting public health, groundwater, farmland and the quality-of-life residents value must remain a priority.

5. Would you allow the municipality to permit construction fill below the water table?

No. I do not support permitting construction fill below the water table. I voted against the Mayor’s motion to fill Swan lake for this exact reason. Protecting groundwater must be a priority in Caledon. Many residents rely on wells and as such, the safety and security of groundwater is of paramount importance in a rural community. I believe we must take a cautious and responsible approach that protects our water and environment for our future generations of residents.

6. The last term of Council was often seen as divided. What specific steps would you take as Mayor to improve collaboration, professionalism, and teamwork at the Council table? 

This past term of Council was indeed divided, dysfunctional and focused on conflict instead of collaboration. That has damaged public trust and created frustration within the community. We cannot have another term with the same challenges; a fresh start is imperative to moving Caledon forward in the right direction. 

Residents expect leadership, professionalism and respect. Healthy debate is important, but disagreement should never turn into dysfunction or disrespect. As Mayor, I would work to restore professionalism, accountability and respect at the Council table. 

Every member of Council was elected by residents to represent their community and deserves to be treated with respect at the Council table and by the sitting Mayor. While councillors will not always agree, every elected member brings important perspectives and experiences forward on behalf of the residents they represent. Those voices should never be ignored, dismissed or excluded from meaningful participation in the

decision-making process. 

I believe strong leadership means bringing people together, encouraging respectful discussion and finding common ground whenever possible. I would work to improve communication between Council, staff and the community, while creating more opportunities for collaboration and open dialogue. 

My approach would be to lead with professionalism, fairness and respect so Council can work more effectively together and keep the focus where it belongs; serving the residents of Caledon.

7. Illegal truck yards and illegal land use operations continue to be a major concern for residents. What actions would you take to address these properties?

8. Some illegal land use properties have later applied for amendments to become legal. Do you support allowing properties operating illegally to seek approval after the fact? Why or why not?

9. You have previously voted in favour of permitting certain illegal land use properties to become compliant through rezoning. If elected Mayor, would you continue supporting this approach?

10. Other than approving zoning into compliance, what plans do you have to reduce and prevent illegal truck yards and illegal land use operations in Caledon?

11. What measures would you support to strengthen by-law enforcement and ensure quicker action against repeat offenders? 

Residents are frustrated and rightly so. Illegal truck yards, event venues, and other unauthorized land use operations create safety concerns, damage roads, impact neighbouring properties, threaten farmland and natural heritage features, and undermine trust in the planning system.

Over the past term, Council, staff and community advocates have made progress through increased enforcement efforts and investigations, prosecutions and court orders. We have successfully advocated for stronger provincial tools, including proposed Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs), which will allow municipalities to respond quickly and effectively to violations. 

As Mayor, I will build on that progress by ensuring enforcement staff have the resources they need to investigate complaints, take timely action and hold repeat offenders accountable. I will continue working with the Province and neighbouring municipalities to strengthen enforcement measures and ensure that breaking the rules is not simply treated as a cost of doing business. 

My priority is clear: ensure the rules are applied fairly and consistently to protect residents' quality of life, respect our communities and rural lands. 

Illegal truck yards and illegal land use operations have become one of the most serious issues facing many Caledon residents, particularly in our rural communities. Residents are frustrated because they have watched these operations grow while enforcement and government response often failed to keep pace. 

These operations damage roads, increase dangerous truck traffic, impact neighbouring properties, threaten farmland and groundwater, create safety concerns and erode trust in the planning system. Residents should not have to spend years fighting to have the rules enforced in their own communities. 

I have consistently supported stronger action on illegal land uses and have worked closely with residents, community advocacy groups and enforcement staff throughout this term of Council. I believe the Town needs a much stronger and more proactive approach moving forward. 

As Mayor, I would prioritize strengthening Caledon’s Municipal Law Enforcement department by ensuring staff have the resources, staffing, training and enforcement tools needed to investigate complaints quickly and respond effectively. Residents deserve confidence that when violations occur, meaningful action will follow. 

I also support stronger penalties for repeat offenders, including Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs), improved coordination between Town departments and clearer escalation processes to ensure chronic offenders are dealt with more quickly and consistently. 

No one should gain an advantage by operating illegally.

Every property owner has the right to submit a planning application, and every application must be reviewed through a transparent public process with opportunities for public input. I have worked with many property owners to ensure they have the information they need to build or operate in compliance with our zoning bylaws. I understand the process can be difficult to navigate for some, but choosing to circumvent the process and ask for forgiveness later is not something I believe is okay. Submitting an application after the fact should not erase a history of non-compliance or exempt an owner from enforcement action. 

We need to be assessing whether the proposed use is appropriate for the location, compatible with surrounding properties, consistent with planning policies, and in the public interest. If it is not, it should not be approved. If it is, the application should still be assessed through the same rigorous process that applies to everyone else. 

Each application that comes before Council has its own facts, planning analysis, technical studies, public input, and staff recommendations. My responsibility as a member of Council has always been to review the information before me and make decisions based on sound planning principles, applicable policies, and the broader public interest. 

Residents deserve confidence that the rules apply equally to all property owners and that those who follow the proper process are not placed at a disadvantage.

I do not support illegal operations, nor do I believe that operating outside the rules should create an advantage. However, Council also has a responsibility to evaluate each application on its merits and determine whether a proposed use is appropriate for the property and surrounding community. 

There have been instances where applications involving previously non-compliant properties came before Council. In those cases, my decision was based on the planning merits of the application, not the fact that the use had existed without approval. That approach would continue as Mayor. I will make decisions based on the evidence before Council, the applicable planning framework and what is in the best interests of Caledon residents. 

The Town also needs to stop illegal operations before they become established. Thatmeans earlier intervention, stronger monitoring, better coordination with the Province and neighbouring municipalities, and planning policies that protect rural communities, farmland and natural heritage features. 

For too long, residents have felt they were left to fight these battles on their own. I believe residents deserve a Mayor who will stand with them, strengthen enforcement and ensure the rules are applied fairly and consistently across Caledon. 

12. OPP patrol hours in Caledon have reportedly decreased significantly over the past two years. What would you do to advocate for increased patrol hours and stronger policing presence in the community?13. Do you believe Caledon residents are currently receiving adequate policing coverage? Why or why not? 

I believe everyone deserves to feel safe and secure. I understand that our community is growing and changing and maintaining community safety and wellbeing has become more complex as a result.

Residents have shared concerns about speeding, traffic enforcement and response times across many parts of Caledon. 

I have a strong working relationship with the OPP leadership team at the Caledon detachment and I know they are dedicated to serving our community; our officers work hard. 

I also know residents want a stronger visible presence and I believe those concerns need to be taken seriously. Across the community, residents continue to raise concerns about speeding, dangerous driving, truck traffic, illegal racing, traffic enforcement and response times. 

Caledon is one of the largest municipalities in the GTA, with rural roads, villages, growing urban communities and major transportation corridors. As our population continues to grow, policing resources and patrol coverage must keep pace with those realities. 

We need to ensure that the OPP has the policing resources they need to reflect our growing population and unique rural geography. I will work in partnership with the OPP leadership team to ensure they have the budget and resources they need as well as advocate for increased support at the provincial level.Public safety must be a priority. 

As Mayor, I would continue advocating strongly with the Province and OPP leadership to ensure Caledon receives policing resources that properly reflect both our population growth and the size and complexity of our municipality. 

Residents deserve to feel safe in their communities, on their roads and in their neighbourhoods. I will continue pushing for stronger enforcement, increased patrol visibility and better traffic safety measures across Caledon. 

14. Do you agree or disagree with the privatization of our water infrastructure and delivery services? 

I do not support the privatization of water or wastewater services. 

The Region of Peel has earned a gold star reputation for managing water and waste services, and I believe those services should continue to remain publicly managed and accountable to residents. Water is an essential public service, and decisions regarding water infrastructure must prioritize reliability, safety, affordability, and long-term sustainability over profit. 

15. Please outline your position on the creation of data centres in Caledon. 

At this time, I do not believe Caledon has the energy infrastructure required to support large-scale data centres. Any proposal would need to be carefully reviewed to ensure it aligns with infrastructure capacity, environmental protection, and the long-term interests of residents. 

16. How would you balance growth and development while protecting Caledon’s rural character, farmland, and natural environment? 

Caledon is changing and residents are feeling those pressures in different ways. Growth should strengthen our communities, not overwhelm them. We need thoughtful planning that protects farmland, our environment and the character of our communities while ensuring infrastructure and services keep pace. 

During this past term of Council, decisions were made by a consistent majority of councillors that put the interests of developers before what is best for Caledon and our residents. 

I was not part of that majority that made those decisions. I consistently stood in opposition of the majority and challenged decisions that were not in the best interest of the community.The most egregious example is the motion put forward by the mayor and supported by that same majority of councillors, to contradict our own bylaw and allow a prominent developer to dump construction waste on a property in Caledon. 

Over 11,000,00 cubic meters of excess soil (hundreds of thousands of truckloads) in one place; specifically a 44-acre groundwater-fed lake known in the community as “Swan Lake”. 

I advocated for the preservation of Swan Lake in Caledon and championed community efforts to halt this developer-led proposal that would have allowed the 44-acre groundwater-fed lake to be filled with construction waste. 

I voted against the 12 zoning bylaws to fast-track housing developments and pushed for more public consultation, arguing the process circumvented democratic processes and ignored resident concerns. 

I successfully championed motions to mandate expanded public consultation regarding the Town of Caledon’s new Site Alteration By-law, and I brought forward a motion to initiate a feasibility study for a Caledon Village Bypass. 

Caledon deserves leadership that “protects what we have and builds what we need” and always puts residents first. The future of Caledon should be shaped by residents not driven by developers and I will continue standing up for thoughtful growth that protects the communities we value. 

17. What are your top three priorities for Caledon over the next four years if elected Mayor? 

My priorities are focused on ensuring Caledon grows responsibly while protecting the communities and quality of life residents value. 

Protect what we have. Build what we need. 

Managing growth responsibly by ensuring infrastructure, roads, recreation and services keep pace with growth. 

Protecting Caledon’s environment, groundwater, farmland and natural heritage while preserving the character of our communities. 

Restoring trust, accountability and fiscal responsibility through transparent decision making, meaningful public engagement and careful management of taxpayer dollars.

Residents want leadership that listens, plans responsibly and puts the term interest of Caledon first. That is the approach I will bring as Mayor. 

18. How will you ensure residents feel heard and involved in decision making processes at Town Hall?

19. What changes, if any, would you make to improve transparency and accountability at the Town of Caledon?

20. Do you support more public consultation before major planning and policy decisions are made? If so, what would that look like under your leadership? 

Residents should never feel that decisions are already made before they walk into a public meeting. Unfortunately, this has happened too often over the past term of Council, particularly on major planning and development matters. I have watched the frustration grow in Council chambers over the past four years and have witnessed an environment that feels more combative than collaborative. This cannot continue. 

Transparency is more than a slogan. Residents deserve to understand not only what decisions are being made, but how and why they are being made. 

Public consultation should not be treated as a checkbox after decisions are effectively finalized. 

Communication needs to be clear, timely and effective. 

As Mayor, I will focus on restoring trust between residents and Town Hall by improving communication, strengthening accountability and ensuring residents are engaged earlier and more meaningfully in the decision-making process. 

That means creating more accessible opportunities for public participation across all areas of Caledon, improving access to information and ensuring residents have the opportunity to provide input before major planning and policy decisions move forward. 

I will encourage a culture of service excellence with Town Staff. This past term of council has seen staff disruption, turnover and a significant loss of institutional knowledge. We need to rebuild trust that staff are working with all of the Council and the community. 

I also believe every member of Council should have the opportunity to participate fully and openly in discussions that impact residents and the future of our municipality. Strong communities are built when people feel heard, respected and included in the process. 

Residents deserve a Town Hall that listens, communicates openly and puts the public interest first. That is the culture I will work to restore as Mayor. 

21. In situations where the province is demonstrably acting against the best interests of residents of Caledon, will you speak up to the Premier and relevant Ministers on our behalf? 

Absolutely. Good relationships with other levels of government matter but representing residents comes first. When decisions negatively impact our communities, environment or quality of life in Caledon, I will speak up respectfully, firmly and without hesitation. 

In my time representing Caledon as a Regional Councillor, I have served on the Board of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), where I worked to ensure rural communities have a strong and respected voice at Queen’s Park. Through annual AMO and ROMA conferences and provincial delegations, I have consistently advocated for infrastructure funding, transportation improvements, environmental protections, and stronger municipal authority to address illegal land use and truck traffic impacting Caledon residents. 

22. What is your long-term vision for Caledon as growth pressures continue?

My long-term vision is for Caledon to remain a strong, connected and well-planned municipality where growth is managed responsibly and residents remain at the centre of decision-making. 

Caledon is unique because we are made up of many different communities, villages and neighbourhoods, each with its own identity, priorities and needs. From our rural areas and agricultural lands to our growing urban communities, residents want the same thing with safe communities, reliable infrastructure, good services and a high quality of life. 

Over the past several years, many residents have felt growth decisions were moving too quickly while infrastructure and services struggled to keep pace. I believe Caledon needs a different approach - one that focuses on responsible growth management and building complete communities where people can live, work and thrive. 

Protect what we have. Build what we need. 

That means ensuring growth is aligned with roads, transportation, parks, recreation facilities, emergency and fire services and the infrastructure residents rely on every day. It also means working with residents, businesses, developers and other levels of government to build complete and sustainable communities while continuing to advocate for provincial and federal infrastructure funding to help reduce pressure on the municipal tax base. 

Growth must pay for growth wherever possible. Existing taxpayers should not be left carrying the financial burden for infrastructure required to support new development. As Mayor, I will continue advocating for responsible development agreements and funding strategies that help minimize the impact on current residents while ensuring communities receive the infrastructure and services they need. 

At the same time, we must protect Caledon’s environment, groundwater, farmland and natural heritage while preserving the character and quality of life that make this municipality special. 

As Mayor, my responsibility will be to ensure decisions are made in the long-term best interests of residents, not based on short-term pressures or outside interests. We only get one chance to shape the future of Caledon, and I believe that future must be planned thoughtfully, responsibly and with residents at the centre of every decision.

23. Do you believe the number of Integrity Commissioner complaints filed by staff and members of Council against fellow members of Council during the last term reflects a healthy and professional working environment at Town Hall? Why or why not? 

Between 2018 and 2022, there were zero sustained Integrity Commissioner (IC) investigation reports resulting in findings of a Code of Conduct breach submitted to the Town of Caledon Council. 

Although complaints were made, the annual reports confirm that no formal investigations were deemed necessary or completed for submission to council during this specific time frame. During the current term of Council, there were at least 11 formal Integrity Commissioner (IC) investigation reports in the Town of Caledon. 

This is indicative of a leadership problem. 

Although some of the complaints were specific to political interference in staff decisions, in my opinion some appeared to be targeted and politically motivated rather than focused on serving residents.The Integrity Commissioner plays an important role in ensuring accountability and ethical conduct, but that process should be a last resort - not part of everyday political conflict at Town Hall. When Council becomes consumed by complaints, division and internal disputes, it distracts from the important work residents elected us to do. 

Residents expect professionalism, respect and leadership from their elected officials. They want the Council focused on infrastructure, growth, public safety and protecting communities - not constant conflict and dysfunction. 

As Mayor, I would work to restore a more respectful and collaborative working environment where differences of opinion are handled through open communication, professionalism and leadership, not ongoing political division and conflict. 

24. Why should residents trust you to lead Caledon through the next term of Council? 

I care about the community that I have called home for over 30 years; where my family was born and raised. 

Caledon deserves a mayor who understands the community and is committed to ensuring the path for growth is in the best interest of the residents who live here, not the developers who will profit from poorly planned development. 

I believe in a future that builds on our past, enhances our community and ensures that Caledon is an even better place to live, work and play. 

Residents deserve a Mayor with the experience, leadership skills and relationships needed to navigate Caledon’s next chapter. But just as importantly they deserve a Mayor they can trust, who has integrity and believes in what is best for the people they serve. 

I have served this community for eight years; first as Area Councillor for Ward 2 and now as Regional Councillor representing Wards 1, 2 and 3. Over two terms on Council, I have seen what works, what doesn’t, and how important collaboration is to achieve results. 

Before entering municipal politics, I spent more than 30 years in the retail pharmacy industry, holding senior executive leadership positions where I learned how to manage complex organizations, build strong teams, solve problems and deliver results. 

Over the past two terms, I have served on numerous municipal, regional and community boards and committees, including ROMA, Credit Valley Conservation, the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance, Peel Region committees, Caledon Community Services and the Caledon Public Library Board. These roles have given me a broad understanding of the issues facing Caledon today and the opportunities ahead. 

Caledon needs a Mayor who can work effectively with Council, staff, community organizations and other levels of government while keeping Caledon’s long-term interests front and centre. I have the experience, relationships and leadership skills to do exactly that. 

25. What conflict of interest do you have, if any, that will prevent you from voting on things brought before Council and prevent you from representing your constituents? 

Like every member of Council, I follow the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and declare conflicts where required. My responsibility is to act with integrity and put residents first in every decision I make. 

26. How long have you been a resident of Caledon? 

I have proudly called Caledon home for more than 30 years. 

My husband and I chose to build our lives here and raise our family here. 

Our two daughters attended Caledon’s public schools from preschool through secondary and represent the fifth generation of our family’s connection to this community. 

Having lived in Caledon for more than three decades, I have experienced firsthand the opportunities and challenges that have shaped our community. I have watched our villages grow and our rural areas evolve. I have also personally observed the increased pressures that our residents have faced. Those experiences have given me a deep understanding of what makes Caledon unique and why so many people are passionate about protecting its character. 

During the 30 years that I have lived in Caledon, I watched the growth to the south of us and witnessed the strain that intense housing development, road construction and infrastructure pressure can place on a community when growth moves too fast and without enough regard for the people who live there. 

This is NOT the future our residents deserve or want. 

We need thoughtful growth, not rushed growth.

We need complete communities that include services and infrastructure like parks, recreation and fire stations that support our resident’s quality of life. 

We need planning that protects our rural character and the communities that we have built together over several generations.

Caledon must grow in a way that respects residents and keeps our hometown livable for the next generations who will choose to call this town their home. 

We have the chance to do this right, and I intend to make sure that we do. 

If we do not stand up for responsible growth, we may one day regret the decisions that we allowed others to make for us. 

Caledon is not simply where I live - it is who I am. 

It is the place where I have built my life, raised my family, volunteered in my community and served residents on Council for two consecutive terms. 

My commitment to Caledon is rooted in decades of lived experience and a genuine love for this community.

Christina Early

Candidate for Mayor of Caledon

�� christina@early4caledon.ca

�� early4caledon.ca

�� 905-867-1565

Instagram and Facebook: @early4caledon

Election Day is October 26th!

A vote for Early is a vote for Caledon.