Now that the province has officially tabled legislation to start the dissolution of Peel Region, the Mayors of the three municipalities are weighing in.

Mississauga’s Bonnie Crombie and Brampton’s Patrick Brown believe their taxpayers have funded growth and infrastructure in the other municipality leading to possible disputes over financing Peel’s separation.

“Initial estimates we have from consultants the city’s worked with to replace the water treatment in Brampton, and the waste water facility would be $1 billion and $3 billion respectively, so that’s $4 billion and we’d expect a cost contribution from Mississauga like we did for the facilities in Mississauga and it’ll be significantly north of a billion,” said Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown.

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie says while her relationship with Brown will remain professional over the next 19-months, she has a different view on who owes what.

“I’ve only asked for fairness and equity in this process and I ask that our tax dollars continue to be invested in our city for our growth, infrastructure, our programs and services and I will only expect, and I know the Minister does as well, that this same fairness and equity be the principles that move us going forward,” said Crombie.

Caledon Mayor Annette Groves says dissolution is not something her town wanted before making a joke using the analogy of being the child in a break-up.

“I don’t have any issues here in making sure that Caledon’s residents will be well served through this divorce, I had a great divorce, I didn’t even use a lawyer, and my ex husband comes in and lets my dog out and takes out the garbage, so what more can you ask for, so I think this is the kind of divorce we’re going to have here in Peel Region.”

Asked about possible hikes to property tax in Mississauga, Brampton and Mississauga , Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark does not rule it out saying his focus is on preserving delivery of front-line services.

If the legislation is passed, Peel would cease to exist January 1st 2025.