Caledon quickly approved 11 zoning changes despite opposition from Peel and the province. Critics say it’s the new ‘wild west’ of planning in Ontario

With just one vote, Caledon’s mayor and council approved 11 developments with open-ended zoning — including some that will double the town’s housing stock in the next 20 years and cut through sensitive Greenbelt lands — despite widespread criticism from residents, the region of Peel and even the province, who all expressed concerns about the rushed process and the feasibility of the developments.

Last Tuesday’s vote also raised fears among critics and experts who say the Ford government’s overhaul of the provincial planning process has created a “Wild West” system, where developments can be approved with little oversight or study, and without a development application to inform residents of what will be built right next door.