Caledon council candidates are proposing more housing options for young people, families and seniors, with several arguing that affordability also depends on transportation costs and funding the services needed for growth.
In responses published by the Caledon Citizen ahead of the 2026 municipal election, candidates outlined approaches ranging from secondary suites and smaller homes to rental housing, development incentives and partnerships with other governments.
Keri Parfitt proposed smaller-scale options for Ward 1, including additional residential units, garden suites and potentially tiny-home communities. She said groundwater and infrastructure constraints must be respected, and called for funding and a suitable site for an affordable seniors’ community.
Paul Parete favoured secondary suites, garden suites and additional residential units in Ward 4, while keeping development within designated urban boundaries. He proposed working with Peel Housing Corporation and regional housing services, and seeking federal housing and provincial infrastructure funding.
Kate Hepworth urged closer scrutiny of developers’ designs to ensure homes meet residents’ needs. She suggested small lots and simple layouts, questioned whether condominium fees undermine affordability, and advocated co-operation on roads where development borders another municipality.
Tom Sweeney called for provincial changes allowing municipalities to require more affordable homes from developers. He also supported continued promotion of Caledon’s Additional Residential Unit program.
Yogi Chahal supported housing growth in suitable locations, with roads, schools, parks and water infrastructure keeping pace. He proposed reducing unnecessary development costs and delays without weakening planning, while seeking provincial and federal funding.
Hunar Kahlon backed secondary suites, additional residential units, purpose-built rentals, seniors’ housing and suitable use of underused properties. He said growth should reflect infrastructure capacity while protecting farmland and natural areas.
Rakesh Madhok emphasized keeping homes affordable over the long term. He supported streamlined approvals, government partnerships and protection of existing affordable and community housing against deterioration or loss through redevelopment.
Stan Cameron proposed townhomes, smaller homes, apartments and secondary suites within approved developments. He said governments setting growth targets should help pay for infrastructure rather than leave existing Caledon taxpayers with an unfair burden.
Doug Maskell pointed to his provincial advocacy and funding received by Caledon. He said development charges for special-care and special-needs units were reduced by 32 per cent following his request during the 2024 bylaw process, and pledged continued government partnerships.
Cheryl Connors argued that housing costs must be considered alongside the expense of owning a car. She supported homes near services and transit funding. Heather French also linked transportation to affordability, proposing smaller homes, rentals, secondary suites and accessible seniors’ housing.
Diana Mollicone supported a wider mix of housing, smaller ownership units and seniors’ housing in serviced urban areas to reduce car dependence. She also proposed municipal incentives tied to developers’ affordability commitments.
The Citizen reported that Jeffrey Halsall, Aanya Shahi, Jagraj Sekhon, Pat Fortini, John Muir and Anthony Caputo did not respond by its deadline.
