Regional Council – Wards 7 & 8

A primary role of the Regional Councillor is to support the vision of the City/Region, support the agreed to Council priorities while representing the interests of local Ward constituents. Being a Regional Councillor requires tact, diplomacy, leadership and negotiation skills.  

It also requires balance. On one hand, Regional Councillors are elected by theirconstituents to represent their views when dealing with issues that come before council. Your constituents have many views and opinions, and you cannot represent all of them, all of the time. 

On the other hand, election to office requires a broader understanding of the issues that impact the municipality/region as a whole. Conflicting interests have to be considered and decisions have to be made that will not be popular with everyone. Generally, evidence-based decisions are made by taking into account all available information in a transparent process. Balancing regional, municipal and constituent priorities is critical in achieving One Planet Living. 

Culture and Community

Climate change represents a significant threat that can only be addressed through collective action. When it comes to environmental issues, we truly are all in this together. Council can impact residents’ opinions about  the importance of environmental sustainability by relating them to different cultures and backgrounds and  providing concrete actions we all can take that will give them hope as we collectively deal with the climate crisis.

Question: How well do you understand and support the City’s 2040 vision document?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
I’m intimately familiar and support it
I’ve read it. It is a good aspirational goalX
I know about it and don’t have strong opinions either way
I think it is time for a new vision for the City
I’m not familiar with it but would like to learn more
I don’t think Vision 2040 is a priority for Council

Question: If elected what would be your top three priorities to help the City maintain focus on achieving the 2040 Vision?

Michael DancyI’d keep Tristan Costa and Andrew McNeill close by to help direct City Council. They worked on Brampton 2040 and we spend many walks through the city talking about it.
Ripudaman Dhillon
Pat Fortini
Farooq Ishaq
Matthew Johnson
Gurinder Sehgal
Cynthia Pragash

Land & Nature

Efficient use of land is one of the most important ways that municipalities can protect and restore land for the benefit of people and wildlife. Higher building densities means more land can be preserved for nature protection and recreational activities. Higher density also provides larger tax revenues per hectare and reduces the per unit costs associated with infrastructure, servicing and maintenance. 

Question: How important is it to maintain Peel Region’s pre-2022 settlement boundary until at least 2050 to encourage infill development?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
Very importantX
Somewhat important
Neutral importance
Somewhat unimportant
Not at all important

Question: How important is it to change zoning to encourage medium density, mixed-use development projects both in new and existing subdivisions to create complete communities that support small retail, transit and active transportation.

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
Very importantX
Somewhat important
Neutral importance
Somewhat unimportant
Not at all important

Question: How do you think Brampton should grow as a City? How would you prioritize the following types of development?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
Single-family homesRank 6
Rental/Condo TowersRank 4
TownhousesRank 3
Mixed use subdivisionRank 1
Social/affordable housingRank 2
Mid-rise medium density housingRank 5

Question: How important is it to reduce environmental racism and classism by removing zoning and other obstacles that tend to limit less-expensive housing forms to noisier, more polluted places, or that make it illegal, impractical or too expensive in many neighborhoods to build non-profit, affordable, supportive and other ‘social’ housing.

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
Very important
Somewhat important
Neutral importanceX
Somewhat unimportant
Not at all important

Question: What is the ideal amount of greenspace (hectares per 1,000 persons) that Brampton should aspire to?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
.9
1.2X
5.7
8.0

Question: Do you support the current Heritage Heights Plan including the Boulevard option?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
YesX
No
Other

Question: Do you support the current Grow Green Master Plan?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
YesX
No
Other

Question: Do you support the current Urban Forest Management Plan?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
YesX
No
Other

Question: Do you support the continuation of trail building in Claireville Conservation Area?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
YesX
No
Other

Question: Parks in Brampton play an important role in protecting habitat, reducing climate impacts, reducing stormwater runoff and helping people to preserve mental and physical health by connecting to nearby nature. Will you ensure that the parks department has the budget they need to maintain and help improve the quality of parks and related programming in the city of Brampton? 

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
YesX
No
Other

Travel and Transport

A 2018 energy audit reports that 60% of the City’s carbon emissions is from transportation with over 80% of that coming from personal automobiles. A 2013 TDM study indicates that the Region cannot build sufficient road space to accommodate the growth in car traffic by 2040 if current mode share patterns persist.

Question: Do you support the current Active Transportation Master Plan?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
YesX
No
Other

Question: Do you support extending the Hurontario LRT to the Brampton downtown GO station and points further north?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
Yes
No
OtherIf this is an option, then yes. But that is not a single person decision.

Question: Do you support the expansion of Zum BRT lines in the City?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
YesX
No
Other

Question: Would you continue with the six lane moratorium on Brampton roads to maintain accessibility?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
Yes
No
Other6 lanes is more than enough. I’d like to see a dedicated bus lane on busy transit lines.

Question: What other approaches would you support to reduce traffic congestion in the city and improve accessibility and road safety especially for vulnerable road users?

Michael DancyI would like to see sidewalks widened so that they could be used as bike lanes or for other non-motorized transportation options.. I would push for more trails through green space to create faster routes for non-motorized commuters. Ideally, I would promote more ride-sharing within the city and allow HOV vehicles to share the dedicated bus lanes.
Ripudaman Dhillon
Pat Fortini
Farooq Ishaq
Matthew Johnson
Gurinder Sehgal
Cynthia Pragash

Heath & Happiness

The physical health of our community has been in decline in recent decades due in large part to sedentary lifestyles. Mental health is also affected by people not feeling a sense of connectedness to their community. These problems are particularly acute in youth and young adults.

Complete communities that are walkable, bikeable and have links to public transit tend to have much higher rates of physical activity than communities that are considered to be “car-centric”. Higher rates of physical activity also contributes to better mental health outcomes.

Question: How important is it for Brampton to prioritize building complete communities where the majority of amenities are within a 15 minute walk?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
Very importantX
Somewhat important
Neutral importance
Somewhat unimportant
Not at all important

Question: If elected, what would you do to encourage the development of complete communities and to retrofit existing neighbourhoods to become less car-oriented?

Michael DancyI would start by widening sidewalks to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians. I would discuss appropriating small amounts of property to create laneways between neighbourhoods or have them built into the planning stage with new developments. I would like to see free transit on the weekends to encourage people to leave the car at home and get out more to explore the city.
Ripudaman Dhillon
Pat Fortini
Farooq Ishaq
Matthew Johnson
Gurinder Sehgal
Cynthia Pragash

Question: Brampton has a growing rat problem. At present the region pays 250.00 for residents to hire an exterminator to “get rid of the rats”. This has proven to be temporary and ineffective. What measures do you propose to address this urban problem that will restore eco-system balance with rat/natural predator populations?

Michael DancyStart with having a media blitz to tell residents why this is happening. Then consult with the Ministry of Natural Resources and city wildlife staff to get their input. I am not a biologist but I would be more than open to having conversations with those who are more knowledgeable than myself.
Ripudaman Dhillon
Pat Fortini
Farooq Ishaq
Matthew Johnson
Gurinder Sehgal
Cynthia Pragash

Zero Carbon Energy

Mitigating the climate change risk means reducing fossil fuel consumption as quickly as practicable. City  infrastructure consumes a lot of energy and cities can be amongst the leaders in implementing energy conservation and fuel switching programs.

Question: In 2022, Brampton Council approved the CCET, Centre for Community Energy Transformation, a not-for-profit corporation to help Brampton implement its Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan and Peel Region meet its carbon emissions reductions targets. The City provides partial funding. Would you continue to support the CCET if elected?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
Yes
No
OtherYes. Though I would also like to see new developments meet LEED certifications. This would also require more outside consultation.

Question: In September 2020 Brampton Council endorsed the Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan (CEERP) to, improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create economic advantage, ensure energy security, and increase Brampton’s resilience to climate change.  Would you support the continued implementation of the CEERP and the achievement of its GHG reduction targets?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
YesX
No
Other

Question: Will you support the phase-out of gas-powered electricity in Ontario, ask the province to supply renewable energy to municipalities, and oppose the re-contracting of the Goreway gas-fired power plant, the largest greenhouse gas emitter in Brampton and the third largest emitter of nitrogen oxides? 

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
Yes
No
OtherNo. But I would certainly take into account any other options that are available. Ontario is hydro dependent and if we want electric buses and electric cars, we need power.

Sustainable Water 

Brampton has parts of three watersheds within its boundaries including the Credit and Humber Rivers as well as the Etobicoke Creek. These watersheds provide significant eco-system services including temperature moderation, storm-water management and recreational opportunities. The City is responsible for co-managing these resources with the Conservation Authorities.

Question: Water quality in our watersheds has been declining in recent decades due to pressures of development including, low levels of natural cover as well as  increased imperviable land cover causing sediment, road salt and other toxic runoff.  How important is it that watershed water quality be maintained or improved even if it means altering development plans adjacent to or near watershed areas?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
Very importantX
Somewhat important
Neutral importance
Somewhat unimportant
Not at all important

Equity & the Local Economy, Materials & Products, Zero Waste: 

If everybody lived the way that North Americans do, it would take five planet’s worth of resources. We have only one planet. We must use resources more efficiently if we are to sustain our living standards and allow others to improve their lot. Cities consume significant materials and products. How they are procured and used can have a big impact on the City’s local economy as well as on its sustainability.

Question: How important is it for the city’s procurement process to favour local manufacturers, fair trade or ethically sourced products, and encouraging the circular economy? 

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
Very important
Somewhat importantX
Neutral importance
Somewhat unimportant
Not at all important

Question: How important is it for the City to encourage residents’ waste reduction practices by installing waste separation bins in all city facilities and parks, to work with the Region on waste reduction education and to work with Brampton library on materials repair and reuse, (Repair Cafe)?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
Very important
Somewhat importantX
Neutral importance
Somewhat unimportant
Not at all important

Question: What other things would you support to reduce waste and support equity in the local economy?

Michael DancyMy social accounts are “RecycleMikey” – you should look me up. I’m in the e-waste business. My entire life revolves around recycling and waste reduction. There isn’t enough space here to discuss my plans. Education is the first step. I would work with local industry to see how much waste they produce and if we can build an economy around their waste. I have plans for community gardens where we use local food waste as compost. I’d like to see stronger contracts for our waste products through Peel region. We should be getting paid more for metal and wood recycling material.
Ripudaman Dhillon
Pat Fortini
Farooq Ishaq
Matthew Johnson
Gurinder Sehgal
Cynthia Pragash

Local and Sustainable Food

Ontario is a net food importer, importing annually about $10 billion more than it exports, (ERL et al., 2014). Local food security is threatened by loss of farmland due to development and increased cost of imported food due to political uncertainty and climate change. 

Question: How important is it for Brampton to have a food security strategy and a plan to provide more locally grown food through projects like urban agriculture and agricultural land reserves?

ResponsesMichael DancyRipudaman DhillonPat FortiniFarooq IshaqMatthew JohnsonGurinder SehgalCynthia Pragash
Very importantX
Somewhat important
Neutral importance
Somewhat unimportant
Not at all important
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