Mississauga taxpayers could see an increase in up to $84 million in savings if Mississauga separates from the Peel Region, an independent financial analysis by Ernst & Young has found.

The analysis, released Wednesday, commissioned by the Peel Region, examined financial impacts of three scenarios — amalgamating Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga; maintaining the status quo; and, Mississauga becoming a single city.

“The newly released independent financial analysis … confirms what Mississauga has known for 45 years: our taxpayers have not been getting a fair deal and have been carrying the financial burden at the Region of Peel for far too long,” Mayor of Mississauga, Bonnie Crombie said.

Crombie, who has been pushing for Mississauga’s separation from Peel Region, added that it comes as “no surprise” that other municipalities in the Region want to maintain the status quo because they are “benefiting at Mississauga’s expense.”

Numbers aside, Crombie says Mississauga has a unique identity and priorities that cannot be advanced if the city continues to be a part of the region.

“This is the first comprehensive and indisputable analysis conducted on governance in the Region of Peel and helps answer many of the questions asked by residents and Council over the last few months,” she added.

This is the second analysis commissioned by the Peel Region and cost the regional government $600,000.

The first analysis was conducted by Deloitte, another worldwide professional services firm. It concluded keeping the region united would be the cheapest option for taxpayers across the region, while breaking it apart would be the most costly, at least in the short term.

Crombie said at the time the Deloitte analysis was “flawed” and could not be relied upon for decision-making.

Maryam Mirza is a reporter with the Mississauga News and Brampton Guardian. Reach her via email: mmirza@metroland.com

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