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<\/p>\nA familiar face is returning to Brampton City Council \u2014 but only for the final few weeks of the current term.<\/p>\n
Former Regional Councillor Gael Miles has been appointed to represent Wards 7 and 8, filling the vacancy created by Pat Fortini\u2019s resignation.<\/p>\n
And while Miles is returning to the council chamber, she won\u2019t be running to keep the seat.<\/p>\n
City council appointed Miles at a special meeting Monday, Aug. 31. She will serve until the current term ends on Nov. 14, just weeks after Brampton voters go to the polls for the Oct. 26 municipal election.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is an honour to return to Brampton City Council and once again serve the residents of Wards 7 and 8,\u201d Miles said following her appointment. \u201cThis community has always been very important to me, and I am ready to get to work.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Gael Miles<\/p>\n
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Miles is hardly a newcomer to Brampton politics.<\/p>\n
She first won a seat on Brampton City Council in 1988 and became a Regional Councillor for Wards 7 and 8 in 1991. She remained on council for three decades before retiring from municipal politics in 2018.<\/p>\n
During her years in office, community safety, health and neighbourhood development were among her priorities.<\/p>\n
Last 30 Days: 35,845 Votes<\/p>\n
All Time: 1,497,521 Votes<\/p>\n
414 VOTES
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She was involved in the creation of Neighbourhood Watch and other community safety initiatives and played a role in Brampton\u2019s efforts to earn recognition as a Safe City.<\/p>\n
One of her most significant legacies was Wellspring Chinguacousy, a cancer support centre that provides free programs and services to people and families affected by cancer.<\/p>\n
Miles\u2019 return to council comes after Fortini stepped down from his seat on Aug. 25.<\/p>\n
Fortini had represented Wards 7 and 8 since first being elected in 2014 and was re-elected in 2018 and 2022.<\/p>\n
He resigned after deciding to seek a political future in Caledon, where he is running for Town Council in Ward 4. Fortini told INsauga.com that he is moving his primary residence to Caledon and did not believe it was appropriate to remain a Brampton councillor while making that move.<\/p>\n
His departure left Brampton with a council vacancy just as the municipal election campaign was getting underway.<\/p>\n
The timing of Miles\u2019 appointment means she will spend roughly 10 weeks back on council before the current term officially ends.<\/p>\n
She will also be paid for her time in office.<\/p>\n
Brampton\u2019s 2025 remuneration statement shows Regional Councillors received $99,217 in annual salary, with additional benefits. Based on that salary rate, Miles\u2019 pay for the roughly 10-week appointment would be in the neighbourhood of $20,000, although the actual amount could vary depending on the city\u2019s 2026 compensation rate and how the appointment is prorated.<\/p>\n
The appointment also means Wards 7 and 8 will have an experienced hand representing them during the final weeks of the term.<\/p>\n
\u201cGael Miles brings a deep understanding of Wards 7 and 8 and a long history of serving the Brampton community,\u201d Councillor Rod Power said. \u201cHer experience will be valuable as we work together to support residents, address local priorities and continue delivering for the community through the remainder of the term.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mayor Patrick Brown similarly pointed to Miles\u2019 long history in Brampton politics.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnsuring Wards 7 and 8 continue to have a strong voice at the Council table is important as we complete the work of this term,\u201d Brown said.<\/p>\n
Miles said she intends to focus on representing residents rather than looking beyond the short-term appointment.<\/p>\n
\u201cStrong representation at both the City and Region of Peel is important to advancing the priorities that matter to Brampton residents,\u201d she said. \u201cMy focus will be on listening to residents, working collaboratively with Council and ensuring Wards 7 and 8 continue to be well served through the remainder of the term.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 2026 municipal election is scheduled for Oct. 26.<\/p>\n
Miles, however, will not be on the ballot.<\/p>\n
Instead, she will return to the council chamber for one final stretch nearly a decade after retiring from a political career that lasted 30 years.<\/p>\n
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