Former Brampton mayor Peter Robertson has died.
The City of Brampton confirmed his passing in a release on Friday and current mayor Patrick Brown paid tribute to Robertson, who served as mayor between 1991 and 2000.
“On behalf of Brampton City Council and the entire community, I offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Mayor Peter Robertson. Peter was a dedicated public servant who spent decades working to make Brampton a stronger, more inclusive city. His legacy lives on in the many lives he impacted through his time in office and his long career in education. We are grateful for his service and commitment to our city,” Brown said in the release.

A photo of Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and former mayor Peter Robertson posted by Brown on X (formerly Twitter) following news of Robertson’s death on May 15.
Patrick Brown X photo“Personally, I will always be grateful for the advice Peter gave me when I started as Mayor in Brampton. He was a wealth of knowledge and insights. We are grateful for his service and lasting impact on our city,” the mayor added in a (formerly Twitter).
Robertson died early on Thursday, May 15. While no cause of death has been released, Robertson had been dealing with health issues for several years prior to his death.
In the 1970s, Robertson was a key figure in the Region of Peel’s transition from a county to a region and the amalgamation of several smaller communities into the City of Brampton everyone knows today.

Former Brampton mayor Peter Robertson has died at the age of 86. Robertson served as mayor between 1991 and 2000.
Frank Calleja/pc28Star file photoAfter serving many years as an alderman/city councillor, Robertson was appointed interim mayor in 1990 following the sudden death of then mayor Ken Whillans. He then successfully ran in the 1991 mayoral election and served three terms as mayor before losing his bid for a fourth term to former mayor Susan Fennell in 2000.
“Mayor Peter Robertson was instrumental in Brampton’s growth, Springdale and many new areas. He thoroughly understood the Planning Act and was a leader on planning and recreation,” Fennell told the Brampton Guardian.
“Peter introduced strategic planning for building a complete city for families. This was a first time for wide public consultations in prioritizing projects, which was ahead of its time for any municipality. His determination and impact with public engagement, strategic planning and keenly welcoming a multi-faith community remain visible today,” she added.

A ribbon cutting at a Tim Hortons in Brampton in March 1994. Among those pictured are Dr. Peter Cole, Peel’s medical officer of health (left), Mayor Peter Robertson (centre), Councillor Susan Fennell (right) and OLA president Cecil Jordan. They were joined by store owners Geza and Elizabeth Sebe.
Brampton Guardian/PAMARobertson remained active in the community following his exit from municipal politics. For his many efforts and contributions to the city, a street in Brampton — Peter Robertson Boulevard — carries his name.
Wards 3 and 4 Coun. Martin Medeiros also fondly remembered and paid tribute to Robertson in a social media post following the news of his death.
“I am saddened by the passing of former Brampton Mayor Peter Robertson. As a member of his youth council at the age of 17 it left a lasting impact on my view of community service,” he .
“Years later before deciding to run as a Regional Councillor, former Mayor Peter Robertson took me across the city identifying city building opportunities and challenges. I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to his very kind wife Joanne and his family,” Medeiros added.
The city said flags will be flown at half-staff at city hall on Friday in Robertson’s memory. Funeral or memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.
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