BRAMPTON, ON (June 20, 2025) – It is with sadness that we learned of the passing of former Peel Regional Chair Emil Kolb on June 18. We join the residents of Peel, staff, community partners and members of Council in remembrance of a man whose vision and determination helped build Peel Region into the thriving, growing community for life that it is today.
Emil Kolb began his 49-year political career in 1965 when he was nominated to serve on the Albion Township Planning Board. He held many positions during his half-century in municipal government, including 11 years as a Town of Caledon Councillor, 22 years as Chair of the Police Services Board (the longest serving Chair in history), eight years as Peel Public Works Chair, Vice Chair and Chair of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Board, six years as Mayor of Caledon, 40 years as a Regional Councillor (both he and Hazel McCallion served from the formation of Peel Regional Council in 1974 until their retirement in 2014) and as Peel Regional Chair for 23 years.
In his role as Regional Chair, Kolb was challenged to take on some of Peel’s foundational mandates such as establishing Peel’s relationship with Provincial government, dealing with rising social services costs and waste management issues. Kolb’s calm and approachable manner became the uniting force of Peel Region.
Under his leadership, Peel became debt-free and then built up its reserves to roughly $1.9 billion at his retirement in 2014. Peel reached its first AAA credit rating under Kolb’s stewardship.
Hazel McCallion, who retired as Mississauga’s mayor the same year as Kolb, praised Kolb’s leadership at his retirement, saying “if you want a job done, and you want it done in a very efficient and effective way, call a farmer.”
A farmer throughout his life, Kolb insisted on doing a few chores on his family farm every morning before heading into his city job. Known for his down-to-earth, authentic manner, Kolb made a point to have his number listed so residents could get in touch any time.
True to his rural roots and small-town values, Emil hosted an annual Hootenanny, coined the anti-gala event of the year. Guests donned jeans, cowboy boots and hats and raised over $2 million dollars for children’s charities and initiatives in Peel. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2012, recognizing his dedication and long service to the community.
Always an advocate for public service, his advice for those who followed him was: “Always stand tall, tell the truth and always take the heat when it’s necessary to take it.”
Details of a public memorial service will be announced at a later date.
In commemoration of Emil Kolb’s life and vast contributions to Peel, Peel’s flag will be lowered at all Regional buildings until sunset on the day of the funeral.
Quotations
“Emil will be remembered not only for his outstanding contributions to Peel, but for his genuine nature and hard-working character. Our thoughts are with Emil’s loved ones as we collectively remember the life and legacy of a public servant beyond compare.”
Nando Iannicca, Peel Regional Chair and CEO of Peel Region
“Emil’s unwavering advocacy and generous spirit touched countless lives. His life stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved through determination, compassion, and a deep commitment to others. He will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Gary Kent, Chief Administrative Officer, Peel Region
