Community Development is defined in The Community Development Handbook written for Human Resources Development Canada as “the planned evolution of all aspects of community well-being (economic, social, environmental and cultural) … a process whereby community members come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems.”

At CMHA/Peel the CEO, senior management and the Board of Directors identify service gaps and look for ways to reduce or eliminate those gaps in order to serve the community better. As Handbook authors Frank and Smith state, “One of the primary challenges of community development is to balance the need for long-term solutions with the day-to-day realities that require immediate decision and short-term action.” CMHA/Peel has responded to both short and long-term needs including leading the one-time seasonal Out of the Cold program that grew into the existing homeless shelters now operating in Mississauga and Brampton. A long-term effort (2001 to 2007) was the continued involvement and leadership to help keep 211 on the agenda in Peel Region. 211 has been operating since December, 2007.

CMHA/Peel has also been involved in the development of the Mississauga East Community Health Centre, and Bramalea Community Health Centre, in addition to a report on mental health services in Malton.