Addressing housing affordability and homelessness requires all orders of government working together, with municipalities on the front lines of this urgent challenge. That is why together with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), I support the Federal government’s Build Canada Homes initiative, bringing strong federal leadership, as part of a united national approach to housing. More specifically, I commend the federal government for the inclusion of supportive and transitional housing for Canadians experiencing homelessness as I have advocated for this at various tables over the years.
As Brampton’s representative on the FCM Board of Directors and Chair of FCM’s Finance, Infrastructure, and Transportation (FIT) Committee, I have seen firsthand how effective collaboration can unlock solutions. Municipalities like ours understand the realities on the ground, and we know what works: stable housing options with wraparound supports.
Here in Brampton, the issues are real and pressing. From encampments to the challenges surrounding Regeneration Outreach in downtown Brampton, it is clear we need a more sustainable, modern approach. That is why I have been advocating nonstop for solutions that match today’s needs, not yesterday’s remedies.
Including modular innovations, supportive and transitional housing in the Build Canada Homes initiative opens the doors to new solutions. One promising concept for the Region of Peel to consider is a modular housing model, supported in part by provincial funding. Unlike traditional models, modular housing has the potential to deliver stable homes more quickly, while integrating wraparound services that go beyond the capacity of any single outreach agency. These services, such as housing supports, health care, and addiction recovery, address root causes, not just symptoms. Exploring comprehensive approaches like this could help Brampton make real progress in tackling our issues, especially around the downtown core.
Our efforts at the local level are directly connected to the national discussions happening at FCM. In the coming weeks, I will be working with colleagues at the FIT Committee, the FCM Board meeting, and during federal advocacy days to ensure Brampton’s voice is heard in Ottawa. We will be pressing for policies and funding that empower cities like ours to expand modular housing, strengthen wraparound supports, and ensure vulnerable residents are not left behind.
Brampton is a compassionate, fast-growing city. We are committed to supporting those in need while keeping our neighbourhoods safe and thriving. However, municipalities cannot do it alone; we need strong partners at the federal and provincial levels in order to deliver housing models that work for everyone.
That is why I am committed to ensure Brampton is at the forefront of these innovative, community-minded solutions that make certain every resident has a safe place to call home. I look forward to working with the Federal government in their next steps with the Build Canada Homes initiative.
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