– Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5
The City of Brampton has dedicated efforts over the entire year to address the unprecedented number of encampments across the city, particularly concentrated in Ward 1 along the Etobicoke Creek Trail. Local Regional Councillor Rowena Santos has worked and advocated for months to address the ongoing impact on neighbouring residents and push to re-establish safe public spaces for all, including for those who are homeless. Drawing from firsthand experience with over 25 encampments concentrated in a high-risk area, Santos has brought forward at City Council, Regional Council, Big City Mayors Caucuses, FCM and AMO, the challenges municipalities face due to inadequate resources to address this escalating problem.
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On October 18, during the Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) meeting, Regional Councillor Rowena Santos, attending on behalf of Mayor Patrick Brown, reinforced the call for urgent action from provincial and federal governments to help address the interconnected crises of homelessness, mental health, and addictions.
This advocacy builds on the Solve the Crises campaign launched by municipalities across Ontario. Brampton’s local efforts, together with municipalities across the province, have resulted in direct requests for Premier Doug Ford to enact legislative changes. These changes would equip municipalities with the provincial legislation and tools needed to ensure safe public spaces for all and provide the necessary support for those in need.
On Thursday, December 5, Premier Ford responded to the letter signed by Mayor Patrick Brown on October 31, 2024, with a commitment to implement new measures aimed at protecting communities and addressing encampments while ensuring individuals receive the support they need.
The letter outlined the province’s pledge to invest in mental health, addiction recovery, and homelessness prevention services. It also promised enhanced tools and legislative powers to equip municipalities with the ability to regulate and prohibit encampments in public spaces.
