On June 26, Region of Peel Council approved and launched the Homeless Encampment Policy and Joint Protocols, the first of its kind in Ontario, and a major step forward in how Brampton and its regional partners respond to homelessness and encampments with compassion, consistency and collaboration. This milestone builds on the advocacy of Mayor Patrick Brown, Regional Councillor Rowena Santos and members of Brampton City Council, who have consistently called for funding and a more unified, balanced approach to encampment response.
“Responding to homelessness requires compassion, understanding and a balanced approach that treats people with dignity. It is growing and complex issue that cannot be solved in silos. This policy is about supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community, while ensuring community spaces remain safe for all. We will continue to work with all partners, and advocate for the sustained support from other levels of government that is critical to long-term success.” – Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5; Chair, Community Services Section, City of Brampton
The Homeless Encampment Policy and Joint Protocols is the first of its kind in the province and outlines a coordinated response among the Region of Peel, City of Brampton, City of Mississauga and Town of Caledon, along with community partners and first responders, prioritizing the health, safety and dignity of individuals experiencing homelessness, while balancing public health and safety and community needs.
Key highlights of the Homeless Encampment Policy and Joint Protocols include:
- A balanced response connecting individuals to housing, health services and social supports.
- Clear operational protocols supporting a consistent approach across municipalities and emergency services.
- Establishing ‘no encampment zones’ in unsafe areas where removal and enforcement can be expedited because of significant health and safety concerns that cannot be mitigated.
As a next step, the City of Brampton will continue to play a key role in the implementation of the policy and protocols, working closely with its internal Encampment Response Team, including Brampton’s Community Safety and Well-being Office, Fire and Emergency Services, Animal Services, Enforcement and By-law Services, Service Brampton, Security Services and Parks Maintenance and Forestry, as well as external partners such as Peel Outreach and Peel Regional Police.
The City of Brampton has been a vocal proponent of coordinated, well-resourced efforts to address homelessness, recognizing that no single municipality can solve this complex issue alone. Brampton brought forward a motion urging the Region of Peel to reimburse local municipalities for the significant costs incurred in responding to encampments in 2024 and 2025, and to formally request a financial commitment to support the implementation of the Peel Homeless Encampment Policy and Joint Protocols beginning in 2026. In 2024, the City of Brampton spent approximately $1.15 million responding to encampments. This year, the City budgeted $550,000 for the necessary resources and tools to respond to increasing number of encampments at the municipal level. The motion was passed at the Regional Council meeting on June 26 and Brampton looks forward to receiving the funding resources needed to respond to encampments with compassion while balancing the health and safety of public spaces.
The City of Brampton, along with the Region of Peel, Town of Caledon and City of Mississauga, continues to call on federal and provincial partners to expand access to affordable housing, mental health care and wraparound services to support those experiencing homelessness.
How to report an encampment in Brampton
If you see an encampment in Brampton, report it by submitting a Service Request using one of the following channels:
- Visit 311brampton.ca
- Download the Brampton 311 mobile app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
Reporting encampments helps connect individuals with services and supports in a compassionate way, while maintaining the health and safety of shared community spaces.
Links
- To learn more about encampments in Brampton, visit brampton.ca/encampments.
- For questions about the City of Brampton’s response, email encampments@brampton.ca
- For more information about the Region of Peel’s Homeless Encampment Policy and Joint Protocols, resources and information, visit the Region’s website.
Media Contact: rowena.santos@brampton.ca
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