Regional Councillor Brampton Wards 1 & 5

Mid-Term (2022-2026) Review

As we reach the halfway point of this term of city council, it’s time to reflect on what we’ve achieved and get your input for the next two years. My focus is always based on what I hear directly from you at your doorstep, on the phone, at community events, at council and through digital channels. Thank you to my council colleagues, city staff, and my team for their extraordinary work and support. Most importantly, thank you for engaging on the issues that help build a brighter future for Brampton.

Casework

Cases Handled
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When you contact my office for a specific issue or concern that needs follow-up, we open a new case and track it to closure. The cases provide us with an opportunity to proactively address issues, update our website, and work on motions and bylaws. 

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Property Standards
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Speeding / Traffic
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Parking
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By-Law
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Community Safety
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Snow Removal
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Parks/Maintenance
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Waste Mgmt
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Building/Permits
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Forestry
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Housing
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Roads/Sidewalks
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Public Works
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Recreation
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All Others
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Motions

Motions Moved
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Motions Seconded
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As a Municipal Councillor, the primary way that I get the City of Brampton to make changes on how it operates, the services it provides, and the work that is done for residents is to bring forward and vote on motions that direct the city in a certain direction. For example, each year, the major motion relates to the city’s budget and tax rate as proposed by the Mayor. Once passed, it is the responsibility of the city’s employees to adhere to the budget, collect the necessary taxes, and provide the services outlined in the budget.

I can also vote on motions presented by other Councillors, and they can vote on motions that I work on. Motions require a lot of work, community input, discussions/feedback with city employees and agreement from my council colleagues.

The motions that I have championed over the past 2 years address the casework and feedback we hear daily from residents. They also address key priorities that I shared prior to being elected as a Councillor, and issues that have been raised since. 

Major Motions Championed

The Residential Rental Licensing (RRL) Pilot Program requires landlords in Wards 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 to obtain licenses for their rental units. The program ensures compliance with laws, uphold property standards, and enforces fire code requirements through random inspections and escalating fines for repeat violations.

Recent Posts

We are ensuring our officers have the tools and resources they need to meet the needs of our growing city more effectively. We are committed to making Brampton a place where everyone feels safe, heard and supported.

Related Posts

We are improving the City of Brampton’s internal processes and coordination to better address resident concerns. My motion in October 2024 emphasizes reducing call transfers, enhancing customer service, and ensuring timely, effective issue resolution, particularly in situations requiring third-party involvement for public safety. It directs the City Manager (CAO) to develop and implement new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that streamline coordination, align processes, and improve service quality across all departments. A report will be presented to Council with a framework, timelines, and cost estimates for necessary updates to technology and systems. Regular updates on progress will be provided to Council.

Advocacy to the federal government from the Region of Peel for a comprehensive housing and homelessness plan that includes infrastructure support, funding for asylum seekers, and long-term investment in local infrastructure. Called for improved coordination with municipalities, the implementation of encampment policies, and the provision of targeted funding to address the growing homelessness crisis exacerbated by the influx of asylum seekers and the lack of federal support.

Recent Posts

While many neighbourhoods have been organically coming together, this guide and granting stream will enable our community to formally organize, engage with each other and the City, and implement local ideas. By empowering and supporting our local neighbourhoods we are creating a foundation of belonging, improving safety and enhancing our quality of life.

Recent Posts

We are in the midst of a youth mental health crisis that started prior to the pandemic and continues to negatively affect our young people today. Our city and region is chronically underfunded, receiving 50% per capita when compared to the provincial average. As a consequence, our principals, vice-principals, and teachers are the ones who have to deal with the crisis instead of trained mental health workers.The City is calling for increased mental health funding and support for youth in Brampton.

Recent Posts

In Brampton, we now have GBA+ training to inspire inclusion. We have a Women’s Empowerment Group to inspire inclusion. We have the Women’s Advisory Committee to inspire inclusion. We declared Gender Based Violence an epidemic to inspire inclusion. We have allies on Council who inspire and fight for inclusion. We have two elected strong women on Council who inspire inclusion.

Recent Posts

The city is updating the noise by-law to address excessive noise from modified vehicles and lawn maintenance equipment. The motion calls for the creation of new noise categories, limits on auto-shop activities causing excessive noise, amendments to licensing for auto-shops, and advocacy for the Province to enforce regulations related to vehicle modification and noise pollution.

Related Posts

Improving Brampton’s cricket facilities, with shade structures / dug-outs for players home and away,  a four-lane cricket batting cages at Kwality Sweets Cricket Pitch in Andew McCandless Park, an additional cricket batting cage to be installed at Save Max Sports Centre, and shade shelter sails or structures at Batsman Park, Teramoto Park, and Emancipation Park to be considered.

Related Posts

Declaration escalates this growing problem to the provincial and federal governments and demands immediate action to this crisis situation, urging them to prioritize the implementation of comprehensive measures to address gender-based violence.

Related Posts

Related Posts

Supported the 12-unit expansion of transitional housing by Armagh House into Brampton with operating funding for wrap-around supports.
Urged the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to advocate to the federal government for emergency funding to support food banks, facing unprecedented demand due to rising costs, inflation, and systemic economic barriers.

Related Posts

Regional advocacy to the Minister of Transportation to amend the Highway Traffic Act to allow municipalities to install Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras outside community safety and school zones, targeting hotspots for speeding and street racing. Also advocates for stricter penalties for speeding violations, including doubling fines, introducing escalating sanctions for repeat offenders, and implementing mandatory suspension for stunt driving convictions.

Related Posts

Our community has worked hard to address the challenges faced by international students, but more must be done. This motion is about creating real, lasting change. By enhancing the RRL program and establishing a culturally sensitive support hub, we are ensuring these students have access to safe housing and the resources they need to thrive.

Related Posts

Seniors have played a vital role in shaping our community and deserve to continue to lead healthy and active lives and age with dignity. This new free 70+ Annual Recreation Membership reflects our commitment to creating an age-friendly and accessible community. By eliminating financial obstacles, we proudly support our seniors in maintaining their well-being with free, local recreational activities.

Related Posts

Safe Public Spaces for All: Addressing Encampments

A major issue this term has been addressing the growth of our homelessness population and the growth of encampments along the Etobicoke Creek. We took the lead in Peel Region in dealing with this issue, advocating for shelter funding, providing supports and enhancing community safety and well-being.

Thank you to City of Brampton Staff, Regional of Peel Staff, community groups and residents for their co-operation and understanding as we continue to address this crisis in humane ways.

Park Enhancements

Our parks and opens spaces in Brampton bring people together and make our local neighbourhoods more vibrant. Check out some of the recent enhancements in Wards 1 & 5. Complete Map/List to be published.

  • Beatty Fleming Park – Completed
  • Northwood Park – Completed
  • Gatesgill Park – Playground Enhancement In progress – Fall 2024
  • (formerly) Whitewash Parkette – In progress – Fall 2024
  • (formerly) Native Landing Parkette – In progress – Fall 2024
  • Seaborn Park – In progress – Fall 2024
  • Tara Park – In progress – Spring 2025
  • Major William Sharpe – anticipated to be open Nov 30
  • Duggan Park – anticipated to be open Nov 25
  • Dome installation – completed
    Court surfacing and parking lot surfacing – in progress

Rosalea Park Winter Tennis Dome Nears Completion

The Rosalea Park Winter Tennis Dome in Brampton will open in late November, featuring three tennis courts for youth and offering programs through Premier Racquet Club Brampton. The project includes a newly designed parking lot, tree planting, and pathways to enhance the park’s environment. Adults and seniors will also have access to the courts during off-peak hours, supporting year-round recreation for the community.

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  • Calvert Park 
  • David Lawrence Park

(Spring 2025):

  • Lake Lousie Park
  • Homestead Park
  • Lakelands Park
  • Mahaffey Park – Complete
  • Duggan Park – Complete
  • Jennings Park in progress
  • Lornville Park – To be added
  • Valleybrook Park – Fitness Equipment in progess
  • Tara Park – Multipurpose Pad – Complete
  • Neville- Lake Park
    • Pickleball Court
    • Court Painting/Fencing – in progress
  • Pickard Park
    • Multipurpose Court Pad – Complete
    • Basketball Nets installation – on backorder
  • Lakelands – Fitness equipment
  • Mahaffy Park
    • Portable Washroom Pad – CompletE
    • Enclosure – In progress
    • Ornamental Fencing – In progress
    • Volleyball net posts – Complete
    • Rubber resurfacing – Complete
  • Allan Kerbel – Youth Cricket/ Tape ball
  • English Street Park – Tennis Court Resurfacing
  • Calvert Park – Pickleball Court
  • Lakelands – Fitness equipment

Downtown Revitalization and Riverwalk

I’ve been a strong advocate for the Riverwalk project and have worked as Board member of  the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).  We successfully advanced the long awaited Riverwalk project with the recently announced $29.8M in provincial funding (and $38.8M in federal funding announced in 2021). This project eliminates flood risks in downtown Brampton, unlocks new housing supply, and will attract significant investment. 

Economic Development

Brampton is booming and I am proud to support local businesses and help attract new business to the city as Vice-Chair of the Economic Development Committee. 

I was thrilled to represent and advocate on Brampton’s behalf in an economic development mission of Japan and the Philippines. Some Recent feedback:

“In 2016, as Canon Canada’s Country Head, I selected the site for our new Canadian Head Quarters. I was pleased to host the City of Brampton at our head quarters in Tokyo to discuss how their economy has grown and Canon’s location amongst Canada’s corporate leaders, such as Loblaw, MDA, and Medtronic.”

“In Asia, it is the relationship that matters. You can have the best product or service but without the relationship you won’t be successful. For Canadians, it couldn’t be a better time to start the relationship with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and the Philippines in 2024
“Makati City is the financial centre of the Philippines and has the highest concentration of multinational and local corporations in the country. Makati is also home to most diplomatic missions to Manila, including Canada’s.  We value international relations and the visit from the City of Brampton. We look forward to exploring further our business to business connections”.

“The Cities of Brampton and Marikina have been Sister Cities since 2005. We were proud to gather business and municipal leaders during Brampton’s visit this month to discuss our relationship and showcase businesses interested in exploring new markets with Brampton. We are excited about the next visit to keep up the momentum!”

“The Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry’s Innovation and Collaboration team is leading the development of the country’s innovation ecosystem. We are impressed with the success of Brampton’s Innovation District, and look forward to greater collaboration with the City and their partners.”
“QBO [Innovatin Hub] has created an ecosystem for Start Ups in the Philippines through collaboration. It was great to connect with the City of Brampton and  BHive during their visit, to develop a new collaboration for our Start Ups to expand into the North American market through Brampton.”
“As the Chairman of International Relations for the City Council of Manila, it was a pleasure to welcome the City of Brampton to Manila City Hall and greet them on behalf of Mayor “Honey” Lacuna-Pagan. A special visit from Regional Councillor Rowena Santos, the first Filipino elected to Brampton ‘s City Council”, on an economic development mission to launch our connections”.

Road Safety

Roads that prioritize safety and mobility for all users has been an important priority for me at City Council and Regional Council. We’ve worked closely with residents and neighbourhood groups to implement traffic calming measures across Wards 1 & 5, including speed cushions, Automated Speed Enforcement cameras in community safety zones, 

Arts & Culture

A thriving arts and culture sector in Brampton is very important to engage residents, attract visitors and provide economic opportunity. More to Come on the Brampton Arts Organization (BAO), Advance Brampton Fund, and the Brampton Arts & Culture Centre.

Advocacy Nationally

As Chair of the FCM Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation Committee at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) I proudly adovocate for the needs of municipalities across Canada, particularly Brampton.

Santos Youth Council

Mentoring and providing opportunities for our local young people to grow, learn skills and be ambassadors for our city is a major priority for me. We’ve grown from zero to 285 active youth who we can call on to help local organizations and initiatives. We hosted 7 Youth Council Events and provided 7 Guided City Hall Tours.

We also provide co-op and summer job opportunities for those that show interest, grit and a genuine desire to make a difference. Our most recent co-op and summer student, Pardwith Thapa is now a Student Trustee at the Peel District School Board.

Quick Stats on Where I Allocate My Time

Keeping You Updated

215 Articles

As a team we collectively posted 215 articles to keep you informed.

Communicating Brampton's Vision

107 Tracked Interviews

Engaging with local, regional and national media on important issues.
In the News

Supporting Local Business

30+ Businesses Profiled

We have incredible local businesses
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Hours dedicated to Council, Committees and Preparation
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Hours dedicated to community support, resident engagement, events and communication.
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Hours dedicated to community events
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Committee Work

Working on committees is the way work gets done in government.

16 Committees

Our team is kept busy ensuring your voice is heard across the city, region and country
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Youth Council Stats

285 Members Strong

We hosted 7 Youth Council Events and provided 7 Guided City Hall Tours.
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Did you know? There are 2,087 work hours in typical calendar year.

Most Read Web Post

What was the most popular post on the website? Cick to Find out.

Most Read Web Post

The Residential Rental Licensing (RRL) Program has received the most views. Check out all of the posts here:
RRL Program

Award

Woman of Influence Honouree

Municipal World

Awarded in 2023 celebrating women who have made significant contributions.
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Award

Municipal Trailblazer

Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Awarded Oct 2023
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Updated Nov 21, 2024 9:00 pm