For more than a year, City staff and Council have worked with the Region of Peel to find a long-term solution following Regeneration’s delegation to Council in 2024. An important step was taken at Council last week to move forward with an opportunity that supports the needs of the Region of Peel, in improving the vital supports for vulnerable residents, while protecting the safety, and livability of the surrounding community.
For nearly two decades, Regeneration Outreach has provided food, outreach, and social support to Brampton’s most vulnerable residents. Their contribution is deeply appreciated. However, as downtown Brampton has grown into a vibrant residential and commercial hub, the current location and service model has become unsuitable.
In recent months, residents and businesses have raised serious concerns about public safety, including reports of open drug use, overdoses, theft, vandalism, and violent incidents, leaving many in the community feeling unsafe.
As I have emphasized many times, this is not about turning our backs on people in need, it is about ensuring services are delivered safely and responsibly. Compassion and accountability must go hand in hand. This is why working with the Region of Peel to find a more comprehensive solution is imperative, as they are the main funder for many service providers in the region.
Building on the City’s earlier correspondence from July, the City Solicitor issued a follow-up letter on October 19, 2025, to Grace United Church and Regeneration Outreach, copying residents who originally raised these concerns and the Region of Peel. The letter highlights a sharp increase in 311 complaints; city security and by-law service requests and police calls linked to 156 Main Street North, and the surrounding area. These issues have worsened despite increased support and funding from the Region of Peel, to help deal with recent public safety and property standard concerns on the property.
It serves as a reminder that while City staff, Peel Police, and community agencies continue to respond to ongoing illegal and unsafe behaviour; responsibility for managing the site rests with Grace United Church and Regeneration Outreach.
The relocation of Regeneration Outreach services represents a significant step toward a more sustainable approach to community support. It will allow vulnerable residents to continue receiving essential services, while restoring a sense of safety and stability to the downtown core.
Brampton is a caring city. We can protect our most vulnerable residents and our neighbourhoods. These goals are not mutually exclusive; they are both essential to building a strong, compassionate, and thriving community.
