Whereas the growing number of homeless encampments in the City of Brampton is a complex problem that requires collaborative efforts from all levels of government and community partners; and
Whereas encampments and homelessness are on the rise across the country due to a lack of and access to deeply affordable housing options, underfunding of supports for equity seeking populations, and the rising cost of living; and
Whereas the Federation of Canadian Municipalities is calling on all orders of government to develop a comprehensive plan to end chronic homelessness, which clearly lays out roles and responsibilities, presents a timeline with clear milestones, and includes:
- Coordinated investment and policy measures to increase the supply of non-market housing (housing for low- and moderate-income households, often through public or co-op operators) and prevent individuals from becoming homeless.
- New investments in supportive housing to be funded through a Housing First-approach, with cost-sharing between federal, provincial, and territorial governments; and
Whereas the Ontario Big City Mayors Caucus launched the “Solve the Crisis” campaign calling on the Governments of Ontario and Canada to take immediate action to solve the homelessness and mental health crisis gripping our communities; and
Whereas as of October 1st 2024, the City has had to address approximately 50 (and counting) known active encampment sites throughout Brampton, including those within flood zones, beside playgrounds and splashpads, near schools, and directly adjacent to residential backyards; and
Whereas the City has been working closely with the Region of Peel to support its work in developing an Encampment Policy Framework and Joint Protocols for Peel Region and its Local Municipalities that will be implemented in 2025; and
Whereas a May 2024 report entitled, The Provincial Funding for Social Services in Peel Region, commissioned by the Metamorphosis Network ranked Peel Region as the lowest amongst all of these municipalities when looking at Provincial Support per Capita and General Assistance and Community Support by per Capita of Provincial Support; and
Whereas this funding shortfall impacts services like housing, childcare, schools, seniors’ care, mental health programs and youth programs; and
Whereas the lack of suitable alternative shelter spaces for the encampment residents with Peel Region lacking low barrier shelters for individuals with addictions and other challenges; and
Whereas connecting encampment residents to wraparound services that in turn connect them to the appropriate social service or program is essential to address an individual’s needs; and
Whereas effectively addressing the issue of encampments requires coordination across all levels of government and service providers, there is a need for constant coordination and communication; and
Whereas this year, City of Brampton has increased financial expenditures (approximately $450,000 and increasing) in response to encampments including staffing costs from Security Services, the Community Safety and Well-Being Office (CSWO), Parks Maintenance and Forestry, Fire and Emergency Services, Animal Services and Legal Services and costs related to park signage, collection of over 44 – twenty cubic yard bins of debris and counting, other materials needed for the response and an external contractor to clean up abandoned and potentially hazardous sites, while also providing added security during the clean-up events; and
Whereas on September 22, 2024 the Federal Government announced next steps to address homelessness by allocating $250M, as outlined in Budget 2024, to address the urgent issue of encampments and unsheltered homelessness;
Therefore Be It Resolved That:
1. The Council of the City of Brampton urges the Government of Canada to work with the Province of Ontario and the Region of Peel to allocate adequate funding for the Region, and specifically for Brampton to ensure the City has the necessary resources to continue the work and efforts to address encampments and homelessness locally in our community; and
2. That the Mayor, on behalf of the City Council, will advocate for a fair allocation of the aforementioned federal funding and any matching Provincial contribution for the City of Brampton.