FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BRAMPTON, ON (April 22, 2020) – Today, the City announced a Mayor’s Working Group that will begin the detailed planning process for the eventual reopening of City facilities and gradual resumption of impacted programs and services, while continuing to prioritize the health and safety of the community.

Led by Regional Councillor Martin Medeiros and with guidance from the Brampton Emergency Management Office, the working group will focus on reopening City facilities in a safe and measured way. The group will advise on processes to guide the specialized COVID-19 task forces during the phased return so that residents, businesses and employees continue to receive the support they need. The group will lead stakeholder consultations with different levels of government, sports and arts user groups, and resident associations on their safety needs and desired outcomes.

As Chair of Human Services for the Region of Peel, Councillor Medeiros and the working group will rely on advice from Peel Public Health, the Governments of Ontario and Canada, and collaborate among the City’s four Mayor’s Task Forces. The group will advise the Mayor on input from residents and the business community for accessing City services, necessary service changes as advised by health officials, and opportunities for new ways for the City to conduct business. The group will also explore the range of available funding opportunities from other levels of government that will help to mitigate financial impacts of COVID-19 on City operations.

These details and advice will be shared with the Mayor and considered by City Council at a future date.

By March 16, the City had closed City facilities including City Hall and cancelled certain programming and events. A State of Emergency was announced in the City of Brampton on March 24. Further closures occurred since that time and City event and festivals cancellations are in effect until July 2, 2020. City facilities remains closed until further notice at this time.

For the most current updates and frequently asked questions (FAQs), please visit: www.brampton.ca/COVID19.

Quotes

“The Province’s announcement earlier this week on progress made is a sign of both hope and the hard work of many. I am encouraged by our community’s collective action but know we still have a long way to go in our fight against this virus. While our focus shifts from emergency response to reopening the City, our top priority remains the health and safety of our community. We all have a role in our return, and I remind residents to please continue practising physical distancing and following the advice of Peel Public Health.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
 
“Brampton residents and businesses are hardworking and resilient. Together, we will chart a path for re-opening City Hall that provides the important services residents rely on, while doing so in a safe and phased manner. The Mayor’s Advisory Group will provide advice that ensures we continue delivering the supports provided by the Task Forces, and building a prudent approach to resuming the range of services the City provides that support our daily lives.”
- Martin Medeiros, Regional Councillor, Wards 3 & 4

“Reopening the City will require a careful plan that factors in a number of elements and prioritizes the advice of our health care experts. Establishing this working group now will provide our team with the time needed to thoughtfully develop our approach and ensure that when it is safe to do so, we are fully prepared to reopen facilities and resume business and programming.”
- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton

 

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As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to 650,000 people and 70,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable and successful. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Learn more at www.brampton.ca.

MEDIA CONTACT
Natalie Stogdill
Senior Advisor, Public Relations, City of Brampton
905.874.3654 | natalie.stogdill@brampton.ca