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Understanding Encampments

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​What is an Encampment?

An “encampment” refers to temporary outdoor accommodations for individuals and groups of unhoused and unsheltered individuals that have been established – often without permission – on public property or privately-owned land.

Key points to consider when it comes to better understanding encampments in Brampton

  • ​People experiencing homelessness have diverse backgrounds and needs
  • To address ​encampments effectively, a multi-sectoral approach is needed with support from all levels of government
  • ​​While the City of Brampton is responsible for maintaining its city-owned parklands and spaces as well as enforcing its by-laws, housing and social supports are under the jurisdiction of the Region of Peel, provincial, and federal government.
​​City of Brampton’s Response

The City of Brampton is committed to the health and safety of all its residents, including those who living in encampments. As one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, Brampton has seen an increase in encampments and continues to take a coordinated, proactive approach to this complex issue.

A key part of the City's response is the Encampment Response Team (ERT), which is led by the Community Safety and Well-Being Office (CSWO) and includes representatives from Brampton Security Services, Brampton Fire and Emerge​ncy Services, Peel Regional Police, and Peel Outreach. The ERT works collaboratively to attend and assess sites, mitigate risks, and coordinate outreach and response efforts.

The City works closely with the Region of Peel and community partners to aligns its approach with broader housing and social support systems. The Region's Cooridinated Encampment Response Policy and Joint Protocols - approved by Regional Council on June 26, 2025 - provide the foundation for this work. In Octob​er 2025, Brampton City Council formally adopted this coordinated response framework, reinforcing a consistent, person-centered approach across the R​egion that prioritizes safety, dignity, and connections to housing and support services.

​What happens When I Report an Encampment in Brampton?

You can report an encampment by visiting 311brampton.ca or calling 311 (within City limits) or 905.874.2000 (outside City limits).

Once a report is submitted, the Brampton ERT is activated and begins reviewing the report. The ERT will attend the site to verify conditions and assess any immediate health and safety concerns. Peel Outreach engages individuals on-site to offer shelter, housing support, and other services.

Each encampment is then assessed through a coordinated process that considers safety risks, site conditions, and available support options. Based on this assessment, the site may be monitored, supported through ongoing outreach, or addressed through further action where required.

You do not need to follow up once a report has been submitted. To support a timely and efficient response, please report each encampment only once.

Reporting an encampment does not mean it will be immediately removed. The City’s approach prioritizes safety, coordination, and connecting individuals to appropriate supports and services. Visit Peel’s website to learn more about what happens when an encampment is reported​.

  • If you have general questions about encampments email encampments@brampton.ca.
  • ​If you are experiencing homelessness or to help someone in need​ call the Peel Outreach Street Helpline at 1-877-848-8481

  • Call 911 if you witness illegal activity or an emergency.


Emergency Supports and Resources

Peel Outreach is a service provided by the Region of Peel and managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association. The Peel Outreach team meets people where they are at to provide support, advocacy, and referrals to help people with their basic needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the Street Helpline: 1-877-848-8481.​​

If you need an immediate place to stay there are shelters available for youth, families, adults, and people fleeing violence or abuse. Learn more about ​shelters in Peel Region. Call 905-450-1996 if you need a safe place to stay or access to shelters.​

Learn More about shelters in Peel Region

Transitional housing offers structure, supervision, support, and life skills to help people go from homelessness to permanent housing.

Learn More about Transitional Housing

If you are homeless, at risk of losing your housing, or need affordable housing you may qualify for: housing subsidies; getting help with utilities; rent or mortgage bills; affordable housing options.

Learn Moreabout Help with Housing

Community Organizations may offer stay the night programs, drop-in programs, food banks and community food programs​ to help with meals, basic needs, out of the cold, and other programs to support those who are homeless.

Regeneration located in Grace United Church, at 156 Main Street Brampton, helps people experiencing homelessness by providing meals, showers and laundry, access to phones, computers, staff support and more. Call Regeneration at 905-796-5888.​​​​​​

Learn More about Drop-in and homeless support programs

Financial help is available from the Ontario government through Ontario Works. Short-term financial help is also available.

Learn ​More about Financial Help

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If you are in urgent need of help, call 911 immediately. If you are experiencing violence or abuse, there are various supports that can help.

Learn Moreabout Family and Intimate Partner Violence and Supports

  • Distress Centre Peel: 905-278-7208
  • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
  • EveryMind's 24/7 Crisis Response Service: 905-278-9036
  • Peel Public Health: 905-799-7700

You can request, track, and explore City services by accessing the 311 City of Brampton website​ or calling 311. Use 311 to learn about or request help with:

  • applications and permits
  • transit
  • taxes
  • recreation services
  • roads and sidewalks
  • litter and graffiti
  • animal services
  • parks, trees and recreation trails
  • property concerns and by-law enforcement
  • parking services and mobile licensing
  • and more

If you notice a new encampment in your neighbourhood, you can notify the city so we can request outreach services or other supports to the area.​

Calling 211 or accessing the 211 Central website can help provide you with information about human services: health, social and community services, from any level of government and other service providers.