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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 live within encampments. As one of Canada’s largest cities, Brampton has seen an increase of encampments across the city and has had to take swift action in responding to this complex issue, including collaborating in the establishment of the Encampment Response Team.

The Encampment Response Team (ERT) includes representatives from Brampton Security Services, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, Peel Regional Police, the Community Safety and Well-Being Office (CSWO), and Peel Outreach. The ERT makes key decisions on encampments and attends sites to assess and mitigate risks.

The City of Brampton has been collaborating closely with the Region of Peel on developing a comprehensive Homeless Policy and Joint Protocols that outline how to respond to encampments using a balanced, person-centred approach. This Policy was approved by Regional Council on June 26, 2025.

What happens When I Report an Encampment in Brampton?

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

The Brampton Encampment Response team is made up of, City of Brampton, Peel Outreach, and Peel Regional Police. This team is notified every time an encampment is reported.

Once an encampment is reported to 311, the Encampment Response Team is notified and will visit the site. No further action is needed on your end. To prevent duplication and allow a timely response from the Encampment Response Team, please only report an encampment once.

Reporting an encampment does not mean the encampment will be forcibly removed. Every time an encampment is reported, the local Encampment Response team follows a set process to visit the site and assess and mitigate health and safety concerns and to connect those residents living in encampments with supports and services, including emergency shelter. Visit Peel’s website to learn more about what happens when an encampment is reported​.

Brampton's Housing Plan

Brampton's Municipal Housing Pledge provides details on the range of ongoing and planned City initiatives that will support strategic growth and accelerate new housing supply in Brampton.

​Learn more about Housing Brampton.

Our Brampton Parklands

The City of Brampton has over 850 parks. Some are designated for active uses, with soccer fields and baseball diamonds; others are designated for passive recreation, with sitting areas and playground facilities for young children.

Park users have a shared responsibility to help keep open spaces clean and safe for everyone. All parks are governed by the Park Lands By-law 161-83, which is based on common courtesy, cleanliness, and consideration for others. The Park Lands By-law detail all of rules and regulations for Brampton parks.​

Keeping Our Communities Safe  ​

The City of Brampton is working with community partners to support individuals in encampments while ensuring public spaces remain safe for everyone. 

If you see an encampment in Brampton, report it by submitting a Service Request using one of the following channels:

  • Download the Brampton 311 mobile app (available on the App Store and Google Play).

  • Call the Peel Outreach Street Helpline at 1-877-848-8481 to help someone in need, or if you are experiencing homelessness

  • 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

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.