​BRAMPTON, ON (July 4, 2025) – On June 26, the Region of Peel Council approved and launched the Homeless Encampment Policy and Joint Protocols, the first of its kind in Ontario, and a major step forward in how Brampton and its regional partners respond to homelessness and encampments with compassion, consistency and collaboration. This milestone builds on the advocacy of Mayor Patrick Brown, Regional Councillor Rowena Santos and members of Brampton City Council, who have consistently called for funding and a more unified, balanced approach to encampment response. 

The Homeless Encampment Policy and Joint Protocols outlines a coordinated response among the Region of Peel, City of Brampton, City of Mississauga and Town of Caledon, along with community partners and first responders, prioritizing the health, safety and dignity of individuals experiencing homelessness, while balancing public health and safety and community needs.

Key highlights of the Homeless Encampment Policy and Joint Protocols include:

• A balanced response connecting individuals to housing, health services and social supports.
• Clear operational protocols supporting a consistent approach across municipalities and emergency services.
• Establishing ‘no encampment zones’ in unsafe areas where removal and enforcement can be expedited because of significant health and safety concerns that cannot be mitigated.
  

As a next step, the City of Brampton will continue to play a key role in the implementation of the policy and protocols, working closely with its internal Encampment Response Team, including Brampton’s Community Safety and Well-being Office, Fire and Emergency Services, Animal Services, Enforcement and By-law Services, Service Brampton, Security Services and Parks Maintenance and Forestry, as well as external partners such as Peel Outreach and Peel Regional Police. 

Brampton City Council has been a vocal proponent of coordinated, well-resourced efforts to address homelessness, recognizing that no municipality can solve this issue alone. At the Regional Council meeting on June 26, Regional Councillor Rowena Santos, seconded by Mayor Patrick Brown, brought forward a motion urging the Region of Peel to reimburse local municipalities for the significant costs incurred in responding to encampments in 2024 and 2025, and to formally request a financial commitment to support the implementation of the Peel Homeless Encampment Policy and Joint Protocols beginning in 2026. Since 2024, the City has spent approximately $1.7 million responding to the increasing number of encampments. The motion was passed, and Brampton will receive the funding needed to respond to encampments with compassion while ensuring the health and safety of public spaces.

The City of Brampton, along with the Region of Peel, Town of Caledon and City of Mississauga, continues to call on federal and provincial partners to expand access to affordable housing, mental health care and wraparound services to support those experiencing homelessness.

How to report an encampment in Brampton

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

• Visit 311brampton.ca
• 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
  

Reporting encampments helps connect individuals with services and supports in a compassionate way, while maintaining the health and safety of shared community spaces.

Links

• To learn more about encampments in Brampton, visit brampton.ca/encampments. 
• For questions about the City of Brampton’s response, email encampments@brampton.ca.
• For more information about the Region of Peel’s Homeless Encampment Policy and Joint Protocols, resources and information, visit the Region’s website.  ​

Quotes

“Everyone deserves to live with dignity and feel safe in their community. This coordinated response marks an important step forward in how we address homelessness across Peel. By working alongside frontline partners and first responders, we are increasing our ability to connect individuals with the shelter, support and services they need to get back on their feet. At the same time, we must be clear: public spaces are not appropriate for encampments and open drug use will not be tolerated. These behaviours pose safety risks and are not acceptable. We are committed to compassionate, effective solutions that respect both the needs of vulnerable individuals and the well-being of the broader community.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

​“Responding to homelessness requires compassion, understanding and a balanced approach that treats people with dignity. It is growing and complex issue that cannot be solved in silos. This policy is about supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community, while ensuring community spaces remain safe for all. We will continue to work with all partners, and advocate for the sustained support from other levels of government that is critical to long-term success.” - Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5; Chair, Community Services Section, City of Brampton

​“This new approach puts community safety at the forefront, while ensuring individuals experiencing homelessness are treated with compassion and dignity. By introducing clear, consistent and coordinated protocols, we are strengthening how we respond to encampments across Brampton and the region. This milestone reflects Brampton City Council’s ongoing efforts to protect public spaces, reduce risk and support neighbourhood well-being, while also connecting vulnerable individuals to housing, healthcare and social supports. Thank you to the staff who have worked tirelessly to develop this policy in support of our community.” - Michael Palleschi, Regional Councillor, Wards 2 and 6; Chair, Brampton Community Safety Advisory Committee​