BRAMPTON — Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown has voiced his support for new provincial legislation that grants municipalities greater authority to dismantle homeless encampments in public spaces.
Speaking after a meeting of the Ontario Big City Mayors caucus, Brown said the recently passed Safer Municipalities Act (Bill 6) provides much-needed clarity on how cities can protect public spaces while managing growing homelessness challenges.
“The new legislation empowers us to act swiftly,” said Brown. “We’re doing our best to make sure there is zero tolerance for drugs in public spaces, and that means clearing out encampments.”
The legislation gives municipal police forces the authority to issue trespassing fines to individuals who establish makeshift shelters or tents on public land. Brampton has already been taking independent action by clearing out encampments and deploying private security to monitor parks and public areas.
Drug use in encampments has been a major concern for city officials, along with growing safety and sanitation issues.
Cost of Encampment Evictions Mounts
City officials report that encampment evictions have cost Brampton approximately $1.15 million, covering cleanup, security, signage, and restoration of public spaces. An effort to recover those costs from the provincial government was rejected.
Despite enforcement efforts, advocates argue that without adequate access to shelters or permanent housing, displaced individuals have no choice but to return to tent encampments.
Big City Mayors Call for Provincial Support
Mayor Brown reiterated the collective call from Ontario’s largest cities for the province to provide more resources for supportive housing, mental health services, and addiction recovery programs.
“Removing tents is only a short-term solution,” Brown said. “We need a coordinated effort to get people into safe, affordable, and supportive housing options.”