In response to a concerning third-party review highlighting severe staffing shortages and low morale in Brampton’s bylaw enforcement department, Mayor Patrick Brown has announced the hiring of 34 new bylaw officers.
The announcement follows a review by management consulting firm AtFocus, which revealed critical issues within the department, including a significant lack of resources and staff morale challenges. Mayor Brown emphasized the need for immediate action to address these issues and improve enforcement across the city.
“Thirty-four new enforcement positions will ensure that those who disregard city bylaws and disrespect their neighborhoods will face consequences,” Mayor Brown stated during a news conference at city hall on June 3. “Public satisfaction surveys have shown that lack of bylaw enforcement is a top concern among our residents.”
The city council is set to consider a budget amendment on June 5 to facilitate the hiring of these new part- and full-time officers, marking the largest expansion in Brampton’s bylaw department history. This initiative aims to address various complaints, including illegal parking, uncontrolled grass and garbage on properties, and illegal basement apartments.
The third-party review, presented to council on April 24, identified a severe lack of resources as a primary issue. Robert Higgs, the city’s new director of enforcement and bylaw services, reported that 68% of bylaw complaints are related to illegal parking, with 50% of these calls going unanswered due to insufficient staffing.
“The challenges facing the enforcement division are complex and multifaceted, requiring a multi-prong approach for a significant and sustainable impact,” Higgs stated. “Staff morale is an issue that must be addressed.”
The report’s top recommendation was to hire additional enforcement staff, a move supported by council members. Wards 1 and 5 Councillor Rowena Santos, Chair of the Legislative Services Committee, and Wards 3 and 4 Councillor Dennis Keenan expressed their strong support for the initiative, especially in light of the city’s new Residential Rental Licensing (RRL) pilot program.
The RRL pilot program aims to tackle Brampton’s illegal apartment and rooming house issues by requiring landlords in five electoral wards to register their units and apply for a special license, necessitating increased bylaw enforcement resources.
Mayor Brown concluded, “With new leadership and a clear mandate, we are committed to ensuring that bylaw violations are no longer overlooked. We’ve heard our residents’ frustrations and are taking decisive action.”