The City of Brampton has issued a warning of potential legal action against Grace United Church and Regeneration Outreach, citing growing safety concerns and community complaints linked to the outreach program’s operations in the downtown area.
Regeneration Outreach, which has provided food, basic needs, and support services for at-risk residents for more than a decade, operates out of Grace United Church. However, local residents say conditions have deteriorated in recent months, pointing to issues such as public intoxication, drug use, thefts, and break-ins. A community group representing residents on Alexander, Union, and Church Streets told city council last week that the area is no longer safe.
In response, Brampton City Council passed a motion—led by Councillor Rowena Santos—that authorizes the city to send a “very serious legal letter” to Grace United Church and Regeneration Outreach, urging them to address the situation or face further legal consequences. The letter is also directed to the Region of Peel, which provides funding to the outreach program.
“The operations of Regeneration Outreach, and more specifically the behavior of some of its service users, are causing problems,” Santos said at the special council meeting. “It is the responsibility of the property owner and service provider to manage these issues.”
Mayor Patrick Brown, Councillor Santos, and Peel Regional Police previously met with local residents, who called on council to take action. While Brown voiced continued support for Regeneration’s mission, he acknowledged that the current location is no longer viable. “We all have to be honest with ourselves and find out how we can make sure the right help is available in the right location,” he said.
Regeneration Outreach, however, says it was caught off guard by the council meeting and had not been invited to the earlier town hall. “It was quite disappointing,” said Jenna Robson, Director of Operations at Regeneration. “We’ve had many conversations with the city in the past, and we want to be part of a constructive dialogue.”
The organization is already in search of a new facility, as its lease at Grace United is set to expire this year. Last year, it requested city assistance in finding a more appropriate location, but instead faced criticism from council members for providing tents to unhoused clients.
Robson emphasized that the group hears more community concerns during summer months and is committed to working with the city, community, and service partners to address issues. “We do our best to educate and uphold rules,” she said, acknowledging that safety concerns are real and ongoing.
Some residents are now calling for Regeneration to be removed from the church entirely and prevented from relocating to any residential area in Brampton.
In a statement on her website, Councillor Santos defended the city’s position, saying, “This is not about turning our backs on people in need. It’s about ensuring services are delivered in appropriate locations, with proper oversight and coordination, so that both vulnerable individuals and the surrounding community are safe and supported.”
As Brampton continues its downtown revitalization, the debate over how to balance social services and community safety is intensifying. Peel Region recently introduced a new homelessness and encampment policy, designating “no encampment zones” in parts of Brampton and Mississauga. The city cleared a large encampment in the Etobicoke Creek floodplain last year.
Regeneration has warned that simply moving people to shelters is not a complete solution. They noted that some shelter environments lack access to addiction and mental health services, and in one case, an individual who was relocated died while in shelter care.