The City of Brampton has issued a firm response to a Toronto Star article published on October 9, 2025, regarding the Automated Speed Processing Centre and Operations Hub at 175 Sandalwood Parkway West, calling out “multiple factual inaccuracies” in the report and requesting corrections. In a detailed statement, the City emphasized its commitment to transparency, accountability, and accuracy, while defending both the purchase and the facility’s operational purpose.
The property functions as a community-serving operations hub, with approximately 40% of the space dedicated to offices and the remainder to industrial and warehouse use. Beyond supporting the Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program, the facility also houses essential City services including recreation, elections, information technology, and fleet storage. The site is strategically located across from Brampton’s Transit facility and Public Works Yard, with plans to use the storage yard for Transit and Public Works vehicles in the future. The City is also exploring using the green space on the property for recreational purposes.
The acquisition was unanimously approved by Council in September 2023, completed in full compliance with City policies, and publicly disclosed. Initially discussed in closed session under Section 239(2)(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001 to protect negotiating positions, the transaction is no longer confidential. To enhance transparency, Mayor Patrick Brown has authorized the release of three closed-session reports (September 13, 20, and 29, 2023), which address the inaccuracies raised and align with the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022 by supporting infrastructure delivery and housing growth.
Two independent appraisals — one by the seller, one by the City — plus a third-party review confirmed that the purchase price matched fair market value at the time. The City’s broker also advised that a previous third-party offer contributed to a competitive purchasing environment.
Currently, more than 100 City staff operate from the site, with plans to scale up staffing as part of Brampton’s full return to office in January 2026. The facility will eventually accommodate:
- Fleet Parking
- Municipal Elections Office – 12 staff now, with training for 2,000 election workers in 2026
- Recreation Division – 58 staff
- ASE Operations – 35 staff
- Information Technology Division – approx. 120 staff between 2026–2027
The City underlined that the acquisition was part of a broader strategy to balance rapid growth with affordability for taxpayers. Funding was drawn from Brampton’s Legacy Reserve, established from the 2001 sale of Brampton Hydro, to invest in city-building initiatives such as the TMU Medical School, Hurontario LRT extension, Chris Gibson Recreation Centre, Algoma University expansion, and Cybersecure Catalyst.
These investments, the City stated, help build critical infrastructure without increasing the financial burden on taxpayers, while ensuring Brampton continues to grow “smarter and more sustainably.”
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the City’s commitment to keeping residents informed about major investments and decisions affecting their community.