Brampton, July 19: Brampton City Council is taking steps to improve the condition of the city’s network of pedestrian catwalks after councillors raised concerns about overgrown vegetation, deteriorating pathways and public safety.
The issue was highlighted during the July 8 City Council meeting, where Regional Councillor Rowena Santos (Wards 1 and 5) said residents have expressed growing concerns about the poor condition of many catwalks that connect neighbourhood streets and parks.
Catwalks are pedestrian pathways commonly found in residential communities, providing convenient access between streets, parks and other public spaces while supporting active transportation.
Councillor Santos said many of the pathways have become overgrown with trees, shrubs and brush, making them feel unsafe for pedestrians.
“I’ve been noticing across the city that many of the catwalks have become quite shoddy and overgrown,” Santos told council. “Residents no longer feel safe travelling through them because of excessive encroachment from bushes, trees and other vegetation.”
She emphasized that maintaining these pathways is essential to encouraging walking and reducing dependence on vehicles, noting that catwalks are an important component of Brampton’s active transportation network.
Responding to the concerns, Bill Boyes, the City’s Commissioner of Community Services, assured council that staff would coordinate across departments to address maintenance issues.
Boyes said the City will conduct an audit of catwalks, consult with councillors to identify priority locations, review existing service requests and focus on improving conditions over the next 30 to 60 days.
Councillor Pat Fortini (Wards 7 and 8) also suggested that the City incorporate catwalk rehabilitation into future road reconstruction projects.
He proposed that whenever roads are resurfaced, nearby catwalks should also be repaired or repaved while construction equipment is already on site, making the work more efficient and cost-effective.
Fortini noted that some catwalks have deteriorated to the point where snow clearing during winter has become difficult, highlighting the need for long-term infrastructure improvements in addition to routine maintenance.
Although council did not pass a formal motion on the matter, City staff have committed to reviewing the condition of Brampton’s catwalks and identifying improvements that will enhance safety, accessibility and usability for residents.
The initiative is expected to support Brampton’s broader goals of promoting active transportation, improving neighbourhood connectivity and ensuring public spaces remain safe and well maintained for all users.