n a strategic move to address the city’s most pressing needs, the leadership of Brampton, including Mayor Patrick Brown and City Council members Rowena Santos and Paul Vicente, Regional Councillors, spearheaded a delegation to Ottawa. This initiative was a focused push on securing federal support for pivotal Transit, Safety, and Housing initiatives.
The delegation also comprised esteemed members of the Brampton City Council, including Regional Councillors Gurpartap Singh Toor, and Harkirat Bajaj alongside dedicated city staff and other council members . They engaged in meaningful dialogues with various federal ministries. Their discussions centered on Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Public Safety, and Immigration, as well as with opposition critics.
A highlight of the visit was a crucial meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, where Council Members and Mayor Brown actively lobbied for federal commitments to address the surge in auto theft and to expedite the construction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) into Downtown Brampton. The Prime Minister’s open and engaged response was a testament to the ongoing strong partnership between the Government of Canada and the City of Brampton.
Councillor Santos put forth specific requests, including the approval for new container scanners at the Port of Montreal and an additional scanner at the Intermodal Hubs in Brampton and Vaughan. She also called for expanded local police jurisdiction at these hubs to combat the auto theft syndicates plaguing the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Furthermore, Regional Councillor Paul Vicente advocated for federal involvement in Phase 2 of the tunneled LRT extension, a project that promises to enhance urban mobility and support the development of over 30,000 new housing units near the LRT stations.
The discussions in Ottawa were not just about seeking support but also about solidifying federal commitments to strategic interventions that will significantly benefit Brampton. As Canada’s fastest-growing big city, federal support is deemed crucial for Brampton’s development and prosperity.
In closing, this day of advocacy in Ottawa marks a significant advancement in Brampton’s quest to bolster community safety, expand transit infrastructure, and promote sustainable urban growth. The delegation, led by Councillor Santos and Mayor Brown, extends heartfelt thanks to all federal officials for their openness and commitment to Brampton’s vision. The outcomes of this advocacy day underscore the effectiveness of cooperative governance and pave a promising path for Brampton’s future.