The City of Brampton has introduced two new by-laws aimed at enhancing community safety and promoting environmental sustainability:
Encroachment By-Law
The new Encroachment By-Law manages structures or activities that extend from private properties onto City-owned lands, ensuring public safety and protection of municipal infrastructure. Encroachments are unauthorized structures or items that extend onto public property and can include:
- Extending backyards into parks
- Installing fences, raised gardens, trees, or permanent sports equipment on City boulevards
While certain encroachments, such as soft landscaped gardens on City boulevards, are permitted under specific conditions, encroachments onto parks or open public spaces are strictly prohibited. Unauthorized encroachments may lead to fines, penalties, or removal at the property owner’s expense. Allowing boulevard gardens without an Encroachment Agreement supports Brampton’s sustainability efforts by beautifying streets, enhancing biodiversity, conserving water, and providing habitats for pollinators.
Ground Cover Maintenance and Prohibited Plants By-Law
The Ground Cover Maintenance and Prohibited Plants By-Law promotes sustainable gardening practices, allowing residents greater flexibility in garden styles while controlling invasive species. A Prohibited Plants list, aligned with provincial guidelines, prevents the spread of invasive and noxious plants, safeguarding local ecosystems and supporting pollinator habitats.
Updated Penalties for Violations
To reinforce compliance, Brampton has introduced graduated penalties for property maintenance violations:
Ground Cover Violations:
- First offence: $250
- Second offence: $375
- Third and subsequent offences: $500
Encroachment Violations:
- First offence: $400
- Second offence: $700
- Third and subsequent offences: $1,000
These initiatives underline Brampton’s commitment to maintaining clean, safe, and environmentally sustainable neighbourhoods. For further details, visit brampton.ca/growgreen.
Comments from City Leadership
Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton “These new by-laws underscore Brampton’s commitment to fostering safe, green, and sustainable neighbourhoods. We’re creating clearer guidelines to ensure our communities remain attractive, safe, and environmentally friendly for everyone.”
Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton “Brampton continues to lead the way in sustainability and community wellbeing. These by-laws support residents’ gardening creativity while protecting our natural environment and public spaces for current and future generations.”
