Tue. Feb 18th, 2025

Councillor Toor Denies Ownership of Illegal Basement Rental Despite Property Records Indicating Otherwise

As Brampton takes steps to tackle unsafe and illegal housing, CBC Toronto has found that a city councillor co-owns a property with an unregistered basement apartment, violating municipal bylaws.

Contradictory Ownership Claims
Gurpartap Singh Toor, a Brampton and Peel Regional Councillor, denies owning the house on Gardenbrooke Trail, despite property records showing his name on the title since 2021. The records indicate that Toor’s sister transferred him a one per cent share, making him a co-owner. Toor, however, insists he held a minor share briefly for personal reasons and has received no rental income.

Brampton’s Crackdown and Fines
The city inspected the property following a complaint and issued a $750 fine, warning that unregistered basement apartments pose significant safety risks. The complaint was filed by Azad Goyat, founder of the Brampton Housing Providers Association. Goyat criticized Toor, stating, “He’s the lawmaker. How can he dare have illegal dwellings?”

Ongoing Investigations and Potential Legal Consequences
Despite Toor’s claim of no ownership interest, a city title search conducted last week still listed him as co-owner. Mayor Patrick Brown emphasized that councillors must adhere to city bylaws, while legal experts affirm that each property owner is fully responsible for compliance, regardless of their ownership share.

Brampton has intensified efforts to regulate illegal rentals through a licensing program, citing hundreds of penalty notices issued this year. The city’s approach targets both improving safety standards and addressing the housing challenges faced by its growing population, including international students. Courtesy CBC Toronto

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