Mayor Patrick Brown of Brampton met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa on April 29, 2024, to address critical issues affecting the residents of Brampton, focusing on the city’s rising auto theft rates and the expansion of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.
During their discussion at the Prime Minister’s office, Mayor Brown emphasized the urgent need to tackle the escalating problem of vehicle thefts in Peel Region, which has seen a dramatic increase over the past few years. The Peel Regional Police Service reported a significant rise in auto thefts, with 8,322 incidents in 2023, more than doubling from 4,119 in 2021. This surge has not only led to bolder thefts but also a troubling increase in related home invasions.
Mayor Brown advocated for federal support to enhance local enforcement capabilities. “I urged the federal government to install container scanners at the Port of Montreal and additional scanners at the Intermodal Hubs in Brampton and Vaughan. This infrastructure is crucial for empowering our local police with jurisdiction at these critical locations, thereby enhancing our capacity to dismantle auto theft rings that have been a major concern in the GTA,” stated Mayor Brown.
The meeting also covered the advancement of the Hazel McCallion LRT line into Downtown Brampton. Mayor Brown pushed for federal involvement in Phase 2 of the tunnelled LRT extension, which aims to connect the under-construction LRT with the Brampton Innovation District GO Station. “This project is pivotal for enhancing the functionality, resiliency, efficiency, and convenience of our higher-order transit network,” Mayor Brown added.
Regional Councillor Rowena Santos expressed strong support for these initiatives, highlighting the broader impact on community safety and urban development. “The collaborative effort to secure federal backing for these critical infrastructure projects not only addresses immediate concerns such as auto theft but also propels Brampton towards a more connected and sustainable future with the LRT expansion. It’s essential for enhancing the quality of life for all Bramptonians,” said Councillor Santos.
The Prime Minister, while not specifically commenting on the auto thefts or the LRT during the meeting, acknowledged the ongoing collaborative efforts with Brampton on various fronts, including housing and infrastructure. “It’s always a pleasure to sit down with Mayor Brown. The investments we’re making, particularly through the housing accelerator fund agreement, are transforming how we build houses in Brampton and beyond, supporting our broader goals of affordability and fair access to housing,” said Prime Minister Trudeau.
Mayor Brown expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s engagement and reaffirmed the commitment to a continued partnership between the Government of Canada and the City of Brampton, focusing on tangible solutions to the pressing challenges faced by the community.