Rowena Santos, Brampton City Councillor, took the opportunity to share the city’s experience and the pressing challenges it faces regarding the escalating crisis of over 50 encampments along the Etobicoke Creek Flood zone. The discussion took place at the Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM) Caucus, where Santos was invited to speak, thanks to Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown.
During the meeting, Santos highlighted the immediate dangers posed by the encampments, which are concentrated in flood-prone areas, putting the lives of those residing there at serious risk. “The situation is critical,” Santos stated. “We are not only dealing with the social and economic implications of homelessness but also facing a potential humanitarian disaster due to the location of these encampments.”
Santos commended Mayor Brown for facilitating her involvement at the OBCM table, allowing her to bring Brampton’s specific challenges to the forefront of the discussion. “Thank you, Mayor Patrick Brown, for making space at the Ontario Big City Mayors Caucus table for me to share Brampton’s experience, costs, and challenges,” Santos expressed.
The meeting underscored the urgent need for provincial intervention. Santos called upon the Ontario government to provide immediate support, emphasizing that municipalities alone cannot shoulder the burden of such complex crises. “We need the Ontario government to step up and partner with us in addressing this issue,” she urged. “The safety and well-being of our most vulnerable residents are at stake, and a collaborative approach is essential.”
The situation in Brampton is a stark reflection of broader challenges faced by cities across Ontario, where encampments are becoming an increasingly visible and urgent problem. As winter approaches, the need for sustainable solutions and adequate resources becomes even more critical.
The Ontario Big City Mayors Caucus, which brings together leaders from the province’s largest cities, is expected to continue discussions on this issue, with a focus on seeking long-term strategies and immediate action from higher levels of government.
For now, Santos and Mayor Brown remain committed to advocating for Brampton’s needs, ensuring that the city’s voice is heard and that meaningful support is secured to address the encampment crisis.