Encampments Downtown
UPDATE - July 14th 2024
Brampton Encampments: Seeking Real Solutions Beyond Shelters
As agreed, upon on June 10th council meeting, encampments are not the solution to homelessness in Brampton. Regeneration's Ted Brown also emphasized that shelters are not the answer. So, what is the solution? I recommend every Brampton citizen watch the council video discussing the encampment problem. Pay particular attention to what is not being said, the implications, and the suggestions being made. Video time stamp 1:46.
I am fortunate to have a daughter with a master's in social work, who aims to pursue a PhD. Our conversations about the power of a “home” and its importance for recovery inform my perspective on this issue. A "home" is vital for shifting the problem from crisis to solutions. Despite the reality that some individuals prefer encampments over shelters, and the fact that council struggles to understand this, encampments are not a solution. They are, however, a powerful demonstration of the need for a home.
Encampments in Brampton are a visible and pressing issue, reflecting deeper socio-economic challenges. They compromise neighborhood safety and prevent residents from enjoying a comfortable home atmosphere. Encampments, while providing immediate shelter, lack the necessities, security, and stability needed for individuals to rebuild their lives, leading to health risks, safety concerns, and social isolation. Recently, Councillor Santos oversaw the removal of 48 encampments at Etobicoke Creek. This forceful approach, maintained by security, has moved the situation in the wrong direction. Despite addressing neighborhood concerns, this approach is costly and unsustainable.
At the council meeting, Regeneration approached the city for land and support to relocate their location that is currently within a church in Downtown Brampton. Considering the city recently invested $7 million in an outdoor unneeded tennis court. I can’t imagine the city not accommodating such a humanitarian request. As someone who has worked with mental health patients and has family members affected by mental health issues, I know this is a complex situation that requires more than just money.
One of the main issues in a shelter or motel, and why this is adding to the problem is because of the lack of immediate care. Understanding the thought process of individuals with mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, trauma, addictions is challenging. Support systems, proper medical care, and trained professionals need to be part of the conversation. Without the proper tools this is a non-winning battle, that will only continue wars.
The problem I see that can be resolved immediately is all levels of government at the table at the same time to discuss how and where their resources can go to address the needs. Like a “COVID” approach, remove the politics, if that is possible. I doubt it, based on Santo’s unprofessional public outcry at the Region of Council Meeting, on July 11th, discrediting MPP Charmaine Williams” SHOCKED that we have a minister of woman’s economic development and she’s not doing anything to help”. Not the first belligerent comment from this politician, eager for empathy as she cries victimhood towards her own peers on council.
The agenda I would recommend with all three levels of government:
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Affordable Housing Initiatives: Increase the supply of low-cost housing units integrated into communities with access to services, transportation, and employment opportunities. Recent proposals for 6 luxury condos in downtown Brampton highlight the need for affordable housing solutions. The conversation council has not had, why are we not seeing more affordable housing proposals in the Downtown area?
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Supportive Housing: Combine affordable housing with on-site services such as mental health support, addiction treatment, job training, and healthcare to help individuals maintain their housing and improve their quality of life. This suggestion was presented by me as a Social Hub, using the new tennis club as a temporary measure to bridge the gap while permanent solutions could be developed. However, council does not have ethe desire to look at this. Nor would they offer a solution comparable.
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Preventative Measures: Implement financial assistance programs, eviction prevention services, and supportive services for those at risk of losing their homes. Knowing that more luxury condos are coming, in which developers will be removing current rental and rooming houses, what will be the plan to support those individuals? We cannot add to the problem.
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Community Integration: Integrate homeless individuals into the community through inclusive programs and initiatives to reduce stigma and promote social cohesion. Community support systems, such as mentorship programs and volunteer networks, can provide the necessary social support for reintegration. This solution works and council can adopt this based on the success in other areas.
Addressing homelessness in Brampton requires more than temporary fixes like encampments or shelters. It demands a comprehensive, multifaceted approach that tackles the root causes and provides sustainable, long-term solutions. By investing in affordable housing, supportive services, preventative measures, and community integration, we can create a Brampton where everyone can live in dignity and security.
As a Nomination Candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada in Brampton Centre, I will follow this issue closely and advocate for meaningful change.
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The Unjust Shutting Down of Food Trucks in Brampton's Downtown
Council Delegation July 10th, 1:37 minutes
Recently, the City of Brampton witnessed a contentious issue unfold in its downtown area: the revocation of food truck memberships by the Business Improvement Area (BIA). Food truck operators claim that the BIA initially granted them memberships, only to revoke the agreements later. This situation has raised significant questions about accountability, transparency, and the intertwined relationships between the BIA and the City Council.
The heart of the issue lies in the BIA's decision to revoke the memberships of these food trucks. According to the food truck operators, they were accepted as members of the BIA, a move that should have guaranteed them the right to operate within the designated downtown area. However, the BIA later reversed this decision, leaving many operators frustrated and without a clear path forward.
Council claims it is not directly responsible for this decision, suggesting that the BIA operates independently and can enforce no food trucks BYLAW in support of brick-and-mortar restaurants such as Subway and Burger Bro. However, a closer look reveals a more complex relationship. The BIA is an extension of the city, with its executive director paid, posted, and hired by the city. Furthermore, two board members are city council members, and another staff member works for the mother of a staff member of Councillor Santos. This overlap raises questions about the independence of the BIA and the extent of the city's influence over its decisions. As I ran in the 2022 Council election, this was one of my platforms. The BIA is not structured properly to support a) other BIAs in Brampton, similar to all Ontario cities that have multiple BIAs for their communities. B) the funding model uses taxpayers money which is not a normal practice for BIA’s. (BIAS - Business Improvement Areas, are technically powerful lobbyist, if done properly.)
Another critical point is the BIA's operational capacity. The BIA has reportedly struggled to meet quorum in its annual meetings, raising concerns about its ability to make legally binding decisions. If the BIA cannot meet quorum, it is questionable whether it has the authority to revoke memberships or make other significant changes.
The food trucks may have a solid case against the BIA's decision. Membership was initially granted by the BIA, and unless there are clear, legally justifiable reasons for revoking this membership, the decision may not hold up under scrutiny. The BIA’s actions, influenced by city relationships, further complicate the matter, suggesting potential conflicts of interest and lack of impartial governance.
This situation highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within the BIA and its relationship with Council. It is essential for the BIA to operate independently and make decisions that are in the best interest of all its members, free from undue influence. Moreover, there must be clear, consistent rules governing membership and operational decisions to avoid arbitrary changes that can harm small business operators.
The shutting down of food trucks in Brampton's downtown area is a significant issue that underscores broader concerns about governance, accountability, and fairness. It is crucial for both the BIA and Council address these concerns transparently and ensure that all stakeholders, including food truck operators, are treated equitably. The future of Brampton’s downtown vibrancy and entrepreneurial spirit depends on resolving this issue justly and ensuring that such conflicts do not arise again.
Let’s Work Together
I need your support at Council to advocate your concerns and ensure they are given due consideration. While I am currently running as a candidate for the Federal Conservatives in Brampton Centre, I remain deeply committed to our community. Whether or not I win the nomination, I will continue serving as the President of CARP and managing my firm. As your neighbor, let us collaborate and work together for the betterment of our downtown area and our community at large.
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