Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown has expressed support for the Ontario government's recent efforts to tackle homeless encampments through the enactment of Bill 6, officially titled the Safer Municipalities Act. This legislation grants local authorities the enhanced ability to clear homeless encampments and enforce stricter penalties, including fines of up to $10,000 or six months of incarceration for trespassing or public drug use.
The Ford government’s Act has sparked considerable debate, as it imposes stricter regulations on vulnerable populations. Local leaders, including Brampton's Mayor Patrick Brown, argue that this is a necessary step to reduce drug usage in public spaces. “We’re doing our best to make sure that there’s zero tolerance for drugs in public spaces and that means clearing out encampments,” Brown stated during a recent news conference.
In the context of rising homelessness, with a report indicating that over 80,000 individuals in Ontario experienced homelessness in 2024, advocates for those living in encampments are expressing serious concerns regarding the implications of this new legislation. Critics, including spokesperson Diana Chan McNally from the Encampment Justice Coalition, argue that the bill essentially criminalizes homelessness, noting that individuals experiencing homelessness will be regarded as criminals if they are seen using drugs in public spaces.
Prior to the implementation of Bill 6, Brampton city officials had already taken measures to clear public areas of encampments, which included hiring private security and installing signs that prohibit overnight camping in specific locations. These actions were indicative of a broader trend among municipalities in Ontario, where mayors have been vocal about the need for more resources from provincial and federal governments to address the homelessness crisis effectively.
Community members also have mixed feelings regarding the clearing of encampments. Brampton resident Sheena Paton, who lived near encampments, remarked, “Nobody knows their story and how they’re living on the streets and whatnot,” indicating a perspective that favors compassion over enforcement.
Advocates like McNally are calling for a shift in focus from punitive measures to the urgent need for increased housing availability, arguing that meaningful solutions to homelessness must include providing more permanent living spaces. “The only thing that is going to end encampments is housing,” she asserted, emphasizing that the government's approach should prioritize the expedited construction of simple and affordable housing options rather than enforcing criminal penalties through legislation like Bill 6.
In light of the backlash against Bill 6, the Encampment Justice Coalition is planning to pursue legal action, asserting that the legislation infringes on the rights of individuals who have nowhere else to turn. As the debate continues, it remains crucial for local, provincial, and federal governments to establish a more comprehensive and compassionate response to homelessness in Ontario.
