The City of Brampton is inviting residents to two telephone town halls this month to discuss the pressing issues of community safety and local health care services. These virtual events provide a platform for citizens to hear updates, ask questions, and provide direct feedback to Mayor Patrick Brown, city councillors, and leaders from regional partner organizations.
This long-standing public engagement strategy has connected with approximately 154,000 residents over the last five years, offering a direct line to civic leaders on topics that shape the city's future.
Community safety on April 14
The first town hall, scheduled for Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m., will focus on community safety. Mayor Brown and councillors will be joined by Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah and his deputy chiefs. The discussion will cover current safety priorities and key initiatives aimed at protecting residents.
This meeting comes as public safety remains a significant concern for many in Brampton. The city has been grappling with a rise in serious crime in recent years, with data showing that hate crimes in the Peel region have soared, and residents continue to reel from violent incidents, including a targeted double-fatal shooting in a schoolyard.
The city's Community Safety & Well-Being Office has a stated mission of collaborating with partners to address community concerns. The office promotes the idea that safety is a collective responsibility and works to build a Brampton where everyone feels secure and has a sense of belonging. The upcoming town hall is a key part of this strategy, allowing for direct dialogue between law enforcement, city officials, and the public they serve.
Health care crisis in focus on April 30
The second town hall, set for Thursday, April 30 at 7 p.m., will address the state of health care in Brampton. This session will feature updates on the city's persistent efforts to expand local health services, an issue that has plagued residents for decades.
For years, Brampton has been known for its chronic shortage of hospital beds. The city's only full-service hospital, Brampton Civic, opened in 2007 and was immediately overwhelmed by the fast-growing population, leading to widespread stories of "hallway medicine" and extreme wait times. Many residents feel the city s health infrastructure has been critically underfunded and ignored by provincial leaders. Similar issues have surfaced in Sydney, where New $2B Bankstown Hospital designs were recently unveiled.
Joining the city for this crucial conversation will be Dr. Frank Martino, President and CEO of the William Osler Health System, which manages Brampton Civic, and Dr. Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). TMU is currently establishing a new medical school in Brampton, a landmark development aimed at training the next generation of doctors locally and tackling the healthcare shortage head-on. This initiative is part of a broader push to improve health outcomes, which also includes projects like a new health hub for Black communities and significant federal investment in a new community and youth hub.
How to participate
Residents can join the discussions, participate in live polling, and ask questions during the events. Questions about community safety and health care can also be submitted in advance on the city's engagement website.
To receive a call to join either or both town halls, residents must register online at brampton.ca/engage before 12 p.m. on the day of the respective event. The meetings will also be streamed live online, with a link available five minutes before the 7 p.m. start time.
These town halls offer a vital opportunity for residents to engage directly with the decision-makers whose work impacts their daily lives and to contribute to the ongoing effort to build a safer and healthier Brampton for all.
