Brampton Council Pressures Outreach Centre to Relocate from Church

The Brampton City Council is pushing for the relocation of the Regeneration Outreach Centre from its current location at Grace United Church, citing safety concerns from local residents. The outreach program, which provides essential services to unhoused and low-income individuals, has been met with legal threats as the city seeks to address complaints related to disorder in the surrounding area.

Regeneration Outreach operates from 156 Main St. N., where it offers meals, showers, laundry, and connections to health and housing support. In July, the council passed a motion warning of potential legal action against both the church and the outreach program if immediate improvements were not made. The city and nearby residents have reported issues including loitering, drug use, and trespassing, which they believe undermine community safety.

On October 20, 2023, the city solicitor sent a follow-up letter to both Grace United Church and Regeneration Outreach, noting a rise in complaints to the city’s 311 line and an increase in calls to Peel Regional Police linked to the Main Street property. The letter emphasized that “chronic, illegal and inappropriate behaviour in a residential community must cease,” placing responsibility on the church and the outreach centre.

Brampton Councillor Rowena Santos announced on her website that the city is working towards a long-term solution involving the relocation of Regeneration Outreach. In her statement, she expressed a commitment to ensuring the safety of the community while continuing to support the vulnerable residents who rely on the services provided by the outreach centre.

Contrasting Santos’ claims, Regeneration Outreach has stated that communication with the city has been minimal. CEO Ted Brown reported that there has been only one conversation with city officials since September, and no proposed relocation options or logistical support have been provided. The outreach program currently operates under a lease with Grace United Church that runs until 2027, and Brown emphasized the lack of suitable alternatives that could accommodate their operational needs.

“We cannot move immediately, as there are no available city- or region-owned buildings that meet our requirements,” Brown stated. He also criticized the city’s portrayal of Regeneration’s role in the issues faced by the community, asserting that the organization does not condone illegal activities and takes measures to manage behaviour on its property during operating hours.

Grace United Church, which hosts the outreach program, has expressed disappointment with the city’s approach. Chair of the church’s trustee board, Chris Moon, acknowledged the city’s verbal offers of support but noted a lack of concrete action. Moon described the city’s October 20 letter as “deeply disappointing,” arguing that it fails to address the immediate needs of Brampton’s most marginalized residents.

Efforts to enhance security at the church have included hiring private guards to address loitering and trespassing, but these measures have proven costly and challenging to maintain. Moon highlighted the ongoing litter problem and the church’s attempts to collaborate with the city on potential solutions, including offering space for an additional drop-in program, which has yet to receive a response.

The Brampton Guardian reached out to the City of Brampton for clarification on the claims made by Brown regarding communication about relocation. However, the city did not provide a direct response before publication. Councillor Santos, when asked about the details of any negotiations or plans for relocation, indicated that discussions are ongoing with the Region of Peel, which is the primary funding body for Regeneration Outreach.

The city has not provided a specific timeline or location for the proposed relocation, leaving both the outreach centre and the church in a state of uncertainty as they navigate the challenges facing their community. As the situation develops, the pressure continues for a resolution that ensures both community safety and support for those in need.