November 24, 2022 – The federal government has earmarked $7 million to establish three new shelters and a welcome centre for asylum seekers in Peel Region. This announcement follows Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown’s impassioned plea for federal intervention after the recent tragic death of an asylum seeker outside a former Peel Region shelter.
Mayor Brown, who called on the federal government to act swiftly in the wake of the distressing incident, expressed his gratitude for the government’s rapid response, stating, “The Government of Canada has saved lives and prevented potentially hundreds of fatalities.” He added, “I’m much more hopeful that the worst-case scenarios that we were predicting have now been averted.”
“The Government of Canada has saved lives and prevented potentially hundreds of fatalities.”
-Mayor Patrick Brown
The three new shelters are set to provide a total of 250 spaces, with two of them expected to be operationalized in the coming weeks. This move is part of a broader initiative to address the overflow in the Region’s shelter system, currently operating at a staggering 321% capacity, with refugees comprising nearly 68% of the shelter population.
In addition to the shelter expansion, the federal government’s funding will contribute to the creation of a welcome centre near Toronto Pearson International Airport, providing an additional 800 spaces. This comprehensive approach aims to offer immediate relief to asylum seekers and refugees facing homelessness, especially as winter approaches.
The collective efforts of the federal government, municipal leaders, and community organizations aim to ensure that vulnerable newcomers to Canada have access to safe and supportive spaces. With the addition of 1050 new shelter spaces, the Region is taking a crucial step towards addressing the immediate needs of asylum seekers and refugees during these challenging times.
As the two new shelters are set to open within the next few weeks and the welcome centre is anticipated to launch in the first quarter of 2024, regional staff are finalizing lease agreements and arrangements with a non-profit organization to manage the welcome centre. In the interim, individuals sleeping on the streets will be offered hotel accommodations, emphasizing the region’s commitment to swift action and the immediate well-being of those seeking refuge.