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  • Brampton Breaks Ground on New Hospital, Marking Key Milestone

    Brampton Breaks Ground on New Hospital, Marking Key Milestone

    Construction for Brampton’s second hospital officially commenced following a groundbreaking ceremony on March 28, 2025. Ontario Premier Doug Ford joined local officials to celebrate the expansion of the Peel Memorial Urgent Care Centre into a full-service hospital.

    Key Features of the New Hospital

    The new Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness will include:

    • 250 new beds to address growing healthcare demands in Brampton.

    • A 24-hour emergency department, providing critical care access for the community.

    • State-of-the-art facilities designed to support diverse cultural, linguistic, and religious needs of patients and families.

    • A focus on ambulatory care, outpatient services, and integrated health systems.

    Premier Ford highlighted the importance of the project, stating, “Today marks an important milestone in our ongoing work to make health care more connected and convenient right here in Brampton and across Ontario.” He also noted that this development honors Peel Memorial’s 100-year legacy of serving the community.

    Community Impact

    The hospital aims to meet the needs of Brampton’s rapidly growing population by expanding access to specialized healthcare services. It will also partner with local educational institutions to train healthcare professionals. Sustainability is a priority, with plans to achieve LEED® Silver certification for green construction practices.

    Timeline and Next Steps

    While construction is set to begin this spring, the final design and timeline will be refined in collaboration with project partners. The redevelopment is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to enhance healthcare infrastructure across the province.

    This groundbreaking marks a significant step forward in ensuring Brampton residents have access to high-quality healthcare close to home.

  • Hundreds of thousands of eastern Canadians face power outages due to ice storm

    Hundreds of thousands of eastern Canadians face power outages due to ice storm

    Hundreds of thousands of residents in eastern Canada are facing power outages due to a severe ice storm. The storm, which hit over the weekend, has caused widespread damage, with tree limbs and branches weighed down by freezing rain. This has led to power lines being brought down across multiple areas.

    The storm has impacted large parts of Ontario and Quebec, with numerous communities left without electricity. Utility companies are working to restore power, but some areas may remain without electricity for several days as crews navigate challenging conditions caused by the ice accumulation.

    In addition to power outages, the storm has also created hazardous road conditions and damaged infrastructure, further complicating recovery efforts. Local authorities are urging residents to take precautions and remain patient as restoration efforts continue.

  • Major Changes to Brampton and Caledon Ridings in Upcoming Federal Election

    Major Changes to Brampton and Caledon Ridings in Upcoming Federal Election

    Voters in Brampton and Caledon will experience significant changes to their electoral ridings in the upcoming federal election on April 28, 2025. These adjustments come as a result of a redrawing of electoral boundaries, which have not only altered existing ridings but also created two new ones.

    Changes to Brampton Ridings

    For the past three federal elections—2015, 2019, and 2021—Brampton was divided into five separate ridings within the city: Brampton East, Brampton West, Brampton North, Brampton South, and Brampton Centre. However, following a boundary redrawing in 2022, these ridings have been reshaped, with significant impact on both Brampton and Caledon.

    One of the most notable changes is that Brampton North has now expanded into Caledon, creating a new combined riding called Brampton North—Caledon. This adjustment means that Caledon, which previously had only one federal riding, now has two.

    Brampton North—Caledon Riding

    The new Brampton North—Caledon riding in Caledon is geographically defined by King Street to the north, Mayfield Road to the south, Winston Churchill Boulevard to the west, and The Gore Road to the east. In Brampton, the riding stretches south to Bovaird Drive, west to Hurontario Street, and part of the western boundary extends to the former Orangeville-Brampton railway line. On the eastern side, the riding’s southern boundary ends at Sandalwood Parkway, with the eastern edge extending to Torbram Road.

    Dufferin-Caledon Riding

    The Dufferin-Caledon riding, which covers the remainder of Caledon, also underwent some boundary changes. It now includes the municipalities of Orangeville, Mulmur, Mono, Melancthon, Amaranth, East Garafraxa, and Grand Valley, following the establishment of the new Brampton North—Caledon riding.

    Brampton—Chinguacousy Park

    Brampton’s newest riding is Brampton—Chinguacousy Park. This area is bordered by Highway 410 to the west, Torbram Road to the east, and the Brampton-Mississauga border to the south. Its northern boundary extends to Sandalwood Parkway, with its western border stopping at Bovaird Drive, just west of Dixie Road.

    Remaining Changes in Brampton Ridings

    In addition to the new Brampton—Chinguacousy Park, other Brampton ridings have undergone changes:

    • Brampton East has seen the fewest changes, with the majority of its boundaries remaining the same. However, a small section on the northwest end has been moved into the new Brampton—Chinguacousy Park riding.

    • Brampton West now has different boundaries, with Winston Churchill Boulevard to the west, Mayfield Road to the north, Hurontario Street to the east, and Bovaird Road to the south. The riding also extends south to Williams Parkway between Mississauga Road and Chinguacousy Road, and its northeastern corner is now defined by the former Orangeville-Brampton railway line.

    Conclusion

    The upcoming federal election will see voters in Brampton and Caledon casting their ballots in newly defined ridings. The adjustments reflect demographic shifts and aim to ensure more balanced representation. For those living in Brampton and Caledon, understanding these changes will be crucial for making informed decisions when they head to the polls in April.

  • Trump Tariffs Contributing to Slowdown in Toronto and GTA Real Estate Market: TRREB

    Trump Tariffs Contributing to Slowdown in Toronto and GTA Real Estate Market: TRREB

    The ongoing trade war and rising economic uncertainties are having a significant impact on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market. According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), while the region has already experienced steep declines in sales over the past few years, U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs are exacerbating the situation.

    Jason Mercer, TRREB’s Chief Market Analyst, explains that in addition to long-standing affordability concerns, homebuyers have become more cautious due to the volatility in the economy. “Uncertainty surrounding our trade relationship with the United States is likely contributing to a wait-and-see attitude among potential homebuyers,” Mercer said in the board’s latest market report.

    Sales in the GTA have seen dramatic drops in recent years, with transactions plummeting to levels last seen in the early 2000s. After peaking at an all-time high of 121,712 sales in 2021, real estate activity has steadily fallen. Despite a slight uptick in 2024, sales were still down by 44% compared to 2021. The total number of sales in 2023 was just 67,610, compared to a previous high of 121,712.

    The situation has been further compounded by the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Canadian goods earlier this year. With more tariffs expected in April, economic uncertainty is spreading across both countries, creating widespread concerns in the market. In February, the GTA saw a significant decline in sales, with only 4,037 transactions compared to 5,607 in the same month last year—representing a 28% drop.

    The real estate market in the region was already struggling before the trade war, largely due to the Bank of Canada’s interest rate hikes. In March 2022, the Bank raised its benchmark rate from 0.25% to 5% by July 2023, which resulted in slower housing activity. Despite a reduction in the rate to 2.75% in 2024, the rate cut has had little effect on sales or prices, which continue to trend downward.

    Average sale prices for homes and condos across the 31 cities and towns monitored by TRREB have declined between 7.7% and 35.1%. TRREB’s data also divides Toronto into three regions—East, West, and Centre—all of which are experiencing declines in both sales volume and property prices.

    The slowdown in the market, coupled with the uncertainty over trade relations and the broader economic outlook, suggests that the GTA real estate market will continue to face challenges in the near future.

  • The escalating trade conflict initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump has contributed to a cooling effect on Toronto’s real estate market

    The escalating trade conflict initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump has contributed to a cooling effect on Toronto’s real estate market

    the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB). Although the market has faced challenges for years due to rising borrowing costs and ongoing affordability issues, recent trade tensions have further weakened consumer confidence and slowed home sales.

    “Concerns over affordability have lingered, but home buyers are now also less confident in the economy,” noted Jason Mercer, TRREB’s chief market analyst, in the board’s latest market update. “Uncertainty about Canada’s trade relationship with the United States has likely caused some potential buyers to take a wait-and-see approach.”

    In 2024, the GTA market recorded 67,610 total transactions—an improvement over 2023’s low of 65,982 sales, but still a staggering 44 percent drop from the 2021 peak. This decline preceded Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods earlier this year. As additional tariffs are set to roll out in April, both economic uncertainty and stock market volatility have heightened on both sides of the border.

    February’s numbers underscored the market’s continued struggles: Toronto and GTA sales fell to 4,037—a 28 percent year-over-year drop from the previous February’s 5,607 transactions. Average home prices have also taken a hit, declining between 7.7 and 35.1 percent across the 31 cities and towns tracked by TRREB.

    Though the Bank of Canada (BoC) slashed its benchmark interest rate from a peak of 5 percent in mid-2023 to 2.75 percent this year, the measure has not yet translated into significantly increased sales or higher prices. TRREB believes that continued rate cuts combined with easing trade tensions could lead to stronger sales in the latter half of the year.

    “Many GTA households are ready to buy, but current mortgage rates remain a barrier,” said TRREB president Elechia Barry-Sproule. “If borrowing costs decline further and trade uncertainty clears, we could see much stronger home sales activity.”

    Still, the BoC remains cautious. In its March 26 update, the central bank acknowledged that the full impact of tariffs and trade uncertainty on inflation and domestic demand is difficult to gauge. While lower domestic demand would reduce inflation, new tariffs could stifle exports and curtail business investment. Rising costs from tariffs, a weaker Canadian dollar, and trade uncertainty could simultaneously push inflation higher.

    BoC Governor Tiff Macklem warned of significant economic risks, noting that the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s tariff policies has already taken a toll. “Since President Trump began threatening a broad range of tariffs on Canadian exports, uncertainty has sharply increased,” Macklem said in a recent speech. “Depending on the scope and duration of these tariffs, the economic impact could be severe.”

    With the Canadian economy caught between declining mortgage rates, affordability challenges, and escalating trade tensions, the Toronto and GTA housing market remains in a precarious position.

  • Ontario Fire Marshal Informed Following Brampton Commercial Fire

    Ontario Fire Marshal Informed Following Brampton Commercial Fire

    The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office has been alerted after Brampton firefighters successfully extinguished a two-alarm fire at a commercial property Thursday evening.

    Fire officials report that no injuries were sustained in the incident, which occurred near West Drive and Clark Boulevard. Emergency crews responded promptly to the scene, containing the blaze without any reported casualties.

  • Trump Tariffs Impacting Toronto and GTA Real Estate Sales, TRREB Reports

    Trump Tariffs Impacting Toronto and GTA Real Estate Sales, TRREB Reports

    The escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and other countries, particularly through U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, are starting to take a toll on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market, according to the latest report from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB).

    While the GTA has already been grappling with a slowdown in real estate sales due to rising borrowing costs and concerns about housing affordability over the past three years, TRREB suggests that the ongoing trade war is adding an extra layer of pressure on the market. The effects of the tariffs, particularly in terms of economic uncertainty and the potential for higher costs, are contributing to a cooling effect on property sales.

    This combination of factors is creating a complex environment for buyers and sellers in the region, as the impact of international trade relations becomes an increasingly influential force in the local real estate landscape.

  • Brampton Community Mailbox Broken Into, Resident Left Furious

    Brampton Community Mailbox Broken Into, Resident Left Furious

    Carlos Martins was furious when he discovered his community mailbox had been tampered with on a recent Tuesday evening. Upon arriving to check his mail, Martins found that the box was wide open and, to his dismay, completely empty. “There was nothing in there,” he said, visibly upset. “The latches were scattered on the ground as well.”

    This unsettling incident, which left Martins and several others without their mail, was part of a string of mailbox break-ins at a community location in east Brampton. According to reports, approximately a dozen mailboxes were targeted by thieves earlier this month.

    Both Canada Post and Peel Regional Police are now investigating the break-ins, working to determine who is behind the crime and how to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

    For residents like Martins, the incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of personal information and the importance of securing mailboxes.

  • Community Mailbox in Brampton Broken Into, Resident Concerned About Identity Theft

    Community Mailbox in Brampton Broken Into, Resident Concerned About Identity Theft

    Carlos Martins was left “livid” when he discovered his community mailbox had been broken into during a recent check. “There was nothing in there. It was empty,” Martins, a long-time Brampton resident, said. “There were quite a few latches on the ground as well.”

    Canada Post and Peel police are investigating the break-in, which targeted around a dozen mailboxes at a community site in east Brampton earlier this month. The incident was reported on March 11 after the break-ins took place on Ravenscliffe Court, near Chinguacousy Road and Williams Parkway.

    Martins expressed concern over the potential for identity theft. “What other reasons are these people opening those things up? They’re after something,” he said. He added that similar incidents occurred last summer at the same mailbox, though Peel police found no reported occurrences in 2024. Canada Post, however, declined to share specific details on the number of incidents last year.

    “We can confirm there have been recent vandalism incidents at community mailbox sites in the Ravenscliffe Court neighborhood,” said Canada Post spokesperson Lisa Liu. “We take these matters and the security of the mail very seriously. As there is an investigation, we do not provide further details or metrics on the incidents.”

    Martins, who has lived in the area for 15 years, has requested that Canada Post relocate the mailbox to a more visible, higher-traffic area on the street and upgrade it to one with enhanced security features. “This has happened way too many times. We need surveillance here. Somebody needs to be caught,” Martins emphasized.

    Liu explained that Canada Post doesn’t publicly share specific security measures related to their equipment to maintain its effectiveness.

    For residents worried about identity fraud, Canada Post advises contacting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

    Peel police spokesperson Const. Sarah Patten confirmed that the break-in was reported on March 11, noting that Martins had been informed early on March 10 that the mailbox had been vandalized and an unknown amount of mail was stolen. The police have yet to identify any suspects. “We encourage residents to report these incidents to Canada Post and to the police,” Patten said, mentioning that there were 210 incidents of community mailbox thefts or mischief in Peel Region last year.

    To help prevent mail theft, Peel police recommend these tips:

    • Collect your mail daily.

    • Suspend your mail delivery if you plan to be away.

    • Never send cash through the mail.

    • Ask a friend or family member to collect your mail while you’re away.

    • Report suspicious activity to the police.

    In October, the Ontario Provincial Police issued a warning about increased mail thefts at both community and individual mailboxes in Caledon.

  • Major Changes Ahead for Waste Collection in Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon

    Major Changes Ahead for Waste Collection in Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon

    Beginning in January 2026, the long-standing collaboration on waste collection between Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon will come to an end as these cities take over responsibility for their garbage services from the Region of Peel. Brampton and Mississauga will begin managing waste collection next year, and Brampton will team up with Caledon to handle waste services in their area starting in 2027.

    The councils of Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon, and Peel Region have all passed resolutions to transfer the responsibility for waste collection to the individual municipalities. Brampton and Caledon will form a partnership to deliver waste services in both communities.

    A release from the City of Brampton on March 20 explained the transition, stating, “Following resolutions approved by local municipalities, Peel Regional Council has passed a resolution directing the lower-tier municipalities to begin planning the transition of waste collection services from the Region of Peel.” The shift is aimed at streamlining operations and improving service delivery at the local level.

    The handover of waste collection services is set to begin on January 1, 2026, in Brampton and Mississauga. However, the regional recycling centres will remain under the operation of Peel Region, ensuring no disruptions to the existing recycling programs. Brampton officials also reassured residents that “no disruption to existing services is anticipated as current contracts will remain in place.”

    In Caledon, Mayor Annette Groves stated that the transition for her community won’t occur until the fall of 2027. “I can assure Caledon residents that their curbside collection will continue as it does today,” she said. The partnership with Brampton will begin when the regional waste contract expires in September 2027.

    This transition follows recommendations from the now-dissolved Peel Transition Board, which had been formed by the provincial government to facilitate the downloading of certain regional services to local municipalities. Initially tasked with overseeing the dissolution of Peel Region, the provincial government reversed its decision to scrap the regional structure in December 2023. Consequently, the transition board’s mandate shifted to identifying efficiencies between the regional and local governments.

    In December 2024, the province also announced that responsibility for managing regional roads would be transferred to Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon. Mississauga is set to assume waste collection services and take ownership of two recycling plants in July 2026. The provincial transition board was officially dissolved on December 31, 2024.

    Though waste collection in Brampton and Caledon was initially slated to remain under Peel Region’s jurisdiction until at least July 2026, it now appears that both the Region and the local councils have opted to accelerate the transition. As part of this new timeline, Mississauga will take over waste collection services from Peel Region on January 1, 2026.

    To manage this transition smoothly, a new regional transition committee has been established to guide the process. According to the City of Brampton, a working group made up of staff from Peel Region, Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon will coordinate the planning efforts. The goal is to align financial, service, and operational logistics while minimizing disruption to residents.

    This shift represents a return to the management of waste services at the municipal level, a responsibility that had been transferred to the regional government in the 1990s. By regaining control, Brampton and Caledon will have greater flexibility to tailor waste collection services to the needs of their growing populations, potentially improving service efficiency and decision-making processes.