Brampton News Daily

Author: Richard Peralta

  • Stellantis Adjusts Operations at Windsor and Brampton Plants Amid Canada-U.S. Tariff Dispute

    Stellantis Adjusts Operations at Windsor and Brampton Plants Amid Canada-U.S. Tariff Dispute

    Stellantis, the global automotive giant with major assembly operations in Windsor and Brampton, is temporarily halting production at select Canadian facilities in response to new U.S. tariffs.

    The move follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision on April 2 to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imported vehicles, a policy shift that has sparked concern across the auto industry.

    Stellantis spokesperson LouAnn Gosselin confirmed the company is actively monitoring the situation and evaluating the potential impact of the new tariffs on its Canadian operations.

    “We are continuing to assess the effects of these tariffs on our vehicle imports and will maintain open dialogue with the U.S. administration regarding these recent policy developments,” Gosselin said in a statement.

    While the full scope of the production pause has not been detailed, the decision adds to growing uncertainty within the auto sector as manufacturers navigate shifting trade policies between Canada and the U.S.

  • Brampton Restaurant Issued Warning Over Food Safety Violations During Inspection

    Brampton Restaurant Issued Warning Over Food Safety Violations During Inspection

    Peel Public Health inspectors recently issued a conditional pass to a Brampton restaurant following a routine inspection. The inspection took place on March 19 at Kang’s Dhaba & Pizza, located at 15 Ashby Field Rd., Unit 9.

    As part of their routine checks, Peel Public Health inspects various food establishments, including restaurants, cocktail bars, bakeries, and more, to ensure compliance with food safety standards. During the inspection of Kang’s Dhaba & Pizza, several violations were noted:

    • The restaurant did not provide or use accurate and easy-to-read thermometers.

    • The establishment lacked a supply of potable hot and cold running water under pressure.

    • No test reagent was provided to determine the concentration of sanitizer.

    • Utensils were not properly washed and sanitized.

    • Non-food contact surfaces were not maintained clean, sanitary, and in good condition.

    • The required supplies for every washroom were not provided.

    • The mechanical ventilation system was not properly maintained to remove odours, fumes, vapours, smoke, and excessive heat.

    • The restaurant did not have at least one food handler or supervisor with valid food handler certification present on-site during all hours of operation.

    Peel Public Health’s inspection program uses a color-coded system to indicate a business’s compliance with food safety regulations:

    • A green pass indicates that the establishment is fully compliant with health and safety requirements.

    • A yellow conditional pass means the establishment is not fully compliant, and corrective actions must be taken immediately, especially for items that pose a risk of illness.

    • A red closed sign is issued if a serious health risk or danger is found, and the business is required to close until the issues are resolved.

    The conditional pass issued to Kang’s Dhaba & Pizza signals that several issues need to be addressed. Peel Public Health encourages the public to stay informed about food safety through these regular inspections.

  • Brampton’s New Hospital Officially Breaks Ground

    Brampton’s New Hospital Officially Breaks Ground

    Construction on Brampton’s second hospital officially began last week, following a groundbreaking ceremony held on March 28. Ontario Premier Doug Ford attended the event alongside local officials, marking the culmination of years of planning and a long-awaited step forward for healthcare in the region. This milestone follows the province’s initial announcement four years ago to fund the expansion of the Peel Memorial Urgent Care Centre into a full-service hospital, complete with 250 new beds and a 24-hour emergency room.

    “This is a significant milestone in our ongoing effort to make healthcare more connected and convenient right here in Brampton and across Ontario,” Premier Ford stated at the ceremony. He also highlighted the dual significance of the day, noting that not only is it the 100th anniversary of Peel Memorial, a hospital that has long served the community, but it also marks the beginning of the new Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness.

    The project, however, has faced multiple delays since it was first approved in March 2021. Originally, construction was slated to begin in 2023, with an estimated completion date set for 2027. However, the timeline has been pushed back twice, first to 2024 and then again to 2025. The cost of the project has also escalated considerably. Initially estimated at $1.1 billion for both the new hospital and a proposed cancer treatment center at Brampton Civic Hospital, the price tag has now climbed to $2.3 billion, according to the city. It remains unclear whether this updated figure includes the cancer center.

    As of now, Brampton Civic Hospital is the city’s only full-service hospital and has one of the busiest emergency rooms in Canada. Given the city’s rapidly growing population—recently surpassing Mississauga to become Ontario’s third-largest city—demand for healthcare services has only intensified. In response, Brampton City Council declared a “healthcare emergency” in 2020, and discussions about the need for a third hospital are already underway.

    Despite the challenges, Mayor Patrick Brown expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s commencement. “Thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to make today a reality. Your dedication is the heart of this project,” Brown said. He also extended gratitude to the province, local council, donors, and staff involved in the effort.

    To date, $81.1 million in reserves has been allocated for the new hospital, with an additional $4.9 million raised through a one-percent annual tax levy initiated in 2022. This levy is specifically dedicated to the local share of funding required by the province’s funding model. The city is responsible for half of the required local contribution, with the William Osler Health System, which operates hospitals in both Brampton and Etobicoke, covering the other half.

    The city council has also allocated $10 million in the 2025 budget for the new Toronto Metropolitan University medical school, which is set to open in the fall.

    Frank Martino, President and CEO of the William Osler Health System, expressed his appreciation for the ongoing commitment to healthcare in Brampton, saying, “This is a historic time for health care in Brampton. The investments prioritized in the 2025 Budget will ensure that our community has access to world-class services for generations to come.”

    With construction now underway, the new hospital marks a critical step toward meeting the healthcare needs of Brampton’s growing population.

  • 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.