Critical Review Unveils Deep-Rooted Issues in Brampton’s Bylaw Department

A recent external review conducted by AtFocus has exposed significant challenges within Brampton’s bylaw enforcement department, revealing it as an “unstable organization” plagued by critical issues. The findings were presented by Robert Higgs, the newly appointed Director of Enforcement & By-Law Services, during a city council meeting on April 24.The review, which spanned from January to March, scrutinized various aspects of the department including service request trends, 311 and enforcement data, customer complaints, and business processes. It highlighted a troubling picture of low staff morale and an increasing volume of service calls, which have surged due to Brampton’s rapid population growth and other factors such as an uptick in housing units and multi-generational family setups.Brampton, recognized as Canada’s fastest-growing big city, has seen its population increase by 25.3% over the last decade, intensifying the demand for bylaw services. This demand has resulted in a 20% annual increase in service calls over several years, with parking-related issues comprising 68% of these calls. Alarmingly, only 50% of these calls are responded to, primarily due to insufficient enforcement resources.The review also pointed out that merely increasing staff numbers is not a sufficient solution. It emphasized the need for a more supportive work environment and a progressive enforcement model that prioritizes education and collaboration. The report suggested immediate increases in full-time employees (FTEs) to stabilize the department and alleviate the high pressure from escalating demands.AtFocus’s comprehensive 34-page report included 28 recommendations aimed at overhauling the bylaw services in Brampton. These recommendations span from achieving sustainable staffing levels to implementing technological and procedural enhancements in both the short and long term.In response, the city council has directed staff to develop a phased plan to implement these recommendations and to report back with a detailed implementation plan in the upcoming months. Despite the gravity of the findings, the council discussion was relatively brief, with only a few council members engaging significantly with the report’s contents.