ACORN Statement: Brampton Councillors Vote to Demolish Affordable Housing with ZERO Tenant Protections

Since 2021, Peel ACORN has stood with tenants at 507 Balmoral Drive who have been fighting to stop their demoviction. Developers Pulis/Lankin Investments want to demolish the 4-storey, 55-unit building and replace it with a 19-storey, 935-unit condo or luxury rental tower. This is one of Brampton’s last affordable rental buildings, home to seniors, low-income families, and people on fixed incomes. Many tenants have lived here for decades and rely on the affordability, community, and stability it provides.

Together, we have rallied, protested, and delegated at City Hall to stop the demolition and demand a strong Rental Replacement Bylaw — a basic tenant-protection policy already in place in Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, Kitchener, and Oakville. Without such a bylaw, developers can demolish affordable homes without any obligation to replace units or provide proper compensation or relocation support.

On December 1st, Councillors voted to approve the demolition of 507 Balmoral Drive.
Votes in favour: Michael Palleschi, Harkirat Singh, Navjit Kaur Brar, Paul Vicente, Rowena Santos.
Votes against: Pat Fortini, Rod Power, Martin Medeiros.

Councillors argued the redevelopment would increase housing supply and make Brampton more competitive. But redevelopment must not come at the expense of existing residents. Approving this demolition without tenant protections puts a vulnerable community at greater risk. Council pointed to inclusionary zoning as an example of how they’re building more below-market rentals for low-income households, but with that policy set at just 1% in 2028 (with exceptions), its impact on new affordable housing will be negligible.

In response to displacement concerns, the owner’s representatives, Gagnon Walker Domes Ltd., admitted they have not decided whether the new building will be condos, rentals, or a mix — and confirmed they have no plans to offer tenant protections unless required by the City. Council approved the redevelopment without knowing what will be built, giving tenants no guarantees, no right to return, and no support, while granting the developer full freedom to profit from mass displacement.

Councillors also discussed meeting privately with the developers on December 10th to negotiate details — a closed-door process that excludes the very tenants whose housing is at stake. This raises serious concerns about transparency and integrity.

It is unjust for Council to approve this demolition knowing tenants will be displaced without any protections. The Rental Replacement Bylaw ACORN members have been organizing for has been stalled for three years with no timeline for a vote. Moving ahead with demolition while the bylaw is not in effect leaves tenants with nowhere to go. Councillors also claimed that Ontario’s Bill 60 and Bill 68 would protect tenants and that provincial legislation supersedes the City — both incorrect. These bills do not address demovictions, and multiple cities across Ontario already have Rental Replacement Bylaws, proving that cities can and should take action.

ACORN urges the City to immediately adopt a comprehensive Rental Replacement Bylaw with strong tenant protections to safeguard affordable housing and prevent further displacement.

Peel ACORN calls on the City of Brampton to:

• Pass a strong Rental Replacement Bylaw mandating one-for-one replacement of demolished rental units, guaranteeing tenants’ right to return, and providing temporary accommodations, rent-gap payments, and other supports.
  
• Ensure tenants at 507 Balmoral Drive are fully covered under the bylaw.
  
• Prioritize this work immediately, as every delay leads to more tenant displacement and the loss of affordable housing.
  

Tenants cannot afford to lose any more homes. Brampton must act now to protect renters and stop demovictions from pushing people toward homelessness.

If you support this message, send an email to Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and City Council using our online action below: