Stephen Dasko

In response to the growing auto theft crisis in Peel Region and across Canada, Peel Regional Police and the Peel Police Service Board were among the first to react by holding the first ever Auto Theft Summit at the start of 2023 – a platform that brought together law enforcement, government officials and industry partners to develop and implement recommendations to help combat organized auto theft and raise awareness. PRP also made significant investments in its Commercial Auto Crime Bureau, doubling in size and becoming one of the largest in the country.

Thanks to these collective efforts, we are seeing real results.

Since the beginning of 2025, Peel Regional Police has recovered almost half of the vehicles stolen in the region, with a total value of $26 million. In addition, 479 auto theft-related charges have been laid against 257 individuals.

Our collective efforts have helped tackle the issue with the following results:

• More than $380 million in recoveries, which equates to over 7,400 vehicles recovered, since January 2023
• More than 1,100 auto theft-related charges laid against 543 individuals since January 2023
• 16% decrease in auto thefts in 2024 compared to 2023
• 45% reduction in auto thefts compared to the same period last year, a $60 million reduction

These achievements are a direct result of the unwavering dedication and professionalism of members, complemented by the continued support and advocacy of the Peel Police Service Board. Their commitment has been instrumental in enabling, resourcing and sustaining these important efforts. The successful conclusion of these complex national and international investigations was also made possible through funding provided by the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich’s video providing an update on organized auto theft in Peel Region: https://x.com/PeelPolice/status/1915121692201931096

BRAMPTON, Ont. (April 24, 2025) – Today, Peel Regional Council received the 2024 Homelessness Point-in-Time (PiT) Count, a community-level measure of homelessness at a single point in time that provides both local and national insights.

In compliance with both federal and provincial requirements, Peel Region participates in a Point-in-Time Count which consists of:

Enumeration: An estimate of the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night, and identifying where they stayed (such as shelters, transitional housing, and unsheltered locations), and;

Housing Needs Survey: A survey that is completed in-person with individuals experiencing homelessness to gather key information on demographics and experiences.

Peel conducted the 2024 PiT Count on Nov. 13, 2024, and the Housing Needs Survey between Nov. 13 to 15, 2024. There were 1,035 participants that completed this survey.

Peel publishes yearly data to quantify homelessness using multiple sources to ensure consistent and accurate tracking. The Point-in-Time Count represents homelessness on one specific night and is only one method used to track homelessness within Peel.

Key findings from the 2024 PiT Count reveal a growth in the homeless population, including growth in our local homeless population and asylum claimants. Results indicated that:

• when including asylum claimants, there was a 223 per cent increase in overall homelessness in Peel compared to the 2021 PiT Count, with 2,799 individuals experiencing homelessness on Nov. 13, 2024, and;
• when asylum claimants are removed from this analysis, the count identified a 93 per cent increase in local homelessness compared to the 2021 PiT Count, with 1,674 individuals experiencing homelessness on Nov. 13, 2024.

Overall homelessness includes sheltered homeless (2,593 individuals) and unsheltered homeless (206 individuals). The sheltered homeless includes 1,125 individuals within the asylum response system.

This is the first PiT Count in Peel that includes the asylum claimant response system, as this system was not in place during the 2021 count. The emergence of this system in 2023 has led to significant shifts in homelessness trends, particularly in demographics, service needs and shelter utilization rates. The inclusion of asylum claimant data in the 2024 PiT Count provides a more comprehensive picture of homelessness in Peel, highlighting the distinct challenges faced by each group and the need for targeted responses.

Distinguishing the asylum claimant response system from local homelessness has allowed Peel to enhance service delivery by tailoring supports to the distinct needs of each population. Separating the asylum claimant response system ensures local homelessness services are better protected from additional strain, and residents experiencing homelessness receive the focused support they need.

Homelessness continues to be a multifaceted issue that demands systemic interventions and tailored solutions. The 2024 PiT Count data highlights critical trends and gaps in services, particularly among vulnerable populations such as racialized groups, youth, and asylum claimants. An increase in homelessness among women was also noted with 40 per cent of responses from women, a 12 per cent increase from 2021. Women were also found to have a higher percentage (27 per cent) of housing loss due to conflict or abuse with a partner/spouse or parent/guardian compared to men (16 per cent).

This data is only a snapshot of the bigger picture. The count does not include those who are couch surfing or living in unstable housing conditions, and does not capture cyclical or intermittent homelessness, meaning the actual number of people experiencing homelessness may be higher.

The Point-in-Time Count is just one data source used by Peel to track homelessness.

The findings from this count emphasize the need for continued investment in targeted supports, while also addressing the structural causes of homelessness, such as income disparity, discrimination, and systemic barriers to housing access.

Next steps include that:

• the findings will inform program enhancements to ensure housing and homelessness services align with Peel’s evolving needs, and;
• Peel will continue to advocate for sustainable funding and policy measures to support both local residents and asylum claimants facing homelessness, and;
• targeted interventions, including culturally responsive services, will be explored to address the unique needs of subpopulations, including women, families, and asylum claimants, and;
• future PiT Counts will incorporate enhanced methodologies, including improved real-time data collection strategies, to improve the accuracy of homelessness measurements.

Access the Council report and 2024 Everyone Counts Peel Community Report to learn more about Peel’s 2024 Point-in-Time Count.

Quotations

“Peel’s 2024 Point-in-Time Count reveals what we’ve known for some time: homelessness is a multifaceted issue that requires multiple solutions, and we can’t do this work alone. Support from all levels of government and our partners is needed as we continue targeting supports for our residents.”

– Steve Jacques, Commissioner of Human Services, Peel Region.

BRAMPTON, ON (April 21, 2025) – Today is the beginning of National Work Zone Awareness Week, an annual campaign recognized throughout North America at the start of construction season that encourages everyone to use extra caution and drive safely in work zones.

This year’s theme is ‘respect the zone so we all get home.’

National Work Zone Awareness Week aims to emphasize to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike that safety in work zones is a responsibility we all share. With road maintenance and construction season beginning in Peel, all road users are reminded to slow down and exercise caution when travelling through work zones to protect workers and ensure that everyone makes it home safely.

What is a work zone?

A work zone is an area where construction is taking place on a road. This includes stationary as well as moving work zones, such as line painting vehicles. Construction zones can impact visibility, speed limits, lane access, turning ability, bike lanes, and sidewalks.

When travelling through a work zone, keep the following tips in mind:

• Slow down: As you approach a construction zone, be prepared to stop and ensure workers have the room to work safely.
• Be aware: Follow all signage posted in work zones. Signs warn of the construction zone and provide direction on how to pass through safely.
• Keep your distance: Be alert and expect the unexpected. Closed lanes, reduced speeds, and shifts in traffic patterns are common.
• Stay focused: Keep your eyes on the road. Avoid distractions such as using your cell phone while driving.

Work zones can also be avoided by planning ahead. Use our construction projects map to view current and upcoming work on Peel routes.

Peel Region is committed to Vision Zero and is working to prevent injuries and fatalities resulting from collisions on our roads. Vision Zero focuses on everyone’s responsibility to be aware of their surroundings and follow the rules of the road.

For more information on work zone safety in Peel, visit peelregion.ca/construction/projects/work-zone-safety.

Quotations

“We’re all road users, whether we drive, cycle, walk, or take transit. Construction in Peel is building the foundation for a better future that benefits everyone, so it’s important we all do our part to improve road safety. Slowing down, keeping a safe distance, and staying focused in work zones isn’t always easy, but they’re essential steps to help ensure everyone makes it home safely.”

– Kealy Dedman, Commissioner of Public Works.

About National Immunization Awareness Week

Each April during National Immunization Awareness Week, we highlight the importance of vaccines in protecting people of all ages from preventable diseases.

This year’s theme reminds the public that vaccines changed our health landscape for the better. As time progressed, more and more diseases became preventable by vaccination, and health outcomes greatly improved. We don’t want to turn the clock back to former times.

Peel’s 2025 focus

With measles cases on the rise both globally and locally this year, the Region of Peel is sharing messages that highlight the importance of staying protected against measles — a highly contagious but preventable disease.

We’re encouraging residents to:

1. Check if they are up to date on their measles vaccinations, especially adults who may not remember.
   2. Get vaccinated – especially ahead of spring/summer travel and protect loved ones in their families.
   This toolkit provides trusted messages from Peel Public Health you can share with your audiences about the importance of staying protected right now.

Suggested Social Media Posts

*Feel free to copy, personalize, or schedule these posts on your social media accounts.
You can also share Peel region’s posts instead!*

Vaccines save lives. This National Immunization Awareness Week, ask your healthcare provider if you’re protected against measles. Don’t let history repeat itself.

Don’t let history repeat itself. Measles is highly contagious — and preventable. Use National Immunization Awareness Week as your reminder to check in with your healthcare provider.

Traveling with an infant or toddler? Make sure you’re protected against measles to help keep them safe. This National Immunization Awareness Week is the perfect time to check in with your provider.

Visiting family or friends outside of Canada? This National Immunization Week, ask your healthcare provider if you and your family are protected against measles. Vaccines help you stay safe — and enjoy your vacation worry-free.

Image Guidance / Visual Pairings

For all posts, visuals can make your message go further. Click here to download images from Peel Region’s Image Library or feel free to use your own! Here are a few ideas:
• Families of all ages together (especially multigenerational homes)
• People talking to their doctor or pharmacist
• Travel imagery (packing, airports, happy vacation scenes)
• Peel-specific or council-branded graphics if available

Thank you for helping us keep Peel residents safe and healthy!