Brampton Councillor Rowena Santos is urging the City to expand its Residential Rental Licensing (RRL) Program across the entire city after a tragic house fire claimed multiple lives in an area not covered by the current pilot. She says the heartbreaking incident proves unsafe rental conditions exist far beyond the limited zones currently included.
At the Nov. 26 council meeting, Santos—supported by Councillor Dennis Keenan—introduced a motion to fast-track the citywide rollout and to call on the Province for stronger enforcement tools and long-term support. Santos has backed the RRL program since it launched in 2022 because it ensures landlord accountability, mandatory safety checks, proper insurance, and proactive inspections. Council has now approved an enhanced version of the program, which will also add four new Fire Prevention Officers.
Santos emphasized that municipalities are struggling to manage the growing number of rental units on their own. She noted that the Province required cities to allow more residential units but did not provide the funding or legal authority needed to ensure those units are safe and properly maintained.
She stressed that one preventable loss of life is too many and that Brampton needs a real partnership with the Province. Santos said the city needs more inspectors, stronger enforcement powers, long-term funding, and better support to protect safe and affordable rental housing.
“We cannot allow a tragedy like this to happen again,” she said. “Brampton families deserve safe homes, and we need the tools to make that happen.”
(Source: Councillor Rowena Santos)
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