Brampton Councillor Linked to Illegal Housing Amid City's Crackdown

As Brampton grapples with the challenge of unsafe and illegal housing, a CBC Toronto investigation has revealed that a local councillor is embroiled in a contravention of municipal bylaws. Coun. Gurpartap Singh Toor, a member of both the Brampton city council and Peel regional council, is reported to be co-owner of a property with an unregistered basement apartment, despite his denials of ownership.

Property Ownership Dispute

Property records indicate that Toor has been on the title of a house on Gardenbrooke Trail since 2021. Information obtained via a freedom-of-information request shows that the basement has been illegally rented out during this period. Toor, however, contests this, asserting he does not own the property and has threatened legal action against those he claims are targeting his family.

Toor’s sister has held ownership of the property since 2012, transferring a one percent share to him in 2021. This makes it one of at least four properties associated with Toor, who also owns three houses in Caledon, Ontario. The city issued a compliance notice in September, along with a $750 fine after an inspection revealed the unregistered apartment, which poses potential safety risks.

Community Concerns and Legal Implications

The inspection was prompted by a complaint from Azad Goyat, founder of the Brampton Housing Providers Association, an organization representing landlords. Goyat, who also contested Toor in the last municipal election, highlighted community concerns about multiple families residing in the unregistered unit.

"Coun. Toor is representing the people. He's the lawmaker at the City Hall. How [can he] dare to … have the illegal dwellings?" Goyat questioned.

Toronto real estate lawyer Bob Aaron emphasizes the legal responsibility tied to property ownership, regardless of the share percentage. "Each owner is responsible for 100 percent bylaw compliance," Aaron stated, underscoring the potential liabilities Toor faces.

City's Efforts to Address Illegal Housing

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown has previously voiced concerns over unregistered rentals, labeling them as "fire traps." The city reported nearly 100 house fires and five fatalities last year, highlighting the severe risks posed by illegal housing.

Brampton's initiative, a Residential Rental Licensing pilot program aimed at addressing the issue, has led to 4,700 home inspections and over 600 penalty notices. The program is part of a broader effort to ensure safe, legal, and livable housing units.

Broader Implications

The situation involving Coun. Toor raises broader questions about public trust and governance. Municipal lawyer John Mascarin warned that non-compliance with city bylaws by public officials could erode public confidence in local administration.

"There is a loss of confidence in the local administration and the whole, the whole of local government," Mascarin noted, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency.

As the city continues its efforts to clamp down on illegal housing, the case involving Coun. Toor serves as a critical reminder of the challenges and complexities in enforcing housing regulations. The outcome could have significant implications for how Brampton manages and enforces its housing policies in the future.