Should Downtown Brampton Allow Building Before Flood Protection Is Complete?

Official title: Proposed administrative changes to the Building Code that could streamline planning approvals and would allow development projects to proceed more quickly in the Downtown Brampton Special Policy Area.

Closed Regulations & Permits Housing & Communities
Brampton wants to build a Centre for Innovation and Heritage Theatre in its downtown, but the area is in a flood zone. The province is proposing a Building Code change that would let construction start now, while flood protection infrastructure is still being built. The catch? No one could actually move into the buildings until the Riverwalk flood protection is finished in 2028.

Why This Matters

Live in Brampton or thinking of moving there? This could speed up housing and job creation downtown. The city is working toward 113,000 new housing units by 2031, and this project is part of that push. If you're concerned about building in flood zones, this is your chance to weigh in.

What Could Change

The Building Code would be amended to allow construction permits in Downtown Brampton's Special Policy Area before flood protection is complete. Buildings could go up, but occupancy would be restricted until the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority confirms the Riverwalk infrastructure is functional. This could unlock development of the Centre for Innovation and Heritage Theatre projects.

Key Issues

  • Should construction be allowed to proceed in a flood zone before flood protection is complete?
  • Is restricting building occupancy until 2028 an adequate safeguard?

How to Participate

  1. Review the proposal on the Ontario Regulatory Registry to understand the proposed Building Code changes.
  2. Submit your feedback using the comment form by the deadline.