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There seems to be an unfortunate trend in the Greater Toronto Area these days: homes are being overrun by squatters who run the gamut from drug dealers and hoarders to prostitutes. What was once a quiet neighbourhood is surrendered to these reprobates. As for the authorities? They’d very much rather not get involved for whatever reason. It’s both sad and infuriating.

The latest example of a “there goes the neighbourhood” scenario is occurring in Brampton, Ont.

Concerned residents have reached out to Rebel News complaining that a residence on Trueman Street is a 24/7 venue for selling hard drugs and facilitating prostitution. Of note, there are two camper trailers in the backyard (which we understand violates a bylaw).

Residents also say several overdoses occur at this property on a daily basis. As well, there’s been a spike in crime in the neighbourhood, with homeowners suffering from robberies. All in all, residents say the quality of life in this neighbourhood has drastically declined, and they lament that the authorities seem to be doing nothing to remedy this situation.

We went out to the house in question to observe. Sure enough, we witnessed what appeared to be several drug deals and cash for sex deals taking place.

We reached out to Peel Regional Police and the City of Brampton. We wanted to know whether these entities are aware of the situation and why nothing has been done to shut down this operation.

Here is the statement provided by the police: 

Peel Regional Police is aware of concerns regarding this address. Officers from our 22 Division Community Intervention and Response Team (CIRT) have been actively investigating criminal activity associated with the location.

Earlier this month, officers executed a search warrant at the property, resulting in two individuals being arrested and charged with drug-related offences, including Trafficking in Opioids and Possession of a Controlled Substance. A quantity of suspected opioids was also seized.

CIRT officers continue to have an active project focused on criminality at this location and are working with the City of Brampton Enforcement and By-law Services regarding potential enforcement action involving the property owner.

As this work remains ongoing, we are limited in the additional information we can provide at this time, as doing so could potentially compromise investigative and enforcement efforts. With respect to concerns regarding the camper trailers, those matters would be best directed to the City of Brampton Media Relations.

Alas, we never did hear back from the City of Brampton, even though it has an entire media relations department. Then again, in fairness, the municipal election is just two months away. City staffers are no doubt very busy right now in their quest to get Mayor “Sneaky” Patrick Brown re-elected. Because that’s how they roll in Brampton, Ontario…