As you know, Councillor Rowena Santos has been a champion for active transportation on Brampton and Peel Region Council over the past 7 years. Her advocacy helped launch the “Streets for People” program at the city that saw more cycling infrastrucutre being built in Brampton from 2020-2023 than had been built in the previous decade or more.
Councillor Santos supported the Region of Peel’s Sustainable Transportation Strategy which included funding for the Community Cycling Program. This program allowed BikeBrampton to start the Brampton and Caledon Bike Hub, run bike repair pop ups throughout COVID, and to open Different Spokes in Brampton’s downtown.
When bike lanes became a contentious issue in 2023, Councillor Santos went door-to-door along Vodden St. to engage residents on the benefits of cycling and the reasons why bike lanes were so important for the future of transportation in this city. Even when Mayor Brown and Council voted to remove bike lanes along Howden, Councillor Santos was articulate in her support and inventive in looking for compromise solutions. She was the only Councillor who had the courage to vote against the removal and support what was right for the city even though it was potentially politically damaging.
Councillor Santos has been a champion of many causes in the city including support for affordable housing and providing services to our homeless population. She was recently elected as Chair of the Federation of Canadian Muncipalities’ Standing Committee on Community Safety and Crime Prevention.
Councillor Santos now needs our support in her bid to be re-elected in Wards 1 & 5. She will be hosting a campaign event on Sunday September 20th and could use volunteers to help with aspects of her campaign. Please reserve a spot in your calendar and call or text 647-971-8683 if you are willing to help. More information will be coming shortly.