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Lighthouse Program - Frequently Asked Questions

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This program is a special arrangement where participating faith-based organizations will offer their facilities as places of refuge to the public during times of a citywide emergency.

The program aims to build a network of “lighthouses” – faith-based organizations – that open their doors to members of the community, regardless of their belief system across Brampton.​

To participate, please fill out this form and someone will be in touch with you between 5 to 10 business days.​

This program was established to increase the number of safe places that residents can turn to in times of public emergencies, strengthening Brampton’s emergency preparedness and response mechanism.​

You are welcome to go to any organization listed nearest to you in the directory, regardless of your faith.​

Please call the organization in advance to understand if your accessibility needs will be met. If possible, visit in advance to familiarize yourself with the location.​

Please contact them directly to confirm what other services than refuge for cold alerts and heat warnings if any, they will be providing.​

A citywide emergency may affect essential services such as water, power, heating, phone lines, transit, food and medical access. Depending on the severity of the incident, the City’s ability to provide emergency assistance may also be impacted.

At such times, you and your loved ones may need to move to a safe location away from your home. Facilities like recreation centres can serve as emergency shelters and are often better equipped to provide you with essential services and support.

Now, under the Lighthouse Program, certain faith-based facilities have agreed to open their doors to offer refuge to people during emergencies. These places will serve as public safe places, welcoming anyone in need of assistance, of any faith or personal belief system. Every faith-based facility participating in the program is a lighthouse.

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  1. Refer to the Lighthouse Directory: Please see our directory to find the lighthouse closest to you. Do check back over the coming months, since we expect more faith-based facilities in Brampton to sign up for the Lighthouse program.
  2. Visit a lighthouse beforehand: You are welcome to visit a lighthouse facility during any weekend, between 9 am to 5 pm. Ask for the lighthouse representative at that facility, and they will be happy to give you a tour and answer your questions.
  3. A few things to keep in mind: Remember that each faith-based facility is, first and foremost, a place of worship. Such facilities also have rules and regulations for visitors that are designed to preserve the sanctity of the place. While visitors seeking refuge inside a facility will never be expected to participate in religious activity, you may be expected to comply with certain basic requirements.
    • No smoking, no alcohol and no consumption of meat on premises.
    • Certain areas of the facility may be off-limits to visitors.
    • Dress modestly. Certain facilities, such as a gurdwara and a mosque, may require you to remove your footwear and keep your head covered.
    • Your hosts are doing their best to help you and your neighbours during a difficult time. Please be patient and follow their directions for your well-being.
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  • Call 3-1-1 to be connected to municipal supports.
  • Click here to read/download the Flood Prevention and Recovery Guide for more information.
  • Click here to read/download the emergency preparedness Guide.
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Related Resources

Contact Brampton Emergency Management Office

Corporation of the City of Brampton
2 Wellington Street West
Brampton, ON L6Y 4R2