The 2026 municipal election is on Oct. 26 and there are seven candidates running for the city council seat in Brampton’s Wards 7 and 8.
Voters will also choose one regional councillor, who also sits on city council, for Wards 7 and 8.
All seven candidates running for city council in Wards 7 and 8 were invited to answer a questionnaire. Candidate responses, listed in alphabetical order, may have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Candidates who did not respond by this article’s publication deadline are listed with the contact information provided on the city’s confirmed candidates list, which can be viewed here.
Nayan Brahmbhatt is running for city councillor in wards 7 and 8 in the upcoming Oct. 26 Brampton municipal elections.
Nayan Brahmbhatt photo
Mortgage agent/President — ANB Immigration
Contact information
How long have you lived in Brampton and do you live in Wards 7 and 8?
Have lived in Ward 8 for more than 11 years.
What is your previous political experience?
Managed federal, provincial, and municipal election (campaigns).
If elected, what are your priorities?
My priorities for Brampton are:
1. Crime-Free & Safer Brampton
Work toward safer neighbourhoods, stronger community policing, and improved public safety so residents and businesses can feel secure.
2. Business-Friendly Brampton
Support local businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, reduce unnecessary barriers, and create an environment where businesses can grow and create jobs.
3. Promote Brampton Worldwide
Promote Brampton internationally to attract new investment, bring businesses to our city, create local employment opportunities, and strengthen our economy.
4. Work Toward a Police Station Near Ward 8
Initiate discussions with Peel Regional Police and relevant authorities to explore the feasibility of establishing a police station or an appropriate police facility closer to Ward 8.
5. Work to Reduce Property Taxes
Advocate for responsible budgeting, spending accountability, and improved municipal efficiency to help reduce pressure on property taxpayers while maintaining essential services.
Taran Chahal
Taran Chahal is running for city councillor in wards 7 and 8 in the upcoming Oct. 26 Brampton municipal elections.
Taran Chahal photo
Occupation
Financial manager, capital assets
Contact information
How long have you lived in Brampton and do you live in Wards 7 and 8?
I have lived in Brampton all my life (almost 30 years). I went to school here, built my career here, and now my wife and I are raising a family in Brampton. It’s my home. I’m running because I want to do more for my home and give back to the community that raised me.
What is your previous political experience?
I have 15 years of finance experience both in the public and private sector. I worked for Boston Consulting Group, Bank of Montreal and most recently I work at the City of Brampton in finance. At the City I have developed relationships with all departments (bylaw to transit) and learned how municipal government works. I have also served on the board for Sheridan college, Brampton Library and Ontario Trillium Foundation. In the community, I was also the chair of United Way, raising $250K in 2 years for charity. I’m a CPA and did my MBA from Schulich.
I’m bringing that combination of municipal experience, financial expertise, and community involvement into this campaign, with a focus on listening to residents and delivering practical results.
If elected, what are your priorities?
If elected, my priorities will be focused on getting the basics right for residents of Wards 7 and 8.
Property Standards and Bylaw Enforcement: Take a proactive approach to issues like illegal basements, illegal parking, garbage, and neglected properties. Ensure concerns are addressed promptly and residents receive answers.Safer Neighbourhoods: Address speeding through traffic calming, improve lighting where needed, and work with the appropriate agencies to respond to community safety concerns.Responsible Growth and Infrastructure: Ensure roads, parks, community centres, and other essential services keep pace with Brampton’s growth, while advocating for our fair share of funding.Affordability and Accountability: Bringing my finance acumen to City Hall. Make every tax dollar count, scrutinize spending, and look for opportunities to deliver services more efficiently while supporting local businesses and reducing unnecessary red tape.
Ultimately, my commitment is to be an accessible and accountable representative who listens to residents, follows through on their concerns, and focuses on practical results for our neighbourhoods.
Ripudaman Singh Dhillon is running for city councillor in wards 7 and 8 in the upcoming Oct. 26 Brampton municipal elections.
Ripudaman Singh Dhillon photo
Occupation
Contact information
How long have you lived in Brampton and do you live in Wards 7 and 8?
I have called Brampton home for over 25 years. While I do not currently reside in Brampton Wards 7 and 8 I have a longstanding and deep connection to the community.
What is your previous political experience?
I ran as the candidate for the Ontario PC Party in 2018, and ran as a Regional Councillor Candidate for Brampton Wards 7 and 8 in 2022.
If elected, what are your priorities?
If elected, my priorities will be to build safer communities, strengthen transparency and accountability at City Hall, and improve services for Brampton residents. I will advocate for safer roads, cleaner neighbourhoods, and responsible planning that keeps pace with our city’s growth.
I will also push for greater accountability in municipal government, including transparent decision making, responsible spending, and stronger oversight of city contracts. I propose a 24-hour callback guarantee from my office so residents who contact us about municipal concerns receive a response within 24 hours.
I believe residents deserve a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their lives. I will hold public consultations to hear directly from residents, understand their concerns, and bring their ideas forward at Brampton City Hall. I will also propose a motion to explore lower property tax rates for seniors aged 65 and over, while consulting seniors and taxpayers on options for providing relief responsibly.
My goal is to make City Hall more responsive, improve value for taxpayers, and ensure residents feel heard. I will bring a practical, community-focused approach to council, with an emphasis on listening, accountability, and delivering results for Brampton.
Ayanna Kahlon
Ayanna Kahlon is running for city councillor in wards 7 and 8 in the upcoming Oct. 26 Brampton municipal elections.
Ayanna Kahlon photo
Occupation
Student at the University of Toronto.
Contact information
How long have you lived in Brampton and do you live in Wards 7 and 8?
I have lived in Brampton for 22 years (my whole life). I was raised in Ward 8 and attended primary school in Ward 7 at Eastbourne Drive PS. I later attended Chinguacousy Secondary in Ward 8 and graduated from Cardinal Ambrozic Catholic Secondary School, which is located on the border of Wards 8 and 9.
What is your previous political experience?
I have never run in an election prior to the current. However, I consider myself politically active and aware of policy, which impacts the global community and our international relations. I also have keen interest in federal, provincial and municipal politics in cities like Brampton. I have committed myself to voting in every election since I was 18.
If elected, what are your priorities?
My vision for Brampton is a city in which residents can live safely, raise their kids in neighbourhoods designed to promote road safety, have their kids attend great institutions and be able to settle down, find a job in their locality and afford to live in the city.
My campaign has focused on a long-term plan to reduce property taxes by expanding our commercial and residential tax base through responsible growth and development, targeting crime prevention for youth, bridging the gap between residents and their local police divisions and lastly planning safer community streets and roads across Wards 7 and 8 and the Brampton landscape. Lastly, it has focused on investing in and planning for efficient bylaw enforcement for property standards.
If elected, I will consult with researchers, advocates and professionals like city staff to implement evidence-based policy to support a long-term, sustainable future in Brampton.
Legalize missing middle housing to expand the affordable housing supply.Invest in youth crime prevention programs, more mentorship and job opportunities.Attract professional, commercial and academic sectors to Brampton.Enforce safety standards and regulations on registered and non-registered rentals and crack down on irresponsible and exploitative rental practices in Brampton.
Ali Khan
Al Khan is running for city councillor in wards 7 and 8 in the upcoming Oct. 26 Brampton municipal elections.
Ali Khan photo
Occupation
Contact information
How long have you lived in Brampton and do you live in Wards 7 and 8?
I have lived in Brampton for the past 29 years in Ward 7. I currently still live in Ward 7.
What is your previous political experience?
I have no political experience, and I see that as a strength. This job doesn’t need political connections, it needs honesty, transparency and ethics — exactly what’s missing right now.
If elected, what are your priorities?
My priorities are clear and resident-focused.
Independent auditor general: The basis of good governance and accountability. We need to ensure no one is wasting or misusing taxpayers’ money.Stop treating residents as a cash cow: Residents are paying more in taxes (42 per cent) than on food, shelter and clothing combined (36 per cent), while only able to save 3.7 per cent. That is servitude to the ruling class. We must lessen the burden. (EDITOR’S NOTE: These figures, according to the Fraser Institute’s Canadian Consumer Tax Index, correspond to the average Canadian family, which sees 41.6 per cent of its household income go toward a number of different taxes.) Smart revenue generation: I will push for a smart approach to using city spaces for revenue. For example, 80 per cent of the ground floor of the new massive police station could have prime retail shops like jewelry stores. This would deter targeted crimes against these shops while generating revenue for the city. Better relationships with business community.Safer neighbourhoods: Get police out of cruisers and into community spaces to build positive relationships between police and residents.Fix roads and traffic: Fight for smarter traffic signal timing, road repairs done right the first time, and better snow clearing.Support youth and families: More youth programs in community centres, better upkeep of parks and trails, and easier access to school gyms and libraries for non-profit after-school programs.
Rakesh Sharma
Did not respond to request for information.
Contact information
Monica Singh Soares
Monica Singh Soares is running for city councillor in wards 7 and 8 in the upcoming Oct. 26 Brampton municipal elections.
Monica Singh Soares photo
Occupation
Municipal councillor in the Town of Southgate and entrepreneur.
Contact information
How long have you lived in Brampton and do you live in Wards 7 and 8?
I was raised in Brampton from elementary school through high school and have deep roots in this city through my family, education, work, business and community service. I currently live in Brampton. My connection to Wards 7 and 8 is long-standing, including years of working in Ward 7 and serving families and residents across the Brampton community.
What is your previous political experience?
I was elected as a municipal councillor in 2022 and currently serve in municipal government. My experience includes serving on the Grey Bruce OPP Detachment Board, SMART Transit Board, Recreation Advisory Committee and Committee of Adjustment. I also serve as a trustee with the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation.
I bring more than 25 years of public and community service, with experience in policing and community safety, transit, recreation, conservation, disability inclusion, municipal governance, business and charitable leadership. I am also a double-degree holder from the University of Waterloo and Brock University.
If elected, what are your priorities?
My priorities are straightforward: safer neighbourhoods, cleaner communities, better-run services, affordable living and stronger economic opportunities.
Public safety must come first. I will push for stronger co-ordination with police, proactive bylaw enforcement, safer roads and practical action on repeat problem properties. Residents also deserve clean, reliable neighbourhood services, with clear service standards and accountability for results.
Affordability matters. I will scrutinize spending, protect taxpayers, fight for Brampton’s fair share from other levels of government and ensure growth is managed responsibly without sacrificing the services families depend on.
I will also focus on attracting quality jobs closer to home, supporting local businesses, improving transit connections and making City Hall easier to navigate.
I am a mom, entrepreneur, charity founder and disability advocate with more than 25 years of public and community service. I am also the only candidate in this race with current elected municipal experience.
That means I am ready to serve from day one — understanding both the decisions made around the council table and their impact around the kitchen table.
My approach is simple: People before politics — experienced leadership focused on getting the basics right.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Ripudaman Singh Dhillon’s responses were added to this story Oct. 20; Nayan Brahmbhatt’s responses were added Oct. 21.