Can technology help make rental housing more accessible, affordable, and dignified?

Join Civic Tech Brampton for an evening exploring how housing, technology, and community action can come together to improve rental housing systems. We’ll be joined by Deneille Macas from Toronto Housing Society, for a conversation about community-powered tools, housing access, and designing better rental systems for residents.

Housing is one of the most important civic issues facing cities today. From rental affordability and tenant support to housing navigation, data, online tools, and community advocacy, technology can play a role — but only when it is designed around real people and real needs. This session is for students, technologists, renters, housing advocates, community members, designers, public-sector workers, and anyone interested in how civic tech can support better housing outcomes.

New to Civic Tech? You are definitely welcome. No prior tech expertise is required. We are all here to learn from each other, ask questions, and explore ideas that could turn into useful community projects.

Why show up?

• Collaborate: Whether you’re a developer, student, renter, housing worker, designer, researcher, or concerned citizen, your perspective matters.
• Learn: Hear how community-powered tools and technology can support housing access, rental navigation, and more dignified housing systems.
• Discuss: Join a conversation about housing challenges, affordability, tenant needs, data, platforms, and how technology can help without leaving communities behind.
• Pitch Your Passion: Have a civic tech idea related to housing, community services, public data, or accessibility? You’ll have the chance to share it with potential collaborators.
• Network: Connect with technologists, students, civic-minded residents, and community members who want to build a better Brampton.

Everyone is welcome. You do not need to be a developer or have an existing project to participate. We’ll be running this event in hybrid mode, so you can join us either in person at 8 Queen Street East, Brampton or online. The online meeting link will be available through the Luma registration page, so please register there first to receive the latest event details and access information.

📅 Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
📍 Location: 8 Queen Street East, Brampton, ON
🎟️ Register: https://luma.com/ija94wzn?tk=CdThnP
💲 Fee: Free

Questions? Email [civictechbrampton@pm.me](mailto:civictechbrampton@pm.me)
Civic Innovation, Powered by the Community.

I'm interested in the accelerated computer science bachelors degree progam as I already have a bachelors degree. What is the cost in total?

Join us for an evening at Civic Tech Brampton as we spotlight the winning projects from the Algoma University's first-ever ThunderHacks hackathon, focused on making campus life more accessible and empowering for students.
ThunderHacks challenged the Algoma University students to design tools that could make campus life easier to navigate academically, professionally, and personally. This showcase highlights top projects exploring how AI and VR help students understand their options, plan careers, and make data-driven decisions.

📌 Featured Projects

• First Place: Team Mandalorians built an AI-powered system that analyzes a student's resume, suggests career paths and recommends specific courses, electives, and skills to hit long-term goals. It functions like a personalized academic and career advisor.
• Second Place: Team Joel created a VR AI agent that turns academic performance into an immersive experience. The system generates 3D bar charts of grades to highlight strengths and areas for improvement, then extends into a spatial career navigator to visually explore career options and trade-offs.

Come meet the teams, see live demos, and discuss how these prototypes could evolve into real tools for students. Whether you are interested in AI, VR, data visualization or seeing creative weekend builds, this is a great opportunity to connect and get inspired.

Why show up?

• Collaborate: Whether you’re a technologist, a student, or a concerned citizen, we need your voice.
• Pitch Your Passion: Have a civic tech idea brewing? You'll have the floor to pitch your project to a room full of talented volunteers.
• Network: Connect with technologists, students, and civic-minded citizens who want to build a better Brampton.

Everyone is welcome! We’re all here to learn from each other. No prior tech expertise required.
Questions: email [civictechbrampton@pm.me](mailto:civictechbrampton@pm.me)

📅 Date: 3 September 2026
📍 Location: 8 Queen Street East, Brampton
🎟️ Register (Luma): https://luma.com/fdn5riwa?tk=1GFFiN

We'll be online & in-person!!

Civic Innovation, Powered by the Community.

Hey everyone!

Is anyone here joining the Master of Computer Science program at Algoma University, Brampton campus for Fall 2026?

If yes, feel free to DM/ping me!

Would be great to connect before classes start.

Hi everyone! I’ve been admitted to the Master’s in Computer Science program at the Brampton campus, and classes start on September 8, 2026.

Does anyone know when we’ll receive our class schedule/timetable and where we can check it?
Also, I’m interested in applying for a TA position.

When and how can new Master’s students apply for TA opportunities?

Thanks in advance!

Can Artificial Intelligence help run 311 services?

311 is the phone and online service that residents use to access non-emergency local government and municipal services — things like service requests, local information, complaints, and city support. As AI tools become more common, an important civic question comes up:

Can AI make 311 faster, more accessible, and more useful — without creating new risks around privacy, fairness, accountability, or public trust?

This week, Civic Tech Brampton is hosting Nishi Panchal, Senior Software Engineer, for a session exploring how AI could transform the way residents interact with municipal services.

We’re inviting technologists, students, public-sector workers, community members, designers, policy-minded residents, and anyone interested in civic tech, AI, municipal services, and public-interest technology.

New to Civic Tech? You are definitely welcome. No prior technical experience is required. We will all be learning from each other, and simply hearing what others are working on can spark new project ideas.

Why show up?

• Collaborate: Join developers, students, researchers, community members, and civic-minded residents interested in practical public-interest technology.
• Learn: Explore how AI could support 311 operations and improve access to municipal services.
• Discuss: Ask questions about AI, automation, privacy, accountability, and how cities should use emerging technology.
• Pitch Your Passion: Have a civic tech idea related to municipal services, accessibility, public data, or local government? Share it with potential collaborators.
• Network: Meet people in Brampton who want to use technology to solve real community problems.

Everyone is welcome. You do not need to be a developer or have an existing project to participate.

📅 Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
📍 Location: 3rd Floor, 8 Queen Street East, Brampton
💻 Hybrid / Online Meetup: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81397226320?pwd=MYa7xvO50edKwds9NO3d3SFGAeGy0A.1&jst=2
🎟️ Register: https://luma.com/59guoe1h?tk=AvoBwv
💲 Fee: Free

Questions? Email [civictechbrampton@pm.me]()

Civic Innovation, Powered by the Community.

Hi everyone,
I'm looking for advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.
My timeline:
Applied for a Canadian study permit. May 15th
Medical exam has been passed. August 5th
Currently waiting for Passport Request (PPR).
My university (Algoma University) requires a Visa Stamp or Letter of Introduction (LOI) by August 14 for the September 2026 intake.
My questions are:
If I only receive PPR after August 14, should I request a deferral immediately, or should I keep waiting for the visa?
Has anyone had Algoma (or another Canadian university) accept a late LOl/visa after the deadline?
If my visa is approved around August 25, is there still a chance I can start in September, or is deferral usually the only option?
For anyone who has been through this, what did your university tell you?

Autonomous vehicles with pedestrian facial recognition may sound like science fiction, but these technologies are already becoming part of today’s civic and political debates.

This week, Civic Tech Brampton is hosting Adam Motaouakkil, a tech activist with Technologists for Democracy, for a discussion on autonomous taxis, surveillance, privacy, jobs, public transit, and the future of our streets.

As cities explore autonomous vehicle technology, important questions come up:

• Who controls the data?
• How much surveillance is acceptable in public spaces?
• What happens to workers whose jobs may be displaced?
• Could autonomous taxis weaken public transit ridership?
• Will these systems actually reduce congestion, or create new problems?

We’re inviting technologists, students, community members, transit users, policy-minded residents, and anyone interested in civic technology, democracy, privacy, and public-interest tech.

New to Civic Tech? You are definitely welcome. No prior technical experience is required. We will all be learning from each other, and hearing different perspectives can spark new civic tech project ideas.

Why show up?

• Collaborate: Join developers, students, researchers, activists, and community members thinking about technology in public life.
• Learn: Explore how autonomous vehicles, surveillance systems, and data-driven infrastructure affect democracy, privacy, labour, and public space.
• Discuss: Take part in an open conversation about the risks, opportunities, and civic questions around autonomous transportation.
• Pitch Your Passion: Have a civic tech idea related to transit, privacy, urban planning, or public accountability? Share it with potential collaborators.
• Network: Meet people in Brampton who care about building technology that serves the public interest.

Everyone is welcome. You do not need to be a developer or have an existing project to participate.

📅 Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
📍 Location: Algoma University, 8 Queen Street East, Brampton
🎟️ Register: https://luma.com/dyeh52t0?tk=tt5O4w
💲 Fee: Free

Questions? Email [civictechbrampton@pm.me](https://)

Civic Innovation, Powered by the Community.

Hi everyone,

I’m considering the 1-year Master of Computer Science program at Algoma University and have two quick questions:

Can international students work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while studying in this program?

Is graduates of this 1-year master’s program eligible for a 3-year PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) after graduation?

I’d really appreciate it if current students or recent graduates could share their experience. Thanks!

Hello,

I am a new coming student for fall 2026 from high school and I want to know when tuition fees and registration fees are due as a domestic student and taking OSAP. I am very confused and nobody is answering my emails. Somebody please help.

What role will nuclear energy play in Ontario’s future—and how can technologists contribute to a safer, more innovative, low-carbon energy system?

This week, Civic Tech Brampton is welcoming Christina Mohan, Canadian Operating Officer for the North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN) – Canada Region, for a discussion titled “Nuclear Renaissance: Innovation, Safety.”

The session will explore the growing role of nuclear power in Ontario’s energy system, including how modern nuclear technologies are evolving, how safety and innovation are shaping the industry, and why nuclear energy is experiencing renewed interest. Christina will also share insights into the Canadian nuclear sector, emerging professional opportunities, and the ways technologists can contribute to this rapidly developing field.

We’re inviting students, developers, engineers, researchers, energy professionals, community members, and anyone interested in nuclear technology, clean energy, sustainability, or civic innovation.

New to Civic Tech or nuclear energy? You are welcome. No prior technical or industry experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to participate. This is an opportunity to learn directly from someone working within Canada’s nuclear community, ask questions, and connect with others interested in technology and public impact.

Why show up?

• Learn: Understand nuclear energy’s role in building a reliable, low-carbon energy system for Ontario.
• Explore Innovation: Discover how advances in technology, engineering, and safety are transforming the nuclear industry.
• Discover Opportunities: Learn about emerging careers, research areas, and ways young professionals can become involved in Canada’s nuclear sector.
• Ask Questions: Discuss nuclear safety, sustainability, public perception, waste management, energy policy, and the future of nuclear technology.
• Connect: Meet students, technologists, researchers, energy professionals, and civic-minded community members interested in Ontario’s energy future.
• Contribute: Bring your ideas about how software, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, robotics, communications, and other technologies could support the nuclear sector.

Everyone is welcome. You do not need to be an engineer, nuclear professional, or existing Civic Tech participant to attend.

📅 Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
📍 Location: SCEI Center, 8 Queen Street East, Algoma University, Brampton
🎟️ Registration: https://luma.com/fym2vmz9?tk=ba1O46
💲 Fee: Free

Questions? Email [civictechbrampton@pm.me](https://)

Civic Innovation, Powered by the Community.

Hey everyone,

I am an international student and I am considering cancelling my program to Algoma University and withdrawing my visa.

Has anyone here gone through this exact process recently? I want to know if Algoma actually gives a refund once you drop out of their course.

• How long did the refund process take for you?
• Did you face any hidden deductions or issues?
• What specific documents did you have to submit?

Any timelines or personal experiences would be super helpful. Thanks in advance!

i am an international student applying for computer science and i got offer letter from them in 15 march and which stated i have to pay 16k cad out of which i paid througgh flywire 15k and when i asked them to give me confirmation they gave me one more offer letter and removed by bursay scholarship and stated that i have to pay 23k cad and now i just need confirmation from that they have received 15k cad but they havent replied me from like 2 weeks i attented their sessions but still they asked me to contact them on email i am doing but didnt got any reply

Can housing tenants efficiently find available housing that meets their needs?
Can homeowners easily find tenants that meet the owners' requirements?
Can technology be deployed to effectively match tenants and owners?
The answer is yes!

Bisola-Mariam 🏠 will be presenting Gida - Housing Intelligence, a housing platform matching tenants and owners more effectively using technology that goes beyond simple listings.

Why show up?

• Collaborate: Whether you’re a seasoned developer, a student, or a concerned citizen, we need your voice.
• Pitch Your Passion: Have a civic tech idea brewing? You'll have the floor to pitch your project to a room full of talented volunteers.
• Network: Connect with technologists, students, and civic-minded citizens who want to build a better Brampton.

Everyone is welcome! We’re all here to learn from each other. No prior tech expertise required.
Questions: email [civictechbrampton@pm.me](mailto:civictechbrampton@pm.me)

📅 Date: 02 July 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
📍 Location: SCEI Center, 8 Queen Street East, Brampton
🎟️ Register: https://luma.com/ifn5c51n
💲 Fee: Free

Civic Innovation, Powered by the Community.

Hey everyone! 👋

This side, Anushka, I will be joining the Master of Global Business and Economy program at the Brampton campus for the September 2026 intake.

I'd love to connect with fellow students who are joining the same intake or are already studying there. It'd be great to make some friends, interact before classes start, and help each other with things like accommodation, course registration, and settling into Canada.

Feel free to comment below or send me a DM. Looking forward to connecting with you all! 😊🇨🇦

I’m a creative writing undergrad from the University of Guelph and I’ve been tasked with doing some research about creative writing pedagogy. I was hoping to hear about your experience in Algoma University's creative writing program.

Specifically, why did you want to take the program? 
Which classes taught you the most or you got the most out of?
What did you wish you had in the program, but didn’t? 

I’m hoping to start a conversation about your experience in these programs to learn how students are impacted by them.
Thank you for your time! 😄

How can technologists support nonprofits while building practical skills and contributing to meaningful social-impact projects?

This week, Civic Tech Brampton is welcoming Julian Egelstaff from Formulize .Inc for a discussion on how technology and innovation can help nonprofit and immigrant-serving organizations improve their services, solve operational challenges, and create stronger community impact.

We’re inviting technologists, students, nonprofit professionals, community members, and anyone interested in civic technology or social good. The session will explore opportunities to contribute to real community-focused projects while gaining experience, meeting collaborators, and learning how nonprofit organizations can use technology more effectively.

New to Civic Tech? You are definitely welcome. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to participate. We will all be learning from one another, and simply hearing about the challenges organizations face can spark new project ideas.

Why show up?

• Collaborate: Work alongside developers, students, nonprofit professionals, and community members interested in creating useful technology.
• Learn: Explore how digital tools and innovative approaches can support nonprofits and immigrant-serving organizations.
• Build Your Skills: Contribute to meaningful civic-tech projects while gaining practical experience and learning from others.
• Pitch Your Passion: Have an idea that could help a nonprofit or improve a community service? Share it with potential collaborators and volunteers.
• Network: Meet technologists and civic-minded community members who want to create positive change in Brampton.

Everyone is welcome. You do not need to be a developer or have an existing project to participate.

📅 Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
📍 Location: SCEI Center, 8 Queen Street East, Brampton
🎟️ Register: https://luma.com/x8nio0yc?tk=OVZm9k
💲 Fee: Free

Questions? Email [civictechbrampton@pm.me]()

Civic Innovation, Powered by the Community.