All systems go for Brampton’s in-person New Year’s Eve celebration at Garden Square

Brampton’s New Year’s Eve tonight (December 31) will be an in-person event, even as other cities have either moved their celebrations to digital-only or cancelled them outright.

While neighbouring Toronto will be having a virtual New Year’s Eve celebration, and Mississauga outright canceled theirs, Brampton’s in-person performance will go ahead as planned.

“I know there’s been a movement to cancel outdoor events, but that’s not the advice I’ve been getting from public health,” Mayor Patrick Brown said during a press conference on Wednesday (December 29).

COVID-19 cases have been increasing rapidly, and Friday saw 16,700 new cases, another record when it comes to single-day increases.

However, Brown has continuously emphasized the fact that, while cases are increasing rapidly, many residents are vaccinated, and hospitalizations are remaining relatively stable.

He further emphasized the fact that the data still suggests outdoor events are safe and relatively low risk when it comes to spreading the virus.

“The basic understanding is that outdoor events are lower risk, open-air events are relatively safe environments,” Brown said.

Additionally, there will be additional safety measures in place to ensure those who attend can do so safely—there will be physically distanced seating, masks must be worn at all times, and only those who have been fully vaccinated will be admitted entry.

The event will feature performances from Toronto-based singer-songwriter Ameerah, Toronto-based Oji-Cree singer-songwriter Aysanabee, and Juno Award-winning Canadian rock band Sam Roberts Band.

Finally, it will culminate in a fireworks display at midnight to welcome the new year.

The event is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. at Garden Square.