Brampton’s new medical school could create over 7,000 jobs, generate billions in economic activity: Report

A report presented to Regional Council on Thursday (July 6) indicates that Brampton’s incoming medical school could be a huge boon to the local economy.

The report, presented by Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) President Mohamed Lachem, says TMU’s new medical school is expected to create over 7,000 direct and indirect jobs in Peel Region.

The school could also generate $1.2 to $2.6 billion in economic activity over the next decade, according to Lachem’s report, as a large number of students would be traveling to and from Brampton in order to study.

In addition to economic benefits, it’s believed the school will help fill a pivotal gap in the healthcare system and provide a “community-based learning environment for TMU students.”

The new school, which is expected to open in 2025, was met with some controversy due to its location — it will be located inside Brampton’s Bramalea Civic Centre, which resulted in the Brampton Library’s Chinguacousy branch having to relocate.

While some community members have voiced concerns and criticisms over the school’s location forcing the library out, others — such as Brampton MPP Graham McGregor — believe the trade-off is well worth it.

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“This medical school is a historic landmark for Brampton,” the MPP said earlier this year. “We haven’t had a new medical school come into the GTA in over a hundred years, and we’re getting one right here in Brampton where we need the support, we need more doctors. Putting the Brampton School of Medicine at the Bramalea Civic Centre was absolutely the right idea.”

The development plan expects the school to open in 2025 and will reportedly be able to accommodate more students than initially planned, with 94 undergraduate students and 105 postgraduate students for its first year.

As for current development, accreditation reports are planned to be submitted in August while staff work to formalize clinical partnership agreements.

The school’s location at Bramalea Civic Centre was decided due to the centre’s proximity to both Brampton Civic Hospital and the Peel Memorial Centre, as well as its accessibility to municipal transportation, GO transit and highway systems.

The site also meets space requirements to build 250,000 square feet of classrooms, offices, research facilities and an integrated health clinic.

The City has said it will invest $20 million in funding to support building renovations required for the programming and operations of the School of Medicine.

“Through the creation of the Brampton School of Medicine, we are building a healthcare system that fosters local talent and creates economic growth in the medical sector,” said Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown.

The full report presented to Regional Council can be read here.