Explore hidden gems in Brampton neighbourhoods

It’s no surprise that the city Brampton is growing quickly, boasting one of the most diverse and youthful populations in Ontario. As it grows, the City of Brampton’s Community Safety & Well-Being Office plans to get Bramptonians involved in shaping the future of this city, transforming it into an even more lovable place for residents to live, work, learn, play and grow.

If you’re interested in shaping the future of Brampton – and the neighborhoods within it – this is your chance to get involved and have your voice heard with the Nurturing Neighborhoods Program.

The Nurturing Neighborhoods Program is an initiative with the City of Brampton under the Community Safety & Well-Being Office. Beginning four years ago in 2019, this year marks the program’s final year. Throughout the duration of the Nurturing Neighborhoods Program, Bramptonians found several hidden gems they may have otherwise not found without getting involved. 

In previous years, the program ran virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, this year you can fully immerse yourself in the program through in-person Walks and Workshops, giving you the opportunity to fall even more in love with Brampton and provide feedback. 

Thankfully, there are three easy ways to get involved: 

1. Take a neighborhood stroll or watch the city’s walk videos.

Grab your walking shoes and take a stroll around your neighbourhood, or in a neighbourhood nearby. If you’d rather participate from the comfort of your own home, you have the option of viewing the city’s virtual walks which are posted regularly, and available online through the City of Brampton’s YouTube channel. These videos also act as a helpful guide for everything worth seeing and checking out each neighbourhood. You’ll discover there’s a number of great hidden gems in Brampton, such as:

• Mount Pleasant Recreation Trail: Home to a four-kilometre granular-surfaced trail, which can be found within the neighbourhood of Churchville. It’s a great place for a hike,  leisurely walk or stroll and offers an abundance of wildlife to observe due to this area’s large and diverse range of habitats.
  

• Centennial Park: Offers a trifecta of fun and benefits, including nature, sports and recreation. Located within the downtown core of Brampton, Centennial Park features a wide variety of activities. You, your friends or family can watch and enjoy some fall ball (baseball or softball), play soccer or tennis, or even enjoy the newly completed playground, keeping the kids in your life entertained.
  

• County Court Park: Found within the neighbourhood of County Court, this park has many uses. There is a playground for kids, tennis courts and open picnic areas to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. In the winter this playground transforms into an ice rink, making this spot a hidden gem all year round.

If you’re interested in joining a neighbourhood walking tour with the Nurturing Neighborhoods Program, you still have time to register for two upcoming Walks and Workshops:

• Castlemore Estates and Wilfield neighbourhood – Sept. 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Register here. 
• Sheridan neighbourhood – Oct. 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Register here.

2. Voice your opinion and share your thoughts through the program’s survey.

Once you’ve walked through the neighbourhoods (either virtually or in real life)  share your feedback by completing the Nurtuting Neighbourhoods Program Survey. Through this survey, residents can share what they love about their  neighbourhoods and also make suggestions for improvements. The survey will cover topics ranging from arts and culture, to safety, travel, wellness and more, and the good news is – it only takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete. This survey is the best way to provide direct feedback about your own neighbourhood, and can be completed here.

3. Post your comments through the program’s interactive online mapping tool.

Another way you can provide feedback in your surrounding neighbourhood, is by using the Online Mapping Tool. This easy-to-use, interactive map allows you to move and drop a pin in the exact location you’d like to provide feedback on. Using this tool allows you the opportunity to inform staff about what you love in your  neighbourhood, what you wish was there and what could be improved.

All information gathered will be used to continue revitalizing Brampton, ensuring that neighbourhoods are well-suited for comfortable and sustainable living for you and all residents. You can use the mapping tool by clicking here.

Since the Nurturing Neighbourhoods Program is in its final year, as a farewell to the program, the City of Brampton’s Community Safety and Well-Being Office wants to hear from Brampton’s youth through a… *drum roll* …video contest! 

Staff are looking for youth to submit a 60 to 90 second video of themselves sharing any hidden “gems” they admire and enjoy throughout Brampton. For those interested, the city will be accepting video submissions until Friday, Sept. 30 by 11:59 p.m. For full contest details and video requirements, click here. 

The Nurturing Neighbourhoods program is proudly partnered with The Region of Peel, Peel Regional Police, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and Credit Valley Conservation, and is generously sponsored by Alectra and Enbridge Gas.

For more information on the program and how you can get involved, visit this link here. For more information and updates about the City of Brampton, visit: www.brampton.ca or follow the city on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.