See the new Brampton tourism sign light up for the first time

The city has thrown the switch and turned on the new light-up sign in downtown Brampton.

The new 40-foot-long and 6-foot-tall sign was unveiled in the southwest quadrant of Ken Whillans Square earlier this summer, but the lights only turned on for the first time this past Saturday (Aug. 19).

Coun. Paul Vicente posted pictures of the inaugural lighting on social media, encouraging residents to come and see the new attraction.

The sign was designed to promote tourism in the city and replaced a temporary, styrofoam sign used at large events before being retired by the city after several years of wear and tear. Along with the standard white lights, the new sign features a full-colour palette of LED lights that will be lit along with the City Hall clock tower to recognize days of significance.

Residents and guests are invited to come see the sign and snap some photos. And with Brampton recently ranked one of Canada’s Top 10 most Instagrammable cities, the sign is one more backdrop for shutterbugs in the city to use.

Photos of the sign can be posted online and tagged on Instagram with @ExperienceBrampton for a chance to be featured on their social media feeds.

The sign project cost some $345,000, according to a report to city council last summer, with the bill to be paid for through a government grant. The sign also requires some $40,000 of taxpayer funds every year for upkeep and maintenance – or around 0.01 per cent on the City’s portion of the property tax bill – according to the report.