City of Brampton attracting investment and growth in Innovation District

Ontario Construction News staff writer

The City of Brampton has committed to investing approximately $20.5 million in its Innovation District, with an additional $55.2 million in investments being drawn in by Innovation District partners.

Six new partners signed agreements between 2019 and 2021, including entrepreneurial, business incubation, post-secondary training, and accelerator spaces like the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, BHive Brampton, the Ryerson-led Venture Zone, Altitude Accelerator, the Founder Institute, Algoma University, and the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst Headquarters and Accelerator. Sheridan Edge, the Brampton Board of Trade and Downtown Brampton BIA are also key partners in building the Innovation District.

Design for the Centre for Innovation located centrally in Brampton’s downtown core and supporting Algoma University, Ryerson University and the University of Guelph-Humber has been awarded to Diamond Schmitt.

Mayor Patrick Brown says the innovations will help create complete communities, unlock economic potential and reinforce Brampton’s unique position on the Innovation Corridor.

“Brampton is in the midst of an exciting transformation, and together with our partners, we are putting the necessary building blocks in place to develop our Innovation District into a major education and innovation hub,” he said.

“As we continue to navigate this next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are promoting a dynamic startup community, developing local talent and supporting entrepreneurs, and advancing economic recovery for our residents and businesses. Brampton is truly emerging as a global leader in innovation.”

In July, the City announced it had selected Diamond Schmitt as the architect for its transformational Centre for Innovation. The CFI will be located centrally in Brampton’s downtown core and support the presence of current and future postsecondary institutions in the city such as Algoma University, Ryerson University and the University of Guelph-Humber. It will be a collaborative space offering a new central library and play an integral role in connecting postsecondary institutions with local businesses and start-ups and help connect Brampton’s workforce with skilled jobs of the future. It will be a gateway and landmark for train passengers entering or departing the city from the Downtown Brampton GO station.

Throughout COVID-19, the city has continued to spur downtown investment and enhance new developments in Brampton’s core. The continued evolution of the City’s Innovation District is a key piece of its Economic Recovery Strategy, and will help the City move forward from the impacts of the pandemic with a focus on sectors poised for continued growth, like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

“We’re revitalizing and unlocking the potential of our downtown, and creating complete communities by furthering key initiatives in our Innovation District that will benefit our residents, students and entrepreneurs. Brampton means business, and together with our valued Innovation District partners, we are building a world-class education and innovation hub, right in the heart of our city,” said regional councillor Paul Vicente.

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