Welcome to the 3rd Annual 3rd annual Urban Economy Forum! 

Brampton is proud to be co-hosting this year’s event. We are the 9th largest city in Canada, and home to over 700,000 residents and 234 cultures. We are also one of Canada’s youngest cities with a skilled workforce and big plans to ensure we are future ready.



Covid-19 presented a huge challenge for Brampton families, for our community business partners, and even in the way we carry on the people’s business. At City Hall we have had to adapt and come up with new and innovative ways to deliver results.

At the onset of the pandemic, Brampton reacted quickly and came together to establish a group of task forces focused on economic and social supports, as well as supports for youth and seniors. These task forces helped address immediate needs and future challenges we were going to face as a community. 

We launched online portals for appointments, building permits, inspections, and development applications. We were able to keep our virtual doors open thanks to these self-service portals and Brampton’s economic eco-system is stronger than ever with record growth, investments, and development. 

From 2019 to 2021 Brampton’s pre-consultation applications increased 130%, site plan applications up 100%, and subdivision applications saw a steady increase of 80%. 

In addition to shifting applications and permitting online, we were the first municipality in Ontario to introduce mobile and remote video building inspections increasing inspections by 16% from 2019 to 2020 and by more than 33% since the onset of Covid-19.

These increases reflect confidence, even during a pandemic, of the building industry in Brampton and our economy.

While we are addressing the challenges of rapid growth, we are also taking bold steps to tackle climate mitigation. 

We endorsed targets that work to establish a clear pathway to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Beginning with a 30% emissions reduction goal by 2030, intensifying to a reduction by 80% in 2050.

Brampton Transit introduced eight breakthrough battery electric buses with zero tailpipe emissions on two of its existing routes. These buses are powered by overhead on-route charging stations. The project is the largest single global deployment of standardized and fully interoperable battery electric buses and high-powered overhead on-route charging.

We are also taking care of our existing natural systems and have embarked as a community on a goal to plant one million trees by 2040 to grow our city’s urban forest. 

Brampton’s shares the Urban Economy Forum’s passion for delivering forward thinking initiatives to achieve healthier and more sustainable environments. Thank you to all participants attending this year’s forum. Hearing from international leaders in innovation is a unique opportunity for sharing and learning and ultimately, will lead to positive change and action for citizens across the globe. 

Mayor Patrick Brown, Brampton, ON, Canada.