Despite what some would like you to believe, Brampton isn’t all doom and gloom. 2017 will bring new attractions and transportation options to the city, and will provide new or completely renovated places for people to hang out and have fun. Here’s a few cool things the city is getting in 2017.
1. A cheaper connection to the subway
Between 1990 and 2010, Brampton residents needing access to the Toronto subway system had a convenient and cheap, if extremely long, transit option with the jointly operated Bramalea Terminal to Finch Subway Station #77 bus.
With the introduction of the Queen Street Zum line in 2010, York Region Transit and Brampton Transit parted ways with the service (though the 77 does operate to the Highway 50 and Queen area still), leaving Brampton residents having to use the more expensive, though quicker, GO bus ride to Yorkdale or York Mills.
Now, with the Spadina Subway Extension opening in late 2017 to Highway 7 and Jane, via York University, Brampton Transit riders will have direct and cheap access to the subway again. This will come at the price of no direct service to York University, as direct transit to campus will be dramatically reduced.
2. A bigger and better water park
Wild Water Kingdom closed for renovations in 2014. It was quietly sold to Premier Parks, which has since sunk $33 million into renovations. Opening next summer, the updated park will have some major new attractions.
3. Saks OFF Fifth and more shopping choices
While a third mall is still years away, Brampton is getting more shopping choices. The former Targets at Trinity Commons, Bramalea City Centre, and Shoppers World are getting redeveloped.
Bramalea City Centre is getting a Saks OFF Fifth, a discount version of the high-end American fashion store. There are five other retailer spots in the former BCC Target, and it’s likely with the growing population, the mall will get some other big retailers.
4. A snazzy new library and splash pad
Residents of Springdale have been waiting for a new library ever since the proposed library and YMCA complex at Torbram and Sandalwood Parkway fell through. Now, they’ll get their wish as the Springdale Public Library opens next spring on Bramalea Road just north of the Chalo FreshCo.
The facility will have a new splash pad and contemplative garden. A memorial for the Komagata Maru incident could potentially be placed here.
RDH Architects won an award of excellence from Canadian Architect for the design for the library and park.
5. The Final Phase of Gore Meadows Recreation Centre
After many years, the final phase of Gore Meadows Recreation Centre is also supposed to open in the spring. A new massive swimming pool, fitness centre, and an outdoor skating rink are set to join Brampton’s biggest recreation complex. Soon, residents in northeast Brampton won’t have to travel far for a swim. The south lands will also become a major city park.
6. Our very first indoor rock climbing gym
Toprock, a 6000 sq. ft. indoor rock climbing facility, is set to open in February. It will be the first of its kind in the city. Currently avid climbers travel to Toronto and Guelph for similar facilities. Top rock will have bouldering walls, autobelay walls and climbing for all levels.
7. Peel Memorial reopens
Though technically already open (it opened late 2016 for mental health clinics), the full extent of the Phase 1 rebuild of Peel Memorial opens in February. Though not a general hospital, the new specialized facility will help relieve some of the pressures on Brampton Civic Hospital.
The new facility specializes a lot on preventative and post-injury medicine, including diagnostics, seniors’ injury rehabilitation, mental health programming, and fitness. It will also include an urgent care facility. Instead of clogging up emergency rooms for broken limbs, which while urgent, aren’t deadly, patients can instead be taken to Peel Memorial for help.
