BBOT hosts annual event sponsored by CN and Amazon, featuring uplifting speeches and award presentations.
February 8, 2023 – The Brampton Board of Trade (BBOT) hosted its annual State of the City event on February 7th at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton. With CN and Amazon as sponsors, the event commenced at 11:30 am and was opened by BBOT Board Chair Daniel Lewis, an accomplished entrepreneur and renowned motivational speaker, who imparted a positive outlook for Brampton’s future and the risks that must be taken to provide for the next generation.
During the event, Constable Sherpaul Gill #4314 was honored with the Peel Regional Police Service Award. Born and raised in the Region of Peel, Cst. Gill joined the Peel Regional Police in 2018 and served three years in uniform patrol at 21 Division. In February 2022, he became the Community Liaison Officer for 21 Division and has become known for his tireless efforts in helping the community.
Cst. Gill holds several important roles and volunteer positions, including PCLC Chair, Co-Chair of the 21 Division Community Safety and Wellbeing Hub, Secretary of Hoops Against Hunger, and Organizer of Sewa Meals for Humanity, where he works to address addiction and mental health issues.
Mayor Patrick Brown then took the stage to deliver his 5th State of the City Address and provide insights into Brampton’s future. He focused on three major themes: Healthcare, the Environment, and the Economy. Brown pointed out that the Regional Council approved the most substantial Peel Police budget in the Region’s history, which includes the hiring of 70 new officers and 50 new civilian staff.
He also mentioned the City’s Health Care Emergency and the “Fair Deal for Brampton” campaign, with a $1.1 billion construction commitment for a new hospital and a Cancer Care Centre. Brampton City Council approved a one percent hospital levy, and Brampton residents will pay $125 million towards the project.
In June of the previous year, the BVD Group, led by CEO Bikram Dhillon, donated $10 million to the Osler Foundation. Osler is one of the busiest hospital systems in Ontario, admitting over 30,000 inpatients to Brampton Civic Hospital, performing 40,000 surgeries, and delivering nearly 5,000 babies.
The City of Brampton, the Government of Ontario, and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) recently announced that Bramalea Civic Centre will be the home of the new Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine. This marks the first new medical school in the GTA in over 100 years and will make Brampton the home of a community-centric medical school focused on inclusivity, innovation, and primary care. The school is set to open in 2025 and will have 80 undergraduate seats and 95 postgraduate positions.
Mayor Brown closed his address by saying “Brampton is an extraordinary city.” He acknowledged the exciting developments happening in the city and expressed his belief that “our best days are ahead of us.” Brown also shared his pride in the recognition of Brampton as one of Canada’s Best Employers for the fifth year, a testament to the passion and dedication of the city’s employees.
