​​​​BRAMPTON, ON (January 27, 2025) – The City of Brampton has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Peel Children’s Aid Society to establish a new Youth Wellness Hub as a part of the Century Gardens Youth Hub project. 

This is one of the 10 new hubs that the government is adding to the network of 22 hubs already opened since 2020, bringing the total to 32 across the province. Between 2020 and 2023, Ontario established a provincial network of 22 Youth Wellness Hubs that have connected 43,000 youth and their families to mental health, substance use and wellness services, accounting for over 168,000 visits.​

City of Brampton, Ontario Government, Peel Children’s Aid Society and community partners celebrate significant partnership and project milestone. Credit: City of Brampton

The integration of the Youth Wellness Hub into this project will create a comprehensive support system, offering wrap-around essential services for mental health, substance use and primary care services. By combining recreational, educational and wellness services under one roof, this space will serve as a true multi-use hub for youth and families in Brampton.

Developed with extensive feedback from local youth and youth service providers on the design and programs available at this facility, the Century Gardens Youth Hub creates inclusive and accessible community spaces. The new facility will be a vibrant community hub for youth services and activities. Key elements of the project include:

• Construction of a new 12,500 square-foot building with youth-centric designs.
• Features such as games and e-sports areas, creative spaces, meeting rooms and spaces for organizations to deliver a variety of services to youth and more.
• Outdoor amenities including an amphitheatre, community gardens, a basketball court and the Atiba Hutchinson Soccer Court (now open).
• A new public art installation by a professional, Ontario-based Indigenous-identifying artist or artist group under the age of 29 years old. 

Construction is now underway and the Century Gardens Youth Hub is anticipated to open in 2026. 

Rendering of the Century Gardens Youth Hub construction project. Credit: City of Brampton

The Century Gardens Youth Hub project is part of Brampton's Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP), a roadmap for the delivery of parks, recreation facilities, programs and services for the community through 2036 and aligns with the City’s ongoing dedication to community building through strategic investments.

This revitalization is part of the City’s broader efforts to encourage active and healthy lifestyles. With a city-wide increase in recreation programming by five per cent in 2025, Brampton aims to welcome 8,000 more patrons to its facilities and programs. Over the past two years, $1.4 billion has been allocated to transformative projects, including Embleton Community Centre and Balmoral Recreation Centre, with plans for additional projects over the next few years. For more information about this project and the partnership, visit this website. ​

Quotes

“Home to more than 153,000 youth aged 14 to 29 years old, the City of Brampton is dedicated to building a brighter future for our young people through compassion and innovation. This partnership with Peel Children’s Aid Society embodies a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of youth in our community. By creating a space that integrates mental health services, recreational opportunities and educational support, we are ensuring that every young person has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed.”- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

​“As Chair of Community Services, I am so proud that our years of advocacy, work and investment in the Century Gardens Youth Hub has resulted in increased mental health support for our youth in Brampton. Together with the province, this innovative partnership with Peel Children’s Aid Society and the City of Brampton has been essential in reaching this important milestone. It has been an honour to work with all partners. When a young person walks into our Century Gardens Youth Hub for recreation programs or to just hang out, they will also have access to critical mental health support should they need it. This collaborative approach is an example of what we can achieve together for our youth, providing them with the wraparound support and opportunities they need to succeed.”- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton

​“The establishment of the new Youth Wellness Hub in Brampton is a milestone in supporting the mental health of young people in our community. As the local MPP, I am thrilled to see it come to life. This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring our youth have access to culturally responsive, accessible services, empowering them to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and thrive. Our government is proud to support projects that foster resilience, inclusivity, and wellness for the next generation.”- The Honourable Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women's Social and Economic Opportunity; Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton Centre

​“This project is about more than just a building - it’s about giving youth in our community the tools to live happier, healthier lives. This was a huge need in our community and I want to thank our partners, the City of Brampton, and Peel Children’s Aid Society for their collaboration and commitment to making this hub a reality.” - The Honourable Graham McGregor, Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform; Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton North 

​“In collaboration with Peel community partners, Peel Children’s Aid Society is proud to be the first child welfare agency in Ontario to lead the development of a Youth Wellness Hub. We are grateful for the Ontario government’s support and the City of Brampton’s partnership in bringing this vital resource to youth. This hub reflects our commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and well-being, especially for those facing systemic barriers."- Mary Beth Moellenkamp, Chief Executive Officer, Peel Children’s Aid Society

“Young people in Ontario deserve to receive the best care available and to be supported in achieving their best outcomes. This can only happen if all parts of the system work together in partnership with young people to build innovative, effective solutions. I am thrilled to celebrate the collaboration between Peel Children’s Aid Society, their network partners and the City of Brampton on the integration of Brampton Youth Wellness Hub and Century Gardens Youth Hub Project. This important collaboration provides young people in Brampton with an inclusive, welcoming space where they can access a full range of integrated mental health, substance use health, primary care, housing, employment, recreation, and other support services that meet their individual level of need. Together, we continue to work towards positive outcomes with and for all youth in Ontario.” - Dr. Jo Henderson, Executive Director, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO)​​