BRAMPTON, ON (March 5, 2021) – Today, Mayor Patrick Brown; Brampton City Councillors; Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honorable Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton South, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; and Amarjot Sandhu, Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton West announced funding for the upcoming Community Youth Hub at South Fletcher’s Sportsplex in Brampton.

The Government of Canada is investing $565,000 in this project through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS) of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is providing $470,786 while the City of Brampton is providing $376,714 toward this project.

The Community Youth Hub at South Fletcher’s Sportsplex will provide Brampton youth with a safe and accessible space to participate in youth-specific programs, services and activities. Some existing rooms at South Fletcher’s Sportsplex will be converted into an open concept, dedicated space for youth activities and resources.

Enhancing access to youth-centric spaces is part of the City of Brampton’sParks and Recreation Master Plan. The City of Brampton plans to convert space at two recreation centres – South Fletcher’s Sportsplex and Century Gardens Recreation Centre – into Community Youth Hubs, offering youth safe and welcoming spaces that act as one-stop shops for services and activities for young people across the city.

With input from the City’s consultation process with residents and stakeholders, the design process for both Community Youth Hubs will begin in Winter 2021.

Youth Friendly Community Designation

In March 2020, the City of Brampton received the Platinum Status Youth Friendly Community designation from Play Works, a program supported by Parks and Recreation Ontario. This is the third time the City has been recognized for its outstanding commitment to growth and development opportunities for youth, and is one of three communities to receive the top platinum designation this year. Click here to learn more.

Links
• Canada and Ontario Invest to Create a Community Youth Hub at South Fletcher’s Sportsplex in Brampton
• Community Youth Hubs
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan
• Youth Friendly Community Designation

Quotes
“We welcome the Government of Canada’s and the Government of Ontario’s investments in Brampton’s Community Youth Hub at South Fletcher’s Sportsplex. Brampton is one of the youngest cities in Canada, with more than 130,000 youth ages 14 to 29. Community Youth Hubs will encourage diversity and equity, promote innovative engagement, and provide safe spaces for youth, and enhance our Term of Council Priority that Brampton is a Healthy and Safe City.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“The Federal and Provincial investments in one of Brampton’s Community Youth Hubs is an exciting development in our journey to creating these spaces for Brampton’s young people. As we move forward, we are engaging with youth to collaboratively create these dynamic spaces with programs and services specific to their needs.”
- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton

“As Councillors for Ward 4, we have advocated at City and Regional Council for the development of two youth hubs in Brampton. We welcome today’s investment by the Provincial and Federal governments that advances this project and will create new opportunities for youth in Brampton. The City has actively sought feedback from area youth on their vision for this project and we look forward to including their feedback as we develop the Youth Hub at South Fletchers Sportsplex.”

- Martin Medeiros, Regional Councillor, Wards 3 & 4; and Jeff Bowman, City Councillor, Wards 3 & 4, City of Brampton


“City staff are dedicated to planning and designing these youth spaces specific to our young people’s needs, and these investments will support us in creating the Community Youth Hub at South Fletcher’s Sportsplex. We look forward to continuing to work with our stakeholders and engaging with our youth to establish these youth-specific spaces.” 
- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton

“Investing in recreation centres promotes people’s health and well-being and builds inclusive and sustainable communities where people want to live, work and raise families. The South Fletcher’s Youth Hub will provide Brampton youth of all backgrounds, a safe space to participate in, and benefit from. The diverse range of programs and services offered will also contribute to future community development. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”
- Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“By investing in Brampton’s recreational spaces today, we are investing in the long-term growth and development of our community for years to come. The new Youth Hub coming to South Fletcher’s Sportsplex will provide our young people with a place to gather, and our community with new spaces to connect.”
- The Honorable Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton South, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure

“Supporting our municipal partners by providing funding for local recreational facility projects like the South Fletcher’s Youth Hub builds stronger, happier, safer, and healthier communities. This investment in our local public infrastructure will improve the quality of life for Brampton’s youth as our community continues to grow and expand.”
- Amarjot Sandhu, Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton West

 

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As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to more than 700,000 people and 75,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable and successful. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Learn more at www.brampton.ca.

MEDIA CONTACT
Christine Sharma
Media Relations, City of Brampton
647.242.4319 | christine.sharma@brampton.ca