BRAMPTON, ON (May 7, 2020) – The City of Brampton has once again received the Platinum 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 receiving the top platinum designation this year.

The Youth Friendly Community designation is granted every three years to communities across Ontario that recognize the unique needs of youth ages 13 to 19, and ensure they have continuous access to leadership and engagement opportunities, ranging from arts to recreation to civic participation. Communities are required to meet at least seven of ten youth-friendly criteria. Those that meet all ten criteria are awarded the Platinum status. Currently, 47 Ontario communities are recognized as Youth Friendly.

Brampton is home to 58,800 youth ages 13 to 19, where 43,111 participate in applicable City-led programs, such as National Youth Week events in May.

A range of Brampton youth organizations and service partners in the community have also contributed to this year’s designation. Click here to see the full list.

Play Works is a group of organizations that are concerned about the future of youth and have joined forces to enhance youth engagement in communities across Ontario. Play Works partners are: 4-H Ontario; Arts Network for Children and Youth; Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada – Central Region; Ophea; Parks and Recreation Ontario; YMCA Ontario.

 

Quotes

“It's National Youth Week, and as a City of Opportunities, we are committed to providing our youth with boundless spaces to learn, grow and play. We are proud to have once again achieved this designation as a Youth Friendly Community in Ontario, and I would like to extend my gratitude to our outstanding community partners who played a key role in helping obtain it. During this trying time, I encourage young people in Brampton to follow City social channels and visit brampton.ca for a range of virtual activities to stay engaged.”

- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“Recently, the City of Brampton launched its first ever Youth Engagement Strategy, one that is for youth, by youth – a first of its kind in Ontario. City staff are dedicated to empowering youth in Brampton and we continue to take the lens of youth when developing programs and initiatives. We hope to continue receiving this honour in future years for our ongoing work in engaging with youth.”

- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton

“These cities and towns have taken a whole-community approach to youth engagement. They have made significant efforts to meet youth where they are at and give them a voice and an active role in decision-making. We are seeing great results as youth are empowered to take leadership roles and contribute to the overall health and vibrancy of their schools, neighbourhoods and communities.”

- Cathy Denyer, CEO, Parks and Recreation Ontario

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As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to 650,000 people and 70,000 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
905.874.2880 | christine.sharma@brampton.ca