BRAMPTON, ON (July 26, 2021) – With the selection of an architect for its Centre for Innovation (CFI), the City continues its work to revitalize and unlock the economic potential of downtown Brampton.
The City has awarded the design of the CFI project to Diamond Schmitt, Canadian architects who provide innovative designs for cultural, academic, and civic spaces around the world. Some of Diamond Schmitt’s best known projects include the Senate of Canada Building; Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver; the Mariinsky II Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia; the National Arts Centre in Ottawa; Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts and The Globe and Mail Centre; Lazaridis Hall at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo and Brampton’s own Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness. Diamond Schmitt is also designing the new Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada (OPL-LAC) Joint Facility.
With a focus on designs inspired by urban community, historic context and creative placemaking and a commitment to purpose built, highly sustainable low carbon and low energy buildings, Diamond Schmitt is the perfect fit to deliver a transformative icon in downtown Brampton.
The CFI will be located centrally in Brampton’s downtown core and support the presence of current and future postsecondary institutions in the city such as Algoma University, Ryerson University and the University of Guelph-Humber. It will play an integral role in connecting postsecondary institutions with local businesses and start-ups and help connect Brampton’s workforce with skilled jobs of the future. The CFI will provide significant stimulus at the heart of the city’s downtown, and the design of the facility will provide a positive and engaging user experience both within the building and through its streetscape and urban design.
As part of Brampton’s growing Innovation District, the Centre for Innovation will be a collaborative space offering a new central library providing opportunities for digital creation and programming, performance and audio recording, assistive technologies for various abilities, and culture days. The library will provide flexible office spaces to engage residents and community partners.
The CFI will be a gateway and landmark for train passengers entering or departing the city from the Downtown Brampton GO station. It will serve all Brampton residents as well as university students, providing opportunities for elementary, secondary, and postsecondary students to engage with, innovate and collaborate with one another as well as with residents, the business community and industry in a collaborative setting that promotes experiential learning.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2023.
Throughout COVID-19, the City has continued its work to spur downtown investment and revitalization and enhance new developments in Brampton’s core. Building on Term of Council Priorities, the transformational initiatives underway will help create complete communities, unlock economic potential and reinforce Brampton’s unique position on the Innovation Corridor.
To learn more about the CFI, visit www.brampton.ca
Quick facts
• In March 2021, the City welcomed the Province’s announcement expansion of more postsecondary opportunities in Brampton, including a medical institute at Ryerson University.
• At its July 7 meeting, Council approved a $1 million planning grant to Ryerson University to help fund a future Brampton School of Medicine.
• On June 16, 2021, the City and the University of Guelph-Humber confirmed their intention for the academic institution to move to Brampton as an anchor tenant in the Centre for Innovation.
• The City is building an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the heart of downtown Brampton. The Innovation District will produce innovative talent with the goal of supporting start-ups from across the region as well as international newcomers, with resources for companies in all stages including start-up, scale-up, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large corporates. More than $21 million is being invested in the Innovation District, a key piece of our Economic Recovery Strategy.
Quotes
“Brampton is in the midst of an exciting transformation, and our Centre for Innovation will play a pivotal role in helping to develop our city into a major education and innovation hub. With the selection of Diamond Schmitt – a top Canadian firm – we are one step closer to unlocking the economic potential of downtown Brampton, and providing our residents with high quality education and skills opportunities right here at home.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“The continued development of our Innovation District is a key action in our Economic Recovery Strategy, and the Centre for Innovation will be integral in spurring future growth in the area and supporting our recovery. I’m excited the City has selected an architect, and look forward to seeing the benefits the Centre for Innovation will bring to our downtown.”
- Martin Medeiros, Regional Councillor, Wards 3&4; Chair, Economic Development, City of Brampton
“The City is dedicated to revitalizing our downtown, and creating complete communities where our residents can live, learn, work and play. With this announcement of Diamond and Schmitt Architects Inc. being selected as the architect for our transformative Centre for Innovation, we are working towards a stronger and more impactful Brampton.”
- Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor, Wards 1&5; Vice-Chair, Economic Development, City of Brampton
“Our team at the City of Brampton is dedicated to unlocking the potential of our downtown, and continuing to build an ecosystem for students and businesses to thrive. With our prime location on Canada’s Innovation Corridor, the City continues to lead the way in developing our city into an education and innovation hub to benefit our entire community. We look forward to seeing the Centre for Innovation project advance, and the opportunities it will provide for our residents.”
- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton
“Diamond Schmitt are honoured to collaborate with the City of Brampton in the design of the Centre For Innovation, an extraordinary initiative of civic vision.”
- Don Schmitt, Principal, Diamond Schmitt
“We are excited to be a part of this transformative project. The Centre for Innovation presents an extraordinary opportunity for our team to chart the course for innovation, resilience, and sustainability.”
- Mike Szabo, Principal, Diamond Schmitt
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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
Megan Ball, Media Relations
megan.ball@brampton.ca
