​​​​​Community facility to undergo major renovations for revitalization 

​BRAMPTON, ON (February 10, 2025) – As part of the 2025 Budget process, the Mayor and Councillors approved the addition of a new Brampton Library branch to the Howden Recreation Centre revitalization project, creating an integrated multi-use community hub for all residents to connect, work and play.

 ​Members of Brampton City Council and Brampton Library Board celebrate new library branch at its future site. Credit: City of Brampton

This project is part of Brampton's Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP), a roadmap for the delivery of parks and recreation facilities and services through 2036 and aligns with the City’s ongoing dedication to community building through strategic investments in recreational infrastructure.

Introducing the new library branch 

The new library branch will meet the community’s educational and cultural needs, providing access to resources, programs and services in a welcoming space. Including a new library in the Howden Recreation Centre revitalization project ensures the new facility is a comprehensive community hub for recreation, health and learning for residents in southeast Brampton and beyond. This project helps address the growing demand for library spaces and will offer modern, accessible facilities for residents. 

Recreation Revitalized | Howden Recreation Centre 

The Howden Recreation Centre revitalization project includes the design and construction of a new facility to replace the old building built in 1974. This modern centre will be built directly on Howden Boulevard, offering a diverse range of programming and amenities, including:

• demolition of the old structure to accommodate a new, modern 45,000 square-foot building
• LEED gold and net zero ready status to accommodate future green energy retrofits
• a new multi-sport gymnasium featuring an International Basketball Federation (FIBA) sized court 
• multi-purpose rooms 
  
• dedicated space for a daycare centre
• outdoor play area
• outdoor multi-sport court
• new Brampton Library branch 
  

This project 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, with plans for additional projects over the next few years. 

Visit this website​ to learn more about the Howden Recreation Centre revitalization project.

​Quotes

“The addition of a library to the Howden Recreation Centre revitalization project is a clear demonstration of our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Brampton residents. By investing to bring more state-of-the-art facilities to the community, we are creating a dynamic hub for recreation, learning and community building, ensuring that residents of southeast Brampton and beyond have access to the resources they need to thrive. Projects like this are how we build a brighter, stronger future for all and drive progress and prosperity in Brampton.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

​“The Howden Recreation Centre and new library project serves as a strong example of how we are leveraging strategic investments to address the growing needs of our diverse community, delivering value for our residents now and in the future. It reflects our commitment to putting residents first, encouraging healthy lifestyles and bringing people together in meaningful ways.”- Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Vice Chair, Budget Committee, City of Brampton; ​​Board Member, Brampton Library

​“Chinguacousy Library has been a pillar of our community for decades, and as the local Councillor, I heard first-hand from residents about the need for the services that a library offers and is greatly needed in the community. People have asked for more modern, comprehensive spaces to meet their recreational and educational needs, and we listened. With this revitalization of Howden Recreation Centre and the addition of a 30,000 square-foot library branch, we are making a strategic investment to create a place where residents of all ages can gather, learn and grow together.”- Rod Power, City Councillor, Wards 7 & 8, City of Brampton

​“This revitalization project to include a library means more than simply upgrading a building, it is about investing in the well-being of our residents and their desire to learn. Comprehensive multi-purpose community hubs like the future Howden Recreation Centre are essential to fostering connection, physical health and education. I am so pleased to see this space expand to include a library which maximizes its use for the community.”- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton 

​“Libraries are community anchors that provide opportunities for growth, learning and connection. The addition of a library is a milestone for Brampton, meeting the growing demand for library spaces in our city. This branch will empower residents with access to resources, technology and programming that improve lives and build a stronger, more engaged community.”- Navjit Kaur Brar, Regional Councillor, Wards 2 & 6, City of Brampton; Board Member, Brampton Library

​“Brampton Library board members and staff are thrilled to have this opportunity to serve the learning and literacy needs of the community. Co-located in the revitalized Howden Recreation Centre, this branch will be an accessible and central addition to library service in Brampton, a hub in this high-density area of our city. We look forward to building a modern, flexible and connected library branch that is inviting and inclusive to all.”- Todd Kyle, Chief Executive Officer, Brampton Library

​“Libraries play an essential role in fostering literacy, lifelong learning and community engagement. The addition of this library helps meet the increasing demand for accessible learning spaces in the area, ensuring that all residents have a place to gather, discover and grow. We are committed to ensuring that libraries remain at the heart of our communities, and we look forward to seeing this space thrive as a vibrant hub for learning and connection.”- Nicole Russell, Chair, Brampton Library Board​