Living in Brampton, Ontario
Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2019 19:44:46 +0000
New to Canada and looking for a place to call home near Toronto? Learn about Brampton, Ontario, in our “Find a City” series
Brampton is a suburb of Toronto and the third largest city in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It was named after Brampton in Cumbria, England — and nicknamed Flower City after its Flower Festival and burgeoning greenhouse industry established in the early 1960s.
The city has the distinction of having the fifth largest population of visible minorities in Canada. Nearly 60 per cent of Brampton’s citizens are visible minorities, with South Asians accounting for the highest number of newcomers making up a third of the city’s population. In all, more than 70 languages are spoken in the city.
With more than 4,000 acres of parkland — including more than 90 kilometres of trails and 400 parks — Brampton attracts nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The city also boasts more than 100 facilities designed for recreation including curling rinks, tennis courts, soccer fields and fitness centres.
City of Brampton population statistics
Incorporated as a city: 1974
Population: 593, 638 (2016 Census), a rise of 13.3% since 2011
Average age: 36.5
Number of citizens: 508,835
Number of non-immigrants: 272,365
Number of immigrants: 308,790
Number of non-permanent residents: 9,790
Number of immigrants from:
U.S.: 2,990
Americas (other than U.S.): 61,640
Europe: 35,160
Africa: 16,065
India: 123,660
Philippines: 14,530
Korea: 285
Mother tongue:
English: 284,920
French: 4,430
Non-official languages: 271,545
Total visible minority population: 433,230
South Asian: 261,705
Chinese: 8,955
Filipino: 20,100
Black: 82,175
Southeast Asian: 8,425
Latin American: 14,045
Arab: 6,045
Neighbourhoods in Brampton
Fletcher’s Creek South is home to the largest number of immigrants in Brampton. It conveniently has a major sports arena, a number of schools, as well as a local branch of the Brampton Library. A diverse community, the neighbourhood attracts a high number of Punjabi, Dutch, Hindi and Gujarati speakers to its residential community of detached homes, condos and townhomes.
Castlemore is a growing neighbourhood located 14 kilometres northeast of downtown Brampton. In addition to more modest dwellings, a number of executive homes with large lots have sprung up since development began to increase over the past two decades. Amenities include excellent golf courses, a hockey arena, swimming pool, library, shopping plazas and parks.
Downtown Brampton’s tree-lined streets and proximity to Gage Park, unique shops, the library, YMCA and Rose Theatre make it an ideal neighbourhood for those who want to be within walking distance to everything. The downtown core has a mix of heritage houses as well as new single-family homes, and condo, apartment and townhouse developments.
One of the newer neighbourhoods that is gaining popularity for its proximity to open green spaces (Claireville Conservation Area), hiking trails and the Wet ‘n’ Wild Water park is the upscale Gore Meadows.
Housing in Brampton
Although housing in Brampton is still less expensive than nearby Toronto, the average price tag for a house has increased in the recent years to a hefty $709,818. Newcomers may find the cost well worth it, however, if employment opportunities make buying a home a good investment. Brampton’s proximity to the big city, lovely green spaces, cultural diversity and safe neighbourhoods are a draw for the many newcomers who choose to settle here.
The average cost of rental housing ranges between $950 and $1,300 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, and between $1,300 and $1,550 for a three-bedroom apartment in or around the city.
For more info on rental and housing options, visit:
Gotta Rent Brampton
Rent Ontario
Economy in Brampton
Brampton’s diverse economy relies heavily on manufacturing, retail administration, IT, communications, life sciences and business. A number of major companies have head offices in Brampton including Loblaw and Daimler Chrysler — two of the city’s largest employers — as well as Rogers Communications, Maple Lodge Farms and the Canadian Tire Corp.
With its favourable corporate tax structure, Brampton is attracting more business in the form of factories, warehouses, food service and retail shops. More than 80 per cent of its businesses are small or medium sized, with fewer than 50 employees.
The top five employement sectors (by industry) are:
- Retail trade
- Health care
- Food services
- Manufacturing
- Scientific and technical services
Cost of living in Brampton
Over the past few years, Brampton has rapidly grown as a bedroom community of Toronto — the direct result of pricey real estate, high taxation and an overall higher cost of living in the big city. Housing and other day-to-day expenses are slightly less in Brampton, and many residents find it worthwhile to live a bit further from Toronto and absorb the cost of commuting during the work week.
Compared with the rest of the country, Brampton’s cost of living is higher than cities in the Prairie and Maritime provinces; however, with better employment opportunities in the GTA, income tends to be higher in this region improving quality of life.
Transportation in Brampton
Air travellers will fly in and out of Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ), a short 18-kilometre drive in neighbouring Mississauga.
Public transportation is offered by Brampton Transit, which also provides connections to neighbouring suburbs and the Greater Toronto Area. A monthly bus pass for an adult costs $122. GO Bus service is also available to take passengers to York University and two subway stations in Toronto.
A number of taxi companies operate in the city with taxi fares starting at $1.06. For an hour long ride around the city expect to pay about $25.
Climate/Weather in Brampton
The weather in Brampton, unlike other regions in Ontario, isn’t prone to extremes. On average, summer temperatures are mild, hovering around the 20°C mark; the city’s coldest months — January and February — rarely dip below -5°C. The area gets plenty of rain year round with annual precipitation averaging just under 820 mm. January tends to be the wettest month of the year, while February has the least number of rainy days.
Things to do in Brampton
Those who love the great outdoors will want to check out Brampton’s trail system, which runs throughout the city. The Chinguacousy Trail (which leads to scenic Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park) will soon have its own skating trail. Don Doan Trail features picturesque Professor’s Lake and the Etobicoke Creek Trail takes walkers, joggers and cyclists through the city’s arts hub and downtown core.
The Brampton Farmer’s Market takes place each summer in the downtown core, and runs until Thanksgiving weekend. Join the locals for a taste of fresh produce, meat, dairy and sweets, as well as homegrown arts and crafts, and family-friendly entertainment.
The beloved Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives features exhibitions, community projects, educational programs — and also houses a collection of photographs, maps, newspapers relating to the region’s history and heritage.
Those interested in Brampton’s history may also want to visit Bovaird House, a heritage residence open mid-February to mid-December that also features a tea room and gift shop. Brampton City Hall also offers a free self-guided walking tour of downtown Brampton online for history buffs.
For a family-friendly adventure, take a horse-drawn carriage to take in the sights and sounds of Brampton’s historic downtown, where you can also stroll the main streets for unique shopping and dining.
There is also a wonderful annual South Asian arts and entertainment festival called Vibrant Brampton that is not to be missed!
Helpful information
These useful resources will help you find your way around the city and the province:
Maps of Brampton
City of Brampton
Province of Ontario
Brampton Tourism