CITY OF BRAMPTON City of Brampton continues growth path with global perspective and local business support Six libraries and one more in the works, Peel Memorial Wellness Centre to break ground this year Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer The City of Brampton is continuing its path for growth, retention and attraction by focusing its energies both on existing businesses and becoming a global partner. Three years into his role as director of economic de- velopment and tourism, Sohail Saeed calls Brampton a great global city whose growth over the past five to 10 years has been phenomenal. “It all started with a unique understanding that if we achieve expansion and retention in the right way, attraction will follow.” This has led to economic development becoming a marketing arm for local businesses to support their growth and therefore commitment to the city. The city has recognized its cultural diversity as an ad- vantage in developing strong international business part- nerships. Brampton belongs to the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance, and partners with the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of Greater Toronto Chinese Business Association and the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario. “We are also part of the Brampton Chinese Business Association which launched recently with a focus on con- necting with interests in China and Hong Kong,” Saeed said. “The association’s first trade mission took place in September.” Besides its cultural diversity, Brampton is home to a diverse range of businesses. Saeed says of the approxi- mately 9,000 businesses his office tracks, about 90 per cent are small to medium enterprises. “We also have several big players though and many companies have es- tablished headquarters here. Among the bigger names are Chrysler, Rogers, Loblaws, Maple Lodge Farms, Air Canada, DHL Express Canada, Italpasta, Medtronic, Canadian Blood Services and Canon who will soon be opening a new head office with a staff of 500.” Brampton is experiencing the second fastest popula- tion growth among Canadian municipalities. The city also has a strong strategic plan which includes the infrastruc- ture development needed to support its growth and a master plan that has allocated 3,000 acres of future em- ployment development land. Saeed says the city has received several key awards and recognition over the years which, combined with its The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Fall 2014 – 27