CITY OF BRAMPTON EVERYTHING BRAMPTON...Brampton’s “Open for Business” attitude and dedication to supporting the innovation and strategic growth of our business community has

EVERYTHINGBRAMPTON

C I T Y O F B R A M P T O N

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Brampton’s “Open for Business” attitude and dedication to supporting the innovation andstrategic growth of our business community has helped to position the City as a premier,highly sought-after business location. We are the 11th largest city in Canada and are amongthe top 10 most active construction markets in the country. Adding to this, Brampton isstrategically located within the Greater Toronto Area – Canada’s economic engine.

Brampton’s highly diversified local economy is well positioned to not only remain steadfastin the face of challenging economic times, but is on a strong course towards attracting additional employment and industrial-commercial activity in the years ahead.

Today’s competitive environment is tough. Successful businesses must compete on an international scale, continuously raising the bar in terms of productivity and innovation ifthey wish to emerge as industry leaders. Brampton understands what businesses need andwe deliver.

EVERYTHING BRAMPTON.Brampton has it all, and in the last decade we have seen an influx of international, domestic,and brand new business taking advantage of our exceptional attributes. With a modern infrastructure, a vibrant workforce, and immediate access to an extensive network of trans-continental highways, seaways and Canada’s Pearson International Airport, Bramptonis connected to global markets and ready for business challenges of any size.

Our compelling characteristics not only attract investments and people, but more importantly,they keep them here. Downtown development activities are boosting Brampton’s economicand cultural vitality. We have no shortage of green space with parkland and trails. We areCanada’s Flower City, and with festivals such as Carabram, our signature summer festival featuring song, dance, cuisine and traditions spanning the globe, life in Brampton is good.

As one of Canada’s most diverse, multicultural centres, it’s easyto understand why businesses and families are attracted toBrampton. So, when faced with the decision of where to locateyour business, choose… Here. Brampton.

Until we meet,

Mayor Susan Fennell

1BRAMPTON | WELCOME TO BRAMPTON.

WELCOME TO BRAMPTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

WHERE? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2• LET US SHOW YOU WHY

EASY ACCESS TO A GREAT TRANSPORTATION NETWORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

• RAIL• SEA• AIR• HIGHWAY• PUBLIC TRANSIT

A WORKFORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH . . . . . . . . . . . 8• DIVERSE WORKFORCE• INTELLIGENCE, INNOVATION AND PROGRESS• RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXCELLENCE

YOU BELONG WITH THE BEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12• ADVANCED MANUFACTURING• INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY• FOOD AND BEVERAGE• LIFE SCIENCES• SUPPLY CHAIN AND LOGISTICS• FILM AND TELEVISION• BUSINESS SERVICES

EVERYTHING IN BRAMPTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16• MODERN PARKS AND RECREATION• CULTURAL EXPERIENCES• HOUSING• PUBLIC SAFETY• BRAMPTON CIVIC HOSPITAL

ONE-STOP SHOP FOR INFORMATION ANDSUPPORT SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

• THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE• SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CENTER

BRING YOUR BUSINESS TO BRAMPTON . . . . . . . . 24• SEE FOR YOURSELF• OPEN FOR BUSINESS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME TO BRAMPTON.


WHERE?You’re looking for the right place to grow your business. In today’s economyyou need a location that contributes towards your competitive position in aglobal marketplace. Brampton offers the right mix of transportation networks,business support, high-tech communication networks, a highly educated andskilled workforce, and easy access to nature.

Where can you find everything you need in one place? Here. Brampton.

Let us show you why…More than 8,100 companies have chosen the City of Brampton as a place to do business, withmany of Canada’s leading brands headquartered in our City including: Loblaw Companies Ltd.,HBC and Trow Associates. Brampton’s business community also benefits from having internationally recognized businesses such as: Rogers Communications, Coca-Cola BottlingCompany, and Magna International.

We’re a bustling hub, located at the epicentre of Canada’s international air traffic, continentalrailway networks and busy seaways. Located just 20 minutes from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, our city is a springboard for international shipping and travel. Bramptonsits at the centre of Canada’s major highway corridors as well, and its intermodal railwayterminal is the second largest in the country. Ship to anywhere, any time, any way.

Brampton’s wealth of available serviced industrial and commercial land is constantlyattracting more and more business to the city. There’s room to build, and there’sroom to grow.

An investment-friendly environment created by our flexible and responsive municipaland provincial governments means quick, no-hassle start-ups and personalized support.We cut the red tape.

With a diversified economy and timely access to resources comes stability. Brampton’s resilienteconomy is a major lure. Our competitive cost environment is a key asset for companies looking to gain a sustainable competitive advantage in today’s global marketplace.

3BRAMPTON | WHERE?2

Brampton businesses have access to a multicultural workforce of 175,000 strong thatcontinues to grow at a rate of 6 per cent annually. The local labour pool is young, well-educated,and ready to go to work.

To top things off, Brampton offers an enviable quality of life. A safe, green, and scenic community criss-crossed with quiet walking trails and dotted with serene woodland parksinfluences a healthy and productive business attitude known to inspire greatness.

Leading independent survey agencies continue to rank our city among the best business locations in the country. A high level of growth combined with low average annual operatingcosts, living costs, unemployment levels and crime rates places Brampton ahead of majorCanadian urban centres.

So, where can you find exceptional economic advantages, an extensive modern infrastructureand a fantastic lifestyle? When faced with the question of where, the choice is obvious…Here. Brampton.

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EASY ACCESS TO A GREATTRANSPORTATIONNETWORK.

Where else can you find accessibility like this? From the biggest airport inCanada to an extensive network of trans-continental highways, Brampton isone of the most connected cities in North America. We’re right in the middleof it all – just where you want to be.

BY RAILGoing for the long haul? Brampton is well connected to the North American free trade zone.For large container shipments, Brampton businesses can take advantage of one of Canada’slargest intermodal railway terminals. This 195-acre, multimodal facility transports some660,000 units annually to all over North America. The CN terminals have 12 storage tracksand 16,700 feet of pad tracks.

BY SEAShipping or receiving large orders from overseas? Brampton has close access to one of thebusiest and most important waterways in the world. The Port of Toronto’s connection to the St. Lawrence Seaway provides essential transportation, distribution, storageand container services for domestic and international destinations.

BRAMPTON | EASY ACCESS TO A GREAT TRANSPORTATION NETWORK. 54

BY AIRNeed quick access to the globe? We’re just minutes away from Pearson International Airport,one of the world’s largest airports for passenger and commercial aircraft traffic. Pearsonboasts over 40 scheduled and chartered airlines, with non-stop services to 39 Canadiancities, 88 U.S. transborder destinations, and same-plane service to 71 other internationaldestinations. It can serve more than 31 million passengers and is capable of processing 1 million metric tonnes of cargo annually.


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BY ROADStay connected through a network of major multi-lane highways and primary roads thatboth encircle and intersect the city.

Our capacity for ground shipment is second-to-none, allowing for the efficient movementof goods and services to 120 million consumers within a 24-hour drive via highways 401,410, 427, 403 and 407 ETR (Electronic Toll Road). Access to major U.S. border points justdoesn’t get any better – New York State is 90 minutes away, and Michigan is just 3 hours.

BY BUS OR BY TRAINGO train and GO bus passenger services link Brampton to Toronto’s downtown Union Station,and VIA rail services connect passengers to Toronto, Sarnia, Chicago, and all points in between.Where do you need to be?

The municipal public transit service’s AcceleRide is part of a broader inter-municipal rapidtransit initiative. AcceleRide, an ambitious long-term rapid transit initiative, will connect surrounding urban areas and commuter links with the Brampton marketplace. It aims toseamlessly connect the city with transit operations in Toronto, Mississauga and GO Transit,as well as several major arterial highways by utilizing exclusive bus lanes and queue-jumplanes at major intersections.

Located just 20 minutes from Toronto’sPearson InternationalAirport, our cityis a springboardfor internationalshipping andtravel.

7BRAMPTON | EASY ACCESS TO A GREAT TRANSPORTATION NETWORK. 6


A WORKFORCETO BE RECKONEDWITH.

Where can you find innovation, intelligence and ingenuity? Diversity anddiligence? Where else? The City of Brampton, with a workforce of 175,000strong, has one of the largest and most vibrant labour pools in North America.Educated and driven, Brampton’s youthful workforce is one of the City’sstrongest and most sustainable advantages for business.

DIVERSE WORKFORCEBrampton employers have access to one of the most highly-educated and skilled labour markets in the country. With a median age of 33.7, the local workforce is young, energetic,and ready to take on any challenge. More than 175 distinct ethnic backgrounds, speaking over70 different languages, come together to create an international mosaic representing acommon ethic – the drive to succeed in Brampton. Where else?

INTELLIGENCE, INNOVATION AND PROGRESSBrampton is situated within the Greater Toronto Area – a Centre of Excellence in innovation.The World Intellectual Property Organization, which tracks the number and types of patentsthat have been issued worldwide, reported that Toronto had the eighteenth-highest numberof patents globally. In addition, the GTA was nominated as one of the top 7 intelligent communities in the world. The University of Toronto has also been ranked as Canada’s topresearch-intensive university, with 6 Nobel Prize-winning graduates. Now that is impressive.

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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXCELLENCEWith a large number of nationally and internationally accredited educational institutionswithin a 30 minute commute, Brampton’s labour pool is enriched with a steady flow of young,well-educated and highly qualified workers who are driven to perpetuate the City’s progress.

Sixteen universities and post-secondary colleges, including many of Canada’s top academicinstitutions, are close by. The affiliated research institutions of the nearby University ofToronto’s medical school make up the fourth-largest medical Research and Development (R&D)community in North America, providing a significant boost to Brampton’s life sciences sector.

Brampton is also the site of a number of corporate-based private research centres. Theseinclude: Taro Pharmaceutical, which has the largest topical product R&D team in Canada;MDA, a world leader in space robotics who built the famous Canadarm and Canadarm2 forthe International Space Station and RADARSAT-1; and Magna Technical Training Centre, whichprovides world-class training and education to its tier-one automotive supply workforce.

The GTA’s lifesciences sectorhas fosteredsome of theworld’s mostimportant andexciting medicalbreakthroughs,such as insulin,heparin, rabiesvaccine, thecardiovascularpacemaker, andbaby pablum.

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The Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning is one of Canada’s premierpolytechnic institutes. With over 14,000 full time and 35,000 continuing education studentsat its two campuses, Sheridan attracts international attention for excellence in business,digital media, engineering and manufacturing sciences and communications.

Located at the Davis Campus in Brampton, the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies is a modern learning facility that supports the demand for graduatesskilled in engineering, manufacturing management, design and machining. It provides technical programs geared toward specific sectors of prosperity within the city, such as advanced manufacturing and communications technology, and it also assists local industrieswith the adoption and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies, making Bramptonone of the most sophisticated advanced manufacturing locations in Canada.


YOU BELONGWITH THE BEST.

There’s a reason industry leaders are leaders… they make the right decisions. So where are they deciding to set up shop? Where else? Here. Brampton.

ADVANCED MANUFACTURINGIn Brampton, over 30 per cent of the City’s economic output is generated by its advancedmanufacturing sector. With a highly diversified provincial economy, a steady flow of well-educated, skilled labour, and a strategic position at the centre of the continent’s manufacturing industry, Brampton is now a location for some of the largest manufacturersin Canada. Chrysler Canada, MDA, Atlantis Systems International and Par-Pak are just a fewmanufacturing leaders who call Brampton home.

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGYBrampton’s ICT sector is geared for growth and progress. We have one of the most reliabledigital public network systems, and most extensive fibre optic ring, in North America. As oneof Canada’s best wired cities, it’s not surprising that Brampton is a major service hub forRogers Communications, one of Canada’s leading cable, internet and wireless providers.

FOOD AND BEVERAGEAnchored by leading companies such as Coca-Cola Bottling Company Ltd., Bacardi Canada,Parmalat, Maple Lodge Farms and Italpasta, Brampton is at the centre of Canada’s food &beverage sector, which is supported by an extensive network of research and developmentfacilities and programs.

LIFE SCIENCESBrampton’s Life Sciences companies are part of an internationally renowned cluster of industries within the Greater Toronto Area that include pharmaceutical manufacturing, medicalequipment and supplies, and medical and diagnostic laboratories. Life Science companiesenjoy access to some of the most advanced university-based researchers, and Canada’slargest clinical trial infrastructure.

13BRAMPTON | YOU BELONG WITH THE BEST.12


SUPPLY CHAIN AND LOGISTICSWith the country’s largest international airport just 20 minutes away, immediate access toa large network of highways, and the convenience of Canada’s largest intermodal railwayterminal, Brampton is equipped to move anything or anybody anywhere, at any time. We have immediate access to 6 million consumers in the GTA, and 120 million consumerswithin a 24-hour commute. Brampton is the distribution centre for a number of leading retailers, including Canadian Tire and Old Navy-Gap Inc., and courier companies like DHL Canada. In addition to this extensive and efficient transportation infrastructure, localgraduates provide the sector with a pool of well-educated and qualified professionals whoare leaders in their fields.

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FILM AND TELEVISIONBrampton is a film friendly city. Not only do we have a wide range of charismatic and photogeniclocations – our Film Liaison Team within the Economic Development Office offers one-stopservice and is on standby to assist you and your crew with a variety of professional servicesaimed at increasing the overall quality and cost efficiency of your production.

BUSINESS SERVICESBrampton’s business services sector consists of finance, insurance, real estate business, professional services, and accommodation convention and food services, public administration,to name a few. In Brampton, you’ll find a wide variety of support services that make it easier tostay focused on achieving your business goals.


EVERYTHINGBRAMPTON.

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CULTURAL EXPERIENCESBrampton’s 800-seat Rose Theatre regularly engrosses audiences with top-notch entertainment.This 64,000-square-foot architectural gem blends the innovations of the world’s finest grandhalls with the most precise stage and sound technology.

Downtown is the cultural heart of the city and is also home to the Peel Heritage Complex,the Peel Art Gallery/Museum, Peel Archives and Historic Peel Courthouse.

One of Canada’s most multicultural centres, Brampton proudly reflects an international mosaicwith an assortment of restaurants and festivals. Popular events include Carabram, the Farmers’Market, Concerts in Gage Park and Shakespeare in the Square. Stimulate your senses andenrich your culture with dinner and an evening theatre show.

People in Brampton take immense pride in their diverse community, cultureand heritage. Transformed by steady commercial and business growth,Brampton is now home to more than 175 distinct ethnic backgrounds.Brampton’s diversity is mirrored in an eclectic mix of restaurants, boutiques,festivals, sports and arts. As Canada’s Flower City, Brampton has over 6,000acres of parkland and open space and every year shows off some of the mostbeautiful floral displays in the world, and was recognized as the winner ofthe International Communities in Bloom Competition.

MODERN PARKS AND RECREATIONWhether you are in the mood for a self-guided floral tour, a nature hike, an aerobic excursionon our trail network or ice skating in the winter, the City of Brampton is the perfect place. Golfers will enjoy a round on any of our challenging courses, or you can cast, paddle or simplyenjoy nature on lakes within Brampton’s city limits. We have over 6,000 acres of parkland andopen space that are ideal getaway spots for hiking, cross-country and downhill skiing, canoeing, boating, fishing or simply sitting to take in the beautiful natural surroundings.

With more than 150,000 visitors annually, and seating for 5,000, Brampton’s Powerade Centrespectator bowl is the home to high profile sports teams. The Centre also boasts three NHL-sized rinks and an Outdoor Sports Park for baseball, rugby, ball hockey and cricket.

The Brampton Soccer Centre is state-of-the-art, with four outdoor and four indoor soccer fields,two overlapping cricket pitches, and basketball courts.

The Cassie Campbell Community Centre, Brampton’s newest recreation facility, includes ahockey rink, figure skating rink, indoor running track, indoor leisure pool, a fitness centre,community meeting rooms, three outdoor soccer/cricket fields, outdoor tennis and basketballcourts, and expansive parkland featuring a children’s play area and landscaped trails.


HOUSINGAn attractive selection of modern executive and family residences, town homes, apartments andcondominiums makes the move to Brampton comfortable and satisfying. Brampton’s impressiveresidential growth rate and broad range of housing product – much of it built to modern energyefficient standards and/or LEED certification – provides more greener, cleaner and smarterchoices than you’ll find anywhere else. Live and work in comfort and style.

PUBLIC SAFETYBrampton is one of the safest cities in Canada. Designated an International Safe Communityby the World Health Organization, Brampton has also received a perfect 20 out of 20 on theSafe Communities report issued by the Safe Communities Foundation of Canada.

BRAMPTON CIVIC HOSPITALWilliam Osler Health Centre’s new Brampton Civic Hospital covers 1.3 million square feet,with a capacity for 608 beds and 18 operating rooms. Advanced medical equipment and acomprehensive range of health services, including expanded cancer and cardiac programs,regional dialysis and pediatric centres, are readily available to Brampton residents.

The hospital is home to over 2,500 staff and 400 physicians delivering a full range of medicalspecialties and acute care treatments. In addition to providing leading-edge healthcare toBrampton, the hospital is one of the largest healthcare infrastructure projects in Canada. It is amodern facility with state-of-the-art technology, used to train some of the brightest young medical minds of today through its partnership with McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGrooteSchool of Medicine.

Brampton Civic Hospital is a milestone in Brampton’s success story, built to accommodatethe needs of an ever-expanding population in one of the most progressive and diversely richcommunities in the country. 19BRAMPTON | EVERYTHING BRAMPTON.18

Surveys ofCanadian citiesand towns byleadingindependentagenciescontinue torank Bramptonamong thebest businesslocations in thecountry.


21BRAMPTON | ONE-STOP SHOP FOR INFORMATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES.20

Need professional, informed answers to complicated questions? The BramptonEconomic Development Office was developed as a one-stop shop for businessdevelopment information. Our professional advisors know everything there is to know about getting things done in Brampton. Need assistance with site selection? Market insight? Municipal cost information? The EconomicDevelopment Office is here to help.

THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICEBrampton’s Economic Development Team understands the complexities of everyday businessand has the tools and expertise to assist. Services include:• Site selection services• Assistance with municipal approvals and requirements• Business listings resources• Market insight and municipal cost analysis• Economic, real estate, market and demographic statistics• Business-to-business service• BizPal quick permit and licence service

The EDO has created innovative and lucrative programs to make setting up shop in Bramptonmuch easier.

The CityConnect program involves one-on-one consultations with a Brampton business expert.These professional advisors will walk you through the entire start-up process, from site selectionto gathering information on government incentive programs and tax breaks. Right down to customized business tours, the Economic Development Office staff will serve as a centralizedgroup of consultants addressing your entire spread of needs and questions as a current or aspiringbusiness owner.

The Business Concierge Program has been set up to provide expedited approvals andquick turnaround on site plan, building permits and business expansion requirementsby coordinating the efforts of all the involved agencies and departments. Brampton getsyou in the ground more quickly.

ONE-STOP SHOP FOR INFORMATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES.


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SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CENTREIn Brampton, service centres like the SBEC are available to boost your progress with a valuablelist of resources to help you stay on top of things every step of the way. Achieve your business goals quickly and more efficiently. The Brampton SBEC is here to help you launch,grow and succeed.

The Centre offers:• Business consultations• Business plan reviews• Workshops and seminars• Accounting and legal referral services• Free computer and internet access

And much more!


BRING YOURBUSINESSBRAMPTON.

Where else can you find that perfect balance? Brampton’s healthy andattractive business environment is a recipe for success.

SEE FOR YOURSELFWhen you finally find the right place to break ground, a healthy environment will have a majorimpact on your business attitude and ultimately your long-term prosperity. Many industry leaders have found a prosperous work-life balance in Brampton, and you can do the same. Get down to business in a place that will help you get to where you want to be – the top.

THEY HAVE FOUND EVERYTHING THEY NEED. HERE. IN BRAMPTON.Some of our Headquarters

• Loblaw Companies Ltd. • Italpasta • Trow Associates

• Bacardi-Martini Canada • Brampton Engineering • Par-Pak Ltd.

• Gamma-Dynacare • Hudson’s Bay Company • Brafasco

Some of our Top Employers• ABB • The Bombay Company • Brita Canada

• Technicolor Canada • Chrysler Canada • Nissan Canada

• MDA Space Missions • Rogers Communications • Old Navy-Gap Inc.

• Coca-Cola Bottling Company • Magna International • Mckesson Canada

• DHL Canada • GE Polymershapes • Maple Lodge Farms

• Canadian Tire • Quality Meat Packers Ltd. • Unilever Canada

• Siemens • Nestle Canada Inc. • HBC/Zellers

• Ford Motor Co. of Canada Ltd. • Maple Leaf Foods • Hostess Frito Lay

OPEN FOR BUSINESSWe have room for you – in fact, we have over 3 million square feet of industrial building spaceand an ample supply of industrial and commercial land for development, all with convenientaccess to transportation networks that allow you to travel or ship to anywhere, anytime.

Brampton is at the heart of Canadian manufacturing. Our selection of strategically placed businessparks have become signature locations for a wide variety of industry-leading companies.

Brampton is a world-class city. With economic stability, a young and diverse workforce, a capableand modern infrastructure, plentiful and varied amenities, amazing quality of life, and an extensive network of suppliers and clients, Brampton has what you need to grow your business.

While Brampton is an attractive location for enterprise and industry, it’s also a beautiful place tolive and work. See for yourself. Where else can you find perfect balance? Here. Brampton.

25BRAMPTON | BRING YOUR BUSINESS BRAMPTON.24


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE TEL: 905-874-2650City of Brampton FAX: 905-874-267033 Queen Street WestBrampton, Ontario, CANADA L6Y [email protected]


CITY OF BRAMPTON EVERYTHING BRAMPTON...Brampton’s “Open for Business” attitude and dedication to supporting the innovation and strategic growth of our business community has

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