Downtown Brampton parking garage being demolished for Patrick Brown’s mystery ‘Innovation Centre’

For the first time in several years, Brampton residents have received an update about the long-promised Centre for Innovation, which City officials, Mayor Patrick Brown and his council followers claim will transform the withering downtown core. 

In mid-July, the City of Brampton announced the Nelson Square Parking Garage would be demolished to make room for the Centre for Innovation. 

The demolition is moving forward without any construction timeline for the Centre for Innovation project, and no proponent has been chosen to build it. 

The Nelson Square parking garage will soon be torn down. 

(City of Brampton)

On Brampton’s official website, which is supposed to provide the public with details of how their money is spent, the project only has vague bits of information: “City undergoing confidential negotiations with Preferred Proponent.”

It’s unclear what will be done on the site once the demolition is completed, and some residents have raised concerns about another vacant lot pocking the aging city centre. The City has not explained why a “confidential” negotiation is being carried out instead of a fully public bidding process to ensure taxpayers get the best value for their money to build a project that Mayor Brown has been promoting for more than six years, with nothing to show for it. 

(Facebook)

(Reddit)

He commonly refers to the decaying “Four Corners” area as the “Brampton Innovation District” and has instructed staff to market the city centre using the term. Residents have openly mocked the claim on social media, raising questions about why Brown continues to mislead the public with claims that the city is being transformed into some sort of technology and innovation hotbed. 

(Alexis Wright/The Pointer)
 

Along with the lack of clarity about the innovation district’s future, taxpayers have never been given detailed information about the current projected cost or timeline for the central building where much of the “innovation” is supposed to be featured.

The Pointer contacted the city’s media relations team to ask when Brampton City Council formally approved the demolition of the Nelson Square Parking Garage, and whether there was any public consultation or council discussion before passing any motion. No response was provided.

It’s unclear why the City is proceeding with the demolition of the Nelson Parking Garage without an agreement for the so-called innovation centre.

The Pointer asked about the design details, construction timeline, current cost and procurement process, but no answers were provided by City staff. They were asked if Diamond Schmitt is still the lead architectural firm involved, and why the City hasn’t disclosed the names of any companies or developers involved in the negotiations mentioned on the project timeline under Q4 2024. No information has been provided about the “preferred” developer or how the company was chosen.

Questions about the budget and operating cost for the innovation centre were also unanswered. It remains unclear what will happen to the vacant lot once the parking structure is demolished, without a timeline to begin construction of a feature that Brown promised more than a half decade ago.

In a press release dated July 21, the City announced the demolition of the Nelson Square Parking Garage and the George Street Surface Parking Lot for the Centre For Innovation, which was described as a key component of downtown revitalization.

"Downtown Brampton is undergoing a major transformation, supported by a dedicated investment of $23.8 million through the 2025 Budget, for the revitalization of Main and Queen Streets. This includes improvements to roads, sidewalks, lighting, street furniture, and landscaping, as well as the reconstruction of Ken Whillans Square," the release highlighted.

"A key component of this revitalization is the Centre for Innovation (CFI), which will anchor Brampton’s growing Innovation District and serve as a catalyst for economic and cultural transformation in the downtown core."

The City has said that for all parking pass holders in the Nelson Square garage, residents will be contacted for an alternative parking spot in the downtown area.

The remaining four municipal parking garages, which offer free parking for the first two hours, include:

• City Hall Parking Garage – 2 Wellington St. W.

• West Tower Parking Garage – 41 George St.

• John Street Parking Garage – 16 John St.

• Market Square Parking Garage – 1 Theatre Ln.

Brown called the yet-to-be delivered innovation building a huge win for the city.

“This milestone is a clear signal that Brampton’s vision for a modern, connected, innovative and thriving downtown is becoming a reality," he trumpeted.

"The Centre for Innovation will be a game-changer for our city, bringing new opportunities in education, business and talent development and positioning Brampton as a national leader in innovation. As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is an economic engine for the region, the province and the country, driving growth, creating jobs and shaping the future of our economy. We are committed to keeping residents and businesses informed every step of the way as we continue building a future-ready Brampton boasting world-class amenities and boundless opportunities.”

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