Brampton hosted the annual New Year’s Levee at Brampton City Hall on Jan. 29, as its mayor Patrick Brown unveiled new plans for the city.
Mayor Brown began the levee by expressing his gratitude to both the organizers and the Brampton residents who came to the event.
He said in his speech the New Year’s Levee is a long-standing tradition in the city, and he is thankful to all those who carried on the historic tradition.
He also expressed his sorrow at the death of former Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion, who he said had been his friend and mentor for many years.
McCallion died at 101 earlier on the same day.
Brown said McCallion might be considered Canada’s mayor, as Mississauga evolved under her 36-year leadership from rural communities and small towns into a modern city.
He also said McCallion personified wisdom and intelligence and was a pioneer for women in politics and the workforce.
“She lived an incredibly full life and has left a wonderful legacy,” she said. “I was lucky to consider her a friend and mentor for many years.”
He expressed concern for the safety of the people of Brampton.
Brown said the rise in auto thefts was a reason he was supporting increased spending on policing to ensure he could keep the community safe. Peel Police is seeking a $45.9-million budget increase in its 2023 budget. The increase would put the police operating budget at $524.6 million for this year
Brampton is now working on several enormous projects, including the construction of a new police station in the northwest part of the city, he said.
Peel Regional Police Media Relations Constable Mandeep Khatra said the construction project was still at a preliminary stage.
“We are working in conjunction with the Region of Peel’s Realty department on an agreement to acquire land for a new division,” Khatra said. “However, this has not yet been finalized.”
Khatra said the government’s plan will help modernize how the police operate.
“We have been operating with four police divisions since 1981, even though Brampton and Mississauga’s population has increased by 221 per cent since that time,” he said.
“This budget will allow us to update outdated infrastructure, including a new Operations Support Facility, modernize our divisional model and make advancements in technology and equipment,” Khatra said.
Brown said as he concluded his speech that he finds this period wonderful as a resident of Brampton himself.
“We are hoping for a fantastic 2023,” he said.
Following the mayor’s speech, the Brampton Concert Band and Tri-Service Cadet Band gave performances.
A member of the Brampton Concert Band practices for the performance before the event begins on Jan. 29, 2023, at Brampton City Hall. Photo credit: Muhammad Hamza
David Harmsworth, president of the Brampton Concert Band, said the band was delighted to be here to wish Mayor Brown and the City of Brampton Council a happy new year.
“It’s one of many times we’ve played the mayor’s levee,” he said. “It is a great way to bring in the new year.”
People joined Mayor Brown for a communal skate in in Gage Park following the levee. They also enjoyed a performance by the local band Point of Order, and light refreshments from downtown businesses.
The mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, went ice skating at Gage Park on Jan. 29, 2023, to meet with the community and give them the chance to take pictures with them. Photo credit: Muhammad Hamza
Brad May, a former NHL hockey player, along with Canadian women athletes Jamie Lee Rattray and Renata Fast, were also in Gage Park to give autographs and take pictures with people.
“We had a great time with Mayor Patrick Brown today, and we really enjoyed the event a lot,” May said.