Brampton

Near the GO Train station, the transit-oriented Mount Pleasant Village provides a unique Brampton experience. At the heart of this community is its public square, a playground and a reflecting pond that is transformed into a skating rink each winter. While roaming through this picturesque village, be sure to stop at this library and explore what they have to offer.

The Old Fire Hall was built in 1854 and served as Brampton's first municipal building, originally for use as a market hall, as well as the fire company. By 1880, the second floor served as the council chambers. The Old Fire Hall, minus the fire bell, now serves as office space for the Regional Headquarters of The Lorne Scots.

This house was constructed as the Boyle family residence, prominent early citizens who operated Boyle’s Drug Store and Boyle’s Book Store, some of the oldest retail businesses in Brampton. Architectural details include the large veranda with fretwork treillage and decorative columns across the width of the house, the slate Mansard (now asphalt roof), and the dormers capped with Renaissance pediments.

Brampton Library’s Chinguacousy Branch is moving out of the Civic Centre to make way for the Toronto Metropolitan University’s new School of Medicine. The new location for this branch — the Chinguacousy Park Ski Chalet — may not be permanent, but there is still much to see and do. Visit during Doors Open to explore the renovation, which also includes a makerspace.

St. Paul's United is a massive structure faced in rusticated Credit Valley brownstone. Designed by Toronto architect W.J. Mallory, it was the second Primitive Methodist Church constructed in Brampton. The roof is composed of multicoloured slate, and large stained-glass windows in the north, south and west ends display a fine decorative pattern. Of note is the Casavant pipe organ.

Discover how heritage contributes to community and culture. Explore 19th-century buildings, including a historical courthouse and jail. Then see how they are used today as spaces for empathy and creativity. Explore treasures from the archives and enjoy culture talks with Toronto Art Restoration Inc. and Astrosankofa Arts. Check out their latest exhibition, All Aboard! The Railways of Peel.

This is the second place of worship built on this site. The original structure was made of mud bricks and straw. This one was built by the local congregation using brick from the kiln of James Sleightholm. The Ebenezer Chapel became part of the United Church in 1925. It has been a volunteer-owned and -managed community centre since 2000.

The Mount Pleasant Community Centre is in a restored historical Canadian Pacific Railway station that has been converted into a cultural facility in the Mount Pleasant Village Square. Shared with the Peel District School Board and the local library, this landmark building is now an integral part of the community, connecting the past with the future. Located in Mount Pleasant Village Square are one-of-a-kind sculptures created for the City of Brampton by renowned artist Ron Baird. As part of Digital Doors Open, join Baird as he speaks up close and personal about The Ghost Train (see the video below) as well as three unique metal structures: Time, Tracks and Trestle Bridge.

This former Carnegie Library is a designated heritage building now home to the Lorne Scots Regimental Museum. In 2022, the museum began a partnership with the City of Brampton to bring the building back to life. It now houses a collection of stories and artifacts covering the 200-plus-year history of the Lorne Scots Regiment.

Welcome to the Lester B. Pearson Memorial Theatre, a creative hub for local performing arts groups, schools, education programs, dance recitals and professional presentations. The facility includes a 400-seat auditorium and adjacent studio space. Located in the Brampton Civic Centre, the theatre, affectionately known as LBP, has been home to community organizations and productions since 1973. The venue reopened in October 2019 with enhanced accessibility and health and safety features, upgraded technical equipment, and a more attractive, welcoming space. Take a virtual tour through the video below and learn more about this popular theatre venue.

Historic Bovaird House is an exceptional example of a mid-19th-century Ontario farmhouse. Volunteers have restored the house to its original appearance. Authentic artifacts and period craftsmanship demonstrate the history of this house — which contains five fireplaces, original plank flooring, hand-blown imported windowpanes and beautiful heritage-inspired gardens. Check out the photo display of the farm kitchen and parlour.

Central Public School is one of the oldest surviving public schools in Brampton. Continuously used for educational purposes for nearly 130 years, the site has now been repurposed as a community centre. Interestingly, the design was based on a courthouse. The focal point of the building is the main doorway framed by decorative carved stone with an oversized transom.

Downtown Brampton has much to offer — and one of the best ways to see it is on foot. Or, during Digital Doors Open, on foot by video. Join tour guide Steve Collie — member of the Brampton Heritage Board and the Brampton Historical Society — for an informative and enlightening guided tour. Starting at the historical Four Corners, Collie takes you back in time by visiting many sites in Downtown Brampton. As well, you will learn about some of Brampton’s unique history — from the annual flooding of its main streets to devastating fires, from suspected hauntings to hidden architectural features, from Vaudeville theatres to underground bank vaults.

One of 11 drill halls built in Ontario between 1876 and 1918, the Brampton Armoury was recognized as a federal heritage building in 1991 and listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places in 2008. The Lorne Scots have been serving the community of Peel in Brampton since 1866 and continue to train out of this facility.

Alderlea, meaning meadow of alder trees, is a well-preserved heritage building, built at the height of the Victorian era. It is one of the finest examples of Italianate villa architecture in Ontario. Following careful restoration, this 19th-century mansion has plenty to offer. Come and see how the house has been adapted for use as a popular heritage venue.