Brampton

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. Check out their latest exhibition, All Aboard! The Railways of Peel. Explore treasures from the archives. And enjoy culture talks with Toronto Art Restoration Inc. and Astrosankofa Arts.

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.

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.

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.

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.