Regional Councillor Brampton Wards 1 & 5

Brampton Takes a Swing: Solidifying Its Position as the Cricket Capital of North America with Enhanced Amenities and Investments

BRAMPTON, ON (June 14, 2023) – Brampton City Council passed a motion to move forward with additional enhancements to cricket infrastructure, reaffirming its commitment to the growth and development of the sport. These upgrades support the sport’s expansion and further cement Brampton’s status as the “Cricket Capital of North America.”

Cricket has emerged as Canada’s Fastest Growing Sport and has surfaced as Canada’s highest-viewed sport. Local non-profit leagues, such as the Brampton Cricket League (BCL) and Brampton Etobicoke District Cricket League (BEDCL) among others, have played a pivotal role in generating support and interest over the years. The city’s amenities currently accommodate 42 unique seasonal organizations, tournaments, and individuals, totaling over 14,000 hours of field time.

With guidance from local organizations, Brampton has increased investments to support cricket, but more must be done to keep-up with the rapidly increasing demand for cricket amenities. Councillor Santos, Chair of Community Services, expressed her support to enhance cricket facilities, stating, “By solidifying our position as the Cricket Capital of North America, we are demonstrating our commitment to grow this sport in our city.”

As outlined in a brochure shared at council to further strengthen Brampton’s position as a cricket hub, the city has invested over $2,000,000 in the past three years, implementing more than 20 enhancements to cricket amenities. Looking ahead, an additional $7,000,000 has been allocated for future projects. Among the upcoming developments are a fully lit cricket field at Turner Fenton Secondary School, Creditview Sandalwood Park, and the construction of three new fields at Gore Meadows East Community Park.

“These investments in infrastructure and amenities will provide our community with more opportunities to stay active, enjoy the game, and train world-class players,” Santos commented. “We look forward to the positive impact these enhancements will have on Brampton’s cricket scene and diversifying our overall recreation portfolio for our residents.”

As outlined in the motion immediate improvements across Brampton’s cricket facilities for this season include the installation of shade structures that serve as dug-outs for players home and away and a four-lane cricket batting cages at Kwality Sweets Cricket Pitch in Andew McCandless Park. An additional cricket batting cage will also be installed at Save Max Sports Centre. To manage demand for the batting cages, the City will include cricket batting cages in their current work to update the City’s sports allocation policy. Furthermore, shade shelter sails or structures at Batsman Park, Teramoto Park, and Emancipation Park will be considered in consultation with the community and submitted as part of the 2024 budget process.

A significant highlight for Brampton’s cricket season this year is the upcoming Global T20 (GT20) tournament. The City is proudly sponsoring the 2023 GT20 Cricket Tournament, scheduled to take place from July 20 to August 6 at the Brampton Sports Park and the CAA Centre Sports and Entertainment Complex on 7575 Kennedy Rd S. Brampton previously hosted the tournament in 2019, attracting national and international audiences, and millions of viewers worldwide.

As the demand for cricket continues to soar, the City of Brampton remains dedicated to creating additional opportunities and improving its facilities to become the Cricket Capital of North America.

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Anitpal (Nitu) Grewal – C: (437) 331-4555, Email: Anitpal.Grewal@Brampton.ca