Brampton solidifying position as Cricket Capital of North America

BRAMPTON – At its meeting yesterday, City Council approved additional enhancements to Brampton’s cricket infrastructure supporting the local sport’s continued growth and the City’s vision of being the “Cricket Capital of North America”. Newly approved enhancements for cricket facilities across Brampton, include:

· Kwality Sweets Cricket Pitch at Andew McCandless Park – Two added shade structures with power access and installation of a four-lane cricket batting cage;

· Save Max Sports Centre – Installation of a four-lane cricket batting cage;

· Batsman Park Options – Consideration of two to four shade shelter sails or shade structures to be added, in consultation with the community and for consideration in the 2024 budget;

· Teramoto & Emancipation Parks Options – Consideration of two shade shelter sails or shade structures to be added at each park, in consultation with the community and for consideration in the 2024 budget;

Further to these investments, the City will develop a lane allocation management system for cricket batting cages, and will continue engaging with local cricket organizations as part of the ongoing update to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. This will help ensure the appropriate support for cricket’s growth across Brampton.

Cricket is one of the fastest-growing sports in Canada and the City of Brampton offers residents dynamic cricket amenities to utilize. Brampton cricket players have developed over the past decades in local non-profit leagues, such as Brampton Cricket League (BCL) and Brampton Etobicoke District Cricket League (BEDCL), which established a groundswell of support and interest for the sport.  City amenities host 42 unique seasonal organizations, tournaments and individuals that book over 14,000 hours of field time.

Over the last three years, Brampton has invested more than $2,000,000 in over 20 enhancements to cricket amenities and continues to prioritize community need with $7,000,000 allocated for future projects. Additional developments include a fully lit cricket field at Turner Fenton Secondary School, Creditview Sandalwood Park, and three new fields at Gore Meadows East Community Park.

Global T20 (GT20) is an annual cricket tournament featuring top North American cricket players and some of the biggest names in cricket from around the world. The City is a proud sponsor of the 2023 GT20 Cricket Tournament, taking place July 20 to August 6 at the Brampton Sports Park, CAA Centre Sports and Entertainment Complex, 7575 Kennedy Rd S. The City previously hosted the tournament’s second season in 2019, drawing national and international audiences.

For more information about the GT20 tournament, please visit www.gt20.ca.

“Cricket has emerged as one of North America’s fastest-growing and highest-viewed sport, and in Brampton it is booming! We are so happy to welcome back the Global T20 Canada Tournament to Brampton this year to once again draw international attention while inspiring our own local community cricket organizations and fans. We recognize the importance of investing in access and enhancements, especially for our youth development, and we continue to see the return as the sport continues to unite, grow and thrive in our community.” – Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton

“The City of Brampton is a growing hub for Cricket users, partnerships, facilities and events and we are incredibly proud of the name our local community is making for itself globally. Continued investment in enhancing our local cricket infrastructure will ensure we meet our community’s current needs, while supporting future talent in having access to the amenities they need to grow within the sport.” – Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton