Here’s which Brampton swimming spots are now open

Bikash Moktan / Flickr

Calling all beach and outdoor enthusiasts! Brampton’s lakes, outdoor pools and wading pools are now open.

Due to the current pandemic, all outdoor recreation facilities, lakes and pools were closed. However, the city has finally started to reopen with some safety measures.

Professor’s Lake is now open; however, visitors must reserve a three-hour timeslot to visit the beach by calling (905) 874-2350. The lake is open, dependent on the results of Region of Peel water quality testing results. Visitors must also stay in the installed markers, which denote beach areas for both group and individual use as well as stay two-metres away from other visitors. Staff will be on-site to take visitors to their reserved beach areas and to monitor physical distancing. The change room facilities will not be available to residents.

The Eldorado Park outdoor pool is also open pending the pool temperature and, as always, weather permitting. However, change room facilities, floatation devices and pool toys will not be available at this time, but visitors can bring their equipment. Visitors will have access to lifejackets upon request. In washrooms, every other sink and stall will be closed to encourage physical distancing.

The city’s wading pools will also open, weather permitting. Brampton currently operates three wading pools located at Gage Park, Chinguacousy Park and Balmoral Recreation Centre. Spray pad operating hours have been extended to 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, depending on the weather.

Peel Public Health encourages everyone to stay apart, wash your hands, wear a mask and get tested. Hand sanitizer will be available on-site at all locations. Residents must also wear non-medical masks or face coverings in all Brampton indoor public spaces, which is required by law since July 10.

Series of virtual multicultural festivals coming to Brampton soon

For those who miss attending festivals and local events, popular, multicultural festivals are coming to Brampton soon! 

Arts & Culture Initiative of South Asia festivals focus on South Asian arts, culture, and heritage through performances, workshops, Bollywood dance lessons and much more. South Asian culture encompasses India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, and residents are invited to watch dance groups, classical musicians, and popular singers as well as participate in many workshops. 

“The festival promotes local talent and includes an exciting line-up of emerging artists and well-known names in the entertainment industry that appeals to all ages,” said Festival Co-Art Director Arpan Banerjee.

The virtual festivals begin with VibrantBrampton, a heritage festival featuring performances from renowned and emerging artists including Bhoomi Trivedi, Navraj Hans, Sreerama Chandra, Parichay, Sarabjit Cheema and Aaman Trikha. Artists will be taking the virtual stage every Tuesday and Wednesday from July 21 to August 5, 2020.

Next, the VibrantStar finales will showcase six finalists battling to win the top prize in three categories- vocal, instrumental and dance beginning the week of July 20. 

Stemming from the demand for a classical music and dance platform, VibrantClassical is a new segment launched this year that includes local artists from around the GTA. Running every Thursday, artists will show off their skills starting August 20 for three consecutive weeks until September 3, 2020.

According to Arts & Culture Initiative of South Asia, classical music and dance has always aimed for the “classes” and not the “masses” But their goal is to let the masses experience and listen to the language of the soul. 

Don’t worry, they also have a unique festival for art lovers. META, a digital and modern art festival will live-stream exciting content every Tuesday and Thursday for the entire month of August. Tuesdays will be devoted to workshops and panels featuring local creators and partners, while Thursdays will feature live-streamed performances from global and local artists. Specifically, the first two weeks will celebrate local culture by focusing on Brampton creators and performers. 

“META aims to capture variations of digital and modern art all in one place and bring an experience unlike any other to Peel Region. It also hopes to engage the youth and young adults by providing an inter-cultural understanding of diverse cultures, arts and heritage,” writes Arts & Culture Initiative of South Asia. 

The last festival, the Visual Arts of South Asia festival, is an arts festival that provides artists with the opportunity to connect and create and promotes the visual arts through educational workshops and performances every Thursday starting July 23 until August 12. 

“More than ever now is when arts and music and culture have the power to not only uplift spirits but also to bring people together in these unprecedented times. Our festivals endeavour to do just that” says Ricky Bajaj, co-founder and president of the Arts & Culture Initiative of South Asia.

Residents can watch all live streams at https://www.facebook.com/vibrantbramptonfest. 

Brampton to install photo radar enforcement at 200 locations

Brampton City Council just announced that they will be implementing Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) throughout 200 locations.

ASE is an automated system that uses a camera and a speed measurement device to help enforce speed limits in school zones, community safety zones as well as on roadways posted less than 80 km per hour. If a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit in an ASE-enforced area, the ASE system captures an image that is stored and reviewed by a provincial offences officer. Like a red light camera ticket, the ASE ticket contains a digitized copy of the image and an enlargement of the plate portion, which is then mailed to the registered plate holder regardless of who was driving. However, the penalty is only a fine, which is determined by how fast the vehicle was travelling.

“There is absolutely zero tolerance for speeding in Brampton and our council will continue to take action to make this message clear. Through measures like increasing Automated Speed Enforcement to 200 locations across our city, we are working towards reducing vehicle incidents and increasing safety for all road users, especially those most vulnerable,” says Mayor Patrick Brown.

Currently, there are five locations with ASE notification signs in place that will have cameras installed by September 2020:
– Ward 1 Vodden Street East (between Kennedy Road and Centre Street)
– Ward 2 Richvale Drive North (between Kennedy Road and Sandalwood Parkway)
– Ward 3 Ray Lawson Boulevard (between Hurontario Street and McLaughlin Road)
– Ward 8 Avondale Boulevard (between Bramalea Road and Birchbank Road)
– Ward 9 Fernforest Drive (between Bovaird Drive and Sandalwood Parkway)

“Following the introduction of ASE on Vodden Street this year, Council also launched interim bike lanes nearby to promote and support safe active transportation. Our priority is to create streets for people so we can keep all of Brampton moving safely,” says Paul Vicente, regional councillor and chair of Public Works and Engineering.

The city council is working towards establishing 25 additional Community Safety Zones by September 2020. They will also begin purchasing additional cameras to support ASE across the city.

The city anticipates having all cameras installed and signs at each entry point into the city by the end of this year.

Brampton is one of the first municipalities in Ontario to implement ASE and introduced its first notification sign on December 19, 2019.

Outdoor water use advisory in effect for Brampton

There is an outdoor water use advisory now in place in Brampton.

Residents and businesses are asked to reduce all outdoor watering, including watering lawns, gardens and planters as well as turn off all automatic irrigation systems. People should also stop or reduce filling or topping up pools, hot tubs, ponds and decorative fountains as well as washing all exterior surfaces. Lastly, residents should delay washing vehicles or visiting car wash facilities.

According to the region, the advisory is due to unexpected repairs at one of their treatment facilities. It is necessary to ensure that the region’s water supply levels are maintained throughout the system.

The advisory is expected to last for the next few days, where normal outdoor water use practices will be resumed as soon as possible.

Masks to be mandatory in Brampton’s indoor spaces soon

Mayor Patrick Brown / Twitter

Starting from July 10, Bramptonians will be required by law to wear a face mask inside all indoor places.

The “Brampton COVID-19 Mandatory Face Coverings By-law” comes into effect following the Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Peel’s recommendation and mandatory use of masks to support the reopening of the region. The by-law is in effect till October 1, but it can be repeated on the advice of the Medical Officer of Health.

“I understand this is a significant ask of the public,” said Mayor Patrick Brown in yesterday’s announcement. “We’re asking you to change your behaviour, change your habits, to wear a mask to protect others and the city only asks you to play a part in it. We also realize that we have to play a part in it.”

The Federal, Provincial and Regional government has all recommended that people wear face coverings in public where physical distancing cannot be maintained. According to council, a face covering can be a mask, bandana or scarf that securely fits around the person’s mouth, nose and chin without gaping. The face-covering does not need to be a medical mask, N95 or other masks required by healthcare workers.

Brown went on to announce that the city is going to be distributing a million masks in Brampton to support the community.

“We’re going to be mailing these masks to every home in Brampton,” said Brown. “The City will initiate this process by sending three masks to every household in Brampton in the coming weeks. To continue to progress and prepare for Stage 3, we’re ready to take all the necessary precautions.”

Masks will be required inside all retail stores, restaurants, supermarkets, grocery stores, bakeries, convince stores, religious institutions, recreational facilities, malls and businesses. They will also be needed in common areas of hotels and motels, libraries, museums, galleries, event spaces, venues, entertainment establishments, city buildings, daycares, camps and city transportation.

Children two-years-old or younger, children between the ages of three and five who refuse to wear a face covering, people who have trouble breathing, people with medical reasons, people who are engaged in athletic activity, people who are eating or drinking and people who are testifying in court are all exempt from this by-law.

The fine for breaking the by-law can start from $500 and reach up to $100,000.

“As the city prepares for this new stage, know that we’re going to do our part to help you transition into this new world of mandatory masks in indoor public settings,” said Brown.

Popular Toronto Mexican restaurant to open new location in Brampton soon

Is there such a thing as too much Mexican food?

The answer is simeple, no way- and for those who are a fan of the infamous Burrito Boyz, you may want to visit this burrito joint once it opens.

Burrito Bandidos, which is owned by the original co-founder and chef of Burrito Boyz, is opening their doors in Brampton soon.

Located at 2 Dewside Drive in the Bramalea and Sandalwood area, the joint will feature delicious burritos, quesadillas and bowls using fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.

Burrito Bandidos cook their meals right in front of customers to offer a fresh and healthy alternative to fast-food restaurants. They are also committed to being eco-friendly by using bio-degradable or recyclable bags, containers, energy-efficient lighting and local ingredients.

So, what exactly will the new dining establishment serve?

Their menu is fully customizable with different mouth-watering toppings and meats. With over one million combinations, their primary filling includes Sauté Chicken, Pulled Pork Carnitas, Grilled Steak Asada, Baja Fish, Bean and Cheese and Stir Fry Tofu. If you are looking for something more extravagant, they have Soya Mix, Halibut Fish, Sauté Shrimp, Hali and Shrimp, Steak and Shrimp, Chicken and Shrimp Mix, Chicken and Steak as well as Mango Chicken.

The joint also features an array of different quesadillas including, Chicken and Steak, Halibut, Baja Fish, Shrimp, Chicken, Steak, Pork, Tofu and Cheese.

Though an official opening date for the Brampton location has yet to be announced, Burrito Bandidos also has locations across the GTA including, three in Downtown Toronto and one in Hamilton.

Multiple injured following serious collision in Brampton

Peel Regional Police/ Twitter

Peel Police are continuing to investigate a serious collision in Brampton.

“At approximately 4:50 p.m [on June 13], a red Ford Escape, with two occupants, was driving eastbound on Queen Street and attempted to make a left turn into a private parking lot west of Chrysler Drive. At the same time, a grey Honda Civic with two occupants was travelling westbound on Queen Street and proceeded to collide with the Ford Escape within the intersection,” says police.

All residents involved were transported to the hospital with critical to life-threatening injuries.

Investigators from the Major Collision Bureau are asking witnesses who have not yet had the opportunity to speak with them, or have surveillance or dashcam footage, to contact the Major Collision Bureau at 905-453-2121, ext. 3710 or Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.

Brampton Farmer’s Market finally opening soon amid pandemic

For those who have been waiting patiently, Brampton Farmer’s Market is finally opening soon.

With many safety measures in place due to COVID-19, the market will be open on Saturdays from June 27 until October 24.

The Downtown Brampton attraction will now operate from 8 a.m to 1 p.m to allow for a safe set up on the street for shopping.

“I encourage you to enjoy and shop the market while wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing and maintaining good hygiene. I look forward to welcoming you back to the market this year,” says Mayor Patrick Brown.

Don’t worry, your favourite farmers and vendors will be back to sell fresh local produce and prepared packaged food. However, artisan crafts and food prepared on-site will not be available.

“Many incredible vendors will be on-site and I encourage everyone to support these businesses. Be sure to follow the safety measures in place to ensure the best experience possible for everyone,” says Regional Councillor and Economic Development and Culture Chair Gurpreet Dhillon.

“A range of downtown Brampton businesses are vendors this year, and I encourage residents and visitors to shop local, stay safe, and support our great city and downtown,” says Downtown Brampton BIA Executive Director Suzy Godefroy.

All vendors and customers will be required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering while at the market. There will also be hand sanitizer stations available throughout the market with a defined number of visitors admitted to the market area at any one time. To keep a track of visitors, there will be only one entrance and one exit to each of the market areas.

Customers should only let one person per household attend the market this season and maintain physical distancing of six feet while at the market. People should note gatherings of more than ten people are prohibited under the province’s emergency orders. Customers are also reminded to carry their own disinfectants, such as hand sanitizer or wipes, wash their hands often and refrain from touching their face.

“The Brampton Farmers’ Market is a tradition that my business is always happy to be a part of. It’s important now more than ever that visitors shop local. This year, I will be at the market selling pastries, bread and schnitzel sandwiches. Please practise physical distancing and good hygiene, so we can all stay safe and enjoy the market,” says Vera Krasavac, owner of Queen Gypsy.

A map of vendors will be available online at http://www.brampton.ca/markets.

Four deaths, including three children, killed after multi-vehicle collision

Newstalk1010/ Twitter

A four-vehicle collision in Brampton has led to the death of four people, including three children.

According to police, they received a call at 12:16 p.m in regards to a multi-vehicle collision on Torbram Road and Countryside Drive.

Police intially stated there were numerous life-threatening injuries. They just confirmed that there has been four deaths as a result of the collision, including three children and an adult female. An adult male has been transported to the hospital in life-threatening condition.

Police were unable to say if the children are related to the woman who was killed in the crash as they are still working to identify the victims.

The area is currently shut down for investigation. The Special Investigations Unit is now investigating the collision. The SIU investigates any incident involving police and a member of the public that results in death, serious injury, or an allegation of sexual assault.

More to come.

Here’s how you can win $200 by reading with Brampton Library

Gear up, Brampton readers! Brampton Library is bringing back its summer reading clubs and they are bigger than ever. 

Residents can either participate in the Adult Summer Reading Club or the Teen Summer Reading Club if they are between the ages of 13 and 18. 

From now to September 8, adults can register online and participate by logging eBooks, audiobooks, non-fiction and fiction books and completing online bingo challenges to win many prizes. The prizes include monthly prize draws and four grand prizes. To win a monthly prize of a $25 gift card, participants must log at least one eBook, audiobook, non-fiction or fiction book within four weeks. The draw dates are June 29, July 27 and August 31.

Looking to win something bigger?

Brampton Library is also giving away grand prizes including a $200 President’s Choice Gift Card, $200 Indigo Gift Card and a Wellness Prize Pack (1 month of free classes at Modo Yoga Brampton and a Saje Diffuser Kit).

All Bramptonians have to do is complete the online bingo challenges. The challenges range from reading a book to completing a Virtual Escape Box. For those who complete the entire bingo card, they will automatically be entered for the top prize draw, which is a CityPASS Toronto for Two (Includes admission to CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Casa Loma, Royal Ontario Museum, and Toronto Zoo OR Ontario Science Centre).

Don’t worry, Brampton teens can also participate by collecting points throughout the summer by logging the books you read, writing book reviews, participating in our virtual programs and completing online challenges.

Teens have a shot at winning one of three grand prizes including Apple AirPods, a $150 gift card for Cineplex/Playdium or two passes to Treetop Trekking Brampton. On top of that, the club member who accumulates the most points at the end of the summer will win a $150 gift card to Chapters/Indigo.

Teens who register for the club before July 8 will be automatically entered into an early bird draw for a pass to Wet ‘n’ Wild Toronto.

Are you joining this year’s summer reading club?