This past weekend, the City of Brampton marked Earth Day with a series of community-focused events, including tree plantings, a park cleanup at Gore Meadows, and the presentation of the Grow Green Environmental Awards. These activities reflect the city’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
The Grow Green Environmental Awards recognized local individuals, businesses, and organizations that have significantly contributed to Brampton’s environmental goals. This year’s honorees include:
- Environmental Stewardship Award: Former City Councillor Doug Whillans
- Environmental Stewardship Award for an Organization: Heart Lake Turtle Troopers
- Climate Change Award: Community Climate Council
- Environmental Youth Award: Shailly Prajapati
In addition to the awards, the community participated in a Sun-powered prints workshop led by local artists Jennifer Chin and Aditi Ganeev Sangwan, where participants created traditional cyanotype prints. This event highlighted the integration of art and environmental education, emphasizing sustainable artistic practices.
“Congratulations to the champions of our ecosystem, the winners of this year’s Grow Green Awards! Your unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship sets a profound example for all. From the grassroots to community initiatives to youth leadership, each recipient embodies the spirit of sustainability and inspires us all to nurture a greener, brighter future for Brampton and beyond,” said Harkirat Singh, Deputy Mayor; City Councillor Wards 9 & 10; Vice Chair, Planning and Development.
“As Brampton takes further steps to become a litter-free city, Earth Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect our environment. By joining forces on this day of global action, we reaffirm our commitment to cleaner streets, healthier ecosystems, and a brighter future for all,” added Deputy Mayor Singh.
The city also launched significant initiatives aimed at reducing litter. The new Litter Reduction Charter and a virtual tool for tracking cleanup efforts were introduced to engage the community in making Brampton Canada’s first litter-free city. These tools are designed to encourage active participation in beautifying the city and maintaining clean, healthy public spaces.
“Every small action towards preserving our planet is a step towards a sustainable future. The City of Brampton’s Earth Day events inspire and mobilize our community to engage in meaningful environmental actions that have a lasting impact,” commented Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor from Ward 1 & 5.
“Participating in Earth Day activities gives us all a chance to reflect on our environmental impact and recommit to making more sustainable choices. These initiatives by the city are not just about one day or one event; they’re about fostering a culture of care for our environment that lasts all year round,” added Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor from Ward 1 & 5.
The City of Brampton extends its gratitude to CN Railway and Toronto Pearson Airport for their generous support of the Earth Month activities.
Quotes: