As part of the 2025 Budget, the City of Brampton has approved the addition of a new Brampton Library branch to the Howden Recreation Centre revitalization project, creating a multi-use community hub that will serve as a central space for recreation, health, learning, and community engagement.
“The addition of a library to the Howden Recreation Centre revitalization project is a clear demonstration of our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Brampton residents,” said Mayor Patrick Brown. “By investing to bring more state-of-the-art facilities to the community, we are creating a dynamic hub for recreation, learning, and community building, ensuring that residents of southeast Brampton and beyond have access to the resources they need to thrive. Projects like this are how we build a brighter, stronger future for all and drive progress and prosperity in Brampton.”
The new library branch will provide educational resources, technology, and diverse programming in a welcoming environment. By integrating the library within the Howden Recreation Centre, the City is ensuring that residents have access to modern, multi-functional spaces that cater to their needs.
Regional Councillor Paul Vicente emphasized the importance of this investment, stating:
“The Howden Recreation Centre and new library project serves as a strong example of how we are leveraging strategic investments to address the growing needs of our diverse community, delivering value for our residents now and in the future. It reflects our commitment to putting residents first, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and bringing people together in meaningful ways.”
City Councillor Rod Power added that community demand played a major role in this initiative.
“Chinguacousy Library has been a pillar of our community for decades, and as the local Councillor, I heard first-hand from residents about the need for the services that a library offers. People have asked for more modern, comprehensive spaces to meet their recreational and educational needs, and we listened. With this revitalization of Howden Recreation Centre and the addition of a 30,000 square-foot library branch, we are making a strategic investment to create a place where residents of all ages can gather, learn, and grow together.”
Originally built in 1974, the Howden Recreation Centre is set to be replaced with a modern, 45,000-square-foot facility, featuring:
- A new Brampton Library branch
- A multi-sport gymnasium with an International Basketball Federation (FIBA)-sized court
- Multi-purpose rooms for community events and programs
- A dedicated daycare centre with an outdoor play area
- An outdoor multi-sport court
- Sustainable design features, including LEED Gold certification and a net-zero-ready structure
Regional Councillor Rowena Santos emphasized the importance of the community hub concept, stating:
“This revitalization project to include a library means more than simply upgrading a building; it is about investing in the well-being of our residents and their desire to learn. Comprehensive multi-purpose community hubs like the future Howden Recreation Centre are essential to fostering connection, physical health, and education. I am so pleased to see this space expand to include a library, which maximizes its use for the community.”
Brampton’s Commitment to Learning and Community Growth
With a growing demand for library spaces, this initiative aligns with the City’s broader vision for inclusive and accessible community facilities. Regional Councillor Navjit Kaur Brar highlighted the significance of this investment:
“Libraries are community anchors that provide opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. The addition of a library is a milestone for Brampton, meeting the growing demand for library spaces in our city. This branch will empower residents with access to resources, technology, and programming that improve lives and build a stronger, more engaged community.”
Todd Kyle, CEO of Brampton Library, reinforced the library’s role in serving the community:
“Brampton Library board members and staff are thrilled to have this opportunity to serve the learning and literacy needs of the community. Co-located in the revitalized Howden Recreation Centre, this branch will be an accessible and central addition to library service in Brampton, a hub in this high-density area of our city. We look forward to building a modern, flexible, and connected library branch that is inviting and inclusive to all.”
Nicole Russell, Chair of the Brampton Library Board, also welcomed the project’s impact:
“Libraries play an essential role in fostering literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement. The addition of this library helps meet the increasing demand for accessible learning spaces in the area, ensuring that all residents have a place to gather, discover, and grow. We are committed to ensuring that libraries remain at the heart of our communities, and we look forward to seeing this space thrive as a vibrant hub for learning and connection.”
Investing in Brampton’s Future
As part of the City’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP), which guides recreational investments through 2036, Brampton is actively expanding its services. A five percent increase in recreation programming in 2025 will welcome 8,000 more residents to its facilities.
Over the past two years, the City has invested $1.4 billion into transformative projects, including the Embleton Community Centre, with more investments planned to enhance community services across Brampton.