For the first time in history, Brampton has overtaken Mississauga in population, solidifying its position as Ontario’s third-largest city.
According to Statistics Canada’s 2024 data, Brampton’s population has reached 791,486, surpassing Mississauga’s 780,747. This milestone marks a historic shift in Peel Region’s demographic landscape. Brampton now follows Toronto (3,273,119) and Ottawa (1,153,843) as the largest cities in Ontario.
A Rapidly Growing Community
Statistics Canada, the federal agency responsible for censuses, housing data, and other demographic records, attributes Brampton’s population boom to significant immigration and strategic city planning. Over the past two years alone, the city experienced a remarkable growth of nearly 100,000 residents, driven by federal programs welcoming temporary foreign workers and international students. Many of these new Canadians have chosen Brampton as their home.
Additionally, Brampton’s proactive approach to urban development, including high-density condominiums, apartments, and single-family housing projects, has played a critical role in accommodating this influx.
A Historic Shift in Peel Region
Mississauga had long been the larger city since both municipalities were officially designated as cities in 1974. However, Brampton has steadily closed the gap, particularly in the last eight years, as migration and development have accelerated.
Rowena Santos, Brampton Councillor for Wards 1 & 5, celebrated the news on social media, stating:
“We always knew it, but we were just waiting for the stats to prove it. This achievement reinforces the need for Brampton to receive equitable federal and provincial funding for health care, safety, social services, and transit.”
As Brampton surpasses Mississauga in population, city leaders hope to leverage this momentum to secure increased support from higher levels of government. With continued growth on the horizon, Brampton is poised to play an even larger role in shaping the future of the Greater Toronto Area.