Brampton is hailing over 100 students living with disabilities as “Park Heroes” following their impactful contributions to environmental stewardship through the city’s new Parks School Co-op Program. This innovative initiative, led by Brampton’s Parks Maintenance and Forestry team, engaged students from eight Peel District School Board secondary schools, providing inclusive, hands-on learning experiences in park care.
The program, now concluded for the 2024–2025 school year, involved one-hour outdoor sessions designed to be accessible to students of all abilities. Activities included litter picking, weed removal, tree mulching, sports field maintenance, and flower bed beautification. These efforts not only reinforced Brampton’s commitment to a cleaner, more connected, and inclusive community but also empowered students to take pride in their school grounds and neighborhoods.
This initiative is a key component of Brampton’s “Imagine Your Impact” campaign, which encourages residents to take simple, everyday actions to protect the city’s parks, trails, and natural spaces. The campaign stresses that seemingly small actions, like proper waste disposal, following park rules, and joining clean-ups, can collectively lead to a transformative difference in a city of nearly 800,000 people. Brampton aims to be Canada’s first litter-free community, and programs like this are vital to achieving that goal.
Mayor Patrick Brown praised the initiative for “instilling lifelong values of civic responsibility and environmental stewardship” in young people. He highlighted that providing opportunities and support for students living with disabilities allows them to gain confidence and pride in their contributions. Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor and Chair of Community Services, added that the program cultivates lifelong habits benefiting both individuals and the broader community, with plans to expand it in the upcoming academic year.
Bill Boyes, Commissioner of Community Services, expressed gratitude to the Parks Maintenance and Forestry staff for their thoughtful and inclusive approach, which created a welcoming environment for students to succeed. Claudine Scuccato, Superintendent of Education for the Peel District School Board’s Special Education Department, emphasized the profound impact of experiential learning for students with disabilities, connecting classroom education with tangible community engagement. The program serves as a powerful example of how inclusive education can foster environmental responsibility and civic engagement, shaping future leaders and contributing to a greener, cleaner Brampton.