Yesterday was one of those days where I struggled to keep up with all of the news. It came at a interesting time, too—it’s the last stretch before the Brampton Board of Trade (BBOT) takes a break for the holidays. So when it came time to figure out what to write about this week, I decided to take a step back and look ahead: What are we anticipating for 2025? What goals do we have as we prepare for what’s shaping up to be a wild year?
Let’s dive in.
A Federal Election: We’re in the Endgame Now
A federal election is coming in 2025, but the big question is when. It’s scheduled for October, but given the minority position of the Liberals, it could come much earlier. Watching the slow motion car crash in Ottawa has been fascinating—if not a little depressing.
This week alone brought major upheaval: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned from Cabinet right as the government was set to unveil its long-delayed Fall Economic Statement. Dominic LeBlanc, was sworn in as Finance Minister and Karina Gould delivered the statement that came in $20 billion higher than expected. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is calling for Prime Minister Trudeau to step down, without committing to pull the trigger on a non-confidence vote, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is, unsurprisingly, calling for an election yesterday.
Speculation is swirling. Could Parliament prorogue early in the new year? Will we see an early federal election in 2025? At BBOT, we’re ready to help you make sense of it all—from demystifying policy platforms to convening conversations with local candidates—and to advocate for Brampton’s key priorities during the campaign(s).
A Provincial Election (Seriously?)
Ontario’s next provincial election isn’t scheduled until 2026, but many are wondering whether Premier Doug Ford’s government might go to the polls early. With weak federal leadership and favourable polling numbers, the temptation to lock in another majority could be strong.
Adding to the mix, the Province recently introduced The Peel Transition Implementation Act, 2024, which will reshape how Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon deliver essential public services. Starting July 1, 2026, municipalities will take over responsibilities like stormwater infrastructure, and regional roads and Mississauga will take over waste collection.
Naturally, this raises a lot of questions: Will we see tax hikes in lower-tier municipalities and decreases at the regional level? How will this affect budget cycles as assets are transferred? Is this yet another sign we need a “new deal” for Peel?
The Ontario Legislature will be back on March 3rd after an extended break—a convenient window for possible campaigning. Should we brace for a provincial election in early 2025? And could it overlap with the federal election? Time will tell.
LRT: We’re So Close!
The Brampton Board of Trade has been working hard to keep the downtown Brampton LRT extension moving forward. Recently, we wrote to Brampton’s federal MPs, urging them to secure funding now—well before the looming election.
The project has strong provincial support, but it faces one big hurdle: funding. With an estimated cost of $933 million for surface construction and $2.8 billion for a tunnel (the preferred option of Brampton City Council), federal involvement is essential. The Canada Public Transit Fund, announced in Budget 2024, is promising—but those funds won’t be available until after 2026. Why the delay? And what happens if the Conservatives win the next election?
Breaking ground as soon as possible is critical. This isn’t just a transportation project—it’s a transformative opportunity for Brampton’s downtown. With the Riverwalk project unlocking new development potential, the LRT has never been more urgent.
Special Policy Area: Cranes in the Sky in Downtown Brampton?
Speaking of the Riverwalk: With full funding now secured, downtown Brampton can finally begin the process of intensification.
Currently, development in Brampton’s downtown is restricted by the province’s Special Policy Area (SPA) designation, which limits density due to floodplain risks. With Riverwalk funding in place, we’re optimistic that the SPA designation will be lifted, opening the door for new housing and transit-oriented development that can start pretty much immediately with occupancy taking place post-SPA. This aligns perfectly with federal programs like the Canada Public Transit Fund, which ties funding to housing development near transit hubs.
Kitchener GO Line: Again, So Close!
Two-way, all-day GO service on the Kitchener Line is a top priority for BBOT. This line is critical to connecting Brampton to the Toronto-Waterloo Innovation Corridor, yet progress has been slow due to freight-sharing issues with CN in the CN Halton Subdivision.
While Metrolinx has made infrastructure improvements, limited service expansion west of Bramalea remains a roadblock. In 2025, we’re anticipating real progress—including exploring feasibility for a fourth track, which would eliminate the need for shared CN freight tracks and allow for fully dedicated passenger service.
Land Use: We’re Still in a Housing Crisis
In this year’s BCI, you told us that affordable housing is a top concern. Ontario needs 1.7 million new homes over the next decade, and Brampton is feeling this crunch more than most. High demand—driven by population growth, immigration, and international students—has left Brampton with a major shortfall in family-friendly housing, particularly three-bedroom homes.
This shortage is pushing families to more remote areas, driving up prices and creating congestion as people commute back to urban centres for work. In 2025, BBOT will continue to push for policies that reduce construction costs, streamline approvals, and prioritize smart land use. We’re also keeping a close eye on protecting employment lands—an issue we’ll explore further in events next year. Look out for land use related programming!
Government Budgets: Watching the Numbers
The Brampton Board of Trade is looking forward to participating in budget consultations as the Mayor deliberates on the budget and we will be engaging members on this as soon as we get back from the break. We will also be watching the regional budget deliberations, as there is concern around the tax levy increase. Council has asked Peel Regional Police to amend its funding expansion, however, so we await new drafts.
On January 9th, we’re welcoming Ontario’s Finance Minister, Peter Bethlenfalvy, to Brampton for his 2025 provincial Budget consultation. And of course, we’ll be eagerly watching for details on the federal Budget—2025 if an election doesn’t intervene.
2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Brampton, with key elections, major projects, and big decisions on the horizon. Whether it’s navigating political uncertainty, advocating for the LRT, or supporting smarter housing policies, the Brampton Board of Trade will be here to keep you informed, engaged, and ready to shape Brampton’s future.
As we wrap up 2024, I want to thank our members and community partners for all their hard work this year. Enjoy the holiday season—we’ll hit the ground running in January!
