Brampton selects Diamond Schmitt architect to design Centre for Innovation

Ontario Construction News staff writer

The City of Brampton has awarded the design of the Centre for Innovation (CFI) project to Diamond Schmitt. Construction is expected to begin in 2023.

“With the selection of Diamond Schmitt – a top Canadian firm – we are one step closer to unlocking the economic potential of downtown Brampton, and providing our residents with high quality education and skills opportunities right here at home,” said Mayor Patrick Brown.

Diamond Schmitt’s is also the architect designing the new Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada (OPL-LAC) Joint Facility. Other well-known projects include:

  • Senate of Canada Building
  • Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver
  • Mariinsky II Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia
  • National Arts Centre in Ottawa
  • Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts and The Globe and Mail Centre
  • Lazaridis Hall at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo
  • Brampton’s Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness.

“We are excited to be a part of this transformative project.  The Centre for Innovation presents an extraordinary opportunity for our team to chart the course for innovation, resilience, and sustainability,” said Diamond Schmitt principal Mike Szabo.

The CFI will be located centrally in Brampton’s downtown core and support the presence of current and future post secondary institutions such as Algoma University, Ryerson University and the University of Guelph-Humber.

The design of the facility will “provide a positive and engaging user experience both within the building and through its streetscape and urban design,” the mayor said, adding that Diamond Schmitt is the perfect fit to deliver a transformative icon in downtown Brampton.

“Diamond Schmitt are honoured to collaborate with the City of Brampton in the design of the Centre For Innovation, an extraordinary initiative of civic vision,”said Don Schmitt, Principal, Diamond Schmitt.

The CFI is expected to be a gateway and landmark for train passengers entering or departing the city from the Downtown Brampton GO station.

At its July 7 meeting, Council approved a $1 million planning grant to Ryerson University to help fund a future Brampton School of Medicine. The University of Guelph-Humber plans to move to Brampton as an anchor tenant in the centre.

“The City is dedicated to revitalizing our downtown, and creating complete communities where our residents can live, learn, work and play. With this announcement of Diamond and Schmitt Architects Inc. being selected as the architect for our transformative Centre for Innovation, we are working towards a stronger and more impactful Brampton,” said regional councillor Paul Vicente.

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