In 2007, Council approved a “Downtown Heritage Strategy” that included the completion of a downtown heritage conservation feasibility study. The feasibility study was the first phase of a two-phase program. Phase 1 involved a feasibility analysis to determine the appropriateness and merits of establishing Heritage Conservation Districts (HCDs) in downtown Brampton. Phase 2 would focus on establishing the Heritage Conservation Districts. The City of Brampton retained a team of consultants lead by George Robb Architect to complete the feasibility study.
A Public Information Centre (PIC) took place in November 2007 to introduce the concepts surrounding Heritage Conservation Districts in downtown Brampton, to explore implications, and begin gathering public input. A second PIC was held in June 2008 to further inform the public of Heritage Conservation Districts. Over 120 people attended, and a feedback survey was circulated. Approximately 95% of respondents supported the creation of one or more Heritage Conservation Districts in the downtown.
The “Heritage Conservation District Feasibility Study for the Establishment of Heritage Conservation Districts in Downtown Brampton” was completed in 2009. It observed that the highest concentration of heritage resources and character defining elements in all of Peel Region is located in downtown Brampton, and that these resources are clustered in seven neighbourhoods that could potentially be eligible for Heritage Conservation District designation. The report concluded that the creation of HCDs in downtown Brampton is warranted and feasible from both a cultural heritage and land use planning standpoint.
In 2009, City Council concurred with the findings of the feasibility study and directed staff to focus on the creation of heritage conservation districts in the downtown, starting with the Main Street South neighbourhood.