​​​​Students from eight local secondary schools took part in hands-on park care, reinforcing Brampton’s commitment to a cleaner, more connected and inclusive community

BRAMPTON, ON (June 25, 2025) – More than 100 students living with a disability across eight Peel District School Board secondary schools in Brampton are being recognized for their hands-on contributions to environmental stewardship through the City’s new Parks School Co-op Program. This initiative aims to provide inclusive learning opportunities, connecting and educating youth living with disabilities about the various ways to care for the environment and public spaces. 

​Students from Brampton Centennial Secondary School named City of Brampton Park Heroes for their efforts. Credit: City of Brampton

​Led by Brampton’s Parks Maintenance and Forestry team, the program delivers 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, empowering students to take pride in their school grounds and neighbourhoods.

The program supports the goals of Imagine Your Impact​, a city-wide campaign encouraging residents to take simple, everyday actions, such as properly disposing of waste, following park rules and joining local clean-ups, to protect Brampton’s parks, trails and natural spaces. 

Now that the program is complete for the 2024–2025 school year, all participants will be formally named City of Brampton Park Heroes in recognition of their efforts. City staff are exploring options to expand the program in the next academic year to engage even more students in inclusive, experiential learning.

Imagine Your Impact

Brampton aims to inspire individual responsibility to help reduce litter, protect public spaces and strengthen community pride. Residents are encouraged to imagine the impact their everyday choices can have, and how together, those small actions can make a big difference.

Litter harms wildlife and clogs waterways. It also takes away from the natural beauty and enjoyment of local parks and trails. Simple actions, such as picking up after your pet, placing garbage in the designated bin or respecting park rules may seem small on their own, but when multiplied across a city of nearly 800,000 people, the collective impact is transformative.

Brampton is a green city and is committed to being Canada’s first litter-free community. It is essential for everyone to do their part to keep Brampton clean and vibrant. 

Learn more about what you can do to keep Brampton clean and imagine your impact on Brampton’s future by visiting brampton.ca/litterreduction.​​

Quotes

“Engaging young people of all abilities in the care and upkeep of their surroundings is one of the most meaningful ways to instill lifelong values of civic responsibility and environmental stewardship. This initiative demonstrates the power of inclusive education and early involvement in shaping future leaders who understand the value of contributing to their community. When students living with a disability are given the opportunity and support to take part, they gain confidence and pride in their impact. Programs like this truly show what it means to imagine your impact, and they support our vision for a more inclusive, greener and cleaner Brampton.”- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

​“Youth play a critical role in shaping the future of our city and every student deserves the chance to learn, participate and thrive. By introducing students to the importance of park care and environmental responsibility, we are cultivating lifelong habits that benefit both individuals and the broader community. We look forward to expanding this program in the 2025–2026 school year.” - Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5; Chair, Community Services Section, City of Brampton

​“This program has provided students with meaningful opportunities to learn new skills, connect with their environment and build confidence through hands-on experience. I am incredibly grateful to our Parks Maintenance and Forestry staff for the care and thoughtfulness they brought to every school visit. Their inclusive approach helped create a positive and welcoming space for students living with a disability to participate and succeed. It is a great example of how our team works every day to help build a stronger Brampton for all.”- Bill Boyes, Commissioner, Community Services, City of Brampton

​“Our students gained more than just practical skills, they developed a deeper understanding of environmental responsibility and the role they play in their community. For many of our learners living with a disability, experiential learning in a supportive and familiar environment makes a lasting impact. Opportunities like this bring learning outside the classroom and show students how their actions can make a real difference. It is a powerful way to connect education with community engagement.” - Claudine Scuccato, Superintendent of Education – Special Education Department, Peel District School Board

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