City recognizes local environmental champions and inspires the next generation of sustainability leaders ​

BRAMPTON, ON (June 8, 2026) – The City of Brampton recognized five local environmental champions over the weekend at the 2026 Grow Green Festival and Awards Ceremony, celebrating residents, youth, businesses and organizations helping build a greener, healthier and more sustainable city.

Held at Jim Archdekin Recreation Centre in recognition of World Environment Day, the event honoured the recipients of the 2026 Grow Green Awards for their outstanding environmental leadership and contributions to advancing sustainability in Brampton.

Recipients of the 2026 Grow Green Awards were celebrated at the City of Brampton’s Grow Green Festival and Awards Ceremony on June 6 at Jim Archdekin Recreation Centre. Credit: City of Brampton

2026 Grow Green Award Recipients

Climate Change Award – Individual: Julius Lindsay

Stewardship Award – Individual: Jeya Thavachandren

Stewardship Award – Business/Organization: The Food Quotient

Environmental Youth Award: Human Nature Projects (HNP) Canada

Environmental Legacy Award: Pauline Thornham

This year’s theme was Celebrating Present and Future Environmental Champions, highlighting the individuals, youth, businesses and organizations helping build a greener, healthier and more sustainable Brampton. ​

The biennial Grow Green Environmental Awards recognize individuals, businesses and organizations demonstrating leadership in environmental protection, climate action and sustainability while supporting Brampton’s Grow Green Vision of conserving, enhancing and balancing the city’s natural and built environments.

The festival featured environmental organizations, youth groups, residents and community partners for an afternoon of hands-on learning, sustainability-focused activities and environmental education. Attendees explored exhibitor booths, participated in interactive demonstrations and connected with local groups working to protect and enhance Brampton’s natural environment.

Community-led activities throughout the day included a clothing swap hosted by Reconnect Brampton, invasive plant identification sessions and equipment demonstrations led by Ontario Streams, a Community Climate Mixer event by the Community Climate Council and a native plant giveaway. 

​Residents participated in a community clothing swap hosted by Reconnect Brampton during the 2026 Grow Green Festival on June 6. Credit: City of Brampton.

This year’s event placed a special focus on youth engagement, encouraging young residents to explore environmental leadership opportunities and discover how they can help shape a more sustainable future for Brampton.

Supporting a greener and more sustainable Brampton

The Grow Green Festival supports the City’s Grow Green Environmental Master Plan​ Refresh (2020), which outlines Brampton’s long-term vision for environmental sustainability, climate resilience and community stewardship. By celebrating local environmental leadership and creating opportunities for residents to connect, learn and take action, the festival continues to strengthen Brampton’s culture of environmental stewardship.

The Grow Green Festival and Awards Ceremony was generously sponsored by Toronto Pearson and CN.

Learn more by visiting brampton.ca/awards-growgreen.

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“The Grow Green Festival and Awards Ceremony recognized the individuals, businesses, organizations and youth who are helping make Brampton a greener, healthier and more sustainable city. Environmental leadership takes many forms, including climate action, conservation, community education and stewardship. We are proud to celebrate the residents and community partners leading this work every day.”- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton