The City of Brampton wanted to gain control of the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA). That has been accomplished.<\/p>\n
Peel Region council officially decided to hand over the keys yesterday (April 23), meaning Brampton will assume full ownership of the museum beginning in 2028.<\/p>\n
Located in the heart of downtown Brampton, the 60,879-square-foot museum complex includes the Historic Peel County Courthouse, Jail, Land Registry Building and former Hydro headquarters. The buildings are considered key heritage assets in the Region of Peel and a major landmark in the city.<\/p>\n
The museum holds 14,000 recorded artifacts, along with 29,000 archaeological objects, while the art gallery contains 6,200 pieces from Peel\u2019s three municipalities: Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. The site and its assets are valued at more than $60 million.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is yet another defining moment for Brampton,\u201d said Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown. \u201cLocal ownership of PAMA is a strategic investment that allows the city to build on an existing $60-million cultural asset while avoiding the significant costs of constructing a new facility from the ground up. This move gives us the opportunity to build on the transformative infrastructure upgrades underway, further animate our downtown, support local businesses and create a destination that reflects the diversity and creativity of our city.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brampton has long coveted control of the museum, not only because of its location but also because the majority of its users are from the city. An earlier report revealed that 80 per cent of all visitors are from Brampton, with residents of Mississauga and Caledon showing less interest in participating in activities.<\/p>\n
A transition team will now be formed ahead of the takeover. As part of this work, the City of Brampton will review current operations and develop an updated operating model and budget before assuming ownership of PAMA\u2019s museum and art gallery.<\/p>\n
PAMA will remain open to the public throughout the transition period. For more information on exhibitions, programs and membership, visit\u00a0pama.peelregion.ca<\/a>.<\/p>\n