Unboxing Uptown: The transformation of a main street from the inside out

Unboxing Uptown is the result of a nine-month research and engagement project completed by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) with the City of Brampton. The objectives of this work are two-fold. First, the report provides recommendations to support the retention of existing businesses in Uptown. These are businesses that represent the diversity of Uptown and Brampton as a whole. The many small businesses in Uptown are the area’s strength and their contributions to the community should be preserved and enhanced. Second, the redevelopment of the Shoppers World site provides a generational opportunity to rethink Uptown and apply the features of vibrant main streets — both new and historic. Research for this project revealed that approaches to creating main streets in the context of new development are nascent and evolving. The City of Brampton has a unique opportunity to learn from and improve on this work.