For the first time since becoming cities, Brampton has officially overtaken Mississauga in population size. According to new data released by Statistics Canada, Brampton’s population in 2024 reached 791,486, compared to Mississauga’s 780,747.
This milestone positions Brampton as the third-largest city in Ontario, following Toronto (3,273,119) and Ottawa (1,153,843). Statistics Canada, the nation’s primary agency for record-keeping and data analysis, attributed these findings to censuses, housing data, and tax records.
Rapid Growth in Brampton
Brampton’s population growth has accelerated in recent years, particularly over the past two years, with nearly 100,000 new residents. This surge is largely attributed to federal immigration policies encouraging temporary foreign students and workers, many of whom have chosen Brampton as their home. Additionally, the city has actively pursued high-density condo and apartment developments alongside single-family housing, fueling its expansion.
A Historical Shift
Historically, Brampton was a smaller, self-contained community, while Mississauga’s rapid urbanization made it the largest city in Peel Region after both achieved city status in 1974. However, Brampton has steadily gained ground, particularly over the last eight years, as immigration and housing developments reshaped its demographic landscape.
Calls for Increased Funding
Brampton’s growth has sparked calls for enhanced federal and provincial funding for essential services such as healthcare, transit, and social programs. Brampton Councillor Rowena Santos highlighted the significance of this milestone on social media, expressing hope that the city’s new population status will translate into greater support for local infrastructure and services.
As Brampton continues to grow, the city’s leadership is looking to leverage this momentum to advocate for more resources and recognition at both the provincial and federal levels.
