The story of how Brampton became Canada's Flower City
In the late 1800s, Brampton began its transformation into Canada's greenhouse capital. At its heart was Edward Dale, a visionary horticulturist who established the Dale Estate in 1863.
By the 1920s, the Dale Estate had grown to become the largest cut flower business in North America. Sprawling greenhouses covered acres of land, producing millions of carnations, roses, and other flowers that were shipped across Canada and the United States.
At its peak, Brampton was home to over 100 greenhouses, earning it the prestigious nickname "The Flower City." The city's flowers graced everything from special occasions to everyday celebrations, making Brampton synonymous with beauty and growth.
Move the slider to compare Brampton's past and present
By the 1960s and 1970s, the flower industry began to decline. International competition, rising land values, and urban development pressures led to the closure of most greenhouses. The Dale Estate itself was demolished in 1966.
However, the legacy lives on. Today, Brampton honors its floral heritage through:
While the greenhouses may be gone, the spirit of growth, beauty, and cultivation that defined the Flower City continues to bloom in Brampton's vibrant, diverse community.