Market Square is the City of Brampton's largest and most significant downtown urban renewal project that was conceived in the late 1980’s. This ambitious redevelopment plan is a partnership between local business interests and the City and included the construction of the new City Hall, The Belvedere residential tower and business centre, underground parking facilities, a 5000 seat performing arts centre and a number of urban design projects. The market streetscape project is one of the urban design initiatives aimed at enhancing one of the more challenging aesthetic features within the downtown: The railway embankment. The concept of creating a foreground edge of columns enhanced with colourful backdrop planting was initially conceived when excavations of the adjacent parking garage unearthed many large fir timbers dating back to the 19th century. Today the timber colonnade provides an aesthetic link between Main Street and Market Street. The unusual urban edge is decorated with seasonal themes depicting community activities. The structural mass of the colonnade provides an improved sense of security for pedestrians during periods of busy rail activity.
