On behalf of the Brampton Board of Trade, welcome.
Cities don’t grow perfectly, they evolve through real people, real businesses, and real decisions made every day. Cities We Deserve is about understanding that reality and having honest conversations about what it means for places like Brampton and suburban communities everywhere.
This event brings together leading voices behind Messy Cities to share perspectives on how our urban environments actually take shape, and how we can better navigate growth, opportunity, and change.
We’re also proud to record today’s discussion live as an episode of Never Bored of Trade, giving this conversation a broader platform beyond the room.
Thank you for being part of it.
AboutBramptonBoardofTrade
Brampton’sLargestBusinessAssociation
The Brampton Board of Trade is where businesses of all shapes, sizes and sectors convene, collaborate and create solutions to boost regional economic prosperity.
Brampton business leaders are focused on running their businesses cost-effectively and successfully, while handling a myriad of challenges such as technology, competitiveness, job creation and government legislation. The Board of Trade helps members make the right connections and provides solutions to the toughest problems shaping change and advocating for Brampton. Members of the Board of Trade also have access to countless tools to help grow their business, increase productivity, and control their bottom line.
In order for our city to realize its full potential and to capitalize on the tremendous opportunities ahead, businesses and all levels of government need to be aligned Brampton’s moment is now
Sponsors
JaipaulMassey-Singh CEO
Jaipaul Massey-Singh brings over 20 years of experience building and leading organizations across sectors including healthcare, cannabis, technology, and non-profit. His background spans executive leadership, strategy, operations, and business development, with a track record of scaling teams, launching products, and driving revenue growth. He has led complex, crossfunctional initiatives and continues to focus on innovation, collaboration, and long-term economic impact.
Vijai Singh has a background in public policy, research, and community engagement, with experience across organizations focused on democracy, climate action, and economic development. His work spans government relations, policy analysis, and stakeholder collaboration, with a focus on advancing priorities like transit, housing, and inclusive citybuilding. He brings both local insight and global perspective through his work with institutions like the OECD and the Samara Centre for Democracy.
NeverBoardofTradePodcast
Guests:MessyCitiesCo-Editors
ZahraEbrahim Co-Founder Monumental
Zahra Ebrahim has spent over two decades working with communities across Canada to co-design policy, infrastructure, and services, with a strong focus on participatory, communityled approaches to better social outcomes. Her work centers on ensuring that the people most impacted by decisions play a direct role in shaping them. She brings a systems-level perspective to tackling complex social and urban challenges.
JohnLorinc Journalist&Editor
John Lorinc is a Toronto-based journalist and editor who has spent years covering cities, business, climate, and local history, contributing to major publications and co-editing several books on urban issues. His work provides in-depth analysis on how cities function, evolve, and respond to complex challenges over time. He is known for connecting local stories to broader trends shaping urban life.
NeverBoardofTradePodcast
Guests:MessyCitiesCo-Editors
LeslieWoo CEO CivicAction
Leslie Woo brings over 25 years of experience across public, private, and non-profit sectors, with a background in planning and architecture and a track record of leading large-scale citybuilding and transit initiatives. She is known for advancing collaborative approaches that bring together different sectors to tackle complex urban challenges. Her work focuses on building more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities.
DylanReid Co-Founder&ExecutiveEditor
Dylan Reid has a long history in urban media and advocacy, including co-founding Spacing magazine and contributing to conversations around public space, walkability, and the evolution of cities. His work highlights the importance of thoughtful urban design and the role of everyday public spaces in shaping city life. He continues to be an active voice in shaping how people experience and think about cities.
