Brampton - Standard & Poor's Rating Services has awarded the City of Brampton a Triple 'A' (AAA) credit rating, the highest credit rating a municipality can receive. Brampton achieved the rating for its debt-free position, exceptional liquidity levels and excellent economy.

"A Triple 'A' credit rating serves as an important economic indicator for Brampton because it reinforces the City's economic stability for corporations considering expansion or relocation to the City," said Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell. "This rating is an affirmation of the City of Brampton's strong economic position and places Brampton among the elite in Canada."

At year-end December 2005, the City of Brampton's cash and equivalents plus committed facilities were among the strongest of its peers, both domestically and globally, said Standard & Poor's. Brampton's debt-free position and its superior liquidity underpin the rating.The stable outlook reflects the expectation that Brampton will continue to fund its capital plans internally and liquidity levels will remain strong, added Standard & Poor's.

"Standard & Poor's is one the world's leading credit rating agencies," said Allan Ross, Commissioner of Finance and City Treasurer. "Currently its prestigious Triple 'A' rating is awarded to only seven municipalities in Canada and only four additional municipalities globally, excluding the United States."

"A credit rating is a solid benchmark of a municipality's financial strength," added City Manager Lorne McCool. "This announcement is good news because it reflects the corporation's sound fiscal management and planning."

Standard & Poor's is a world-wide leader in the provision of credit ratings and financial market intelligence. For its comprehensive rating on the City of Brampton, visit www.standardandpoors.com.