An American-based non-profit media organization is pitting the city of Brampton against the city of Guelph in a competition to earn the title of "Strongest Town."

Brampton and Guelph are the only two Canadian cities to make it through to the first round of this online bracket-based competition. Fourteen other cities, most of them American, round out the 16 cities listed. Voting for this round ends at midnight on Thursday, March 2.

Readers of the website strongtowns.org were invited to apply to the contest by answering a series of questions about their community. Between Feb. 27 and March 24, online viewers will be able to vote for the strongest town. The format is made to be similar to the NCAA's March Madness Tournament.

Longtime Guelph resident and business owner Michael Watt took it upon himself to throw a nomination forward for Guelph. He said he subscribes to the Strongtown site and felt the city would do well in the competition.

"I just like the vibe of this city," he said in a phone interview on Thursday. "I have five kids and I can't think of a better place to raise a family."

While writing the application for the contest, Watt said he spent a lot of time researching the history of the city and falling in love with it even more. He said if Guelph moves on to further rounds — and he expects it will — he may end up reaching out to friends to get help with the research in answering future questions.

Watt had to answer a number of questions as part of the application process. Topics included transportation options, residents involvement in local decision-making, resiliency in times of hardship, and financial stability are looked at in this round of the competition.

Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie said the City of Guelph had nothing to do with entering this competition and Watt also said he has no ties with the city.

"I was taken back that a citizen would take the time to tell people about how great our city is," Guthrie said.

The vote takes place online and for many, it may just come down to a popularity contest. Votes can be cast online at the Brampton vs. Guelph page of the Strongtowns website.