Notes from the City of Brantford Council meeting, which was held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Brantford urges province to act on scrap metal issues
Councillors ratified Ward 4 Councillor Linda Hunt’s resolution advocating for local business owners by encouraging the provincial government to create stronger laws and better enforcement surrounding break-ins, theft and vandalism.
The item was brought forward for initial approval during the Committee of the Whole, Planning and Administration meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
To read all the details from last week’s meeting, please visit: https://www.brantbeacon.ca/brantford-urges-province-to-act-on-scrap-metal-issues/
International Overdose Awareness Day
Council members proclaimed Sunday, August 31, 2025, as “International Overdose Awareness Day.”
The goal of the day is to, without stigma, remember those who have died, acknowledge the grief of family and friends who have been left behind, and to provide an opportunity for people to publicly mourn their loved ones.
The campaign also lets people who use drugs and who are in recovery know that they are valued, informs people about the risk of drug overdose, provides basic information about the range of support services that are available, and prevents and reduces drug-related harms by supporting evidence-based practice.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – September 2025
The City of Brantford declared the month of September has Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Childhood cancer is currently the leading cause of disease-related death among children in Canada and around the world. Each year, more than 10,000 children in North America are diagnosed with cancer.
While ongoing research and clinical trials have led to significant improvement in treatment and survival rates, there is still more to be done to ensure that every child has a chance in living a healthy life.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to honour the children fighting cancer, remember those who have been lost, raise awareness and support the search for better treatments, increased funding, and a cure.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day
The City of Brantford has once again declared September 9, 2025 as “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day.” Brantford City Council has observed this day since 2018.
FASD is a term used to describe the lifelong impacts on the brain and body of those exposed to alcohol before birth that persists throughout their life. Prenatal alcohol exposure is the leading preventable cause of developmental disabilities in Canada and while the exact number of people affected by FASD is unknown, it is estimated that at least four per cent of Canadian children may be affected by prenatal alcohol exposure.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day was created to acknowledge that during the nine months of pregnancy, it is important to abstain from alcohol and to raise awareness that there is no safe type, safe amount or a safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy.
The City of Brantford, encourages all residents to learn more about FASD and support efforts to promote prevention, understanding, and inclusion.
World Suicide Prevention Day
Council members proclaimed September 10 as “World Suicide Prevention Day” in the City of Brantford.
Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of gender, race, orientation, religion or background, income level and age. Approximately 11 people end their lives by suicide in Canada every day, and another 210 will attempt suicide. For each death by suicide, it is estimated that the lives of seven to ten grieving survivors are affected.
Individuals and communities can work together to prevent such tragedy by becoming aware of the warning signs and risk factors, and know where to get help for individuals in distress.
World Suicide Prevention Day was created to and strongly encourage all members of the community to become educated about suicide, recognize the signs and encourage conversations about mental health in order to break the stigma and promote hope and healing to everyone in the community.
Residents are encouraged to take the time to inquire as to the wellbeing of their family, friends, and neighbours and to genuinely convey their appreciation for their life by any gesture they deem appropriate. A simple phone call, message, act of kindness or gesture could help someone realize that suicide is not the answer.
Welcoming Week
Council has declared the week of September 12 to September 21 as “Welcoming Week” in the City of Brantford, and invites all residents, businesses, organizations, and institutions to build a future grounded in respect, inclusion and community.
Given the City’s ongoing collaboration with the Brantford Immigration Partnership (BIP), the week reaffirms the City’s commitment to creating an inclusive community where diversity is celebrated and every resident, regardless of their background, can feel a sense of belonging.
“Welcoming Week provides an opportunity to strengthen social bonds, encourage civic engagement, and cultivate spaces where newcomers and long-time residents alike can find common ground, share their unique stories, and grow together,” read the proclamation.
Culture Days
City of Brantford council proclaimed September 19 to October 12, 2025 as “Culture Days.”
Culture Days is a national Canadian celebration of arts, culture, and heritage.
Culture often connects individuals and creators while enriching and defining the identity of Brantford and beyond. It serves as a mechanism of resiliency and recovery, improves the quality of life of citizens and contributes to the development and well-being of the community while eliminating social barriers.
The goal of Culture Days is to encourage the understanding and appreciation of arts, culture and heritage while enhancing the connections between those with diverse interests, abilities and cultures.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
