Notes from the City of Brantford Council meeting, which was held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Right-In Access from Wayne Gretzky Parkway to 195 Henry Street
Ward 2 Councillor Gino Caputo asked that his fellow Council members consider, and approve, a right-in only driveway access from Wayne Gretzky Parkway into the 195 Henry St. plaza during the Committee of the Whole, Planning and Administration meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
Now, several weeks after the initial ask, Caputo, during the October 28 meeting, moved an amendment to direct staff to consider the proposed right-in as part of the already planned Wayne Gretzky Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) scheduled to begin in 2027.
If the EA shows the right-in is feasible at a later date, all construction costs associated with the proposed right-in, would be at the sole expense of the property owner.
“I think it makes sense that it gets included in the EA and it’s looked at and reviewed, and done through the technical process that it goes through,” said Councillor John Sless. “And if it comes out the other end with a positive recommendation, then I think everybody can breathe a sigh of relief and feel comfortable making that decision.”
Mayor Kevin Davis said that while he didn’t support the original item, he could support Caputo’s amendment.
“[With the] environmental assessment, we’ll be looking at expanding Wayne Gretzky Parkway from four lanes to six lanes from Henry Street up to Fairview Drive,” he said. “In my mind, a turn-off lane might be feasible when we’re going through that process, but I certainly don’t think it would be in any way feasible with the road as it’s configured now. Also the environmental assessment process will allow for the Ministry of Transportation to have its input and state its position, because that’s part of the process. So, I’m quite comfortable supporting this amendment, even though I did not support the original version.”
The amendment was later carried.
Brantford Transit Fares – Cash Transfer
During the Committee of the Whole, Planning and Administration meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Ward 5 Councillor Brian Van Tilborg moved a motion to address issues with Brantford’s Transit’s transfer system.
Brantford Transit installed a new fare payment system as of October 6, 2025, and the new fare technology now utilizes cash including bills and coins, smart cards (Brantford Connect Card) and an on-line (Brantford Connect App) for fare payment.
Van Tilborg said that the system makes it so passengers wishing to utilize a timed transfer must use the Brantford Connect Card or the Brantford Connect App, and the customers who are paying cash are no longer eligible for a transfer and must pay for each boarding unless they use the card or the app.
His original item requested City staff to create and institute a paper transfer system to allow cash-paying customers to transfer between buses in the same manner as with the Brantford Connect card and Brantford Connect App. It also asked that costs be within the current Transit operating budget and that paper transfers to be in place no later than November 1st, 2025.
During the October 28 Council meeting, Van Tilborg scrapped the above requests and replaced them with the following:
- Complementary transfers continue to be in place until June 2027
- Costs to be within the Transit operating budget, and
- Staff to update Council by March 2027 on the use of cash transfers
“The reason we have those timelines and why there is a date on there, has to do with staff looking at major changes to transit in which transfers may become almost obsolete,” said Van Tilborg.
Recognitions of Achievement, Shelley Kunkel
Mayor Davis presented Shelley Kunkel with a recognition of achievement during the council meeting.
Kunkel is a Senior Building Official who has worked for the City of Brantford for more than 35 years, received the Pillar of the Chapter Award during the Ontario Building Officials Association annual meeting and training session earlier this year.
“Shelley received the prestigious Pillar of the Chapter Award, an honour presented to members who have made exceptional contributions to their chapter, their profession and the building industry as a whole. The pillar of the chapter award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership dedication and who have left a lasting and positive impact on the building community,” said Davis. “…Through her mentorship, professionalism and commitment to excellence, Shelley has strengthened not only our local chapter, but the entire profession across the province. She’s been a mentor and motivator to countless building officials, encouraging them to pursue professional designations, take on volunteer roles and continue expanding their knowledge. Her dedication to supporting others and promoting high standards of practice in her profession truly make her a pillar of her field.”
Recognitions of Achievement, Brendan Khan and Derek Slaght
Davis later presented Brendan Khan and Derek Slaught, two firefighters with Brantford Fire Services, with a recognition of achievement for their courage and swift action in saving a life while off duty.
The two came upon a motorcyclist with life-threatening injuries following a collision in Burford last month.
“Without hesitation, Brendan stepped in to provide first aid and reassurance to the injured rider,” said the mayor. “Derek arrived soon after, and together with Brendan and a Hamilton firefighter who also stopped to help, they worked to stabilize the motorcyclist, comfort the driver of the other vehicle, and secure the scene until emergency crews arrived. According to Captain Todd Owen of the Burford Fire Department, the motorcyclist would not have survived without their quick response and coordinated efforts.”
Recognition of Achievement, Local Government Week Contest Winners
Mayor Davis also awarded several Grade 5 students from both James Hillier Public School and St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School with recognition of achievements for their participation in a Local Government Week art contest.
“As part of Local Government Week, our City clerk’s department reached out to local elementary schools, including James Hillier Public School and St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School, and invited Grade 5 students to participate in an art contest,” said Davis. “Students were asked to illustrate something they appreciate about our city and that makes Brantford a great place to live, learn and play.”
Morgan Caie of St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School was awarded a certificate of recognition for her drawing of Harmony Square.
“Morgan’s artwork beautifully captured Harmony Square, one of our city’s beloved gathering places,” said Davis. “…And alongside her drawing, she wrote, ‘Harmony Square is a great community centre in winter and summer. I think we should have more places like Harmony Square.’ Morgan, I want to thank you for your creativity, for caring so much about your community, for feeling passionate about your community and for doing some really great artwork. It’s beautiful”
Davis later welcomed a group of Grade 5 students from James Hillier Public School who also participated in the contest, their work displayed around Council chambers for everyone to see.
“They’re inspiring work is a great reflection of how our young residents see Brantford, and how they experience Brantford through their eyes,” he stated. “Their artwork has captured many of the places, the people and the moments that make Brantford truly special. It’s inspiring to see their creativity and the pride that they have in the city they call home.”
Rett Syndrome Awareness Day
The City of Brantford declared October 29, 2025 as Rett Syndrome Awareness Day.
Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of the individual’s life.
Rett syndrome occurs worldwide in one of every 10,000 female births and is even rarer in boys, though not unheard of. It’s typically identified in children between six to 18 months of age, when they start to miss developmental milestones or lose previously acquired abilities.
According to the proclamation, throughout their lives these “individuals will need total care and constant support from their family; they will combat many medical challenges. They may have seizures, osteoporosis, scoliosis, breath holding, hyperventilation, nutritional problems and so much more. Apraxia, which is the inability to motor plan, is one of the most challenging aspects of Rett Syndrome along with loss of speech.”
While there is no Canadian Rett Syndrome Association, the Ontario Rett Syndrome Association (O.R.S.A.) has members from many provinces across Canada. Through donations and fundraising, the O.R.S.A. has been able to fund Canadian Rett Syndrome Registry and contribute over $679,000 in Canadian Rett syndrome research, and supportRett clinics in Ontario.
Elimination of Violence Against Women – Wrapped in Courage Campaign
The City of Brantford declared Tuesday, November 25, 2025 as “The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.” Acknowledging the urgent need for greater investment and action to end gender-based violence in the community and throughout Ontario, the day was created to encourage all citizens to take action in supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
According to the proclamation, femicide rates are on the rise in Ontario, with over 26 femicides since November 26, 2024. In Ontario last year, a woman or child lost their lives from violence, on average, every six days.
“Indigenous, Black, South Asian and South East Asian women and girls continue to experience high rates of violence, including femicide, on the 2023-2024 Ontario Femicide List,” read the proclamation. “..
Throughout November (Woman Abuse Prevention Month) and throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the City is encouraging the community to support the Wrapped in Courage Campaign.
Hindu Heritage Month
The Corporation of the City of Brantford proclaimed November as Hindu Heritage Month and is encouraging all residents to learn about and engage in activities that promote understanding and appreciation of the contributions made by the Hindu community to the city’s diversity and inclusivity.
“The City of Brantford is home to a vibrant and diverse community that includes a significant Hindu population,” read the proclamation. “The Hindu community has made invaluable contributions to the cultural, social, economic, and educational fabric of our city and country. The celebration of Hindu Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the rich traditions, values, and teachings of Hindu culture.”
Transgender Day of Remembrance
City of Brantford Council declared Thursday, November 20, 2025, as Transgender Day of Remembrance. The day serves as an international, annual observance that honours the memory of the transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming persons who are disproportionately targeted and killed for living their lives.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure trans persons can live full lives of dignity, without fear of violence or harm,” read the proclamation. “Trans individuals are valuable members of every community.”
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.
