Brantford City council is planning an industrial corridor right along the edge of the Grand River. Rather than back off on the construction of the West Arterial Road and Bridge (formerly the Oak Park Access), which will destroy what is probably Brantford’s most beautiful green space along the river, they’re doubling down with plans to further ruin Brantford’s best feature.
If Brantford Council has any desire to make and keep Brantford an attractive city for residents and visitors they should be planning walking trails, river accesses and public lookout points along the Grand River, not industry.
One of this city council’s primary future objectives is to build a massive aviation business park, which will include a flight school. The airport is very close to the city. If this goes through, Brantford residents can expect a lot of low flying planes passing overhead in the future with the noise pollution that comes with them from constant takeoffs and landings. Keep in mind that they have to practice flying at night. It will not be pleasant.
The Brantford City Council wants to rush massive structural changes through in the next two months, all of which will result in major tax increases for Brantford residents and many of which a majority of residents might consider undesirable. Demand your councillors put off the vote on these changes until the general public has a chance to learn about them and the effects they will be subject to if the changes go through. Demand your democratic right to weigh on these highly consequential council votes through the elections that will be held this coming fall.
There are many other more desirable alternatives to what the Brantford Council is currently proposing that would enhance Brantford’s attractiveness as a city to live in and visit. There are councilors who prefer these alternatives. Let them have a voice on a new council this fall.
Ian Munroe
