City of Brantford announced that the annual Park Patrol program, which has been successfully managed by the Brantford Police Service, will now be led by the City of Brantford By-law Department.
The Park Patrol program plays an important role in ensuring residents and visitors can enjoy city trails, parks and community events.
“For 40 years, the Park Patrol program has helped foster a sense of safety and community pride in our outdoor spaces,” said Kevin Davis, Mayor for the City of Brantford. “I’m proud that the City is carrying this important program forward. Maintaining a proactive and visible presence in our parks and trails helps ensure that everyone who visits these spaces feels welcomed, respected, and supported.”
The program transitioned from the Brantford Police Service to the City of Brantford by-law department in May 2025. The transition has not affected the budgeting of the program, and there are no additional financial impacts on residents as a result of this change.
“For decades, park patrollers have fostered a sense of safety and community in the City’s parks and trails,” said Brantford Police Chief Jason Saunders. “While the program is now moving to be under the City’s By-law Department, Brantford Police Service remains committed to supporting efforts that keep our parks, trails, and neighbourhoods safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
The City’s Park Patrollers enforce the following by-law violations and citizen concerns:
- Motorized vehicles in city parks/trails
- Consumption of alcohol/cannabis/intoxicants in public areas
- Illegal dumping in parks, trails, and municipal property
- Property damage in municipal parks
- Closing hours of municipal parks at 11 p.m.
- Lighting fires/campfires in municipal parks/trails
- Ensuring compliance with by-laws prohibiting fireworks in parks/trails
- Prevent the creation of unpermitted exclusivity of municipal parks/trails
- Collaboration/assistance with the housing/encampment team
- Collaboration with the bylaw officers to address animal control concerns (sick/injured animals, dogs at large)
City Park Patrollers work in teams of four every day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Saturday, June 21, 2025, when they will begin working from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. until August 31, 2025. The team patrols Brantford’s parks, trails, and municipally owned outdoor properties, as well as assist the Grand Erie District School Board and Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board in reducing by-law concerns in their school yards. The patrollers are also able to access areas that are inaccessible to vehicle patrols by utilizing a motorcycle.
