Mayor Kevin Davis will represent the City of Brantford at the 2025 Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Summit, taking place from May 14 to May 16 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The summit will convene over 150 municipal leaders, environmental experts, and policymakers from both Canada and the United States to collaborate on shared priorities for the protection and prosperity of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basin.
This year’s summit marks a turning point for the Cities Initiative, which has evolved from an environmental coalition into a growing political force that advocates for tangible change at national and international levels. Through coordinated resolutions, joint advocacy, and cross-border partnerships, the Cities Initiative is now a prominent voice in shaping climate, trade, and infrastructure policy across the region.
The summit will provide a timely forum to address the recent imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods. Earlier this year, Brantford City Council passed a resolution urging the federal government to prioritize support for municipalities impacted by retaliatory trade actions. The resolution called for a targeted relief fund to assist local industries, as well as advocacy for exemptions on goods produced in economically vulnerable communities. Mayor Davis will echo these calls during the summit, pressing for greater municipal involvement in trade negotiations and mitigation strategies.
“Attending the Great Lakes Summit provides an invaluable opportunity to elevate Brantford’s voice on issues that matter locally and regionally,” said Mayor Davis. “Our challenges with nitrate levels in the Grand River are part of a broader environmental reality facing many communities throughout North America. Similarly, the impact of international trade policies is being felt on the ground by our businesses and workers. By working together through the Cities Initiative, we can drive meaningful policy change that supports both environmental resilience and economic fairness.”
While in Wisconsin, Mayor Davis will also visit the global headquarters of SC Johnson in Racine, to highlight Brantford’s longstanding partnership with the company. With a strong presence in Brantford since 1920, SC Johnson has been a cornerstone of the community, contributing significantly to the local economy and the well-being of residents.
The summit will also provide an important opportunity for Mayor Davis to join municipal leaders in discussions on urgent environmental concerns, including the rising nitrate levels in the Grand River. The Grand River, which supplies drinking water to the city, has seen elevated nitrate concentrations in recent years. While the City’s water supply has never exceeded the nitrate threshold set by the Ministry of Health, and remains safe to drink for all residents, we recognize that a clean safe Grand River water (source water) is necessary for the continued long-term security of the City’s drinking water supply. Mayor Davis will use this opportunity to call for collaboration in sustainability and investment in clean technologies.
