City of Brantford Council endorsed entering into an agreement with the County of Brant and the Grand River Conservation Authority to support ongoing nature programming at Apps’ Mill Nature Centre during its Committee of the Whole Operations meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2025.
Established in the early 1980s following a major donation from SC Johnson to the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), Apps’ Mill Nature Centre is located at 308 Robinson Rd. in the County of Brant and sits within approximately 40 hectares of mature forests, fields and wetlands.
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has delivered environmental education programs to people of all ages for more than 50 years at five nature centres across the Grand River watershed, including Apps’ Mill.
More than 6,000 elementary and secondary school students visit the nature centre each year, as well as community groups who partake in outdoor learning experiences.
While the GRCA works with both the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board and the Grand Erie District School Board to deliver the programming, the boards’ funding only covers the cost of delivery and certain materials and equipment.
In 2021, amendments made to Ontario’s Conservation Authorities Act changed how organizations like the GRCA could fund environmental education programs. More specifically, the programs could not operate with any municipal funding as it had in the past, unless a formal agreement was put in place.
Two years later, in November 2023, following a review of its programming, the GRCA approached the City and the County to inquire about their interest in entering into agreements to provide funding toward the operating and capital costs for the Outdoor Environmental Education Program and the Apps’ Mill Nature Centre facility and grounds.
Those discussions have since led to an agreement, in principle, between the County of Brant, the City of Brantford and the GRCA.
According to a City staff report brought forward during its most recent meeting, the County will purchase and maintain Apps’ Mill, as well as approximately 4.5 acres of supporting land from the GRCA, and maintain the centre’s use as a recreational and educational venue.
The County will be responsible for all capital costs related to the operation and maintenance of Apps’ Mill, estimated at approximately $2.2-million over 20 years, in addition to roughly $85,000 in annual operating costs.
Starting in January 2027, the City will provide $112,000 annually to the GRCA to support its nature programming for school groups at Apps’ Mill.
The GRCA will ultimately have priority booking access for its educational programming from September 1 to June 30, Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., while both the City and County will have priority booking access in July, August, Christmas break and March break. To be split equally amongst the municipalities.
As well, “The GRCA is obligated to pursue available funding beyond the annual fees (from school boards or other third parties) and if additional funding is received, it will remit 50 per cent to the City and 50 per cent to the County,” states the staff report.
The term of the operational agreement is ten years, with an option to renew for an additional ten years, though the City can terminate the agreement with 30 days notice.
During the meeting, City Councillor Gino Caputo encouraged his fellow councillors to support the agreement, noting that most children in the community have fond memories of their trips to Apps’ Mill.
“I think every Grade 8 kid will always remember their trips to Apps’ Mill and I think it’s something that we should never take away,” he said. “I think with the opportunity for us to run programs there for spring, summer, different times of the season, certainly there are going to be a lot of positives as we move forward.”
Councillor Mandy Samwell added that she was thrilled to see the agreement.
“I’ve spent a lot of time during field trips with my family at Apps’ Mill, and have seen firsthand the impact that the programming there has,” she said. “I think this is great, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity for the City and the County to have some enhanced programming there. I think it’s also a very good example of what can happen when the city, the County and the Grand River Conservation Authority work together.
The vote to support the agreement was then carried unanimously.
The transfer and operational agreement were approved by County of Brant Council on February 24, 2026, and the GRCA Board on February 27, 2026. The agreement will return to City Council for ratification on Tuesday, March 24.
In a news release from March 4, both Mayor Kevin Davis and David Bailey, Mayor for the County of Brant, made similar statements in regards to the positive impact the collaboration will have on future generations.
“The County of Brant is proud to be part of the future of the Apps’ Mills Nature Centre. This beloved location has served not only Brant residents, but neighbouring communities for decades,” says County of Brant Mayor David Bailey. “We thank the GRCA and the City of Brantford, this opportunity to partner reflects the positive impact that collaboration can achieve. We are also grateful to GRCA staff, who will continue to deliver programming through their expertise and commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring local students can experience the unique character of the Apps’ Mills Nature Centre for generations to come.”
GRCA Chair John Challinor II added that the organization looks forward to working alongside both municipalities.
“The GRCA is immensely grateful for the collaboration and support of the County of Brant and the City of Brantford,” he said. “The transfer of ownership and the operational agreement will not only help ensure the continuation of the GRCA’s environmental programs for local students at the Apps’ Mill Nature Centre but will also provide new program opportunities for municipal residents. This shared approach builds on the strengths of each partner and ensures the long-term sustainability of valued programming. We look forward to working alongside the County and City to ensure a smooth transition.”
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.
