BScene

01/25/2025

County of Brant Attends Annual ROMA Conference to Advocate for Community Needs
Submitted Media Release

Mayor David Bailey, members of County of Brant Council and staff attended the 2025 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference in Toronto from January 19 to 21, 2025. The conference was an opportunity to learn from other municipalities, listen to a variety of keynote speakers, network with our neighbours across the province and meet with Cabinet Ministers to discuss topics important to our community.

“ROMA’s annual conference provides an opportunity to meet with other community leaders across the province and share in our similar experiences,” said Mayor David Bailey. “The County of Brant is not unique in the concerns that we are facing and hearing of shared experiences allows us to collaborate and learn from each other.”

In attendance alongside Mayor Bailey were Councillor Jennifer Kyle, Councillor Lukas Oakley, Councillor Brian Coleman, Councillor John Bell, Councillor David Miller and Councillor Robert Chambers. Chief Administrative Officer Alison Newton and General Manager of Strategic Initiatives Melissa Connor were also present.

Delegation meetings play an important role at ROMA and allow Council and staff the opportunity to engage with provincial leaders on local matters that are important to the County of Brant.

2025 Delegation meetings included:

- Delegation with Minister Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation focused on Brant’s commitment to collaborating and providing meaningful engagement with our neighbours.
- Delegation with Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ministry of Transportation focused on funding for the interchange at the intersection of Highway 403 at Bishopsgate Road, as well as Highway 24 crossing safety for agricultural equipment operators.
- Delegation with Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones, Ministry of Health focused on the Brant Community Healthcare System. Bonnie Camm, President and Chief Executive Officer for the Brant Community Healthcare System was also in attendance.
- Delegation with Parliamentary Assistant, Logan Kanapathi, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services focused on bringing attention to the Ontario Works Funding models and the impact to municipal programming assisting our most vulnerable residents.

“Being able to advocate for our residents is one of the most important and rewarding aspects of attending the ROMA conference,” said Mayor David Bailey. “It provides us with a valuable opportunity to bring forward the needs and priorities of our community directly to provincial leaders. Our Council is committed to ensuring that the voices of Brant residents are heard, and we are proud to represent our community and work toward meaningful solutions that enhance the quality of life for everyone in the County of Brant.”

About ROMA

ROMA is the rural voice of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). The Association is an integral part of AMO and a number of its Executive Members serve on the AMO Board of Directors. Policy, research and advocacy activities are undertaken by ROMA through AMO.

ROMA is committed to promoting, supporting and enhancing strong and effective rural governments and socially and economically sustainable rural communities, today and into the future. Leadership is provided by the Chair and the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee meets approximately eight times a year at the AMO offices in Toronto. Learn more at www.roma.on.ca.

In the Photo:
(L to R) Alison Newton, Chief Administrative Officer for the County of Brant; Mayor David Bailey; Councillor John Bell; Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones; Councillor Jennifer Kyle, Councillor Lukas Oakley; and Bonnie Camm, President and Chief Executive Officer for the Brant Community Healthcare System.

01/25/2025

)Read4BCHS 2025
Submitted Media Release

The Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation's annual Read4BCHS event celebrates 6 years of raising funds for Pediatrics and Infant care at the BCHS.

The Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) Foundation launches its sixth annual Read4BCHS event, a readathon fundraiser in support of local Pediatric and Infant Care on February 4th, 2025.

“Over the past five years, with the support of our sponsors, readers and donors, we have raised over $100,000 to benefit the care of the youngest patients at the Brant Community Healthcare System” says Dr. Lee Ferrao, BCHS Foundation Board Chair. "These funds have helped to purchase pediatric equipment and renovate the Pediatric Acute Referral Service (PARS) Clinic at the Brantford General Hospital, which sees over 3,000 visits annually."

This year’s event will run from February 4th through 26th, 2025 and participants are asked register by contacting Haidee at [email protected]. Read4BCHS encourages all participants to follow the 4 R’s- read, record, raise, and get rewarded! Whether you are an individual, a class, or a community group, anyone who enjoys reading is encouraged to participate.

"Everyone is invited to have fun reading while helping pediatric patients," says Heather Wilson, BCHS Foundation past Chair and Read4BCHS committee member. "Reading takes us to all sorts of amazing places and connects us to new ideas and friends" continues Wilson.

For more information and the link to register, visit Read4BCHS – Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation ( https://www.bchsysfoundation.org/read4bchs/ ) and follow the event on our social media channels .

ABOUT THE BCHS FOUNDATION

The Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) Foundation is committed to raising critical funds to support top priority needs for The Brantford General and The Willett, Paris. The BCHS Foundation helps to purchase medical equipment that is not paid for by the Ministry of Health, invest in new and innovative technology and provide BCHS caregivers with essential patient-care resources.

01/25/2025

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen enjoying the delightful music of The Vaudevillian at Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant's Coach House tonight!

Doors open at 7:30. Music at 8:00. All ages/unlicensed event. Tickets are limited to

01/25/2025

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen satisfying your sweet tooth during the Waffle Eating Competition in celebration of the 2nd "Waffle-versary" of TKBrantford today!

Temptation Kitchen is Hosting Brantford's 1st Ever Waffle Eating Competition. 6 People Will Compete

01/24/2025

Celebrate Winter Active in the County of Brant this February!
Submitted Media Release

The County of Brant is inviting residents to get out and get moving this February with Winter Active. This annual month-long celebration features free and low-cost activities and events taking place throughout the County of Brant.

“We are excited to once again invite the community to join us for all that we have planned for Winter Active,” said Sarah Dredge, Manager of Recreation Services for the County of Brant. “This time of year can be challenging to get outdoors, and it often leads to reduced activity indoors. Through Winter Active, we encourage residents of all ages to get out into the community and take part in the many activities we have scheduled.”

Activities include Free Public Skates, Kinderplay, Dodgeball, Pop-ups in the Park, a Forest Hike, and so much more. The annual Rec Expo is returning on February 8 at the Brant Sports Complex and will provide an opportunity for residents to meet with local sports clubs and other organizations. The County of Brant Public Library will be offering a variety of free programs, and community partners such as Paris Wado Kai Karate will host a free Karate Trial (registration required), while the Paris Curling Club is holding a free open house for Curling Day in Canada. The Paris Figure Skating Club is also sponsoring a Free Public Skate at the Brant Sports Complex.

Free Sponsored Family Day activities will also be taking place on Monday, February 17 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm; including Kinderplay at the Syl Apps Community Centre and Public Skates at all community centres, thank you to our Family Day sponsor Riverside Heating and Air Conditioning Inc.

Several Winter Active Contests will also be taking place. The popular Winter Active Photo Contests are returning with categories including Backyard Ice Rink, Winter Active in Brant, and Family Day Photos. New for 2025 is a Colouring Contest! Contests are open to County of Brant residents. Visit the Winter Active website to learn more and don’t miss your chance to enter and win some great prizes!

“Thank you to our community and community partners for joining us in this year’s Winter Active celebration,” said Dredge. “Whether you are a longtime resident or a newcomer to the community, we encourage you to explore the many recreation and leisure activities Brant has to offer.”

For more information on all things Winter Active, visit the Winter Active page on our website at www.brant.ca/WinterActive, and follow the County of Brant on Facebook, Instagram and X for program updates. Printed copies of the Winter Active calendar are also available for pickup at County of Brant offices and community centres.

01/24/2025

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen enjoying a cabbage roll meal during the Friday Night in the Gallery event at the Brant Naval Veteran's Association today!

5:00 - 6:00pm drive thru pick up or dine in the Clubroom. Please remember that ALL meals need to be pre-ordered

01/23/2025

Nominations open for 2025 Brantford Accessibility Improvement Awards
Submitted Media Release

The City of Brantford, in partnership with the Brantford Accessibility Advisory Committee (BAAC) is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 City of Brantford Accessibility Improvement Awards. The awards recognize and celebrate a person, group or organization that has made, or is in the process of making, a significant contribution towards improving accessibility to accommodate persons with disabilities.

“We are proud to recognize members of the community who are making our city more inclusive by fostering a barrier-free environment for everyone,” says Jenny Sawicki, City of Brantford Accessibility Coordinator. “These awards not only celebrate outstanding achievements in accessibility but also inspire ongoing efforts to create lasting positive change in Brantford.”

To qualify, online nominations must be received by Friday, February 28, 2025. The City of Brantford Accessibility Coordinator and members of BAAC will evaluate the nominations based on the following criteria:

· Goods or services must be provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities.

· The provision of goods or services to persons with disabilities to enable a person with a disability to obtain, use or benefit from the goods or services.

· Persons with disabilities must be given an opportunity equal to that given to others to obtain, use and benefit from the goods or services.

The award winners will be announced at the Brantford City Council meeting held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, and be publicly recognized during National AccessAbility Week from May 25 to 31, 2025. Nomination forms can be found online at Brantford.ca/AccessibilityAwards.

01/23/2025

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen supporting local and learning about our community during the annual Brantford Business Trade Show with Clarity Marketing & Design at the Affinity Conference Centre Brantford today!

Trade Show: 1-5pm After Hours Networking: 5-7pm TownePlace Suites by Marriott Brantford/Affinity Conference Centre, 30 Fen Ridge Ct., Brantford Join us at the

01/22/2025

We're just 1 day away from the Brantford Business Trade Show hosted by Clarity Marketing & Design! We've got a booth there, so we hope to see you swing by for a chat!

01/22/2025

LEADERSHIP LAB FOR CHANGING BUSINESS TRENDS AND AN AGING POPULATION
Submitted Media Release

WHERE: The Rope Factory
WHEN: January 22nd 2025

Did you know that for the first time in Canada’s history, there are more Canadians over the age of 65 than there are children under the age of 15?

Founder and CEO of Rosie's Roadshow Zoe Share asks, “Are you hearing things like ‘my parent is unwell and I’m taking them to the doctor and I need help accommodating that.’ 1 in 4 Canadians are going to be 65 years or older in the next few years. That change in demographic is going to effect your business and we want you to be prepared for this great generation shift.”

We are on a mission to promote positive aging and workplace longevity for individuals and businesses. We have a leadership lab event coming to Brantford on January 22nd to help to unite local leaders to innovate the city’s economic future and address changing economic trends. To do this, we’ll be facilitating hands on experiences with HR leaders, C-Suite executives, thought leaders and CEOs such as David Prang CEO at Chamber of Commerce Brantford Brant who says, “as a natural link with our senior's community and our many members who serve our Age-Friendly communities in Brantford and Brant, this event will build relationships and strengthen these service offerings to our community.”

The goal of this event is to create intergenerational bridges that prepare businesses for an aging workforce and empower retirees in their future. We believe this event will resonate with your audience by exploring themes shaping Brantford’s future such as population growth, workforce transitions, and the evolving role of local industries in a changing economy. We’ve already been featured in BrantBlog which you can check out here: https://brantblog.ca/2025/01/12/rosies-roadshow-leadership-labs-arrives-in-brantford/

If you have alignment with our message we would be thrilled to share more details with you and have you come out to our event!

Tickets can be found here: https://3common.com/event/rosies-roadshow-leadership
labs-brantford-edition/6759b979ef2cfe9edf5e187d

01/22/2025

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen singing along and having fun during the Winter's a Drag event with Wilfrid Laurier University at the Sanderson Centre tonight!

Join Laurier Brantford in celebrating inclusivity, creativity and self-expression at Winter's a Drag on Jan. 22. Featuring performances from some

01/21/2025

Grand Erie Public Health Investigates Probable Case of Measles in Resident of Brantford-Brant January 20, 2025
Submitted Media Release

Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is investigating a probable case of measles in the Brantford-Brant area.

The newly probable case is related to a previously reported case of measles, confirmed by GEPH on January 10, 2025. The individual is an adult resident of Brant and is currently recovering at home.

GEPH is currently reaching out to individuals who may have been exposed to the measles virus through this case. Through our investigation, the GEPH has determined the public may have been exposed to the measles virus at the following locations, dates, and times:

- Tahini’s Brantford, 440 Colborne Street West, Brantford on January 16 between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Momoko Snacks Land, 75 Dalhousie Street, Unit #104, Brantford on January 16 between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- White Horse Bowling, 80 Davis Street East, Simcoe on January 18 between the hours of 6:45 p.m.- 11p.m.

GEPH is also advising the public about potential risk of exposure to measles at various locations in the Haldimand-Norfolk area related to recent cases. The public may have been further exposed to measles on:

- Tillsonburg Old Colony School, 122-216 Goshen Rd., Eden, between the dates of January 9-13, 2025, 8 a.m. – 5p.m.
- Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital – Emergency Department on January 14, 2025, between 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
- Roulston's Pharmacy, 65 Donly Dr N, Simcoe on January 14, 2025, between the hours of 5 p.m. to close.

GEPH advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus at these locations to do the following:

- Vulnerable individuals with a weakened immune system, including infants, pregnant individuals, and those who are unvaccinated should contact their healthcare provider promptly.
Individuals at higher risk, including young children, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems, may be eligible to receive a medication called immune globulin within six days of exposure. The immunoglobulin can prevent or reduce the severity of an infection. These populations are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider by phone to discuss treatment options prior to attending a clinic for assessment in-person.

- Check vaccination records to ensure protection from measles.
Individuals should check their immunization record to confirm they and their family members are up to date with their measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Two doses of the vaccine are generally recommended for anyone born after 1969. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles. Those who are unsure of their vaccination status are asked to check with their healthcare provider.

- Monitor for symptoms of measles.
Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure – even if up to date with their measles vaccinations. Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss follow-up care and should not attend work or school. Individuals concerned about symptoms should call their healthcare provider before visiting, ensuring they inform them of possible exposure to measles.

How Measles Spreads and Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus. Measles virus is an airborne disease that is spread simply by breathing in air that contains the measles virus. The measles virus can live in the air for up to two hours when a person has coughed or sneezed. It may also be spread by direct contact with the nose or throat droplets of an infected person.

Symptoms of measles include:
- red rash
- fever
- cough
- runny nose
- red eyes
- fatigue

A person with measles is contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears. Symptoms may start around 10 days after exposure but can start anywhere from seven to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms generally last for one to two weeks.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should first contact their healthcare provider, or if not available, call GEPH:
- Brantford-Brant office: 519-753-4937 ext. 454
- Haldimand-Norfolk office: 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623

For more information about measles, please visit www.bchu.org/measles or www.hnhu.org/measles.

01/21/2025

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen improving your skills during the Office in a Flash event at the Brant Skills Centre this afternoon!

Learn the basics of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook in this 16 hour course. Course runs Tuesdays and Thursdays Tues. Jan.

01/20/2025

City of Brantford Urges Caution as Grand Erie Public Health Issues Cold Alert January 19, 2025
Submitted Media Release

The Medical Officer of Health for the Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has issued a cold alert, effective Sunday, January 19, 2025. A cold alert is issued when temperatures are expected to drop below -15°C, without wind chill.

Everyone is at risk during very cold weather. In temperatures of -15°C or colder, unprotected skin can freeze in less than 30 minutes and the risk of developing hypothermia is high. Some groups are particularly vulnerable to the frigid temperatures, including, older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses such as breathing difficulties or heart conditions, people taking certain prescription medication, those experiencing homelessness, people working or exercising outdoors, and people living in homes that are poorly insulated or lack sufficient heating.

To prevent cold injuries, such as hypothermia and frostbite, the Grand Erie Public Health recommends the following:

- Wear several layers of clothing and make sure the outer layer protects you from both wind and wetness.
- Cover exposed skin (using hats, mittens, or face masks) to protect against frostbite.
- Drink warm, caffeine and alcohol-free, fluids to prevent dehydration.-
- Check on elderly and vulnerable people frequently, to ensure they are safe and warm.

Visit Brantford.ca/ExtremeCold to learn the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
Emergency Shelter

If you, or someone you know, is in immediate need of emergency shelter, please call SOAR Emergency Intake Services at 1-888-621-0034 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Some contracted service providers within the Homelessness Coordinated Access system have also been able to expand capacity and provide spaces for people to warm up during the winter:

- Rosewood House until 10pm for men and women (42 Nelson St),
- Salvation Army Booth Centre for up to 5 men at a time during cold alerts only (187 Dalhousie St)
- SOAR Community Services (73 Murray St) has public spaces and can provide a temporary space for people looking to warm up based on their capacity from 8 a.m. to midnight daily.

Everyone is encouraged to seek shelter. Learn more at Brantford.ca/EmergencyShelters.

This alert remains in effect until cancelled by the Medical Officer of Health. Visit Brantford.ca/ExtremeCold to learn more and for tips for preventing cold-related illnesses.

01/20/2025

Golden Clay Exhibit
Submitted Media Release

Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant is pleased to announce the first exhibit of the year: Golden Clay: Fifty Years of the Brantford Potters Guild.

In 1975, a group of six potters – Gillian Lewis, Kay Boyd, John Prosser, Utta Bein, Suzanne Welsby and Louise Garnett – gathered together in the Coach House at Glenhyrst Art Gallery and gave themselves a name: the Brantford Potters’ Guild. Incorporated as a non-profit organisation in 1978, the Guild was founded on the principles of connecting individuals and communities in their appreciation of ceramic arts, innovating contemporary pottery practices, and educating future generations to maintain interest in the craft.

For decades, the Guild has also been a staple of community initiatives and fundraising efforts for a variety of charitable organisations including the Brantford Food Bank, Camp Molly, and the W. Ross Macdonald School. In September of 2014, the Guild opened ClayWorks Studio in Brantford’s Artisan Village as a teaching facility that offers year-round pottery classes and workshops for adults and children. And since 2022, Glenhyrst Art Gallery has hosted a permanent retail space to support and promote the Guild’s work.

From its humble beginnings, the Guild has grown steadily in membership and influence, reaching an enrollment of over 100 active members. This exhibition is not a survey of the last fifty years but marks the Guild’s continuance and enduring legacy in the City of Brantford, Six Nations of the Grand River, and Brant County. For many centuries, this place has held a strong relationship to pottery and this history is, thankfully, still unfolding.

More information about this exhibit can be found here: https://glenhyrst.ca/2025-potters-guild

The opening reception for the exhibit will be held Thursday, January 23rd, from 7-8:30PM with the exhibit running from January 18th to March 9th.

This is a free event, and all are welcome.

For more information, please call Glenhyrst Art Gallery at 519-756-5932 or email [email protected].

01/20/2025

City Invites Residents to Provide Feedback on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Addendum
Submitted Media Release

The City of Brantford is inviting residents to provide input on the addendum to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to ensure sports and recreational offerings are meeting the growing needs of the community. The Plan originally approved in 2018 is a Council-approved strategy that guides how the City of Brantford plans, designs, funds, builds, and maintains City parks and recreation facilities.

The updates to the Plan will include the City’s first sports fields and sport court strategy providing direction on the future of sport and recreational offerings in Brantford, recommendations responding to provincial policy changes that affect funding available for parks, and direction for using new lands in the City of Brantford.

The first phase of engagement gathered feedback from residents through a public survey to help understand the community's demands, needs, and expectations for sports fields, parks, and courts across Brantford. The next phase includes a hybrid public meeting at City Hall and open houses in each ward where residents can learn about the recommended updates, ask questions of City staff, and share their valuable input.

Hybrid Public Meeting

A hybrid public meeting will take place inside Council Chambers at Brantford City Hall (58 Dalhousie Street) on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Project Team will provide results of the new Parks and Recreation Sports Fields and Courts Provision Strategy and key recommendations for the updated Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. Attendees can join in-person or virtually through Zoom. Registration is only required for those who would like to attend online through Zoom. To attend virtually, please register at bit.ly/masterplanmeeting.

Drop-in Open House Opportunities

In addition to the hybrid public meeting, the following drop-in open house opportunities will be available. Attendees can review key recommendations through a series of display boards to learn more about the project, ask City staff questions and provide their valuable feedback.

->Monday, January 20, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre - Tournament Meeting Room (254 North Park Street)
->Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lions Park Arena - Auditorium (20 Edge Street)
->Friday, January 24, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at T.B.Costain/SC Johnson Community Centre - Room 2 (16 Morrell Street)
->Monday, January 27, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Woodman Park Community Centre - Camp Room (491 Grey Street)

Learn more about the Brantford Sports Fields and Courts Strategy by visiting letstalkbrantford.ca/sports-fields-and-courts-strategy.

01/20/2025

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen enjoying the rousing beat of Yamato - The Drummers of Japan at the Sanderson Centre this evening!

Prized for its percussive power and theatrical flair, Yamato creates music filled with the fierce, ancient sound of Japanese taiko

01/19/2025

Preparations Begin for Downtown Revitalization Project
Submitted Media Release

The City of Brantford is pleased to announce that construction for the Downtown Revitalization Project will commence next week. As part of a Council-approved priority, this significant project aims to upgrade both underground and aboveground infrastructure in Downtown Brantford. The enhancements will support future growth, transform downtown into a destination, and improve safety and accessibility for all.

As a first step before the City can begin their planned construction, Enbridge Gas, through their contractor AECON, will begin replacing natural gas infrastructure on Colborne Street, Brant Avenue, Dalhousie Street, and Bridge Street on January 20, 2025.

This essential work is scheduled to take approximately six weeks, weather permitting, and is a critical step in preparing for full construction in the spring.

What to Expect:
- Replacement of the gas main and individual services to buildings
- Temporary patches on sidewalks following gas line replacement, with permanent reconstruction to take place at a later date
- Temporary lane closures, sidewalk closures, and use of parking spaces during work hours

Work Schedule Impacts:
- Colborne Street (January 20 to 31): Partial sidewalk closure. Pedestrian access will be maintained.
- Brant Avenue (February 3 to 14): Right lane and sidewalk closed. Six parking spaces on Colborne Street East will be occupied.
- Dalhousie Street (February 17 to 21): Right turning lane and sidewalk closed. Vehicles will turn right from the through lane. Six parking spaces on Colborne Street East will be occupied.
- Bridge Street (February 24 to 28): One lane and sidewalk closed. Six parking spaces on Colborne Street East will be occupied.

Supporting Local Businesses

Sidewalk and business entryway access will remain open wherever possible. Impacted property owners and businesses have been notified directly.

Office hours are held every Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for anyone wishing to speak with City staff in person about the project. Appointments can be made outside of these times by emailing [email protected].

Stay Informed

The City is committed to working with Enbridge to minimize disruptions and your patience is appreciated as we move forward with this vital infrastructure improvement. Please visit Brantford.ca/NewDowntown to learn more about the Downtown Revitalization Project.