Mayor Kevin Davis

Play tricky games and get a free treat at the Bell Homestead National Historic Site (94 Tutela Heights Road) on Sunday, October 26 from 12 pm to 3 pm at the Hallowe'en Fun Fair. 🎃 Come in costume or just as you are. Guests can enjoy fun games, face painting, fortune telling, and a sample of pumpkin spice shortbread, while supplies last! Admission is free, but donations are welcomed towards future Bell Homestead NHS events. Home baked goods and refreshments will be available for purchase at The Exchange Café. www.Brantford.ca/BellHomestead

Today we kicked off Local Government Week at the City of Brantford! 🎉 Grade 10 students from Brantford Collegiate Institute (BCI) joined us at City Hall for a day of mock trials and staff presentations to learn more about how local government works, how to get involved, how to start a municipal career, and learn more about the many services provided by the municipal level of government. It was a great opportunity to inspire the next generation of community leaders and show how local decisions help shape the city we call home. Local Government Week officially runs October 19-25.

Thank you BCI for joining us today and thank you to all the staff who help make these important events happen.

The City of Brantford and the Brantford Fire Department remind residents that the use of fireworks is permitted on Diwali, which falls on Monday, October 20, 2025, as long as they meet safety requirements and City bylaw restrictions.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

🚫 Fireworks are not permitted in City parks or on any City streets without a permit.
🎆 Fireworks may only be discharged on private property, provided the area meets the required safety zone.
📝 Written permission from the property owner is required if you are not the owner of the property where fireworks are discharged, or the property where fireworks debris is landing.

𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

◼️ The fallout zone must be twice the height of the fireworks in all directions. Ensure your space is adequate before proceeding.
◼️ Fireworks must be discharged between sunset and 11 p.m. on October 20, 2025.
◼️ Fireworks must be set off in calm weather conditions and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
◼️ Ensure a means of extinguishment is close by, and all debris is properly cleaned up to prevent fire hazards.

As most individual properties do not meet the fall out zone criteria, it is suggested that participating neighbours combine efforts by coordinating a joint display among multiple adjoining backyard spaces to expand the fall out zone and in effect, enhancing safety. It is also recommended that fireworks are purchased from a knowledgeable vendor who can advise on discharge heights and which fireworks are most appropriate for the area they will be set off.

📞 City of Brantford By-law Department at 519-759-4150 if you notice that fireworks are being set off in City of Brantford parks or on City property or roadways.
📞 9-1-1 to reach the Brantford Fire Department if you notice that fireworks are being set off in a manner that is a fire hazard (i.e. falling on neighbouring roofs, unsafe use).

If the Brantford Fire Department is dispatched due to unsafe fireworks use, you may be charged for the cost of the response under the City’s Fees and Charges By-law. Additionally, fines may apply for non-compliance with the Fireworks By-law.

For more detailed information on safe fireworks use and regulations, please visit Brantford.ca/FireworksSafety. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a safe and enjoyable Diwali for everyone in our community.

Today, we celebrated the grand opening of the new Gihekdagye Friendship Centre.

This new location is more than just a building; it’s a place of belonging, safety and connection. It’s a space where individuals and families can find support, healing, and cultural pride.

Thank you to Mayor of the Month, Councillor Van Tilborg for bringing greetings on behalf of the City. And Nia:Wen to Executive Director, Shelly Hill and to all the folks at Gihekdagye who have opened their doors to us all.

Brantford City Hall will be illuminated in yellow, blue and green from October 9 to 11 to recognize Fire Prevention Week which takes place October 5 to 11. This year’s campaign is Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home! and aims to educate residents about the importance of safely buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries. Learn more at www.Brantford.ca/FirePreventionWeek.
Brantford Fire Department

Construction is now underway on Phase 1 of the Downtown Revitalization Project, with crews replacing aging underground water, sewer, and utility infrastructure on Brant Avenue, Icomm Drive, Hill Street, Dalhousie Street, and Colborne Street.

These upgrades are essential to ensure the City continues to provide reliable services for area residents and property owners while completing necessary make-ready work in advance of Phase 2 of the Downtown Revitalization. Above ground, this work will also improve roads, sidewalks, and traffic flow to create a safer and more accessible downtown.

Traffic will be reduced to one southbound lane on Brant Avenue (between Dalhousie Street and Colborne Street) and one eastbound lane on Icomm Drive (between Colborne Street and Market Street South) while work is underway. Traffic will be maintained wherever possible, however full road closures or delays may be required at times to safely complete the work.

Downtown businesses remain open throughout construction. For detour maps, construction updates, parking locations and details on access to businesses, please visit Brantford.ca/DowntownDetours.

The City is committed to minimizing disruptions and thanks residents, businesses, and visitors for their patience and cooperation as we complete these vital infrastructure upgrades. Please visit Brantford.ca/NewDowntown to learn more about the Downtown Revitalization Project.