Brantford Downtown Improvement Task Force Underway

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Downtown Brantford

BRANTFORD, ON – In response to concerns regarding social challenges in the city’s downtown core that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Brantford City Council appointed a new Downtown Brantford Improvement Task Force to serve as a governance entity that focuses on and makes recommendations with respect to actions that the City and community partners will implement to improve the health, vitality and resiliency of the heart of our city. Over the next four months, the Task Force will serve as a collaborative community forum in which various entities and organizations across business sectors and community agencies can share information and resources with the objective of developing an action plan that once implemented, results in a more vibrant, welcoming downtown.

The action plan will be informed by public feedback to be collected through a series of public engagement opportunities beginning in September. It is the Task Force’s intention to provide the community with both virtual and in person opportunities (COVID-19 protocols permitting) to provide their feedback on these important matters .

The plan will include strategies to provide additional supports to vulnerable populations including individuals experiencing homelessness, those with substance use disorders, and persons struggling with mental health and addiction challenges.  Priority will also be placed on enhancing safety and security, as well as enhancing tourism, arts, culture, music, entertainment and community events to attract both residents and visitors to the city’s downtown.

On August 12, 2021 members of the Brantford Downtown Improvement Task Force held their first meeting whereby Councillor Dan McCreary was elected Chair of the Task Force and Councillor Joshua Wall was elected Vice-Chair. As a multi-faceted approach is required to implement changes, the Committee is made up of representatives across several sectors including (but not limited to):

  • Brantford-Brant Chamber of Commerce
  • Brant County Health Unit
  • Brantford Police Services
  • Brantford Public Library
  • City of Brantford
  • Conestoga College
  • Downtown Brantford Business Improvement Association (DBBIA)
  • Downtown Central Neighbourhood Association
  • MP Phil McColeman
  • MPP Will Bouma
  • Wilfrid Laurier University

 

Quotes

“I am pleased to see this important work to revitalize the city’s downtown is underway. I also want our community to be assured that in addition to making residents feel safer and secure in the downtown an important focus throughout this process and in the future, will be the City continuing to work with our community partners in providing and improving the compassionate care and necessary supports for vulnerable populations in need.”

-Mayor Kevin Davis

“The community should know that this initiative is an absolute priority and our objective is to implement demonstrable change. Efforts of this Task Force and the three sub Working Groups that will focus on social supports, economic development and programming and safety and security, will better position the downtown as a centre for civic government, retail, business, academia, culture, arts, music and entertainment.”

-Downtown Improvement Task Force Chair, Councillor Dan McCreary 

“The Downtown Improvement Task Force is made up of a passionate and committed group of individuals who care deeply about our city and are focused on an outcome that results in a downtown that is noticeably safer, more secure, inclusive and welcoming to a broad diversity of people.” 

-Downtown Improvement Task Force Vice-Chair, Councillor Joshua Wall

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Media Contact: 

Maria Visocchi Director, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | Office: 519.759.4150 Ext. 5754 | mvisocchi@brantford.ca

 

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