City of Brantford response to unlawful occupation at 282 Stanley Street

BRANTFORD, ON: The City is aware of an ongoing, unlawful occupation of City-owned lands located at 282 Stanley Street, and of alleged criminal acts that transpired over the weekend on the property, including trespassing, breaking and entering and vandalism. This matter has been referred to the Brantford Police Service. The City is working closely with Brantford Police Service and will defer to them for comments related to their response.

The City condemns any actions or behaviours that cause irreparable harm to the health, safety, and economic vitality of the City, including the behaviours of those illegally occupying these lands, those who have encouraged this behaviour, and those who may be actively aiding and abetting criminal activity. 

The lands at 282 Stanley Street in Brantford have been lawfully and peacefully owned and operated by the City of Brantford for approximately 100 years and remain in the sole and exclusive ownership of the City. The decision to sell these lands to support the City’s plan to develop affordable housing was upheld by the Courts in Ontario.

The broader matter of indigenous land claims is a complex issue and one that is not within the City of Brantford’s jurisdiction to resolve. These matters require significant input from the Federal and Provincial Governments and the Indigenous community and often involve an accounting for profits but not the return of land.

Furthermore, to be clear, the City of Brantford has and continues to engage with Six Nations of the Grand River regarding these lands. Six Nations representatives have been and continue to be very involved in the archeological plan for this site.

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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