Brantford to Share History and Downtown Revitilization Expertise with International Academics 

For Immediate Release
5/24/2012 
Contact: Trudy Belanco, Manager of Corporate Policy and Management Practices 
Phone: 519-759-4150 

On Tuesday, May 29, Brantford will once again share its story of renewal and transformation. Brantford will host academic professionals from across the globe to share the history of our area and impart how partnerships with post-secondary institutions can create a dynamic downtown.

Revitalization through Education is part of the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences – an annual, international showcase of scholarly excellence, creativity and leadership co-hosted in Waterloo this year by Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo Congress.

Delegates will hear about the challenges and opportunities that are part of the ongoing revitalization of the downtown and learn how urban renewal has taken shape over the past decade. Brantford Mayor Chris Friel will lead the event by highlighting the history of Brantford’s move through de-industrialization to its new economic driver: post-secondary education. Hohahes Leroy “Jock” Hill, Cultural Advisor to the Ohsweken Language Council, will present a history of the area, Aboriginal involvement in the War of 1812 and the early history of Brantford. Hill is a faithkeeper in the Cayuga Nation’s Bear Clan. He has been studying Haudenosaunee languages and culture for many years. Dr. Bruce Arai, Dean, Laurier Brantford, will talk about the establishment of post-secondary institutions in Brantford and the partnerships that made it possible.

Other speakers include: Colleen Miller, Grand Valley Education Society; Antonio Araujo, Director of Campus Operations, Laurier Brantford; Paul Armstrong, Mohawk College; and Mark Gladysz, Senior Planner - Projects, City of Brantford.

Following the panel discussion, delegates will have the opportunity to tour through downtown, the OLG Casino Brantford, or the Canadian Military Heritage Museum, to get a first-hand taste of our local flavour.


BACKGROUND

With education being the catalyst, Brantford has been able to attract strategic investment from post-secondary institutions, the business community and other regional partners. Engaged and supported by the City of Brantford, Wilfrid Laurier University – the first post-secondary institution in Brantford – opened its doors with 39 students in September 1999. Today, the City’s strategic partnerships have grown to include Nipissing University and Mohawk College, with the addition of Conestoga College and McMaster University this fall. Post-secondary institutions’ enrollment is expected to continue to grow from over 3,000 students today.