Community Profile

Welcome to Brantford, Ontario, a progressive city located in Canada's economic heartland.

We are a community with a rich history shaped by our location on the Grand River and proximity to major consumer and industrial markets throughout North America. Progressive revitalization efforts have resulted in and diverse mix of old and new, offering a vibrant atmosphere for residents, visitors and businesses. Brantford is committed to promoting economic diversity, quality employment opportunities and efforts to enhance the quality of life of all its residents.

As a designated Urban Growth Centre in the Provincial Growth Plan, our community is growing. With a proactive local government, robust infrastructure network and a vast inventory of future development lands, there has never been a more exciting time to live, work and play in the Brantford.

Brantford at a Glance

Population

  • 2016 population: 97,496
  • 10 year growth rate: 12.8%

Location
  • Located on provincial highway 403(Alexander Graham Bell Parkway)
  • Distance to Toronto, ON: 100 km (60 miles)
  • Distance to Buffalo, NY: 135 km (85 miles)
  • Distance to Detroit, MI: 275 km (170 miles)
  • Located on main CN Rail line (Windsor to Quebec corridor)

Workforce
  • Local workforce of over 75,000
  • 1 million within 50 km (30 miles)
  • 5.7 million within 125 km (80 miles)

Education
  • 4 local post-secondary schools
  • Over 3,500 full-time students
  • 17 Universities within 125 km (80 miles)
  • 9 Colleges within 125 km (80 miles)

Future growth

The City of Brantford is a community of 98,000 residents located in the heart of southern Ontario situated along the picturesque Grand River. With direct access to Highway 403 and close proximity to several major highways, rail lines and three major ports of entry, Brantford is a destination of choice for new residents, businesses and visitors alike. With our diverse manufacturing sector and continually growing post-secondary presence, Brantford is transforming to meet the challenges of a new economy. Offering metropolitan amenities with a charming small town feel, Brantford is a lively community with historic neighbourhoods and a rich industrial legacy.

As an urban growth centre in the Ontario Places to Grow Act, Brantford has great potential. The expansion of our municipal boundaries in 2017 is a key factor contributing to our long-term growth plans. As these new lands are developed for residential, commercial, and industrial use, the population is projected to reach 163,000 with 79,000 employees by 2041.

Access to markets

Brantford's strategic location enables businesses to reach major North American markets in a single day's drive. Easy access to major highways, internationally connected railways, worldwide cargo and passenger aviation systems as well as our proximity to extensive inland and international marine shipping facilities makes Brantford an even more ideal location.

One day drive to 160 million customers and 60% of all manufacturers in the USA and Canada

  • 100 km (60 miles) to Toronto Pearson International Airport and 35 km (20 miles) to John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
  • Serviced by major CN freight lines, as well as VIA passenger rail and GO Transit buses

Browse the the City's Economic Development Data Centre to learn more about the resources and services that support growth of our local economy.