City to observe National Truth and Reconciliation Day

Brantford, ON – On Saturday, September 30, the City of Brantford will join communities across Canada to recognize and observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The statutory holiday was created to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis survivors, their families and communities, and to provide an important opportunity for Canadians to remember the victims of the Indian Residential School System and to reflect on the painful lasting impacts on Residential School survivors, their families and Indigenous communities.

The statutory holiday on September 30th coincides with Orange Shirt Day, inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a former residential school student who had her orange shirt taken away on her first day at residential school. Wearing orange on September 30th honours and remembers the experiences and loss of Indigenous children who were placed in residential schools.

Local events in observance of National Truth and Reconciliation Day

To demonstrate our solidarity with Indigenous communities, and to promote Indigenous culture, the City has partnered with multiple Indigenous organizations to facilitate a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation event at Mohawk Park (51 Lynwood Drive) on Saturday, September 30 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature Indigenous dance, singing, drumming, craft vendors, food, and information booths. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. All are welcome. To learn more, visit Brantford Native Housing on Facebook.

To learn more about National Truth and Reconciliation Day, please visit Brantford.ca/NDTR.

Schedule changes

For the public’s information, the following schedule changes will be in place to observe the upcoming National Truth and Reconciliation Day on Saturday September 30 and Monday, October 2, 2023.

City services/facilities that are open September 30, 2023

Bell Homestead National Historic Site
Branlyn Community Centre
Brantford Farmers Market
Doug Snooks Eagle Place Community Centre
Landfill site
Lions Park Arena
T.B. Costain/SC Johnson Community Centre
Walter Gretzky Golf Course and Pro Shop: Tee times begin at 7:30 a.m. with the last tee time at 5:30 p.m. The Pro Shop is open from 7 a.m. to dusk. Tee times can be booked online at Brantford.ca/Golf.
Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre (including Brantford & Area Sports Hall of Recognition and Discover Brantford Desk)
Woodman Park Community Centre
Brantford Transit and Brantford Lift will be running regular service.

City services/facilities that are closed September 30, 2023

Beckett Recreation Centre
Brantford Public Library (Main Branch and St. Paul Branch)
Brantford City Hall Customer Service (calls will be routed to an after-hours provider)
Parking Enforcement Office
220 Colborne Street

City services/facilities that are open October 2, 2023

Branlyn Community Centre
Brantford Public Library (Main Branch and St. Paul Branch)
Doug Snooks Eagle Place Community Centre
Landfill site
Lions Park Arena
T.B. Costain/SC Johnson Community Centre
Walter Gretzky Golf Course and Pro Shop: Tee times begin at 8 a.m. with the last tee time at 5:30 p.m. The Pro Shop is open from 7:30 a.m. to dusk. Tee times can be booked online at Brantford.ca/Golf.
Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre (including Brantford & Area Sports Hall of Recognition and Discover Brantford Desk)
Woodman Park Community Centre
There are no changes to the collection of regularly scheduled garbage and recycling pick-up.
Brantford Transit and Brantford Lift will be running regular service.

City services/facilities that are closed October 2, 2023

Bell Homestead National Historic Site
Beckett Recreation Centre
Brantford City Hall Customer Service (calls will be routed to an after-hours provider)
Parking Enforcement Office
220 Colborne Street

Online Services Reminder

Many City services can be requested or addressed using one of our comprehensive online forms, meaning you can conveniently request a City service from the comfort of your home by visiting Brantford.ca/RequestService.

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