Re-establishment of Joint Services Committee endorsed by both City and County Councils

BRANTFORD, ON – At their respective Committee of the Whole meetings held earlier this week, both the Councils of the City of Brantford and the County of Brant have endorsed re-establishing the Joint City-County Shared Services Committee. The Committee will consist of 10 members, including five members from the County of Brant Council and five members representing each of Brantford City Council's wards. The Committee will explore opportunities for service sharing and improvements, providing recommendations to both Councils for consideration.

The Joint City-County Shared Services Committee, originally established in March 2017, was tasked with examining service sharing opportunities and making recommendations on matters such as emergency measures, transportation strategies, parks, healthcare, and other areas of shared concern. During its previous tenure, the Committee successfully made several recommendations, including the formation of a joint Master Plan Implementation Working Group and allocating funds to undertake a regional transit solution.

With this re-establishment, there is great potential for further collaboration between the two municipalities, including leveraging opportunities for administrative efficiencies, animal control, organics management, housing, transit, transportation, climate action, and airport development, among others.

Since the Committee's last active period in October 2018, several emerging issues with municipal impacts have arisen. Furthermore, many of these issues demand a broader, collaborative approach that transcends geographic boundaries.

The re-established Joint Shared Services Committee will offer clear mandates for staff to build upon the legacy of cooperation between Brantford and the County of Brant. Elected officials across both municipalities recognize the potential benefits of shared services, including efficient customer service, cost avoidance, and reduced duplication.

“Re-establishing the Joint Shared Services Committee demonstrates a commitment to mutual benefit, fiscal responsibility, and enhanced service levels for citizens and taxpayers,” says Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis. “It also marks a significant step towards a more efficient and collaborative future for both Brantford and the County of Brant.”

The Committee's revival also aligns with the shared goal of optimizing and maximizing resources while managing property tax increases and addressing the ever-growing demand for services. By working together, Brantford and the County of Brant aim to create new and innovative services that enhance the resident experience and tackle existing and future challenges.

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Media Contact:

Maria Visocchi | Director, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | 519-759-4150 ext. 5754 | mvisocchi@brantford.ca