Important Notices and Information

Playground renovation and rehabilitation program

The City's dedicated team works hard year-round to update parks and playgrounds. We are pleased to share updates regarding our playground renovation and rehabilitation program as well as our current and upcoming renovations and projects outlined below.

The City's Playground Replacement Program dedicates funds and resources to continuously updating parks and playgrounds with fun and exciting new equipment. We also add new paved paths, benches, signs and trees. All these improvements help to make sure our playgrounds are inclusive, so everyone can enjoy them. The size and shape of each new playground depends on many factors. We work very hard to make sure that each playground design is the best it can be and residents have a chance to offer input. It takes two years to complete a new playground. In year one, the playground is planned and designed. In year two, the playground is built then opened for you to use.

How do we decide which playgrounds are replaced?

We use a variety of factors in choosing which playgrounds will be replaced. The most important of these factors is safety. Our playgrounds are inspected monthly. Important things like broken metal, rust, unleveled decking, and safety surfacing are all looked at. Findings from these inspections help us figure out which playgrounds need to be replaced sooner than others. We try our best to make sure that one playground in each area of the city is replaced each year.

We understand that there are many playgrounds across the city that needs an upgrade. While the playground closest to you may seem old and outdated, there may be others outside of your area that need replacement first. We appreciate your patience as we continue to move through our replacement list. Please call or email us if you have any questions about a park near you.
Playgrounds currently in the design phase

Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback for the recent Neighbourhood Decision Making Survey online for each park above. We are pleased to share the survey results below. 

Leash and pick-up reminder

Please leash and pick up after your pet, it's the law! Pets must always be on leash in all parks and open spaces. If you would like to enjoy a beautiful day with your dog off-leash, please visit Dogford Park. 

Grass Cutting and Turf Maintenance

The City of Brantford’s Parks and Recreation Department has begun its 2025 seasonal grass cutting operations. From May through October, City staff will maintain over 450 locations to help keep our outdoor spaces clean, safe, and vibrant.

  • Please keep the following in mind regarding the City’s grass maintenance schedule and procedures:
  • Wet and warm weather conditions can cause grass to grow taller and thicker, which may extend cutting times.
  • Grass cutting schedules may be delayed due to factors such as wet ground conditions, equipment maintenance, or staff availability.
  • Most parks are mowed weekly and trimmed every 14 days. City lots are cut biweekly, while open spaces and hills are maintained monthly. Sports field locations are mowed weekly, with playing surfaces receiving a second weekly cut.
  • Grass clippings are left on the ground as they serve as a natural fertilizer.
  • Brantford is a pesticide-free city! Weeds such as dandelions, clovers, and plantain are not chemically treated and are managed as part of the regular mowing schedule.
  • Naturalized areas receive limited maintenance to support pollinators and promote local biodiversity.

If you have any issues or concerns regarding grass cutting, please contact our Customer Service Team at 519-759-4150.

Giant Hogweed 

Giant Hogweed is an Asian plant that was brought to North America about a century ago and is now spreading throughout southern Ontario.

It can be hazardous to human health. Giant hogweed sap will make a person's skin extremely sensitive to sunlight. Contact with a plant, followed by exposure to the sun, can cause severe burning and blistering. If sap gets into your eyes, it can lead to
blindness.

If sap touches your skin 
  • wash the affected area immediately with soap and water
  • keep the affected area out of the sun
  • see your doctor if you have a reaction 
Hogweed lookalikes 
Giant hogweed is part of the carrot family and can sometimes be confused with other common plants such as cow parsnip and angelica. This giant hogweed fact sheet compares giant hogweed to other species. 
Giant hogweed on City properties 

Giant hogweed has been found on City property in a few locations. The City has a removal protocol to eliminate giant hogweed from its property, but it is a persistent species that is difficult to remove. Options for removal include spraying a herbicide or digging it out. City staff take strict safety precautions when dealing with hogweed. 
What to do if you spot giant hogweed 
  • If you spot giant hogweed on a city property, such as a park or open space area or along a trail contact Parks at 519 759-4150.
  • If you spot giant hogweed on your own property, private land, a municipal park or other areas such as along a riverbank or stream, contact your local municipal weed inspector. 
Hogweed Resources

Smoke-free Brantford Clean Air By-Law

As outlined in Brantford’s Smoking – Clean Air By-law, there is no smoking of tobacco or cannabis and no vaping on City property.

That means no smoking or vaping at: 

  • City-owned administrative buildings, including parking lots
  • City-owned golf courses
  • City-owned recreation centres
  • City-owned sports facilities
  • Parks
  • Sidewalks on City building property or within a public park
  • Trails

For resources to quit smoking, please visit the Brant County Health Unit website.