Mayor Kevin Davis 2026 Annual Address

Friends, neighbours, and members of Council,

Thank you for being here tonight, and thank you for the privilege of serving this remarkable city.  As many of you know, this will be my last year as your Mayor.  It has been my immense honour to serve you.  I look forward to what we can accomplish together in our last months together.

When I take time to reflect on the past eight years as Mayor of Brantford, one word comes to mind: resilience.

We have been through a lot together. 

Let’s focus on what 2025 showed us.  It was truly a year of real progress — but also a year that tested us. A year that asked tough questions of Council, of our staff, and of our community. And a year that proved, once again, that Brantford does not shy away from hard work or hard conversations.

Over the past twelve months, our city continued to grow — not just in numbers, but in confidence.

We made tangible progress on housing — advancing developments across the city, including intensification in the downtown core and new residential growth in areas such as West Brant and the southwest expansion lands. Council supported the planning and servicing work required to unlock thousands of new homes, recognizing that housing availability and affordability are fundamental to Brantford’s future.

Our economy continued to strengthen as well. This year, we supported significant industrial and manufacturing investment in Brantford’s employment lands, reinforcing our role as a regional economic engine. Projects such as the expansion of Ferrero and Massilly’s operations and continued investment at Powerline Road and Oak Park Road demonstrated confidence in Brantford as a place to grow and create jobs.  There are so many businesses in Brantford who have shared in our success and growth; Barry Callebault, Scottlyn and their office complex expansion, and Hilton Foods – just to name a few. I am proud of how businesses have demonstrated their faith in Brantford as their home.

Infrastructure remained a major focus — because growth only works when it is supported by strong foundations. Over the past year, Council approved major investments in roads, bridges, water, and wastewater systems, including continued work on Colborne Street, Clarence Street, and key arterial corridors. These projects are not glamorous, but they are essential — and they ensure Brantford is ready for the future.

We also continued to invest in active transportation and community connectivity, expanding trail networks and improving walkability, helping residents move safely and sustainably throughout the city.

Downtown revitalization remained a priority. This year saw continued momentum in the core — from new businesses opening their doors to ongoing improvements around Harmony Square, Colborne Street, and Market Street. Cultural events, festivals, and local entrepreneurship continue to breathe life into our downtown, strengthening its role as Brantford’s civic and cultural heart.

Council also prioritized recreation, sport, and community well-being. Investments in facilities such as the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, parks, and community spaces ensured residents of all ages have places to gather, stay active, and connect. We are excited as we move forward with the development of the Sports and Entertainment Centre, and we are so proud to be home to the Brantford Bulldogs!

We were proud to work with Police Services to host the province’s Special Olympics games this summer, right here – IN Brantford. These investments AND partnerships support not only quality of life, but also tourism and economic activity.

And on the note of partnerships… we strengthened partnerships with other orders of government, securing provincial and federal support for key initiatives — including funding related to economic development, infrastructure, water, recreation, and community safety. These partnerships matter, and they delivered real results for Brantford residents this year.

One of my most proud partnerships has been the ongoing work we have been doing to reconcile and reaffirm our relationship with Six Nations.  Joint projects, such as Fox Ridge and the development of a space for the displaced elders demonstrate both partners willingness to move forward in a true spirit of collaboration and a shared focus on the future.

These successes did not happen by accident.

They happened because of collaboration — between Council members who may not always agree, but who are united in their commitment to this city. They happened because of an exceptional City staff who show up every day with professionalism, creativity, and pride. And they happened because of a community that is engaged, vocal, and invested in where Brantford is headed.

But let me be clear — this year was not without its challenges.

Like municipalities across Ontario and Canada, Brantford faced rising construction costs, inflationary pressures, infrastructure backlogs, and growing demand for municipal services. Housing affordability, public safety, and fiscal sustainability required difficult — and sometimes unpopular — decisions.

We navigated a challenging budget environment, balancing the need to invest in projects like infrastructure renewal, policing, and fire services, while remaining mindful of affordability for residents. Council continued advocating to the Province and the Federal government for sustainable funding models that recognize the expanding responsibilities placed on cities.

These challenges tested us — but they also sharpened us.

They forced us to ask: How do we grow responsibly? How do we invest wisely? How do we ensure safety, opportunity, and quality of life for every resident — today and tomorrow?

Council did not always take the easy path — but we took the thoughtful one. We made decisions guided by long-term planning rather than short-term comfort. We listened to residents. We adjusted where needed. And we remained focused on building a city that is inclusive, safe, and opportunity-rich.

One of the things I am most proud of this year is how Brantford showed up for itself.

We saw it in neighbourhoods supporting one another. In local businesses reinvesting here at home. In community organizations responding to increased need with compassion and determination. And in residents who care deeply enough to speak up, volunteer, and help shape this city’s future.

That engagement is not a weakness — it is one of Brantford’s greatest strengths.

As we look ahead, Brantford stands at an important moment.

We are a city with momentum.
A city with ambition.
A city that respects its history while confidently building its future.

The work ahead will not always be easy. Growth will require patience. Progress will require partnership. And leadership will continue to require courage.

But I am confident — deeply confident — that Brantford is ready.

Ready because of the people who call this place home.
Ready because of a Council committed to working together.
Ready because this city has proven, time and again, that when challenged, we rise.

Thank you to my fellow Council members for your dedication and service.
Thank you to City staff for your tireless work behind the scenes.
And thank you to the residents of Brantford — for your trust, your honesty, and your belief in what this city can be.

The past year showed us who we are.

The year ahead is about who we will become.

And together, I know Brantford’s best days are still ahead.

Thank you.