West Brant Access Route

Study 1: West Brant Access Route
This study looks at a new arterial road corridor from Hardy Road south to Colborne Street West (about 3.4 km).

Study 2: Colborne Street West
This study looks at road and traffic improvements on Colborne Street West from County Road 7 to D’Aubigny Road (about 1.2 km).

These studies are separate, but they are happening at the same time because they are located close together and connected.

Study Area Map

The West Brant Access Route study area includes a new road connection from Hardy Road to Colborne Street West.

The Colborne Street West study area runs from County Road 7 to D’Aubigny Road.

The Study Area includes lands within 200 metres on both sides of the possible road locations being reviewed.

These studies are intended to help the City:

• improve traffic flow,
• reduce travel times, and
• support future growth, especially on the west side of the City.

This work follows the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) process, approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.

A Schedule C EA includes five phases:

1. Phase 1: Identify the problem and opportunity (completed 2021)
2. Phase 2: Compare different ways to address it (completed 2021)
3. Phase 3: Develop and compare early design options (in progress 2026)
4. Phase 4: Prepare detailed design and the Environmental Study Report (in progress 2026)
5. Phase 5: Build/implement the recommended solution (timing to be determined)

Phases 1 and 2 of the Oak Park Road Extension (OPRE) EA were completed under the MCEA. A Commencement Notice was published in June 2020, and two Public Information Centres were held:

• PIC #1: November 27, 2020 (virtual)
• PIC #2: March 31, 2021 (virtual)

This work is documented in the Phase 1 and 2 Summary Report (December 2021).

During Phases 1 and 2, the project team reviewed seven planning alternatives across the County of Brant and the City of Brantford. The options were compared using criteria grouped into eight categories.

The preferred planning solution was:
Planning Alternative Solution 7 - Construct a new roadway crossing the Grand River.

The recommendation was to continue work on:

• a new roadway crossing of the Grand River, and
• an extended corridor to Colborne Street West.

The work also recommended including:

• active transportation (walking/cycling),
• transit, and
• Transportation Demand Management (TDM) (ways to reduce car trips and make best use of the road network).

It also identified the need to study and address potential impacts to transportation, the natural environment, noise and air quality, social and cultural features, and archaeology.

In December 2021, the EA was paused while other strategies were explored.

After the Alternative Transportation Strategic Review (ATSR) was completed, Council approved resuming the EA in June 2024. The project is now referred to as the West Brant Access Route.

Building on the work completed in Phases 1 and 2, the City is continuing with Phase 3 and Phase 4 work to:

• develop and compare preliminary design options, and
• prepare design plans and the Environmental Study Report.

The draft Study Design Report explains the study scope and process, including an early high-level review of options. It helps guide what will be reviewed in Phase 3 and Phase 4.

After the public meeting on February 26, 2026 (Public Information Centre #3), the Study Design Report will be finalized.

PIC #3 (February 26, 2026 - in-person)
The City hosted a live virtual session where residents could ask questions and share feedback.

• Conceptual rendering video to help show what the project could look like
• PIC #3 Presentation shared at the meeting
• Technically preferred plans for both the West Brant Access Route and Colborne Street West

PIC #2 (March 31, 2021 - virtual)
The City hosted a live virtual session where residents could ask questions and share feedback.

• PIC #2 Detailed Evaluation Display Boards
• PIC #2 Detailed Evaluation Summary

PIC #1 (November 27, 2020 - virtual)
The City shared an overview of the project, the EA process, early options, and next steps.
Materials available: video, transcript, display boards, evaluation slides, Q&A video.

• Conceptual rendering video to help show what the project could look like
• PIC #3 Presentation shared at the meeting
• Technically preferred plans for both the West Brant Access Route and Colborne Street West
• Notice of Study Recommencement and PIC #3
• Draft Study Design Report (PDF)
• Phase 1 and 2 Summary Report (December 2021) (PDF)
• PIC #2 Display Boards (PDF)
• PIC #2 Evaluation Summary (PDF)
• PIC #1 Video
• PIC #1 Transcript (PDF)
• PIC #1 Display Boards (PDF)
• PIC #1 Q&A Materials (PDF)