BScene

05/29/2026

Brantford Home Hardware Gold Hammer Award
Submitted Media Release

The Brantford Home Hardware at 10 King George Road was a buzz with celebration on Tuesday, April 28th as Dealer Owner/Manager David Liesemer was awarded the Golden Hammer Award. The award is an honour given to people who have celebrated 50 Years of Service with Home Hardware.

Dave also received congratulations and a certificate from Councillor Dan McCreary
on behalf of the City of Brantford.

Dave has had many different positions within the company over his lifetime. Most notably, he has been Owner of Brantford Home Hardware since the year 2000. He has quite an interesting story surrounding his career, and has become well known in the community.

05/29/2026

Canadian Rock Band Finger Eleven to Headline Brantford’s Canada Day Event
Submitted Media Release

Brantford’s Canada Day returns Wednesday, July 1, 2026 with iconic Canadian rock band Finger Eleven, presented by OLG, headlining a full day of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, children’s programming, food vendors, a midway, marketplace and fireworks at Lions Park Steve Brown Sports Complex. The community is invited to start their day at the Citizenship Ceremony returning this year at 10 a.m. at BGC Brantford (2 Edge St.) and witness successful applicants officially become Canadian citizens. The event continues at 11 a.m. with activities and entertainment for all ages taking place throughout the day. Canadian music legend, Tom Wilson, will take the Main Stage at 6:30 p.m. followed by Finger Eleven at 8:30 p.m. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display at 10 p.m.

Live Music on the Main Stage

Main Stage musical entertainment begins at 12 p.m., with a diverse lineup of talented local and touring artists including Hell Bent Rockers, a rockabilly quartet, at 12:10 p.m., Fresh Water Funk, an 8-piece rock, soul and funk band, at 1:25 p.m., Otis Wonder and The Hustle, an R&B soul group, at 2:20 p.m. Back to the 80’s, a tribute band specializing in pop, rock and new wave hits, at 3:25 p.m., and Steven Taetz, performing roots rock, gentle pop ballads, soul and jazz at 4:35 p.m.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., Canadian music legend Tom Wilson will play R&B, funk, blues and more. This year’s headliner, iconic rock and Juno Award-winning band, Finger Eleven, will play a blend of 90s alt and funk-rock including their top hits “Paralyzer”, “One Thing”, “Living in a Dream” and more, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Accessible seating will be available at the front of the Main Stage.

Children’s Activities in the Young Canadians Area

Families can enjoy an exciting lineup of interactive entertainment, activities and family-friendly fun in the Young Canadians Area, presented by Hickory Dickory Decks, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Talented students from the 20 Performing Arts Academy will open the day’s entertainment with a musical theatre performance starting at 12 p.m. Plan to join in the foam party fun with Team T & J at 12:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m., and 4:15 p.m. and interact with the amazing Simon Says Show at 1:20 p.m., 3:05 p.m., and 5:05 p.m. The beloved BarryO Kids Show returns with mesmerizing magic, comedy and ventriloquism at 3:40 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Children can enjoy a special Storytime with PAW Patrol’s Rubble and Deckster from Hickory Dickory Decks, followed by meet and greets with PAW Patrol’s Rubble at 4:40 p.m.

Midway, Food and Marketplace

Albion Amusements presents the KidZone Carnival and Midway with thrilling rides to enjoy from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Ride tickets and ride-all-day wristbands can be purchased on-site or in advance online. Purchase Ride-All-Day Bracelets online until Tuesday, June 30, 2026, for a special rate of $35 plus HST, each. Find details at Brantford.ca/CanadaDay under the ‘Activities’ tab.

Popular food vendors will be selling delicious bites and refreshing beverages from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Bring your appetite and choose from a variety of options including classic fair favourites, international flavours, and unique local specialties.

Take a stroll through the Canada Day Marketplace proudly presented by Mitsui High-Tec (Canada) Inc, open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Discover a wide array of handmade goods, fashion, accessories, unique treasures and more. Local artisans and crafters will showcase their one-of-a-kind creations, offering something for every interest.

The Canada Day Green Team and the City of Brantford are committed to diverting 75 per cent of the waste generated at this year's event. Attendees are asked to bring a reusable water bottle with them to the event to use the City of Brantford Quench Buggy for free water refills.

Review the full schedules and details at Brantford.ca/CanadaDay.

Transportation

A complimentary shuttle service will be available to help attendees get to and from Lions Parks Steve Brown Sports Complex on Wednesday, July 1. Attendees are encouraged to ride the free shuttle offered by Brantford Transit. Find a list of pick-up and drop-off locations including times at Brantford.ca/CanadaDay. On-site parking is also available for $10 per vehicle in support of the non-profit charity Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise who support local charitable organizations. Brantford Lift is also available for anyone requiring accessible transportation and must be pre-booked by Friday, June 26 at 9:30 p.m. by calling 519-752-4444 or emailing [email protected].

Volunteer Opportunities

There are several ways to get involved in this year’s Canada Day event. The City is currently seeking volunteers to assist with set-up and take-down, parking services (must be 18 or older), clean-up, and Brantford Green Team duties. Volunteers will receive a keepsake t-shirt and high school community hours will apply where applicable.

Volunteer applications are available at Brantford.ca/Volunteer and will be accepted until Monday, June 22, 2026. Volunteers must be available to attend a mandatory in-person training on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 6 p.m. at Lions Park Auditorium (20 Edge St.).

The City of Brantford thanks the Brantford’s Canada Day community sponsors and volunteers including Strodes BBQ & Deli, and Domino’s Pizza who generously provide food and beverages for the Canada Day volunteers.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Brantford’s Canada Day event attracts an estimated 20,000 visitors each year. This free event is possible through the support of our sponsors, including OLG, Hickory Dickory Decks, Sonoco Canada Corporation, Tim Hortons, and Co-operators and McMillian Insurance, and more. Businesses or organizations can be associated with a variety of memorable activities and events from live music, Young Canadians attractions, fireworks and more. Applications are available at Brantford.ca/CanadaDaySponsors.

“Brantford’s Canada Day continues to be one of the community’s most anticipated summer events, bringing residents and visitors together for a day filled with live music, family-friendly activities and community spirit. On behalf of Brantford Council and myself, I would like to thank the many sponsors, volunteers and community partners whose support helps make this free community event possible and ensures the day runs smoothly for everyone attending.” - Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis

“Canada Day in Brantford is one of my favourite days of the year. Beyond the event itself, it’s about seeing neighbours, families and friends come together to create lasting memories and proudly reflect on what it is to be Canadian. I am proud to be a part of the Brantford Canada Day Committee who is working hard behind the scenes to ensure this year’s event is something the entire community will enjoy, and recognize what makes Brantford such a special place to call home.” - Dave Carrol, Brantford’s Canada Day Committee Chair

About Finger Eleven

Finger Eleven is an alternative rock band from Ontario, and one of the best-selling Canadian bands of all time. The band has released a series of consecutive hit albums and become among the greatest live bands to ever emerge from the great White North. Their The Greyest of Blue Skies album, broke them into the international mainstream, achieving Gold status in the United States and Platinum in Canada, and smashing the first single "One Thing", across the radio and Billboard charts. Their 2007 album, Them vs. You vs. Me, launched the single "Paralyzer", setting radio records in the US, peaking at number 1 internationally and going 5x Platinum, the band’s second million+ seller. They won the Juno Award for Rock Album the following year and set an incredible run at rock radio, with an unbeaten #14 weeks at the top spot. Life Turns Electric, was nominated for a Juno Award for Best Rock Album of the Year. Five Crooked Lines continued to electrify audiences the world over and their Greatest Hits includes their biggest smash hits in a decade, topping charts internationally.

About Tom Wilson

Tom Wilson Tom Wilson is a Canadian musician, author and visual artist. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada in June 2023 for his multifaceted contributions to the arts and his advocacy for Indigenous communities. He was officially invested with the honor at Rideau Hall in 2025. Wilson’s memoir, “Beautiful Scars” is a national bestseller and The National Art Centre in Ottawa is preparing for a September run of “Beautiful Scars”, a musical adaptation. Tom Wilson has won five Juno Awards and has certified gold and platinum records. His songwriting has seen his works recorded by and with artists such as Sarah McLachlan, City and Colour, Jason Isbell, Colin James, Lucinda Williams, Billy Ray Cyrus, Mavis Staples, The Rankin Family, as well as his own bands. Tom established the Tom Wilson Indigenous Bursary in Honour of Bunny Wilson at McMaster University, supporting year one indigenous students from Ontario secondary schools. Wilson was appointed as a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2023, with this citation: For his multifaceted contributions to the arts in Canada, notably as an iconic musician, as well as for his advocacy of Indigenous communities in Canada. Through his melodies, paintings, and words, Wilson invokes ancestral wisdom while addressing pressing issues of our time. His artistry serves as a bridge between past and present, inviting reflection and dialogue on the complexities of Indigenous identity and resilience. Tom was officially added to the KAHNAWÀ:KE KANIEN'KEHÁ:KA REGISTRY as per KANIEN'KEHÁ:KA OF KAHNAWÀ:KE LAW.

Read Tom Wilson’s full bio online at www.tomwilsononline.com/about.

05/29/2026

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen figuring out who made Humpty fall during the Humpty Dumpty is Missing performance with It Productions at Sydenham-Heritage United Church, Brantford this weekend!

IT Productions presents

05/29/2026

Everyone had a time at the Brant Waterways Foundation Gala tonight! And the new venue at the Southwood Estates was wonderful as well! (Part of Brantwood Farms) Congrats everyone on a fundraising night!

05/28/2026

The Michael Jackson HIStory Show 2026
Story and Photography by: Jason Freeze

The Sanderson Centre was full of excitement on Wednesday, May 6th as the Michael Jackson HIStory Show hit the stage. The show was produced by Showtime Australia and featured a stunning performance by tribute artist Garth Field.

Combined with electric visuals, guests got to hear some of Michael Jackson's iconic hits throughout his career. Everyone enjoyed the performance and was on their feet with excitement.

Make sure to Be Seen singing along to more iconic tunes at the next Sanderson Centre show!

05/28/2026

A McHappy Day Boost Means More Local Kids Can Get in the Game
Submitted Media Release

For more than 100 local children, this year’s McHappy Day means more than a meal sold at the drive-thru. It means cleats tied, jerseys pulled on and a chance to step onto the field, the ice or the court alongside their peers.

A portion of sales from McHappy Day, 2026 at Brantford and Paris McDonald’s restaurants is going to the Arnold Anderson Sport Fund, a local organization that helps children from low-income families in Brantford, Brant County and Six Nations of the Grand River take part in organized sports.

For many families, registration fees can put sports just out of reach. Through its Sponsor A Child program, the fund allows eligible families to apply for support, with children able to receive up to $400 each year to help cover the cost of playing. Organizers say that assistance can do far more than get a child into a program — it can build confidence, improve health and create lasting life lessons.

AASF Director Brent Gordon reflects,
“We are continually inspired by our community’s generosity. No child should miss out on the joy of sports because of cost. With partners like McDonald’s and the strong support of Brantford residents, ‘Sports for ALL Kids’ is becoming a reality while carrying forward Arnold Anderson’s legacy.”

Behind the donation is a wide circle of local support. Fund representatives credited McDonald’s owners Bruce Graham, Krista Hearn and Karl Hearn, along with restaurant staff, volunteers and community supporters, for helping turn a one-day fundraiser into opportunities that will last all season long.

As another season of practices, games and early morning starts approaches, the Arnold Anderson Sport Fund says community support like this continues to make a difference — helping ensure more local children get the chance not just to watch from the sidelines, but to join in.

In the Photo: (Left to Right)
Bruce Graham, McDonald's Franchise Owner
Robin Heath
Barb Hannam, daughter of Arnold Anderson
Jesse Buchan, Director, Arnold Anderson Sport Fun
Krista Hearn, McDonald’s Franchise Owner
Karl Hearn, McDonald’s Franchise Owner

05/28/2026

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen enjoying this adaptation of the Dead Poets Society with the grade 12 Drama students at Assumption College School this evening!

The grade 12 Drama class at Assumption College School is pleased to present

05/27/2026

Over 165,000 Reasons to Smile in Brantford
Submitted Media Release

Powered by passionate community leaders and dedicated volunteers, Lansdowne Children's Centre and Brant Food For Thought are celebrating a new Smile Cookie record for fundraising in Brantford. Each organization has received $82,501.52 at the conclusion of the Tim Hortons 2026 Smile Cookie campaign, eclipsing the previous achievement of $79,415.54 each organization received through the 2025 campaign.

The money was raised through the sale of Smile Cookies and associated merchandise at 19 participating locations across Brantford.

The hard-working Tim Hortons teams kept pace with the week-long demand by partnering with community volunteers who gave their time to help decorate the chocolate-chunk Smile Cookies. Representatives from companies and organizations including Grandbridge Energy, Joshua Wall and The Crew Real Estate, Rotary Club of Brantford Sunrise, Brantford Police and Brantford Fire, and Special Olympics Ontario were joined by local leaders MPP Will Bouma, MP Larry Brock, City of Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis and Mayor of the County of Brant David Bailey, all contributing their time and influence to back these local not-for-profits that work to support for child development, wellness and nutrition.

Both organizations expressed their heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the campaign such a success: the Tim Hortons staff, the volunteers who helped to decorate cookies, everyone who made a purchase, and those who helped to spread the word.

Lansdowne Children's Centre provides specialty services, resources and programs supporting over 6,900 infants, children and teens, as well as their families.

Executive Director Rita-Marie Hadley commended the dedication and support of all volunteers, participants and the Tim Hortons team members.

"The Smile Cookie funds will support our centre's greatest needs, sustaining community-funded programs like Every Kid Counts and the Equipment Loan Program. These critical programs support kids and their families beyond clinical services and provide opportunities for children and youth to better navigate our community, communicate their interests, and develop their abilities and social skills. Your efforts and support are going to result in many more smiles."

Brant Food For Thought is another vital organization for families in the community, which facilitates 62 universal student nutrition programs for over 12,500 children and youth weekly in Brantford and the County of Brant with equitable access to nutritious food. School-based nutrition programs level the playing field for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, to be food secure during the school day, well-nourished and ready to maximize their learning success.

Program Director Judy Maidment expressed great gratitude for the contributions of the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign, and its impact in the lives of local kids.

“We're seeing firsthand the growing need across our schools. Today, we are in every school in Brantford and the County of Brant, and more students are accessing these programs than ever before. Funds raised through the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign will help us expand existing programs to meet this increasing demand. We are so grateful to the Tim Hortons owners, staff, volunteers, and our entire community for stepping up to support local students. Their commitment is helping ensure that every child has the opportunity to start their day nourished and ready to learn.”

In the Photo: Brant Food for Thought Program Director Judy Maidment with Lansdowne Children's Centre Executive Director Rita-Marie Hadley and Development Director Lynda Henriksen, celebrating the incredible results of May's Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign in Brantford. The two organizations will share the proceeds equally, contributing support to local nutrition and child development supports for area children and youth.

05/27/2026

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen chatting and working on your projects during the Casual Knit & Chat session at the County of Brant Public Library this evening!

Join us for an evening of knitting! Bring along your knitting project to knit, chat and meet new friends.

05/26/2026

Students Explore Skilled Trades at Epic Jobs 2026
Story and Photography by: Thomas Clare

Hundreds of students gathered at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre on Thursday, May 21st 2026, for Epic Jobs 2026, a large-scale career exploration event focused on the skilled trades. The event, which ran from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, welcomed approximately 2,000 Grade 7 and 8 students from across the Grand Erie region.

Organised by the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie in partnership with local school boards and schools, Epic Jobs 2026 brought together educators, industry leaders, and exhibitors to introduce students to a wide range of career opportunities. Participants represented sectors such as advanced manufacturing, construction, service industries, and motive power, all of which play key roles in the regional economy.

Throughout the day, students moved between interactive exhibits designed to spark interest and provide insight into skilled trades careers. The event was structured to help young learners connect classroom education with real-world applications, while also highlighting potential apprenticeship pathways. Organisers described the event as a way to build early awareness of career options and encourage future workforce participation in the trades.

Exhibitors and sponsors played a central role in delivering the experience. Many organisations created engaging displays and activities aimed at demonstrating the practical nature of their work. The event also served as an opportunity for local businesses and community organisations to connect directly with students, teachers, and families, strengthening ties between education and industry.

Epic Jobs 2026 continued the success of previous years. Organisers noted that earlier events had featured dozens of exhibits and hands-on activities, giving students opportunities to try tasks such as welding, working with tools, and exploring emerging technologies. These experiences helped make the event both educational and engaging.

By the end of the day, Epic Jobs 2026 had once again highlighted the importance of skilled trades in the local community. The event provided students with valuable exposure to career possibilities while supporting efforts to address future workforce needs in the Grand Erie region.

05/26/2026

Laurier Alum Stephen Dent (BBA ’84) Establishes Birch Hill Student Experience Fund at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics
Submitted Media Release

A transformational gift of $1 million from Wilfrid Laurier University alum Stephen Dent (BBA ’84) will establish the Birch Hill Student Experience Fund to support and enhance experiential learning opportunities for students at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics.

“Experiential education is core to the Lazaridis School curriculum,” said Kyle Murray, dean of the Lazaridis School. “With this visionary gift, Stephen is giving generations of Lazaridis School students the opportunity to test drive their classroom learning and graduate with the in-demand skills of their chosen field. This kind of education can only happen through generous donors like Stephen.”

Dent named the fund in recognition of Birch Hill, the Canadian mid-market private equity firm he founded in 2005. Birch Hill’s 14 partner companies collectively represent one of Canada’s largest corporate entities with more than $9 billion in total revenue and more than 40,000 employees.

The Birch Hill Student Experience Fund will provide support for a variety of initiatives, including case competitions in which students collaborate with their peers and tackle real-world business challenges at the national and international levels. This hands-on approach enables students to apply theoretical knowledge across all functional areas of business, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities as they develop, refine and present innovative solutions. The fund will also support opportunities for students to engage with successful alumni and influential business leaders.

“We have exceptionally talented students and we strive to ensure they have access to the most cutting-edge and high-quality opportunities to show us and the broader community what they are capable of,” said Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy. “We’re grateful to Stephen for giving Laurier students these opportunities through the Birch Hill Student Experience Fund.”