BScene

08/06/2025

Paris Brews & BBQ Fest 2025
Photography by: Thomas Clare & Jason Freeze

There were lots of delicious tastes and savoury ribs to enjoy during the Paris Brews & BBQ Fest on July 11th and 12th at the Paris Agricultural Society, Home of the Paris Fair.

Hosted by KB Events Canada, the event offered guests a chance to taste foods from a number of vendors and shop around for some great items both inside and outside on the grounds. People also got to enjoy some great music which was performed throughout the event.

Make sure to Be Seen enjoying the food and shopping around during their next event!

08/06/2025

Mosquito Pool Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Brantford
August 5, 2025

Mosquitoes collected earlier last week as part of the surveillance program at the health unit have tested positive for the West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were collected from a residential neighbourhood in Brantford. This is the first lab confirmed evidence of the virus in Brantford and the County of Brant this year.

Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus to humans after becoming infected by feeding on the blood of birds carrying the virus. Residents can take the following steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes:

- Cover up. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly woven fabric.
- Avoid being outdoors from early evening to morning when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, as well as at any time in shady, wooded areas.
- Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects. Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.
- Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET.

“This is the first confirmed positive mosquito pool for West Nile virus this season. The warm and wet weather conditions this summer have created an ideal environment for mosquito breeding. While no human cases have been reported at this time, this positive pool confirms that the virus is present in our community,” said Filip Pajtondziev, Manager of Infectious Diseases and Sexual Health.

While most people do not become sick after being bitten by an infected mosquito, West Nile virus can cause severe illness in others. Seniors and people with underlying illnesses are urged to be cautious, as they are more likely to develop the illness.

Grand Erie Public Health continues to actively monitor the virus across the region as part of its ongoing surveillance efforts. To report on standing water please call the Grand Erie Health Unit at 519-753-4937, ext. 444.

For more information about West Nile virus visit www.bchu.org/westnile or www.hnhu.org/westnile.

08/06/2025

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen enjoying the movie The Wild Robot during Movies in the Park in City View Park this evening!

Movies in the Park is geared up for another great summer! Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a

08/05/2025

A Heartwarming Night at the Theatre: Anne of Green Gables: The Musical Captivated Brantford
Story and Photography by: Thomas Clare

On Friday, July 18, I attended the Sanderson Centre for Playful Fox Productions' performance of Anne of Green Gables: The Musical. The beloved Canadian classic, adapted from L.M. Montgomery’s iconic novel, enchanted a packed house with its rich score, heartfelt storytelling, and a cast that radiated warmth and talent.

The musical followed the journey of Anne Shirley, the imaginative and spirited orphan who found a home—and a family—at Green Gables. From her fiery temper to her poetic soul, Anne’s character was brought to life with remarkable energy and emotional depth. The audience laughed, sighed, and even shed a few tears as Anne navigated her new life in the small farming community of Avonlea.

The production’s direction was both faithful to the original story and refreshingly vibrant. The set design transported viewers to Prince Edward Island, while the costumes captured the late 19th-century aesthetic. The musical numbers, ranging from playful to poignant, were delivered with precision and passion, earning enthusiastic applause throughout the evening.

Standout performances included the actress portraying Anne, whose charisma and vocal prowess anchored the show, and the actors playing Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, whose quiet strength and tenderness added emotional weight to the narrative.

This performance reaffirmed why Anne of Green Gables: The Musical remains a treasured part of Canadian theatre.

08/05/2025

Woodland Cultural Centre Announces Grand Reopening of the Mohawk Institute Residential School on September 30, 2025
Submitted Media Release

The Woodland Cultural Centre (WCC) is honoured to announce the official reopening of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School as an Interpretive Historic Site and Educational Resource. The opening will take place on September 30, 2025, Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, marking a significant step toward truth-telling, education, remembrance, and reconciliation.

The former Mohawk Institute, also known as “The Mush Hole,” was the oldest and longest-running residential school in Canada. From 1828 to 1970, it operated as a key part of a system that profoundly impacted Indigenous communities, separating children from their families and cultures. The WCC is committed to ensuring the stories and experiences of Survivors are shared and understood, contributing to a more just and equitable future.

On September 30, 2025, the Mohawk Institute will reopen as an Interpretive Historic Site and Educational Resource dedicated to:

- Truth-Telling: Sharing the authentic history of the residential school system in Canada and the experiences of Survivors.
- Remembrance: Honouring the lives and legacies of all those affected by the Mohawk Institute and other residential schools.
- Education: Providing opportunities for visitors to learn about Indigenous history, culture, and perspectives.
- Reconciliation: Fostering dialogue, understanding, and action toward a more just and equitable relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Heather George, Executive Director of the Woodland Cultural Centre, states, “We are grateful to the Survivors, donors, former Woodland staff, contractors, and partners at all levels of government for supporting us in completing this major undertaking and preserving the evidence of the history of the longest-running residential school in Canadian history. It is made all the more meaningful by the fact that we are re-opening the building to the public as we reach the 10th anniversary of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Of the 97 Calls to Action that accompanied the report, a number address Education and Heritage, and we are honoured to work to uphold these Calls and be part of the truth-sharing process necessary for true reconciliation to occur.”

About the Mohawk Institute Restoration:
Following the 2013 community support to transform the former Mohawk Institute, The WCC began restoration in 2016 after structural assessments estimated renovation costs at over $23 million. The work included multiple phases of restoration, addressing the roof, masonry, windows, and accessibility.

To date, the “Save the Evidence” campaign has raised over $26 million and benefited from federal, provincial, and municipal government funding, private donations, and community-led initiatives. In March 2022, WCC was thrilled to announce they had successfully raised the funds needed to restore the former Mohawk Institute building.

How to Participate:

- Attend the Opening: Join the Woodland Cultural Centre on September 30, 2025, for the grand reopening of the Mohawk Institute Residential School from 10:00am – 6:00pm.
- Support the WCC: Donations to WCC will help sustain programming and educational initiatives. Visit https://woodlandculturalcentre.ca/support/donate/ to contribute.
- Share: Follow the campaign on social media using , and share your commitment to truth and reconciliation.
- Visit and Learn: Plan your trip to the Mohawk Institute anytime after our grand opening on September 30th and explore this important historic site.

About the Woodland Cultural Centre:
The Woodland Cultural Centre is a First Nations educational and cultural centre that serves to preserve and promote Indigenous languages, cultures, art, and history. Located on the site of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School, the WCC strives to be a leading destination for cultural learning and understanding.

08/05/2025

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen meeting with some royals during the Character Meet & Greet in Downtown Brantford's Harmony Square Brantford this morning!

Each week, colour a picture and meet your favourite characters from the Glass Slipper Company on Tuesdays from July 8

08/04/2025

A Night to Remember: Summer Serenade Concert at Bell Homestead
Story and Photography by: Thomas Clare

On Saturday, June 21, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Summer Serenade Concert featuring the Brantford Memorial Concert Band at the picturesque Bell Homestead. (The Brantford School of Instrumental Music)

Set against the backdrop of the historic Bell Homestead, the concert offered a perfect setting. Families, friends, and music lovers gathered on the lawn with lawn chairs and picnic blankets, ready to enjoy an evening of live music under the open sky.

The Brantford Memorial Concert Band delivered an entertaining performance, that ranged from classics, show tunes to contemporary arrangements. Each piece was performed with precision and passion, reflecting the band’s dedication and musical talent. The conductor engaged the audience with brief introductions to each piece, adding context and a personal touch to the performance.

What made the evening even more special was the sense of community. The concert brought together people of all ages, united by a shared appreciation for music and local culture.

In all, the Summer Serenade Concert was a celebration of music, heritage, and togetherness. I left the Bell Homestead with an appreciation for the arts in our community.

08/04/2025

Special Air Quality Statement Issued for Grand Erie Region - August 3, 2025
Submitted Media Release

The acting medical officer of health for Grand Erie Public Health is issuing a Special Air Quality Statement, effective August 3, 2025, for the County of Brant, the City of Brantford, Haldimand County, and Norfolk County. A Special Air Quality Statement is issued when the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for the region is forecast to reach the high-risk category (AQHI 7-10).

This Special Air Quality Statement will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued.

Populations considered at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by air pollution include:

· People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease
· Older adults
· Children
· Pregnant people
· People who work outdoors

Air pollution can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Exposure to air pollution may cause healthy people to experience irritated eyes, increased mucus in the nose or throat, and coughing or difficulty breathing, especially during exercise.

GEPH advises all residents to monitor the local AQHI index over the coming days.

When local AQHI values exceed 7 (considered “high-risk”):

· Higher-risk populations are advised to reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities.
· All others not in a high-risk population should consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities if they experience coughing or throat irritation.

Residents are encouraged to adjust their activities based on their personal risk level and the evolving conditions. Residents who have questions about their personal risk level should consult their primary health care provider. To learn more about the health risks of air pollution, visit bchu.org/air or hnhu.org/air.

08/04/2025

Happy Civic Long Weekend!
We hope you're all having a long weekend with family and friends.
Please stay safe and cool out there!

08/04/2025

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen rolling around the Square during the weekly Roller Skate in the Square in Downtown Brantford's Harmony Square Brantford this evening!

Get movin’ and groovin’, for a summer roller skate in the Square, with a live D.J. in Harmony Square! Registration

08/03/2025

Hundreds Celebrated Inclusion at the Friends 4 Kindness Unbirthday Party
Story and Photography by: Thomas Clare

On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Mohawk Park, came alive with laughter, music, and vibrant community spirit as nearly 800 people gathered for the annual Friends 4 Kindness Unbirthday Party. The event, held from 1 to 4 PM, welcomed individuals of all ages and abilities to celebrate together—regardless of whether it was their actual birthday.

The Unbirthday Party, a concept inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, was created by Nicole Callander, founder and president of Friends 4 Kindness. The idea originated in 2018 when Callander’s daughter, Kaitlin Coghlin, who has Williams Syndrome, felt left out of typical teenage milestones like prom and graduation. To lift her spirits, Callander asked friends and family to send Kaitlin birthday cards. The response was overwhelming—over 6,000 cards from 34 countries poured in, sparking a movement that eventually led to the creation of the Unbirthday Party.

This year’s celebration featured a variety of inclusive activities: train rides, colouring stations, temporary tattoos, and music that kept the energy high throughout the afternoon. Kaitlin herself was seen enjoying the festivities, spinning joyfully on the train ride and connecting with guests who came to share in the kindness.

The event was entirely free to attend, emphasizing accessibility and community connection. Families who had experienced exclusion due to disability found a welcoming space where everyone was celebrated. The party served as a powerful reminder that joy and friendship should be available to all, not just on birthdays, but every day.

Friends 4 Kindness continues to grow its programs, including inclusive dances, birthday card exchanges, and community outreach, all rooted in the belief that kindness can change lives.