BScene

06/17/2026

Continuance - Immersive Commemoration
Story and Photography by: Jason Freeze

The former Mohawk Institute was "on display" like never before as the Woodland Cultural Centre and Kaha:wi Dance Theatre presented their Continuance performance and commemoration on Friday, May 29th.

The performance blended the history and horrors of the Institute with the continuance of it as a newly reopened historical site. The performance also was meant to "honour Survivors and celebrate Indigenous cultural continuance, resilience, and renewal."

It was truly a remarkable display as the building was lit up with many awe-inspiring backdrops, all the while the dancers and musicians performed and portrayed many significant aspects of the Institutes' history and Indigenous culture as well.

Congratulations to everyone involved in an amazing showcase of culture and to the commemoration of the Institutes' renewal.

06/17/2026

County of Brant Holds Annual Emergency Training Exercise
Submitted Media Release

On Thursday, June 4, 2026, the County of Brant held an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) training exercise to test and strengthen emergency response efforts and coordination among municipal staff and partner agencies.

The exercise simulated a critical incident involving a vehicle collision, gas leak, and event at the County of Brant Customer Service Office in Paris. The fictional scenario was designed to challenge participants to respond to evolving emergency conditions while testing the County's emergency management plans, communications processes, and decision-making procedures.

During the exercise, County staff activated the Emergency Operations Centre and worked alongside emergency management partners including the County of Brant Fire Department, Brant County O.P.P., Brant-Brantford Paramedic Services and Grand Erie Public Health. Representatives from Emergency Management Ontario also attended.

"Exercises such as this provide valuable opportunities to evaluate our emergency plans and strengthen our ability to respond to potential emergencies," said Cindy Stevenson, General Manager of Emergency and Protective Services. "This year’s exercise allowed staff and partners to practice working together in a coordinated setting, identify areas for improvement, and enhance our overall preparedness."

The County of Brant annually holds an emergency management training exercise as part of its commitment to maintaining a high level of preparedness and ensuring compliance with provincial emergency management requirements. An Emergency Management Program Committee also meets quarterly to discuss and review emergency planning procedures for the municipality.

Emergency Planning and Preparedness

Following emergency training exercises is the perfect time to remind the public of the following key items to keep in mind when preparing for emergencies or responding to one:

- Know the risks in your area (flooding, power outages, etc.)
- Create an emergency plan
- Build an emergency kit – for both your home and vehicle
- Sign up for County news and notices at www.brant.ca/Subscribe and follow on Facebook, Instagram and X. We also encourage the public to subscribe to email updates from community partners including Grand Erie Public Health, Grand River Conservation Authority, and to follow their social media channels as well as O.P.P

Should an emergency occur, we remind the public to avoid the affected area(s). Emergency response teams and municipal staff work diligently to ensure the safety of our communities. Staying clear of areas impacted by emergencies allows them to do their jobs effectively and helps keep everyone safe.

Residents can learn more about emergency planning and how to prepare themselves and their families by visiting the County of Brant's Emergency Planning section on our website at www.brant.ca/EmergencyPlanning.

06/17/2026

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen networking and connecting with the local business community during the Business After 5 event with The County of Brant Chamber of Commerce at Queensview Retirement Community this evening!

06/16/2026

3rd Annual Hip For Hospice
Story and Photography by: Jason Freeze

The Sanderson Centre was rocking out to the awesome tunes of 50 Mission - A Tragically Hip Tribute on Saturday, May 30th as they held their 3rd annual Hip for Hospice show in support of the Stedman Community Hospice.

The group performed a great set of some of the Tragically Hip's most iconic songs. And guests were delighted to sing along and experience the music.

Congratulations to everyone involved on a fundraising and musical event!

06/16/2026

LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION ON THE RISE
Submitted Media Release

The local unemployment rate climbed slightly last month.

According to the latest seasonally adjusted estimates from Statistics Canada, Brantford-Brant’s jobless rate inched up 0.2 points to 5.9% in May due to increased labour force participation. An additional 1,100 individuals began looking for work, with 800 finding employment.

Meanwhile, unemployment dipped both provincially – by 0.5 points to 7%- and nationally – by 0.3 points to 6.6%- amid employment increases.

Several surrounding communities, including Hamilton, St. Catharines-Niagara and Guelph observed similar increases in the local unemployment rate as more people looked for work.

Locally, employment gains were largest in the health care and social assistance sector, followed by accommodation and food services, management, and public administration.

Grand Erie Jobs, the Workforce Planning Board’s job board, recorded 2,150 new job posts in May, up 7% from the month prior. Job demand was highest for retail salespersons, food counter attendants and kitchen helpers, transport truck drivers, material handlers and personal support workers.

The board is currently running a Workforce Survey to capture the perspectives of job seekers and workers. To complete the Workforce survey, please use the following link: https://workforceplanningboard.org/2026WorkforceSurvey

Residents, aged 15+, of Brantford, Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit and the Counties of Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk are encouraged to complete the workforce survey. Those who complete they survey will be entered into a draw to win Brantford Red Sox tickets, or 1 of 10 gift cards ($25 value) to local businesses.

The Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie is also running the EmployerOne survey, aimed at local employers and HR representatives. To complete the EmployerOne survey, please use the following link: https://workforceplanningboard.org/EmployerOne

Businesses that complete the survey are entered into a draw to win 1 of 3 coffee breaks for the team or 2 tickets to the Growing Your Workforce Conference in October.

Completing the surveys will help inform local workforce development programs, education and training initiatives, and community policies that strengthen the local economy and create better employment opportunities for residents.

06/16/2026

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen enjoying some delightful food during the 4th Annual Strawberry Social with Brantford Native Housing at Mohawk Park this evening!

Brantford Native Housing’s Strawberry Social is one of our favourite ways to bring everyone together and celebrate community. Held each

06/15/2026

We're excited to see the new line up for the 2026/2027 season at the Sanderson Centre this evening!

06/15/2026

Sikh Association of Brantford Donates $2,500 to Support Neighbours Facing Food Insecurity
Submitted Media Release

The Brantford Food Bank is incredibly grateful to receive a generous donation of $2,500 from the Sikh Association of Brantford, raised through this year’s Khalsa Day Parade.

Khalsa Day, also known as Vaisakhi, commemorates the creation of the Khalsa in 1969 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. Celebrated by Sikh communities around the world, Khalsa day is a vibrant expression of faith, community, equality, and service. The annual parade brings people together through music, cultural performances, prayer, and the spirit of Seva, the Sikh principle of selfless service to others.

Funds raised through this years Khalsa Day Parade will help the Brantford Food Bank continue to provide food and essential supports to individuals and families in our community who are experiencing financial hardship. At a time when more people are turning to the food bank for assistance than ever before, community partnerships like this play a vital role in ensuring no one has to face hunger alone.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Sikh Association of Brantford for their generosity and kindness”, said Justine Lemaich, Fundraising Coordinator at Community Resource Service. “This meaningful contribution embodies the spirit of the Seva and reflects the values of community, equality, and service, which are all at the heart of the Khalsa Day Parade. These funds will directly support families facing financial hardship, helping us provide the groceries they need and offering some peace of mind during difficult times”.

The Brantford Food Bank extends its sincere gratitude to the Sikh Association of Brantford, and all those who planned, attended, or donated to the Khalsa Day Parade. Their kindness and commitment to helping others will have a lasting impact on the Brantford community.

For more information about the Brantford Food Bank, please contact:
Justine Lemaich
Community Resource Service
519-751-4357 ext 240
[email protected]

06/15/2026

Laurier Appoints Tarah Brookfield Dean of Liberal Arts, Human and Social Sciences
Submitted Media Release

Wilfrid Laurier University has appointed Tarah Brookfield dean of the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Liberal Arts for a two-year term beginning July 1.

A faculty member at Laurier’s Brantford campus since 2009 and interim dean of both faculties for the past year, Brookfield has a track record of interdisciplinary teaching, community-engaged research and institutional leadership.

“Dr. Brookfield is a collaborative leader who excels at balancing strategic vision and operational leadership,” said Heidi Northwood, Laurier’s provost and vice-president: academic. “I am thrilled she will continue to work with students, faculty, staff and partners to further the success of these two faculties in Brantford.”

Brookfield earned a PhD in History from York University in 2009 after earning a master’s degree from the University of Waterloo and a bachelor’s degree from McGill University. She joined Laurier in 2009 with cross-appointments in Contemporary Studies, History, and Youth and Children Studies. Her nationally and internationally recognized research, including two books and numerous articles, focuses on women’s feminist and peace activism as well as youth’s lives during times of crisis and war.

“I look forward to working with the students, staff, and faculty in Human and Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, as well as community partners, to foster a culture of innovative learning, equity, and critical thinking,” said Brookfield.

About Laurier’s Faculty of Human and Social Sciences and Faculty of Liberal Arts
Laurier’s Faculty of Human and Social Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate programs across six academic sub-units, where students study complex social issues and build practical experience. Areas of study include Health Studies, Criminology, Policing, Public Safety, Psychology, Game Design and Leadership.

Laurier’s Faculty of Liberal Arts includes traditional arts programs and interdisciplinary fields of study, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in 10 academic sub-units including English, History, Human Rights, Indigenous Studies, Law and Society, Social Justice, User Experience Design, and Youth and Children’s Studies.

06/15/2026

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen getting excited during the annual Sanderson Centre Season Announcement this evening!