Born and raised in Brantford, Councillor Samwell has proudly lived in the Ward 5 community for nearly 30 years, where she and her husband have raised their two sons. In her long history of taking on various voluntary roles, Councillor Samwell has always been a strong and prominent advocate for the Eagle Place community. As a neighbourhood activist and volunteer, Councillor Samwell has fostered strong and influential connections with residents, Neighbourhood Associations and organizations across the city. Councillor Samwell remains steadfastly committed to bringing the voices of the community to Council Chambers. She believes that resident engagement is at the core of City service improvements and development planning. A better Brantford depends on working collaboratively and providing more opportunities for citizen feedback. Councillor Samwell is dedicated to being accessible to constituents and always keeping the lines of communication open. She is eager to work hard to represent the diverse needs of Ward 5 and contribute to a City Council that is collaborative, forward-thinking, and values citizen voices.
VanTilborg WHEREAS communities across Canada hold Remembrance Day ceremonies to honour those who served and gave their lives in armed conflict; and WHEREAS Remembrance Day happens once a year while the sacrifice of those who’ve served has a lasting impact; and WHEREAS telling the story of sacrifice all year round makes the act of remembrance all the more poignant; and WHEREAS the City of Brantford
WHEREAS communities across Canada hold Remembrance Day ceremonies to honour those who served and gave their lives in armed conflict; and WHEREAS Remembrance Day happens once a year while the sacrifice of those who’ve served has a lasting impact; and WHEREAS telling the story of sacrifice all year round makes the act of remembrance all the more poignant; and WHEREAS the City of Brantford maintains
WHEREAS Mary Welsh was the driver in the creation of the Brant Waterways Foundation in 1988; and WHEREAS the Brant Waterways Foundation objective is to provide funding assistance for projects that preserve, protect, restore and improve the natural resources of the Grand River its tributaries, related bodies of water and adjacent lands within the City of Brantford, the County of Brant and the Six N
THAT the following proclamations BE APPROVED: 9.1 – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month - June 2026 Recorded vote on all Proclamations: Yes (11) Councillor Sless, Councillor Carpenter, Councillor McCreary, Mayor Davis, Councillor Van Tilborg, Councillor Martin, Councillor Sicoli, Councillor Hunt, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Caputo, and Councillor Samwell
THAT the following proclamations BE APPROVED: 9.1 – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month - June 2026 Recorded vote on all Proclamations: Yes (11): Mayor Davis, Councillor Sicoli, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Caputo, Councillor Sless, Councillor Martin, Councillor McCreary, Councillor Carpenter, Councillor Hunt, Councillor Samwell, and Councillor Van Tilborg
THAT all Items contained within the Committee Reports (Items 12.1 to 12.3) not separated for discussion purposes BE APPROVED. Recorded vote on all items not separated for discussion purposes: Yes (11) Councillor Sless, Councillor Carpenter, Councillor McCreary, Mayor Davis, Councillor Van Tilborg, Councillor Martin, Councillor Sicoli, Councillor Hunt, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Caputo, and Co
THAT all Items contained within the Committee Reports (Items 12.1 to 12.3) not separated for discussion purposes BE APPROVED. Recorded vote on all items not separated for discussion purposes: Yes (11): Mayor Davis, Councillor Sicoli, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Caputo, Councillor Sless, Councillor Martin, Councillor McCreary, Councillor Carpenter, Councillor Hunt, Councillor Samwell, and Counc
VanTilborg WHEREAS the City is undertaking a significant long-term construction project within the downtown intended to enhance public infrastructure, transportation, public space and long-term community vitality; and WHEREAS prolonged construction activity has resulted, and will continue to result, in some disruptions—including reduced pedestrian and vehicular access, construction-related noise a
WHEREAS the City is undertaking a significant long-term construction project within the downtown intended to enhance public infrastructure, transportation, public space and long-term community vitality; and WHEREAS prolonged construction activity has resulted, and will continue to result, in some disruptions—including reduced pedestrian and vehicular access, construction-related noise and dust, an
Amendment to Item 12.3.5 (1): THAT Item 1 of Item 12.3.5 of the Committee of the Whole – Planning and Administration Report BE STRUCK and REPLACED by the following: THAT Report #2026-177 Next Steps Regarding Naming the Parkette Stage BE RECEIVED; and THAT the Parkette Stage BE NAMED "Market Street Stage"; and THAT Staff BE DIRECTED to complete the recommendations outlined in the CPTED analysis for
Amendment to Item 12.3.5 (1): THAT Item 1 of Item 12.3.5 of the Committee of the Whole – Planning and Administration Report BE STRUCK and REPLACED by the following: A. THAT Report #2026-177 Next Steps Regarding Naming the Parkette Stage BE RECEIVED; and B. THAT the Parkette Stage BE NAMED "Market Street Stage"; and C. THAT Staff BE DIRECTED to complete the recommendations outlined in the CPTED ana
VanTilborg WHEREAS the City of Brantford is proud to pay tribute on Remembrance Day to the courage and sacrifice of those who served and continue to serve our country during times of war, military conflict, and peace; and WHEREAS the City of Brantford is committed to showing remembrance and commemoration of veterans and those whose lives were
VanTilborg WHEREAS The Bell Homestead National Historic Site celebrated in grand fashion, the 150 th anniversary of Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone in July 2024; and WHEREAS August 10, 2026, represents the 150 th anniversary of the first successful long distance telephone call that was made between the telegraph offices in downtown Brantford and Paris, Ontario; and WHEREAS the a
WHEREAS the City of Brantford is proud to pay tribute on Remembrance Day to the courage and sacrifice of those who served and continue to serve our country during times of war, military conflict, and peace; and WHEREAS the City of Brantford is committed to showing remembrance and commemoration of veterans and those whose lives were
WHEREAS The Bell Homestead National Historic Site celebrated in grand fashion, the 150th anniversary of Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone in July 2024; and WHEREAS August 10, 2026, represents the 150th anniversary of the first successful long distance telephone call that was made between the telegraph offices in downtown Brantford and Paris, Ontario; and 17 WHEREAS the accomplishm
VanTilborg Amendment THAT clause C BE AMENDED to the following: THAT Staff BE DIRECTED to undertake consultation with all neighbourhood associations, and informed by that input, co-develop a Neighbourhood Association Code of Conduct for executive members in partnership with the Neighbourhood Alliance of Brantford (NAB), reflecting the collaborative approach successfully used in the revised Parks a
Amendment THAT clause C BE AMENDED to the following: 11 THAT Staff BE DIRECTED to undertake consultation with all neighbourhood associations, and informed by that input, co- develop a Neighbourhood Association Code of Conduct for executive members in partnership with the Neighbourhood Alliance of Brantford (NAB), reflecting the collaborative approach successfully used in the revised Parks and Recr
Amendment: THAT the direction for staff to demolish the structure on the property following closing BE
20-2026 Being a by-law to appoint a member of Council to a Board (2026-125) (City Council Urgent Report 02-24-26) 21-2026 Being a by-law to Adopt the City of Brantford Economic Development Community Improvement Plan (2026-151) (Committee of the Whole – Planning and Administration Report #2026-03-10) 22-2026 Being a by-law to Designate the City of Brantford Economic Development Community Improvemen
Amendment THAT the Parkette Stage in Downtown Brantford BE NAMED “Market Street Stage." Recorded vote on amendment: Yes (5) Councillor Carpenter, Councillor Van Tilborg, Councillor Hunt, Councillor Sullivan, and Councillor Samwell No (5) Councillor Sless, Councillor McCreary, Councillor Martin, Councillor Sicoli, and Councillor Caputo
Amendment THAT Staff BE DIRECTED to engage the Economic Development, Tourism & Cultural Initiatives Advisory Committee at their March meeting to develop a shortlist of names for the stage for additional public consultation, including Brant Historical Society, and REPORT BACK to Brantford’s City Council with results in Q2 2026 Recorded vote on amendment: Yes (9) Councillor Sless, Councillor Carpent
Amendment THAT the Parkette Stage in Downtown Brantford BE NAMED “Market Street Stage." Recorded vote on amendment: 19 Yes (5): Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Carpenter, Councillor Hunt, Councillor Samwell, and Councillor Van Tilborg No (5): Councillor Sicoli, Councillor Caputo, Councillor Sless, Councillor Martin, and Councillor McCreary
VanTilborg WHEREAS the Downtown Brantford Business Improvement Area (DBBIA) Board of Management has experienced ongoing challenges in achieving quorum, resulting in cancelled meetings and an inability to conduct Board business; and WHEREAS there are currently two Members of Brantford City Council appointed to the DBBIA Board of Management; and WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001 requires the appointme
WHEREAS the Brantford Figure Skating Club has a long-standing history of promoting athletic development, community engagement, and excellence in figure skating within the City of Brantford; and WHEREAS the Flashing Blades event is a signature showcase hosted by the Brantford Figure Skating Club that brings together skaters, families, and spectators to celebrate sport, creativity, and community spi
WHEREAS respectful, civil, and constructive dialogue is fundamental to effective municipal governance, public trust, and a healthy democracy where all individuals are able to participate fully, safely, and contribute to the well-being of their community; and WHEREAS municipalities across Ontario have experienced increasing incidents of harassment and abuse directed at elected officials and candida
WHEREAS the Downtown Brantford Business Improvement Area (DBBIA) Board of Management has experienced ongoing challenges in achieving quorum, resulting in cancelled meetings and an inability to conduct Board business; and WHEREAS there are currently two Members of Brantford City Council appointed to the DBBIA Board of Management; and WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001 requires the appointment of only
THAT the following proclamations BE APPROVED: 8.1 – Crime Stoppers Month – January 2026 Recorded vote on the Proclamations: Yes (10) Councillor Sless, Councillor McCreary, Mayor Davis, Councillor Van Tilborg, Councillor Martin, Councillor Sicoli, Councillor Hunt, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Caputo, and Councillor Samwell
THAT the following proclamations BE APPROVED: 8.1 – Crime Stoppers Month – January 2026 Recorded vote on the Proclamations: Yes (10): Mayor Davis, Councillor Sicoli, Councillor Sullivan, Councillor Caputo, Councillor Sless, Councillor Martin, Councillor McCreary, Councillor Hunt, Councillor Samwell, and Councillor Van Tilborg
WHEREAS the community of Welland and the surrounding communities were deeply impacted by a recent heinous crime that highlighted critical gaps in Canada’s criminal justice and offender-management systems; and WHEREAS on September 4, 2025, Mayor Frank Campion of the City of Welland wrote to the Premier of Ontario urging comprehensive reform to strengthen sentencing, parole, and bail provisions for
WHEREAS several Advisory Committees have expressed that the current procedural structure may limit their ability to openly discuss ideas, emerging issues, and community concerns during meetings; and WHEREAS in addition, Committee Members have stated that the formal meeting procedures often restrict flexibility to introduce or explore new ideas, resulting in missed opportunities for early input and
WHEREAS the community of Welland and the surrounding communities were deeply impacted by a recent heinous crime that highlighted critical gaps in Canada’s criminal justice and offender- management systems; and WHEREAS on September 4, 2025, Mayor Frank Campion of the City of Welland wrote to the Premier of Ontario urging comprehensive reform to strengthen sentencing, parole, and bail provisions for
10 WHEREAS several Advisory Committees have expressed that the current procedural structure may limit their ability to openly discuss ideas, emerging issues, and community concerns during meetings; and WHEREAS in addition, Committee Members have stated that the formal meeting procedures often restrict flexibility to introduce or explore new ideas, resulting in missed opportunities for early input
WHEREAS food security and access to fresh, healthy produce is a priority for the City of Brantford, and the City has declared a local Food Insecurity Emergency and endorsed the Food Security Community Action Plan to guide long-term, collaborative solutions; and WHEREAS modular vertical farming technology has emerged as a proven and innovative solution to grow vegetables and leafy greens locally, y
McCreary WHEREAS buildings and properties within the City become vacant for a variety of reasons; and WHEREAS vacant and derelict buildings and properties can negatively impact neighbourhood character and atmosphere; and WHEREAS vacant and derelict buildings and properties can create a risk to the health and safety of the City’s residents as well as emergency services and other responders who addr
WHEREAS buildings and properties within the City become vacant for a variety of reasons; and 9 WHEREAS vacant and derelict buildings and properties can negatively impact neighbourhood character and atmosphere; and WHEREAS vacant and derelict buildings and properties can create a risk to the health and safety of the City’s residents as well as emergency services and other responders who address com
THAT report 2025-500 titled: Town and Gown Advisory Committee: Action Plan Workshop BE RECEIVED; and THAT staff BE DIRECTED to incorporate feedback provided at the Special Town and Gown meeting on October 6, 2025 into a draft Town and Gown Action Plan to be presented to the Town and Gown Committee.
A. THAT report 2025-500 titled: Town and Gown Advisory Committee: Action Plan Workshop BE RECEIVED; and B. THAT staff BE DIRECTED to incorporate feedback provided at the Special Town and Gown meeting on October 6, 2025 into a draft Town and Gown Action Plan to be presented to the Town and Gown Committee.
WHEREAS championing world-leading outcomes in breast cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and support is achievable when united by the same goal; and WHEREAS, tremendous progress has been made, yet breast cancer is still the most commonly WHEREAS 1 in 8 expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime, with an estimated 27,900 Canadians diagnosed with breast cancer annually and thousands more l
THAT all items for Consideration/Consent (7.1 and 7.2) separated for discussion purposes BE APPROVED. The following items were subject to the vote and
THAT the following proclamations BE APPROVED: 8.1 – International Overdose Awareness Day – August 31, 2025 8.2 – Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – September 2025 8.3 – FASD Awareness Day – Monday September 9, 2025 8.4 – World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10, 2025 8.5 – Welcoming Week – September 12-21, 2025 8.6 – Cultural Days – September 19 to October 12, 2025 Recorded vote on the Proclama