Brantford, ON — The City of Brantford is asking residents to weigh in on early designs for a proposed Sports and Entertainment Centre (SEC), a multi-purpose venue that could become a cornerstone of the city’s downtown revitalization strategy.
City officials say the new facility, planned for a central downtown site between Elements Casino and Earl Haig Family Fun Park, is intended to strengthen Brantford’s position as a regional hub for sports, entertainment, and community events.
“The site was selected to strengthen the downtown as a destination for sports, entertainment, and community gatherings, while supporting local businesses and encouraging new investment in the area,” the City stated in its announcement.
Vision for a Multi-Purpose Venue
According to the City, the proposed SEC is envisioned as a modern, flexible facility capable of hosting a wide variety of events. Anticipated uses include hockey games, concerts, cultural celebrations, family shows, and community programming.
Design plans incorporate universal accessibility principles and adaptable event spaces, ensuring the venue would be able to serve residents of all ages and abilities while attracting visitors from across southern Ontario.
Municipal officials describe the project as one of the city’s most significant community-building initiatives in recent years, with the potential to generate both cultural and economic benefits.
Opportunities for Public Engagement
Brantford residents are being encouraged to provide input during this phase of planning, with opportunities to comment on concept designs and key features such as seating layout, integration with the downtown core, accessibility, and event flexibility.
Feedback is being collected through two primary channels:
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Online Engagement: Concept designs and a public survey are available at LetsTalkBrantford.ca/SEC.
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In-Person Open Houses: Three sessions are scheduled across the city to display large-scale design concepts, allow residents to meet project staff, and ask questions directly.
The open houses are planned as follows:
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October 1, 6:30–8 p.m. – Tournament Room, Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, 254 North Park Street
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October 8, 6:30–8 p.m. – Walter Gretzky Golf Course, 320 Balmoral Drive
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October 16, 6:30–8 p.m. – Bulldogs Lounge, Brantford & District Civic Centre, 79 Market Street
No registration is required, and residents are welcome to drop in during the posted hours.
Next Steps in the Decision-Making Process
Once the engagement process concludes, the City will compile the feedback into a report for City Council. Council members will then determine whether to move the project forward to the next planning stage.
Officials emphasize that this consultation period represents an important opportunity for residents to influence how the facility is developed, helping to ensure the project reflects community needs and aspirations.
“This is an important opportunity for residents to help shape one of the City’s most significant community-building initiatives, ensuring the proposed facility reflects local needs and aspirations,” the release noted.
Broader Economic and Community Implications
If approved, the SEC could have wide-ranging implications for Brantford’s economic development. By situating the facility in the downtown core, the City aims to drive foot traffic to local businesses, attract outside investment, and reinforce the area’s role as a hub for both leisure and commerce.
With comparable projects in other mid-sized Ontario municipalities often serving as catalysts for urban renewal, Brantford’s decision to prioritize a centrally located venue reflects broader trends in leveraging cultural and sports infrastructure to spur growth.
At the same time, the project carries questions about cost, funding, and long-term sustainability—factors that will weigh heavily on City Council’s final decision. The results of the current engagement process may influence both the scope of the design and the political will to proceed.
How to Get Involved
Residents interested in contributing to the discussion can access detailed design renderings and complete the survey online at LetsTalkBrantford.ca/SEC.
Input gathered will form part of the official record as council prepares to make a decision on whether the Sports and Entertainment Centre project advances.
