The City of Brantford is marking more than two decades of community investment supported by revenues from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), recognizing the substantial role gaming funds have played in strengthening local programs, services, and nonprofit organizations. Officials gathered at Brantford’s historic City Hall for a community recognition event, where municipal leaders and OLG representatives reflected on the legacy and ongoing impact of OLG contributions.
Since becoming a host community in 1999, Brantford has received nearly $109 million in gaming revenue payments from OLG, including $4,818,867 in the 2024–25 fiscal year alone. These funds form the backbone of the City’s long-standing commitment to reinvesting casino revenues through annual grants distributed to local charitable and nonprofit organizations. The Brant Community Foundation administers these contributions, ensuring support reaches initiatives that enhance community well-being.
Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis emphasized the enduring value of the partnership, noting how gaming funds have contributed to the city’s growth and resilience. “Since this program’s inception, the City has proudly re-invested these funds through annual contributions to support the efforts of various not-for-profit organizations in our community,” Davis said. “We are deeply grateful for the ongoing partnership with OLG and for their ongoing commitment as a corporate citizen and generous contributor to Brantford’s growth and well-being.”
The relationship between the City and OLG is rooted in shared priorities of economic stability, community enrichment, and responsible corporate citizenship. Kathleen Devine, OLG’s Senior Municipal Relations Manager, highlighted the organization’s role in supporting local and provincial initiatives. “OLG is proud to be a vital part of the City of Brantford,” Devine said. “For the last 50 years, since the organization’s start in 1975, 100 per cent of OLG profits are reinvested in Ontario to support provincial priorities. From critical infrastructure projects to community festivals and community grant programs OLG’s profits are hard at work in Brantford and across our province to build stronger communities. We also appreciate the contribution of gaming employees at Elements Casino Brantford who are making life in your community that much better. When you play at an Ontario casino, you play for Ontario.”
Brantford’s use of OLG funds goes beyond financial contributions; it reflects a strategic effort to enhance community safety, social cohesion, and long-term prosperity. Through the City Grants program—administered by the Brant Community Foundation—organizations receive essential funding to deliver programs that align with the City’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan priority areas. These grants support social services, health initiatives, recreational programming, cultural development, and grassroots efforts that build capacity and connection across neighbourhoods.
Anne Marie Peirce, Executive Director of the Brant Community Foundation, underscored the impact of this partnership. “The Brant Community Foundation is proud of its partnership with the City of Brantford and its City Grants community granting program. Since 2001, the program has helped to shape the vitality and sense of belonging that is enjoyed in our community. The City is committed to working with local charities and nonprofit organizations to facilitate opportunities to enhance community wellbeing through grants that align with the City’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan priority areas. The Brant Community Foundation plays a key role in carefully reviewing applications and recommending funding, ensuring that grants make the greatest possible impact across the community,” Peirce said.
To date, the Brant Community Foundation has administered more than 1,500 grants on behalf of the City. Many recipient organizations rely on this funding to maintain operations, expand services, and support vulnerable populations. City officials noted that without the Casino Legacy Fund, numerous programs that contribute to Brantford’s vibrancy and social infrastructure would face significant challenges.
The community recognition event also served as a reminder of the broader impact of OLG contributions across Ontario. As the organization marks 50 years of operation, its profit reinvestment model continues to support health care, infrastructure, education, cultural programming, and municipal development.
Residents and stakeholders can learn more about the Brant Community Foundation’s programs and impact at www.brantcommunityfoundation.ca. Information about OLG’s community partnerships and province-wide initiatives is available at www.modernolg.ca/community-stories.
