The City of Brantford and Six Nations of the Grand River have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a framework for collaboration, economic participation and community engagement as development moves forward across thousands of acres of land designated for Brantford’s future growth.
The agreement focuses on Brantford’s Boundary Lands, approximately 7,563 acres transferred from the County of Brant to the City of Brantford in 2016. The lands are expected to accommodate future residential, employment and economic development as the southwestern Ontario city expands.
Recognizing that development of such a large area could have significant implications for surrounding communities, Brantford and Six Nations have committed to maintaining dialogue and working together throughout future planning and development processes.
MOU Establishes Framework for Boundary Lands Development
The agreement represents a step toward strengthening the relationship between the City of Brantford and Six Nations of the Grand River while creating a formal framework for continued cooperation.
Under the MOU, the two communities will collaborate as development progresses within areas where Six Nations has identified interests. The agreement is intended to provide a foundation for addressing matters of mutual importance while supporting economic growth and community prosperity.
A central element of the arrangement is the planned establishment of a Six Nations Community Prosperity Fund. The fund is designed to provide a mechanism through which Six Nations can share in economic benefits associated with future development of the Boundary Lands.
The City and Six Nations will also work together to pursue the authorities required to implement commitments contained in the MOU.
Community Prosperity Fund Targets Shared Economic Benefits
The proposed Community Prosperity Fund introduces an economic component to the broader relationship between the two communities. As residential, commercial, employment and other development proceeds, the mechanism is expected to support Six Nations’ participation in economic opportunities connected with growth in the Boundary Lands.
Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis said the agreement reflects both communities’ intention to strengthen their working relationship while recognizing Six Nations’ connection to the lands.
“This MOU represents an important step forward in our relationship with Six Nations. It provides a meaningful framework for collaboration as the Boundary Lands develop and reflects our shared commitment to building a stronger future together. This is about creating opportunities for prosperity while respecting the history, rights and interests of Six Nations.” – Mayor Kevin Davis, City of Brantford
The agreement comes as municipalities across Ontario continue to manage long-term housing, employment and infrastructure requirements associated with population and economic growth. For Brantford, the Boundary Lands represent a significant component of the city’s future development capacity.
Six Nations Highlights Longstanding Connection to Lands
Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill said the agreement recognizes the importance of maintaining constructive relationships between Six Nations and municipal governments.
“This agreement reflects the importance of continuing to build strong, respectful, and beneficial relationships between Six Nations and municipalities, together. The Community Prosperity Fund provides a framework for Six Nations to share in development opportunities on the Boundary Lands, while recognizing our longstanding connection to these lands and interests.” – Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill, Six Nations of the Grand River
Land-Use Planning and Community Engagement to Continue
Beyond the economic provisions, the MOU establishes expectations for ongoing engagement as individual projects and land-use decisions move through planning and development processes.
Both communities have committed to engaging with each other and their respective communities as development progresses. That cooperation is expected to become increasingly important as infrastructure, housing, employment areas and other uses are planned across the Boundary Lands.
The MOU is an agreement in principle rather than the final stage of the process. It establishes a foundation for future agreements between Brantford and Six Nations as development advances and specific implementation requirements become clearer.
For both communities, the agreement creates a structured path for continued dialogue while recognizing that the transformation of the Boundary Lands will be a long-term process. Future agreements and planning decisions are expected to build on the framework established by the MOU, with collaboration, economic opportunity and community prosperity forming key parts of the approach.