BRANTFORD, Ont. — The City of Brantford is taking a firm stance against a surge in scrap metal theft and repeat property crimes, launching a province-wide advocacy campaign that calls on both Ontario and federal lawmakers to tighten regulations and reform bail policies.
City officials say local businesses have faced mounting financial losses and safety concerns due to escalating incidents of copper wire theft, property damage, and break-ins. The campaign seeks to rally support from business owners and community members across the province, urging consistent enforcement measures that can deter organized theft operations that have outpaced municipal regulations.
The initiative follows months of frustration among Brantford’s business community, where reports of repeat offences have become increasingly common. Despite efforts by the city to strengthen local oversight, officials acknowledge that municipal laws alone are insufficient to combat the problem.
“Local businesses are suffering the same losses over and over again because offenders can simply cross municipal lines and continue operating without consequence,” said Councillor Linda Hunt, who represents Ward 4 and spearheaded the campaign. “This campaign gives our business community a direct voice to provincial and federal leaders, urging them to close the loopholes that allow this cycle to continue. We need unified, enforceable laws that protect our communities and the people who work so hard to sustain them.”
Local Efforts, Broader Limits
In 2024, the city introduced Salvage Yard Bylaw 37-2024, which imposed stricter requirements on local scrap metal transactions. The bylaw mandated traceable sales, prohibited cash payments, and sought to improve accountability among scrap dealers. City officials say those measures helped curb some illicit activity but failed to stop organized operations that can easily move stolen materials beyond Brantford’s borders.
“Municipal governments can only do so much,” said one city staff member involved in developing the campaign. “Without consistent rules across Ontario, criminals will continue exploiting the gaps.”
In August 2025, Brantford City Council approved Councillor Hunt’s motion directing staff to launch a formal advocacy effort. The campaign calls for the Province of Ontario to enact a province-wide scrap metal statute and urges the Government of Canada to modernize the Criminal Code and reform the bail system to hold repeat property offenders more accountable.
Business Community Speaks Out
To build momentum, the city has made available a customizable advocacy letter template that local businesses can send directly to provincial and federal representatives. The template, accessible through brantford.ca/AdvocacyforStrongerScrapMetalLaws, encourages business owners to share their firsthand experiences, including financial impacts, insurance costs, and the ongoing challenges of dealing with repeat offenders.
Officials hope that by amplifying these individual stories, lawmakers will better grasp the scale of the problem. “We’ve heard from manufacturing firms, construction companies, and utilities that are all being hit repeatedly,” Hunt said. “This campaign is about making sure those voices reach decision-makers who have the power to change the system.”
The Broader Economic Impact
Scrap metal theft, particularly the theft of copper wire, has been a growing concern for businesses and municipalities across Ontario. Stolen materials often end up in unregulated markets, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage to infrastructure and equipment for what amounts to relatively small gains for thieves. The impact extends beyond direct financial losses — increasing operational downtime, elevating insurance premiums, and straining police and emergency resources.
Industry experts say the problem has evolved in recent years as organized groups target commercial and industrial sites with higher-value materials. Brantford’s experience, officials argue, mirrors trends seen in other Ontario municipalities and underscores the need for a coordinated, province-wide response.
A Call for Legislative Action
The campaign emphasizes two key objectives: creating consistent scrap metal legislation across Ontario and promoting federal bail reform that would prevent repeat offenders from cycling through the justice system without meaningful consequences. City officials say both measures are crucial for restoring confidence among business owners and improving community safety.
The City of Brantford’s Economic Development Department is leading outreach efforts and providing resources to affected businesses. Those seeking more information can contact the department at 519-759-4150 ext. 5845 or email [email protected].
While the campaign is still in its early stages, city leaders hope it will spark a broader conversation about property crime, accountability, and the shared responsibility of governments to protect local economies.
“The reality is that this issue doesn’t stop at city limits,” Hunt said. “It’s time for all levels of government to step up together.”