Brantford and County of Brant advance discussions on transferring airport lands to support long-term economic development
BRANTFORD, ON — The City of Brantford and the County of Brant have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining proposed terms for a municipal boundary adjustment involving the Brantford Municipal Airport and surrounding lands, marking a significant step in the region’s long-term economic development planning.
The agreement follows negotiations between members of Brantford City Council and the County of Brant Council, assisted by a Provincial Land and Development facilitator. Both municipalities will now move into a public consultation phase before any formal restructuring agreement is considered.
The proposed adjustment would see the Brantford Municipal Airport and approximately 1,317 acres of surrounding land transferred into the City of Brantford’s municipal boundaries. Officials say the change is intended to support coordinated planning, governance, servicing, and future development opportunities tied to the airport.
Airport identified as strategic economic asset
The Brantford Municipal Airport, currently owned by the City of Brantford, serves the wider Brantford-Brant region and supports a range of aviation and business-related activities. These include general aviation, private and corporate travel, aircraft storage, maintenance services, flight training, medical transport operations, logistics, filming activities, recreation, and aviation-related commercial enterprises.
Municipal officials have identified the airport as an important component of the region’s economic development strategy, with the potential to support future investment and business growth.
According to the municipalities, the MOU establishes a framework for moving discussions forward, though several steps remain before any boundary change could be finalized.
Further approvals and hearings required
The municipalities noted that additional processes will be required before a final agreement can proceed. These include public engagement activities, continued discussions between the City and County, statutory public hearings, and formal Council consideration of a restructuring agreement by both municipalities.
If ultimately approved by both councils, the proposed boundary adjustment would then require consideration by Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, who could issue an order to implement the change.
Public consultation process begins
Residents, businesses, landowners, and other stakeholders are being encouraged to review project details and provide feedback through the City’s online engagement platform.
The City stated that the Let’s Talk Brantford project page includes background information related to the proposal, maps showing the proposed adjustment area, frequently asked questions, and tools allowing residents to submit comments and questions online.
In-person consultation opportunities have also been scheduled as part of the public engagement process.
Public open houses scheduled for June 11
Two public open houses will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course located at 320 Balmoral Drive in Brantford.
The first session will run from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by a second session from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Municipal officials said feedback collected through the online platform and public meetings will be reviewed by City and County staff following the engagement period.
Additional opportunities for public participation are expected during statutory public hearings anticipated in the week of July 6, 2026. Dates for those hearings have not yet been confirmed but are expected to be promoted to residents of both municipalities once finalized.
Feedback to shape final agreement
Officials said the comments and feedback gathered throughout the engagement process will help inform the content of a potential boundary adjustment agreement that would later be presented to both councils for formal consideration.
The municipalities emphasized that the current MOU does not finalize the boundary adjustment but instead outlines proposed terms and establishes a pathway for future discussions and public consultation.
The proposed transfer reflects broader efforts by municipal leaders to position the Brantford Municipal Airport as a long-term economic development hub capable of supporting business investment, transportation infrastructure, and regional growth.
For additional information or to participate in the consultation process, residents can visit the City’s engagement platform at LetsTalkBrantford.ca/Airport.