Brantford City Council will vote today on a plan to use a $4-million provincial reward to pay down debt on the ongoing downtown revitalization project, a move that could save taxpayers millions in financing costs. The Special City Council Open Session starts at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, and the decision would redirect money from Ontario’s Building Faster Fund to reduce borrowing for the multi-year, $50-million infrastructure overhaul.
The $4-million payout was earned after Brantford exceeded its 2025 provincial housing target. A staff report confirms the city issued permits for 1,288 homes last year, topping the annual goal of 1,000 units by 288. The Building Faster Fund is a three-year, $1.2-billion program that rewards municipalities for hitting at least 80 per cent of their housing targets.
If council endorses the investment plan and passes the required by-law, the money will be funnelled directly into the downtown project’s budget, reducing the amount the city needs to finance through debentures by $4 million. The project involves replacing century-old water, sanitary and storm systems under Brant Avenue, Colborne Street, Icomm Drive, Dalhousie Street and Hill Street, along with streetscape upgrades.
Coun. Mandy Samwell, who serves as council’s downtown revitalization champion, has been a vocal backer of the plan. “This funding is the reflection of a success story of our community,” Samwell said. “Brantford has exceeded its provincial housing target and because of that achievement we’ve earned $4 million through the Building Faster Fund. That’s something we should be proud of.”
The 2026 city budget already allocates $26 million toward the downtown renewal, part of a $165.4-million total capital spending plan. Phase 1 construction started in 2025, paused over the winter, and resumed in spring 2026 toward final completion. The council meeting agenda and livestream details are available on the City of Brantford website.
