08/11/2026
✈️ WHAT IF WE'RE ASKING THE WRONG QUESTION?
For months, the conversation surrounding the Brantford Municipal Airport has focused almost entirely on one question:
Where should the municipal boundary be?
But perhaps the more important question is...
What is the highest and best long-term use of one of our region's largest publicly owned land assets?
With municipal elections just around the corner, BCAA believes this is a conversation that should be led by newly elected Mayors and Councils, together with the County of Brant, the City of Brantford, Six Nations of the Grand River, post-secondary institutions, industry leaders, and the public before any long-term decisions are made.
Imagine a collaborative regional vision where the airport continues to serve its existing role, while the surrounding public lands become the foundation for something much greater.
Rather than focusing on expanding airport operations, what if our region attracted an anchor institution—such as a university campus, research institute, innovation centre, or technology hub—that could leverage provincial and federal funding, research grants, private investment, philanthropic support, industry partnerships, and partnerships with colleges and universities?
That anchor could become the catalyst for a regional innovation and employment district, creating opportunities such as:
✅ Advanced manufacturing and automation
✅ Health sciences and medical research
✅ Agri-tech and food innovation
✅ Clean energy and environmental technologies
✅ Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic development
✅ Business incubators and commercialization
✅ Student housing, workforce training, and skilled employment
The airport would remain a regional asset—not necessarily one requiring significant expansion—but one that complements a broader vision focused on education, research, innovation, and sustainable economic development.
A regional innovation hub like this could do far more than attract investment—it could help create high-quality, higher-paying careers that encourage graduates and skilled professionals to build their futures here. By fostering research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and advanced industries, our region could strengthen its economy while creating opportunities for local residents to live and work closer to home.
At the same time, BCAA believes economic development should be about more than simply building more homes. Building homes that many people cannot afford is not, by itself, a long-term economic strategy. Sustainable communities require well-paying jobs, a diverse economy, and opportunities that enable people and families to afford those homes. By attracting employers, research institutions, and private investment first, we can help create the economic foundation that supports long-term prosperity throughout the County of Brant, the City of Brantford, and Six Nations of the Grand River.
This type of regional vision could create benefits far beyond the airport lands themselves. A university, research institute, or innovation campus could attract students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and private investment, creating demand for housing, restaurants, retail, professional services, hospitality, and cultural amenities throughout the region.
The economic benefits wouldn't stop at the airport. Increased investment and employment could help support the continued revitalization of Downtown Brantford, while also creating new opportunities for businesses and communities across the County of Brant, including Paris, St. George, Burford, Scotland, Mount Pleasant, Glen Morris, and surrounding communities.
Rather than competing with one another, the County of Brant, the City of Brantford, and Six Nations of the Grand River could work together to build a regional economy where the success of one community helps strengthen them all.
This isn't about stopping progress.
It's about ensuring we pursue the right vision—one that maximizes the long-term value of publicly owned lands, strengthens our regional economy, creates meaningful employment opportunities, and benefits future generations.
As residents prepare to elect new municipal leaders this fall, BCAA encourages every candidate for Mayor and Council in both the County of Brant and the City of Brantford to publicly share their vision for the future of these lands.
We also encourage every candidate to publicly answer these important questions:
• Do you support exploring a regional partnership between the County of Brant, the City of Brantford, and Six Nations of the Grand River to maximize the long-term value of these lands?
• Do you support pursuing an anchor institution—such as a university or research campus—to attract investment, higher-paying jobs, and innovation?
• Did you support or oppose the proposed Airport Lands Boundary Adjustment Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)?
• Did you support or oppose the Provincial Facilitator process, and if so, why?
BCAA's position has consistently been that the process surrounding the proposed MOU and Provincial Facilitator did not provide the level of transparency, public engagement, and regional collaboration that a decision of this magnitude deserved. We believe the next Mayor and Councils should begin with a clean slate, undertake a comprehensive regional master planning exercise, and work collaboratively with all partners to determine the highest and best long-term use of these publicly owned lands.
This is about more than an airport.
It's about creating a vision that attracts investment, builds an innovation economy, creates higher-paying jobs, revitalizes our communities, and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations.
Now it's time to hear from those asking for your vote.
Sincerely,
Travis Welch
Founder – Board Member
Brant Civic Accountability Association (BCAA)
