Mandy Samwell | Brantford City Councillor

Highlights in review from June 2–8th

Community, connection, and the quiet work that builds change

This week brought together so many of the things I care deeply about community conversations, youth leadership, celebration, service, and the kind of behind-the-scenes work that makes change possible over time.

It began with the inaugural meeting of the Safe at Home Advisory Committee, a collaborative initiative born out of the Nova Vita–led think tank I participated in earlier this year. At its heart, this work is about reimagining what safety looks like for survivors of intimate partner violence supporting them to stay in a home of their choosing, while those who cause harm are the ones who leave. We also talked about early intervention and how we can shift the conditions that allow harm to continue. These aren’t easy conversations, but they are necessary and they reflect the kind of collaborative, community-rooted change I believe in.

That same afternoon, I joined community members in Harmony Square for the annual Pride Flag Raising. The energy was joyful and warm, and it reminded me just how important visibility is. Pride isn’t just a celebration it’s a statement that everyone belongs. I was proud to stand with 2SLGBTQ+ community members and allies right in the heart of Brantford.

City work continued at Committee of the Whole, we welcomed a class of local students who came to delegate about lighting in their neighbourhood parks. They spoke with so much clarity and care for their community it gave me real hope. That same meeting also saw the approval of two new Neighbourhood Hubs, Brantford Station and West Brant Neighbourhood Associations a recognition of grassroots momentum and the leadership that already exists in those areas. I’ve seen firsthand what hubs can do, and I’m excited to see what’s ahead.

Later in the week, we held a Food Security Forum the On Thursday, which came from the motion I brought forward to declare a food insecurity emergency. This initial forum brought together the Brant Food System Coalition, grassroots leaders, and community partners to begin shaping a real action plan. There’s still a lot to do but this was a strong first step toward something meaningful.

Throughout the week, Lindsay and I also visited several downtown businesses to personally invite them to our upcoming Downtown Revitalization Business Forum. The work of revitalizing our core won’t come from a single plan it will come from partnerships, from conversations, and from the people who are already shaping what happens there every day.

On Friday, I had the privilege of attending the Brantford Fire Recruit Graduation, where we welcomed the newest class of firefighters into service. Their commitment to public safety, courage, and community care was inspiring to witness.

Saturday brought the 70th Annual Ceremonial Review of the Navy League Cadet Corps Admiral Landymore, an event that always reminds me what youth mentorship and leadership can look like in action. From discipline to teamwork, these young cadets are building strong foundations and I’m grateful to all the families, mentors, and volunteers who help guide their journey.

On Sunday, I wrapped up the week with a walk through the Holmedale Art Crawl a vibrant afternoon filled with colour, creativity, and connection. From live painting to community conversations, it was a beautiful reminder of how art can bring a neighbourhood to life.

Each of these moments might seem different on the surface, but together they reflect the kind of city-building work I believe in: listening carefully, showing up with heart, and taking action that’s rooted in community.

If you’re reading this here on Leading Local thank you. I will be sharing my updates here to give us a simple, space where I can share more of the why behind the work. Whether it’s a council motion, a community meeting, or a celebration of something good happening in your neighbourhood I want you to feel connected.

And if you’re new, welcome. I’m glad you’re here.

As always, if there’s something happening in your part of Brantford that needs attention or support, please reach out.