Mandy Samwell | Brantford City Councillor

A look back at June 9th – June 29th

It’s been a full and meaningful stretch of days across Brantford and in Ward 5, packed with celebrations, conversations, and the kind of behind-the-scenes work that helps build stronger communities.

Things began at the Beckett Building, where I joined tenants for a Town Hall focused on housing, accessibility, and everyday quality of life. These conversations, grounded in lived experience, are the kind that stay with me.

I had the chance to attend the Sanderson Centre season launch, which brought forward so much pride and excitement for what’s ahead in our city’s arts and culture scene. Brantford continues to show that creativity and community go hand in hand.

At Committee of the Whole, we moved through agenda items that impact residents city-wide. I also spent time hand-delivering invitations to local businesses ahead of the Downtown Business Forum. Those small but personal moments often help create space for broader connection.

Later that week, I attended the Ward 5 and Waste Management Open House, where residents shared questions and feedback on city services, garbage collection, and how we extend the life of our landfill. These events give us a chance to meet people where they are and to listen closely.

At the Eagle Place Community Association Annual General Meeting, I had the chance to hear directly from neighbours. I was once again reminded how deeply people care about their neighbourhoods. These conversations help shape how I show up, how I vote, and how I advocate.

One special moment was the ribbon cutting for the new Youth Home, supported by Soar and Child and Family Services of Grand Erie. This project will make a real difference in the lives of young people, and I was honoured to be part of its opening day.

The following days were filled with heart. Pride in the Park was joyful, affirming, and filled with community. I’m always proud to stand alongside 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in celebration and support.

I also attended the monthly DBBIA Board Meeting, where we shared updates and ongoing efforts to strengthen our downtown core. I’m grateful for the continued collaboration and the energy being poured into this work.

That same week, I participated in the newly formed Town & Gown Advisory Committee and attended the Downtown Action Committee for the first time, having recently been invited to join. We continued important conversations about how to support students, businesses, and residents, and how we shape the future of downtown Brantford together.

Afterward, I joined the Brant Historical Society for a lovely barbecue filled with good food, music, and conversation.

The Crossing Guard Strawberry Social brought together a group of unsung heroes who keep Brantford’s children safe every single school day. I loved hearing stories of crossing guards who’ve helped multiple generations within the same family. They’re living examples of everyday impact.

I was also grateful to attend Solidarity Day at Woodland Cultural Centre, where an art opening invited reflection and dialogue through powerful visual storytelling. It was a space filled with community, culture, Indigenous voices, and lived experience. Moments like this are a reminder that reconciliation must be ongoing, grounded in truth, and carried forward through action.

I attended my first Brant Waterways AGM, where the conversation turned to environmental stewardship and the future of our tree canopy and water systems. This is work that impacts us all.

Later in the week, City Council met to move forward decisions shaped by many of the conversations happening in these community spaces and committee rooms.

The Downtown Business Forum, hosted in partnership with the DBBIA and Chamber of Commerce, was another highlight. There’s clearly a shared commitment to bringing care, vision, and collaboration to the future of downtown Brantford. I left that forum encouraged and focused.

We celebrated a key milestone with the official opening of the Jaycee Park trail and bridge. This naturalized, accessible space is once again connecting neighbours to nature and to each other.

And most recently, I joined in on the fun at the Catch a Ducky downtown event. It was lighthearted, playful, and a reminder that joy belongs at the heart of community-building too.

These past few weeks reminded me of something simple but important: leadership isn’t just about decisions. It’s about presence. Being there. Showing up. Listening. And working with others to grow the kind of city we all want to live in

Let’s keep building the Brantford we all believe in. Thanks for reading.

Mandy