FAQs
How soon will indoor turf/soccer fields be available in Brantford?
The City recognizes that an indoor turf field is a priority for the community. In 2024, City Council unanimously supported the proposal of a new indoor sports facility in Brantford. The City is currently reviewing funding opportunities to help support the cost. Once funding is determined, the City will engage with the community and its user groups to help inform the design and amenities for the new facility.
Is there a provision for a badminton court?
The proposed Sports Fields and Courts Provision Strategy includes plans for various types of sports facilities to meet the community's needs, including badminton. Data and stakeholder engagement showed the need to enhance gymnasiums to support seasonal adaptation and enhanced multi-purpose use which would support indoor badminton drop-in opportunities as well as facilities for community badminton organizations. Badminton will be offered to the community at recreation locations in the Spring and Summer of 2025 and the City will continue to add programs to support the growth in demand for the sport.
What are the planned parks to come to the Shellard Lane and Gillespie area of the City?
Southwest Community Centre and Park is a new development that will be open for the community in 2026 in Ward 1. The new facility will include five pickleball courts (two accessible courts), a regulation-sized tournament cricket pitch, an artificial turf soccer field, an outdoor basketball court, a gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, and much more.
What is the strategy to ensure that parks remain safe and clean?
To ensure Brantford's parks remain safe and clean, the City will continue diligent cleaning and upkeep to address garbage and other issues in our parks. Additionally, the City will improve lighting and sightlines at various parks, and increase patrols to deter undesirable activities. Furthermore, through this Strategy, more benches, shaded areas, and updated washroom facilities will be added to enhance amenities. Consistent enforcement of park rules and regulations will help maintain parks as safe, welcoming, and vibrant spaces for all residents to enjoy.
Are there plans to grade the trails in the new forest off of Abbott Court?
In 2022, the City conducted a Trail Safety Audit that provided recommendations to ensure the trail network is safe and accessible, including grading and lighting. Currently, there are no plans to grade the trails in the new forest off Abbott Court, as it is not an official city trail and is intended to remain as a naturalized forest.
How will the safety and accessibility of trails and pathways be addressed in the proposed Strategy?
As an Age-Friendly Community, the City prioritizes accessibility in all our open spaces. The proposed Strategy and Master Plan Addendum will address the safety and accessibility of trails and pathways through several key measures. These include improving lighting and sightlines to enhance security, ensuring pathways are well-maintained and free of obstacles, and incorporating accessibility features such as ramps and clear signage. Additionally, the City will conduct regular audits and engage with the community to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments. These efforts aim to create safe, accessible, and enjoyable trails and pathways for all residents.
Is the City exploring the option of installing floodlights in parks that have soccer and cricket to ensure optimal utilization?
The City is exploring the option of installing floodlights in parks that have soccer and cricket facilities. For example, both the artificial turf soccer field and the natural turf cricket pitch at the future Southwest Community Park will include full lighting programs to extend playable hours. This initiative aims to ensure optimal utilization of these spaces, allowing for extended playtime and increased accessibility, especially during evening hours.
For Walter Gretzky Park, will additional lights and traffic calming measures be installed?
A report addressing traffic calming on Blackburn Drive and the surrounding area will be presented to City Council in the coming months. The plan will address the area near Walter Gretzky Park to enhance safety. Further details on additional lighting and other measures will be included in the report.
Will lighting and shade options be provided in Robert Moore Park?
Yes, a floodlight is being provided for the outdoor event space. Additionally, the design will include outdoor lighting on-site for the winter outdoor rink and shade structure.
What is the status update on the Church Street Park?
The Church Street Park project is advised to be paused. The current status of the park is on hold due to funding constraints, site-specific challenges, and other priorities . The City remains committed to engaging with residents to address park needs and support community growth.
Are there any plans to include more recycling bins in our parks?
We currently offer recycling in larger sports parks, such as Kiwanis Field and Bisons Alumni North Park Sports Complex. Expanding recycling to more parks will be explored as we continue to build spaces that foster community interest and encourage community building. More information will be provided as we assess the feasibility and impact of these initiatives.
Will the proposed Strategy seek further communication and collaboration with CSOs?
Yes, the proposed Strategy and Master Plan Addendum will seek further communication and collaboration with CSOs. Regular engagement with CSOs will be a priority to gather feedback, understand community needs, and ensure that sports facilities and programs align with those needs. This ongoing collaboration will help enhance the quality and accessibility of sports and recreational opportunities in Brantford.
Will the proposed Strategy support CSOs when planning for future tournaments?
Yes, the proposed Strategy and Master Plan Addendum will support CSOs in planning for future tournaments. A key recommendation of these strategic reports is to identify and prioritize key sports that align with the City’s aspirations to attract tournament tourism, as the types of sports that have competitive tournaments are becoming increasingly diverse. Through regular communication and collaboration with CSOs to understand their needs, ensuring facilities meet tournament standards, and providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to host successful events will be prioritized. This ongoing support aims to enhance Brantford's reputation as a destination for competitive sports tournaments.
Bookings:
What is the process for facility bookings (e.g., courts, fields) and allocation to follow this year?
The City of Brantford offers a wide range of recreational amenities, including community centres, pool rentals, and ice rentals, providing spaces for residents and organizations to stay active, connect, and enjoy a variety of activities. The City is dedicated to enhancing the facility booking process to make it easier for individuals and organizations to access public recreational amenities. Currently, public outdoor courts can be booked online, with plans to expand online booking to other City sports facilities. The proposed Sports Fields and Courts Provision Strategy prioritizes user-friendly scheduling, simplified permit management, and easier access to booking systems. All indoor and outdoor facilities will be categorized as either permit-based or community-use, with clear information on usage and any associated fees communicated more effectively. Booking information will be more publicly accessible so that users can see the availability of facilities. For more information or booking assistance, visit brantford.ca/facilitybooking or contact recreation customer service at 519-756-1500.