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In Your Community

We invite you to take part in special events and activities in your community year round!

On this page: 

  • Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy Open House
  • National Forest Week 
  • Fall Community Services Guide
  • Free well water testing events
  • Public Skating
  • Special Event Calendar

Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy Open House 

Join us for a drop-in Open House, where you can:

  • Connect with other locals in the Arts, Culture and Heritage scene
  • Meet with County of Brant staff
  • Share your vision on Community Engagement Boards and take a survey
  • Enjoy live music and refreshments
  • Wednesday, September 20 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Wincey Mills Market, 31 Mechanic Street in Paris

National Forest Week 

National Forest Week is September 18 to 23, 2023. This annual campaign is put on by the Canadian Institute of Forestry to celebrate Canada’s forest heritage and to raise awareness about this valuable and renewable resource. This year’s theme is “supporting biological diversity.”

This past year was integral for trees within the County of Brant, as our new Forestry Department took “root”. Our new Forestry webpage is a great spot to find out about future events and initiatives, educational resources, bylaws, and reporting tree issues.

Celebrate with us by attending a Forest Walk, taking part in our Find the County's Champion Tree initiative, as well as learning more on by-laws and other important forestry information.

Join us on September 22 for a Forest Walk

Join us in celebrating our Urban and Natural Forests in the County by attending a guided Forest Walk on September 22 at 5:00 pm at Jacobs Woods Park, St. George (meet at the end of Hampton Court) 

Help us find the County's Champion Tree
Help us find The County’s Champion Tree! This year, we want your help finding the biggest tree in The County of Brant. Send us your photos or ideas for what we can nominate by emailing our Forestry Department at forestry@brant.ca
Learn more about County of Brant By-laws that protect trees

Did you know that The County of Brant has by-laws that protect trees in woodlands and woodlots? The purpose of the Good Forestry Practices By-Law is to conserve and improve the health of natural heritage areas by controlling and reducing clear cutting, and promote good forestry practices. This bylaw also aims to:

  • Improve resilience and adaptation to climate change
  • Implement the County's strategic priority for Sustainable and Managed Growth by protecting and enhancing the natural environment
  • Promote good forestry practices that sustain and improve healthy natural heritage areas and their related long-term social, economic, and environmental values
  • Protect, promote, and enhance the many benefits that trees contribute to the County in terms of aesthetics, human health, recreation, and overall enjoyment and quality of life
  • Reduce airborne pollution, protecting and improving the quality and quantity of water, preventing soil and wind erosion, reducing water run-off, and providing cooler temperatures in the summer
  • Promote and implement the objectives and policies in the County's Official Plan, Provincial Policy Statement and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe on climate change and green infrastructure and regards to the protection, maintenance, and restoration of natural heritage features, areas, and systems

For more information about the Good Forestry Practices By-law, please visit the Trees Bylaw webpage.

Embrace Diversity in Our Urban Canopy

Our communities resemble vibrant tapestries interwoven with a multitude of cultures, ideas, and backgrounds. Just as this diversity enhances our lives, it also serves a pivotal role in fostering the urban canopy around us.

  • Biodiversity Matters: The more diverse our tree species, the stronger our urban ecosystem. Different trees provide unique benefits, from oxygen production to cooling effects, and they support a wide range of wildlife.
  • Climate Resilience: Diverse urban canopies are better equipped to withstand the challenges of climate change. A mix of tree species ensures adaptability to shifting weather patterns and helps combat when we have heatwaves and drought.
  • Cultural Connection: Trees from various regions and cultures tell stories of our shared heritage. They offer a connection to our roots and a reminder of the global tapestry we are a part of.
  • Inclusivity: Just as our communities thrive on diverse human connections, our urban canopy flourishes with a rich assortment of tree species. Let's ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, benefits from the beauty and benefits of a diverse urban forest.

Share your favourite urban tree and tell us what it means to you! Together, let's celebrate the importance of diversity in our urban canopy and continue nurturing a greener, more inclusive future.

Invasive Species vs. Native Tree Biodiversity

Ever wondered how those sneaky invasive species affect our beloved native trees? Let’s break it down!

  1. Invasive species consume sunlight, water, and soil nutrients. This results in reduced availability of these vital elements for our native trees, impeding their growth
  2. Altered Ecosystems: Invasive can change the whole game! They often don't have natural predators, so they spread like wildfire, disrupting local ecosystems where native trees and wildlife have coexisted for centuries.
  3. Disease Spread: Some invasive species can bring along diseases that native trees aren't prepared to fight. This can lead to devastating outbreaks among our beloved native trees.
  4. Habitat Loss: As invasive’s take over, native trees lose their homes. This means less space for wildlife that depend on them, like birds and insects, leading to a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem.

So, why does this matter? Native trees provide food, shelter, and support to a whole host of critters, and they've adapted perfectly to their environments. We need to protect them to keep our ecosystems healthy and diverse!

What can you do? Stay informed, support local conservation efforts, and avoid planting invasive species in your yard. Let's keep our native trees thriving! Visit the Invasive Insects and Plants webpage to learn more about invasive species. 

 

Fall Community Services Guide

The Fall Community Services Guide is here!  View the guide online or pick up a printed copy at any County of Brant office or community centre. 

Register for a Program

Register for Recreation programs with COB Connect online at www.brant.ca/COBConnect, if you need assistance with COB Connect please phone 519.442.1944, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Free Well Water Testing Events

The Brant County Health Unit is hosting four (4) free well water testing events in the County of Brant! 

Date and TimeLocation
Tuesday, September 5 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm Onondaga Community Hall, 42 Brantford Street, Brantford (Onondaga)
Thursday, September 7 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm Scotland Public Library, 281 Oakland Road, Scotland
Tuesday, September 19 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm Burford LCBO, 29 Park Avenue, Burford
Thursday, September 21 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm St. George Freshmart, 27 Beverly Street W, St. George

At these events, you can:

  • Pick up sterile water testing bottles
  • Drop off water samples in testing bottles
  • Ask questions about well water testing 

For more information, visit the Brant County Health Unit Safe Water webpage

Public Skates

The County of Brant offers a variety of drop in skates at all three of our arenas. These skates do not require registration. View the Skating Webpage for skating rules before attending. 
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View the Drop-in Skating Calendar 

Special Events Calendar

Check out what's happening in your community! View our Event Calendar below.

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View full events calendar

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