The Plan

In July 2015, the County of Brant initiated a Class Environmental Assessment and Preliminary Design Study for the planning of a new interchange at Bishopsgate Road and Highway 403 and the realignment of Bishopsgate Road to Puttown Road through Falkland. The improvements were identified in the County of Brant's 2008 Transportation Master Plan and have been included in the County's Official Plan since 2000.

For a high level overview of the Bishopsgate Road and Highway 403 Environmental Assessment, view the Bishopsgate Road and Highway 403 Environmental Assessment Executive Summary (PDF). 

Attachments

• Study Design (PDF)
• Notice of Study Completion Report - Available upon request
• Notice of Study Completion Appendices - Available upon request

The County of Brant invites you to engage with us as we investigate and evaluate water and wastewater servicing alternatives and drainage improvements for the community of Burford.

The Master Plan will consider the various alternatives for both water and wastewater servicing as well as alternatives to improve surface water drainage throughout the community to the 2050 design horizon.

Public consultation is important for the success of this project. We're interested in receiving your comments. Public, review agency, and Indigenous communities' consultation is a key element of the process and input will be sought from various parties throughout the study.

To learn more, visit the Engage Brant project page.

Most of the existing Cainsville developed areas are on the municipal water system and have sanitary service via local sanitary sewers and the existing Cainsville Lagoon. Some existing residential and employment areas are on private wells and/or septic systems. 

The study will consider and evaluate alternatives to provide water and wastewater servicing to the entire Cainsville community. This includes expanding services to currently unserviced areas within the settlement boundary. It will identify the preferred drinking water supply, storage and distribution alternative and the preferred wastewater treatment and sanitary sewage collection alternative to prepare for long term growth through to the 2051 horizon.

To participate in this project, visit the Engage Brant website.

In 2025, the Downtown Dig began in downtown Paris on Grand River Street North with major reconstruction. This level of construction in a downtown occurs every 75-100 years. It includes replacing critical major infrastructure which will ensure the longevity of the thriving downtown for decades to come. The final result will be beautiful, functional and accessible for all.

Reconstruction includes NEW:

• Infrastructure (water, sewers) and upgraded utilities (gas, electrical etc.) under the roads
• Road construction
• Sidewalks (widened)
• Streetscape such as lamp posts, benches, trees
• Accessibility features
• Digital features
• Climate resiliency

The downtown angled parking will be converted to parallel parking.

“The Downtown Dig” will affect:

• West River Street (Mechanic Street to Broadway Street West) - 2024/2025
• Grand River Street North between the Nith River Bridge and north of William Street - 2025/2026
• Mechanic Street from Grand River Street North to West River Street (full underground replacement and street scaping) - 2026
• Grand River Street South from Nith River Bridge to Dumfries Street intersection (full underground replacement and roundabout*) – 2027
• Broadway Street West from Mechanic Street to William Street, and William Street from Broadway Street to Grand River Street North - 2028
• Municipal parking lot behind Council Chambers (future date pending)

Visit the Downtown Dig Engage Brant page for project updates.

The Downtown Paris Master Plan was adopted by Council in October 2019. It was developed over a two-year period and included four public consultations and extensive stakeholder consultations to gather valuable feedback.

The Downtown Paris Master Plan offers a strategy to adapt downtown Paris into an inclusive place for people of all ages and abilities while protecting its unique historic and charming character. As the Town of Paris looks to the future, this plan addresses challenges of future growth, environmental concerns and takes a people first/community first approach. 

The implementation of the Downtown Paris Master Plan is expected to begin in 2025. The implementation strategy will carefully review the design, address accessibility, and will phase and time construction to ensure the least amount of disruption to the downtown. Further public consultation will occur at each stage of detailed design and implementation. For more information, including updates, visit the Downtown Dig webpage.

• View the Downtown Paris Master Plan – Overview of Changes and Implementation Schedule (PDF).
• For a high level overview, view the Downtown Paris Master Plan Executive Summary (PDF).
• For full details, please review the Downtown Paris Master Plan Report (PDF)^*.

*Please view the Downtown Paris Master Plan – Overview of Changes and Implementation Schedule for updates to the plan.

The County of Brant has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) to review alternatives to further mitigate flood risks in Paris. The alternatives may include increased regular maintenance of the existing flood protection works, increasing the level of flood protection in existing locations, and construction of new dykes, or barriers.

Construction of the existing Paris Flood Protection Works was completed in 1979 providing flood risk mitigation to Paris. Overall, the Paris Flood Protection works are in need of maintenance and enhancements.

For a high level overview of the Paris Flood Risk Mitigation project, view the Paris Flood Risk Mitigation Executive Summary (PDF).

To learn more about this project, visit the Engage Brant website.

The County of Brant is undertaking a Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Master Servicing Plan for the community of Paris. Paris is the largest urban center within the County and has experienced growth in recent years. Paris is projected to continue to grow. It is necessary to carefully plan future infrastructure needs that will be necessary to support the full buildout of the Paris Settlement Area. This study will provide direction on how to efficiently provide long term servicing strategies for water and wastewater servicing and stormwater drainage service to the full buildout of the Paris Settlement Area.

For a high level overview of the Paris Master Servicing Plan, view the Paris Master Servicing Plan Executive Summary (PDF).

• Paris Master Servicing Plan - Notice of Study Completion (PDF)
• Paris Master Servicing Plan - Report (PDF)

The primary objective of this assessment was to complete geotechnical, geomorphological, and natural heritage investigations to help determine the most preferred remediation plan. The evaluation of alternatives will consider environmental, social, and financial factors as well as regulatory constraints.

An alternatives assessment has been completed related to current conditions of Salt Springs Church Road, to identify the preferred alternative to manage the changing conditions. 

View the Salt Springs Church Road Slope Rehabilitation Options Presentation (PDF)

The County of Brant has initiated a Master Environmental Servicing Plan (MESP) for the communities of Scotland and Oakland. This MESP is being prepared in response to increased interest in community growth in light of Ontario's More Homes Faster Act, 2022, and the update to the 2024 Simply Grand Plan (County of Brant Official Plan).

To learn more about the plan visit the Engage Brant project page.

Throughout 2024, staff across the County of Brant advanced projects, initiatives, and programs to achieve strategic priorities and support the evolving community. The first-ever corporate wide Year in Review takes stock of accomplishments and sets the tone for a positive year ahead. It is organized by department and includes key data and metrics, stories of success and initiatives coming in 2025.

For more information, please view the 2024 A Year in Review (PDF). 

The County of Brant has developed an Age-Friendly Community Plan for those who are 55 and older.

The Plan identified 66 recommendations relevant to the aging population. In the County, the fastest growing segment of citizens are those aged 75 years and older and it is forecast to more than double by 2051. By addressing the recommendations as identified by the World Health Organization, we will continue to enhance and also develop new strategies to improve the quality of life for all who live, work and play in the County of Brant.

For more information, please visit the Age-Friendly Community Plan on the Engage Brant website or review the Age Friendly Community Plan Full Report (PDF).

Additional information can be found on the Engage Brant website.

The County of Brant has developed an Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy to help guide, boost and enhance culture in the County of Brant.

The Strategy lays out six objectives and 42 actions to promote the County of Brant’s diverse and growing arts, culture and heritage resources, producers and audiences over the next ten years (2024-2034). 

For a high level overview of the Arts, Heritage and Culture Strategy, view the Arts, Heritage and Culture Strategy Executive Summary (PDF).
For more information, please review the Arts, Heritage and Culture Strategy (PDF).  

Additional information can be found on the Engage Brant website.

The Biggars Lane Landfill is the County's only operating landfill, accepting nonhazardous municipal solid waste generated within the County of Brant. Based on current waste generation projections, it is predicted the Biggars Lane Landfill site will reach capacity in 2023. As the County plans for the future, it is looking to ensure that its solid waste disposal needs will be met for an estimated 30-year planning period. 

For a high level overview of the Biggars Lane Landfill Environment Assessment, view the Biggar's Land Landfill Environmental Assessment Executive Summary (PDF)

Throughout 2024, the Brantford-Brant Drugs Strategy Coordinating Committee reviewed the community’s most pressing drug-related challenges. Through this process, key recommendations were identified for urgent action. There are some new initiatives and some are carried through items still in progress from the previous plan.

The 2025 Action Plan outlines specific, targeted steps to address these priorities and drive meaningful progress.

For more information, view the Brantford-Brant Community Drug Strategy (PDF) 

The proposal of a new Cainsville Community Centre first came to Council in 2015, as the current Cainsville Community Centre is aging and no longer meets the community's capacity needs. It was agreed upon, through public meetings, that a more modern and larger community centre to host community events and a gathering place for the community would benefit not only the Cainsville community but the County of Brant as a whole. Construction of the new Cainsville Community Centre began in 2022.

For a high level overview of the Cainsville Community Centre, view the Cainsville Community Centre Executive Summary (PDF). 

Visit the Cainsville Community Centre campaign website to learn more.

The Cedar Street neighbourhood in Paris has historically experienced ponding due to a lack of sufficient drainage infrastructure and overland flow outlets. Several drainage improvements have been implemented in the area, which have reduced the frequency and extent of ponding. Additional drainage improvements have been explored in this Report to provide additional flood relief within the area. This Report has been completed to provide stormwater management and drainage guidance to the County of Brant in completing the Class Environmental Assessment and detailed design drawings of the Cedar Street reconstruction.

For a high level overview, view the Cedar Street Reconstruction and Stormwater Management Improvements Executive Summary (PDF).

For full details, please review the Cedar Street Stormwater Management Report (PDF).

The County of Brant has developed our first-ever Climate Action Plan (CAP) to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change at the corporate and community level.

The Plan includes goals, objectives, measurable targets, and 50 actions to guide the County towards a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future. Actions are organized into seven key categories and with implementation timelines ranging from the short to long-term.

For more information, please review the Climate Action Plan (PDF).

To learn more about how the plan was developed, please visit the Climate Action Plan Engage webpage.

In 2022, Council approved funding for the development of a new Communications and Marketing Strategy. Curious Public was chosen to complete the new four-year strategy. This strategy will serve as a model of how to best deliver, execute and support communications between the County of Brant and the public, as well as internal communications, by providing high-level objectives and direction.

For full details, view the County of Brant Communications and Marketing Plan (PDF)

On February 5, 2025, the County of Brant took a significant step toward strengthening community engagement with the approval of its new Community Engagement Framework. This framework outlines a transparent, inclusive, and accessible approach to engaging with members of the public, ensuring meaningful opportunities for community input on County projects, policies, and decisions.

The Community Engagement Framework and Policy was developed with direct input from the community, is supported by best practices, and aligns with the County’s recently approved strategic goals.

For full details, view the Community Engagement Framework (PDF)

Visit the County's Community Engagement Engage webpage to learn more about community engagement in the County.

Through the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, the Province of Ontario mandates municipalities to develop and adopt Community Safety and Well-being Plans. The plans must be developed in partnership with a multi-sectoral ad-hoc advisory committee with representation from the local Police Detachment Board and other local service providers in health/mental health, education, community/social services and children/youth services. The County of Brant's Community Safety and Well-being Plan was reviewed and revised in the late 2024 and the updated plan was approved by Council in June 2025.

For full details, view the County of Brant Community Safety and Well-being Plan (PDF).

The County of Brant imposes development charges (D.C.) to recover capital costs arising from the increase in needs for services related to growth. The County currently has County-wide development charges for services related to highways, fire protection, police, waste diversion, outdoor recreation, indoor recreation, library services, ambulance, water, wastewater, stormwater, and studies related to all services. 

For full details, please review the County of Brant's Development Charges Update Study (PDF).

Visit the County's Development Charges and Fees webpage for more information about Development Charges.

In May 2024, the Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan was approved by Council. The primary objective of this strategy was to create a real and informed alignment of Council, County of Brant staff and stakeholders for the most effective plan to grow the economy and prosperity of Brant.

For a high level overview of the Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan, view the Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan Executive Summary (PDF).

For full details, please review the Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan (PDF).

In 2020, the Economic Development and Tourism division initiated a Filming and Digital Media Strategy to determine how the County should both facilitate filming location requests as well as further develop the opportunities for positive economic and community impact from the growing industry of film and digital media production.

The County of Brant Digital Media and Filming Strategy was adopted by Council in November 2020 and will begin implementation in 2021 through to 2023. 

For a high level overview of the Filming and Digital Media Strategy, view the Filming and Digital Media Strategy Executive Summary (PDF).

For full details, please review the County of Brant Filming and Digital Media Strategy (PDF).

In 2013, the County of Brant reached an agreement with Lafarge Canada to close portions of Governors Road West and Cleaver Road to permit aggregate extraction activities within the road allowances. As a result, the roads have been closed since that time.

When the agreement between the County and Lafarge expires, the County will exchange property with Lafarge to allow the road to be reopened on an alignment that is safer than the original road allowance. In order to open the road on a new alignment, it is necessary to undertake a Class Environmental Assessment to determine the impact of the road realignment on the environment.

For a high level overview of the Environmental assessment, view the Governors Road West and Clear Road Environmental Assessment Study Executive Summary (PDF).

• Notice of Study Completion (PDF)

The County of Brant initiated a Class Environmental Assessment in August 2017 to plan road improvements for Grand River Street North (in Paris) from Watts Pond Road to William Street. These improvements will address traffic, multi-modal transportation and safety concerns associated with increased traffic demand and population growth related to development in Paris.

The study was carried out in consultation with staff from the County of Brant, external agencies, property owners and the public. The plan recommends changes to Grand River Street North for driving, parking and pedestrian use.

For a high level review of the Grand River Street North Study, view the Grand River Street North Corridor Environmental Assessment Study Executive Summary (PDF).

• Grand River Street North Corridor Transportation Study (PDF)
• Grand River Street North Elongated Roundabout (PDF)
• Grand River Street North Technical Memo (PDF)
• Preliminary Evaluation of Paris Links Road Connection Alternatives (PDF)
• Notice of Study Commencement and Community Café - Available upon request
• Notice of Study Completion - Available upon request
• Average Annual Daily Traffic – Grand River Street North - Available upon request
• Grand River Street North Corridor Environmental Study Report
• Grand River Street North Environmental Study Final (PDF) 

Should you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding the project, please contact the County's project manager, Joe Murphy at 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268). The County will endeavor to satisfy your concerns through email, telephone conversations and if necessary, an in-person meeting with project team members.

As part of the Recreation Master Plan, it was recommended the County of Brant develop additional recreation indoor facilities, to meet current and anticipated service growth demands. The plan identified a specific need for a municipal gymnasium, and that any major capital expenditure in recreation infrastructure be subject to a business planning process. In following the recommendations laid out in the Recreation Master Plan, the Indoor Recreation Facilities Business Plan was completed.

For a high level overview, view the Indoor Recreation Facilities Business Plan Executive Summary (PDF).

Attachments:

• Public Workshop - May 23, 2018 Full Presentation (PDF)
• Business Plan Part 2 – Feasibility Analysis - November 7, 2019 (PDF)
• Indoor Recreation Facilities Business Plan - Powerpoint Presentation (PDF)

In November 2024, Council approved the County's Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. The Plan outlines our short-term and long-term goals to remove barriers for people with disabilities. 

Visit the Multi-Year Accessibility webpage to view the Plan and learn more.

As the County of Brant continues to change and grow, the New Official Plan describes the type of growth the community wants and where the growth should occur. This Plan also ensures the County of Brant is thriving and a place our residents want to live, work and play.

The new 2023 Official Plan, 'A Simply Grand Plan', was adopted by County of Brant Council on May 30, 2023. The plan was approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on October 18, 2024. The Official Plan approval is final and not subject to appeal. 

View the 2023 Official Plan (PDF) text online.

For more information, visit the Official Plan page.

The County of Brant initiated a Recreation Master Plan in 2016 as a basis to plan, prioritize, and build community capacity for future parks and recreation facilities, programs and services. The plan identifies what services are required, where they should be provided and at what levels of quality, and the timing and priority of their development over ten to fifteen years.

For a high level overview of the Recreation Master Plan, view the Recreation Master Plan Executive Summary (PDF).

To read the full report, please review the Recreation Master Plan (PDF).

The purpose of the project is to improve traffic operations and the safety of the existing interchange ramp terminals. As such, several alternatives will be considered to accommodate current and future traffic volumes and provide efficiency transportation service on the Rest Acres Road corridor. The study area includes the interchange of Rest Acres Road/Highway 24 and Highway 403.

The County of Brant has completed several Class Environmental Assessments along Rest Acres Road Corridor from Highway 403 to King Edward Street. This Class Environmental Assessment Addendum will define the corridor vision and preliminary design plan of Rest Acres Road between Highway 403 and King Edward Street. As a part of this addendum, refinements to previous studies have been proposed. The Class Environmental Assessment for Rest Acres Road form King Edward Street to Highway 403, Paris (2012) is available here. Other Class Environmental Assessments considered in this Addendum are posted under their own cover on this site.

Attachments:

• Rest Acres Rd Final Environmental Study Report (PDF)
• Rest Acres Rd Class EA Addendum (PDF)
• Rest Acres Rd Addendum - Notice of Study Completion (PDF)
• Rest Acres Rd EA - Appendix A to E (PDF)
• Rest Acres Rd ESDPF Report (PDF)
• Rest Acres Rd Final Environmental Study Report (PDF)

In September 2025, County of Brant Council approved the new Solid Waste Management Master Plan (the Plan), a long-term strategy that will guide our waste services through 2050. The plan was developed based on extensive research, financial analysis, and valuable public input received in early 2025.

For a high level overview of Master Plan, view the Solid Waste Management Master Plan Executive Summary (PDF)

To review the full Plan and the public engagement process, visit the Solid Waste Management Master Plan Engage webpage.

The community of St. George is currently serviced by the St. George Water Pollution Control Plant. The St. George plant has reached its approved capacity and an increase in wastewater treatment capacity in the St. George service area is required to meet the growing community's wastewater treatment needs.

The existing plant also has process capacity limitations that prevent the plant from providing its approved capacity. Sludge and biosolids management processes at the St. George plant are also at or near capacity. In light of these issues, the County undertook a Schedule C Class Environmental Assessment study to determine the preferred wastewater treatment and biosolids management solution for the St. George service area to provide reliable, long-term operation and performance. Review the final St. George Wastewater Environmental Study Report (PDF).

For a high level overview of the Environmental Assessment, view the St. George Water and Wastewater Servicing Executive Summary (PDF).

The County of Brant has completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment study for water servicing upgrades required in the community of St.
George to provide long-term and sustainable water supply and treatment capacity for existing customers and proposed development in the settlement
area.

View the complete St. George Water Servicing Environmental Study Plan (PDF)

The County of Brant launched a new Strategic Plan that will guide Council over the next 4 years from 2018-2022. Please visit the Strategic Plan webpage for more information.

The County of Brant initiated a Trail Master Plan, adopted by Council and revised in 2017, to increase the quality of life for residents. The plan provides a strategic direction for council, staff and the community and sets priorities and guidelines for future trail development and planning. 

For a high level review of the Trails Master Plan, view the Trails Master Plan Executive Summary (PDF).

View the Trails Master Plan Final Report (PDF).

The County of Brant initiated a study to assess the feasibility of introducing a public transit/mobility service in the County. The study has been conducted in two phases:

• Phase 1 – analysis of demand for a service and identification of potential service options
• Phase 2 – a detailed service/mobility plan for the preferred service option

This report represents Phase 2 of the study and a business model for the preferred service concept consisting of a service plan, financial plan and implementation plan with operations, administrative and infrastructure details.

For a high level overview of the plan, view the Transit/Mobility Service Plan Executive Summary (PDF).

To view the full report, please review the Transit/Mobility Service Plan (PDF).

The County of Brant has completed its Transportation Master Plan update.

The Plan recommends solutions that respond to the following needs and opportunities:

• Rapid growth: Meet the needs of existing and future travel demand
• Localized issues: Improve road network safety and operations
• Goods movement: Ensure efficient goods movement
• Active transportation: Make active transportation more attractive
• Public transit: Grow transit connections and coverage within, to and from the County of Brant

View the Transportation Master Plan Update (PDF)

Following the recommendations of the Tutela Heights Slope Stability Class Environmental Assessment, a portion of Tutela Heights Road will be permanently closed on September 16, 2025. 

The County of Brant, through their consultant Parsons Inc., initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment to review the slope stability along a section of Tutela Heights Road. The section of slope along Tutela Heights Road being studied extends easterly from the Bell Homestead Historical Site for approximately one kilometre (1km).

• Project File Report 2017 (PDF)
• Slope Stability Monitoring Program (PDF)
• Notice of Study Completion (PDF)
• Road Closure Management Plan 2020 (PDF)

Surveys and Updates

• August 2020 Summary (PDF)
• August 2020 Survey Data Report (PDF)
• August 2021 Summary (PDF)
• August 2021 Survey Data Report (PDF)
• August 2022 Survey Data Report (PDF)

The Wayfinding Strategy was adopted by Council in 2019. Wayfinding is the process of using and organizing information to find one's way in the built and natural environment. The County of Brant identified there was a need for consistent signage to assist residents and visitors to navigate to the various communities and destinations in the County. In addition, the County has committed to accessible and age friendly infrastructure which includes all signage.

The implementation of the Wayfinding Strategy began in 2019 and is expected to be complete in 2022. For a high level overview of the Wayfinding Strategy, view the Wayfinding Executive Summary (PDF).

For full details, please review the Wayfinding Strategy (PDF).