COMMUNITY NEWS Mayor of Brantford announces resignation

Last week the Mayor of Brantford announced his resignation to return to a job that brings him closer to his roots as a lawyer Kevin Davis has been appointed a provincial member of the License Appeal Tribunal Here is the open letter he shared announcing his resignation:

Dear Residents of Brantford: It is with a mix of gratitude, pride, and a touch of bittersweet sentiment that I announce my intent to resign at the end of this month as Mayor of Brantford. I recently applied for and have been honored to receive a provincial appointment as a member of the License Appeal Tribunal, a once-in-a-career opportunity that allows me to return to my roots as a lawyer for more than four decades, while also granting me more time to spend with my family and grandchildren. I expect to assume my duties as a tribunal member in August. When I embarked on my journey as your Mayor, I committed myself wholeheartedly to the service and betterment of our great city. Over the past two terms, we have achieved remarkable milestones together From revitalizing our downtown core to enhancing our infrastructure and fostering economic growth, our collective efforts have significantly improved the quality of life for all Brantford residents I am proud of the work we have accomplished, together. Some of the more significant achievements include making possible the construction of a Costco, the GrandBridge Power merger the financial benefits of which was the catalyst for the City establishing a Hospital reserve fund, repurposing the Old Federal building into the City’s new City Hall, the extensive upgrading and redevelopment of over 26 City parks including the Dufferin Park Redevelopment, construction of Brantford Fire Station #2 including a tribute to Walter Gretzky, putting in place a Green Bin program, planning the infrastructure required to develop the City’s Boundary lands, developing a strategy for construction of much needed supportive housing and achieving significant progress in meeting the target to build 506 units, implementing Red Light Cameras, planning for the introduction of automated speed control devices, installing traffic calming measures throughout the City, streamlining the Development Application and building permit process, creating and implementing a downtown renewal strategy, an innovative Encampment protocol and advocating for improved and expanded rehabilitation programs, refurbishing the City’s iconic Clocktower, attracting and retaining so many incredible businesses, like Ferrero, SC Johnson, ANC, and more, and of course bringing OHL hockey to the City for the first time in 40 years.

The work we have accomplished together, council and staff, community stakeholders, neighbouring municipalities along the southwestern Ontario corridor and across the province has raised the City’s profile and strengthened our industrial sector The collaboration and unity we've demonstrated have not only elevated Brantford's profile but also laid a strong foundation for continued success.

With only 18 months remaining in my second four-year term, the timing of this transition feels ideal I had already made the decision not to seek a third term, and this new role presents an exciting opportunity to continue serving the public, albeit in a different role, while allowing me to focus on personal priorities. I want to express my deepest appreciation to the members of the Council, City Staff, and all the community partners who have worked tirelessly alongside me. Your dedication, support, and shared vision have been instrumental in our accomplishments. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and confident that Brantford will continue to thrive under new leadership.

Even as I step into this new chapter, my commitment to Brantford remains unwavering I will continue to champion our city both here and across Ontario, working to raise the brand of this amazing community and ensure its prosperous future

Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving as your Mayor I look forward to witnessing Brantford's continued growth and success.

With sincere gratitude and best wishes,

Mayor Kevin Davis