Brantford Fun Guide FALL 2023/24 is Now Available
Check out the Fall/Winter 2023-24 issue of the Brantford FUN guide, where you'll find activities, sports, recreation and programs for all ages! Review the Fall/Winter 2023-24 Brantford FUN Guide online (6 MB) or pick up a printed copy at City Hall, one of the City of Brantford Community Centres, Bell Homestead National Historic Site, Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre or an EarlyON Centre. How to Register 'Sign in' to register for programs online or 'Create an Account' if it's your first time registering at www.Brantford.ca/Activenet. If you need help or have any questions, give us a call at 519-759-4150 from Monday to Friday between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Program and lifeguard course registration dates Fall 2023 Programs: Register on September 6 beginning at 7:30 a.m. Winter 2024 Programs: Register on October 25 beginning at 7:30 a.m. Swim lesson registration dates Fall Swim Lessons: Register on September 13 beginning at 7:30 a.m. (lessons viewable at www.brantford.ca/Activenet beginning at 7:30 a.m. on August 30). Winter Swim Lessons: Register on December 6 beginning at 7:30 a.m. (lessons viewable at www.brantford.ca/Activenet beginning at 7:30 a.m. on November 29).
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Bank of Canada Holds Overnight Interest Rate at 5%, Future Hike's Not Ruled Out
SEPTEMBER 6th 2023- The Bank of Canada has taken a breather in its interest rate hiking campaign, deciding to keep its policy rate at 5.0 per cent. Despite this, the central bank is vigilant and ready to raise rates further if necessary, primarily due to lingering concerns about persistent inflationary pressures. In July, Canada's annual inflation rate rebounded to 3.3 per cent from 2.8 per cent the previous month. The Bank of Canada cautioned that near-term inflation might continue to rise, driven by escalating gasoline prices before eventually stabilizing. Price pressures remain widespread, with core inflation indicators showing little recent downward movement. However, the decision to hold rates was widely anticipated, particularly as Canada's economy has displayed signs of deceleration beyond the central bank's initial forecasts. Notably, consumers are reducing credit spending, and the housing market is slowing down. Global economic slowdowns, particularly in China, and indications of a softening Canadian job market, were cited as contributing factors for maintaining the rates. The Bank of Canada's policy rate dictates borrowing costs for Canadian lenders and influences consumer interest rates, including mortgages. The central bank embarked on a rapid rate hike campaign since March 2022 to cool the economy and discourage spending, combating soaring inflation—an objective shared by many central banks worldwide. It typically takes between a year and 18 months for the full impact of interest rate hikes to be felt on the economy. The Bank highlighted that the "lagged effects" of previous rate increases would continue to affect inflation. In its updated forecasts in July, the Bank of Canada anticipated that inflation would reach the two per cent target by mid-2025. This pause by the Bank of Canada is the third time it has left the key rate unchanged this year, following two consecutive rate hikes in June and July. As for future rate hikes, the Bank is closely monitoring factors such as strong wage growth, corporate pricing, and inflation expectations. Economists suggest that while the door remains open for future hikes, the Bank is likely finished with rate increases, barring an unexpected surge in economic growth. The slowing economy is expected to gradually bring inflation back down to the two per cent target. Despite this, talk of rate cuts is seen as premature, and policymakers are cautious about sparking market and consumer concerns that could undermine progress in taming the robust economy. The Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, expressed relief over the rate hold, recognizing that higher interest rates have been a burden on Canadians. While she emphasized the central bank's independence in setting monetary policy, she pledged to use government tools to lower interest rates as soon as feasible. The Bank of Canada's stance on interest rates has become a contentious political issue, with several provincial leaders urging an end to rate hikes due to their economic impact.
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Brantford highlighted as ‘the leader of the pack’ at current pace of building homes
BRANTFORD, ON – At the 2023 AMO Conference in London, Premier Doug Ford announced that the Ontario government is launching the Building Faster Fund, a new three-year, $1.2 billion program that provides significant new funding based on performance against provincial housing targets. The Building Faster Fund will provide $400 million in new annual funding for three years to municipalities that are on target to meet provincial housing targets by 2031. Municipalities that reach 80 per cent of their annual target each year will become eligible for funding based on their share of the overall goal of 1.5 million homes. Municipalities that exceed their target will receive a bonus on top of their allocation. To demonstrate how the fund will work, Premier Ford cited examples of municipalities in Ontario exceeding their provincial targets, and spotlighted Brantford as “the leader of the pack,” explaining that “at Brantford’s current pace of building homes, they are on track to exceed provincial targets by 176% and would be eligible to receive $4M additional dollars, so congratulations to Mayor Davis and his Council.” “I am incredibly proud of our accomplishment that was highlighted during Premier Ford’s speech at the AMO Conference,” says Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis. “Brantford’s status as the ‘leader of the pack’ is the direct result of a focused Council and staff who are committed to working together to build more creative, innovative and diverse housing options in Brantford. I also want to acknowledge builders and their employees who are clearly committed to developing housing that has been approved by the City.” In May 2023, Brantford had the highest percentage of housing starts with 110 units started. The City’s Planning Services team has been successfully setting the stage for the city’s future growth and supporting the development of new housing through several initiatives including the City’s new Official Plan approved by the Province in August 2021, that enables a broad range of housing types including residential intensification within built-up areas and new greenfield development in an expanded Settlement Area. #GOBrantford The Brantford delegation including Mayor Kevin Davis, Councillor Rose Sicoli, CAO Brian Hutchings and Manager of Government Relations & Corporate Initiatives, Sasha Hill Smith, were also encouraged by a positive meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) whereby they advocated for a GO Rail Station stop in Brantford. Identified as an urban growth centre, Brantford’s population is projected to grow nearly 60% by 2051 with an expected workforce of 80,000 people. “With the incredible growth that our city has undergone and continues to experience, it’s clear that a new transit solution for Brantford and our neighbouring municipalities is needed to facilitate a more efficient connection between Brantford and the Aldershot GO Station,” says Councillor Rose Sicoli. The Brantford Delegation presented a convincing case for #GOBrantford, detailing that Brantford’s uniquely situated central location can provide connection for adjacent and surrounding communities including the County of Brant and Six Nations of the Grand River, making Brantford a well-positioned hub to service surrounding communities with proximity to 1.092 million workers within 50 km (30 mi) and 6.054 million workers within 125 km. “We look forward to continuing our discussions with MTO once we formally submit a detailed business plan to the province in September that outlines a persuasive vision for extending GO Train service from Aldershot to Brantford,” says Mayor Davis. -30- Media Contact:Maria Visocchi, DirectorCommunications, Community Engagement and Customer Service | City of BrantfordT: 519-759-4150 ext. 5754 | E: mvisocchi@brantford.ca Article Source : The City of Brantford Newsroom© City of Brantford, 58 Dalhousie Street, Brantford.
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Brantford named one of Canada’s best locations to invest for the fourth year in a row!
The City of Brantford has been named one of the nation’s best locations for businesses to invest. For the fourth year in a row, Site Selection Magazine has named Brantford as one of the top places in the country for business investment, based on corporate end-user facility investment and related job creation activity analyzed on a cumulative and per-capita basis. “Brantford’s open-for-business approach, advantageous location, and diversified economy continue to attract investment from many leading companies,” says Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis. “This acknowledgement highlights how sound planning and strong relationships with our business and community partners can create the right climate for business growth.” In 2022, local industrial expansions included Mitsui High-Tech (Canada) Inc., Massilly North America, Gizeh Packaging NA Inc, and Samuel, Son & Co. Ltd. In addition, Tees N More and Volm Companies moved to Brantford. There is great opportunity for future business growth in Brantford. An estimated 700 gross acres of greenfield industrial land is set for development in the next two to five years including parcels at 473/474 Hardy Road, 83 Craig Street, 225 Henry Street, and 358 Lynden Road. Furthermore, approximately 1,400 gross acres of employment lands in the northwest around Golf Road are slated for industrial development as part of the 2017 boundary expansion. 2022 Quick Facts $57.86 million in industrial building permit value 1.23 million square feet of industrial space was built 155 new industrial jobs were created Hershey Canada Inc. opened their state-of-the-art logistics centre Barry Callebaut broke ground on their new manufacturing facility Panattoni purchased 423 acres of industrial land for $290 million About Site Selection Magazine Site Selection Magazine, published by Conway Data, Inc., is the official publication of the Industrial Asset Management Council. This award-winning magazine is recognized as the leading publication in corporate real estate, facility planning, location analysis and foreign direct investment. Site Selection Magazine delivers in-depth editorial coverage that is powerful and effective, captivating audiences with leading and innovative economic development news coverage. to see Original Article Link Click here
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