The County of Brant hosted a public engagement event Tuesday evening at the Brant Sports Complex to discuss potential plans for an expansion of the facility. The proposed project, still in its early stages, aims to address the growing community’s recreational and wellness needs.
The preliminary design concepts include a large gymnasium, a walking track, additional multiuse rooms, and upgraded change rooms to serve both the existing arena pads and the new facilities. Stacey Ellins, Director of Parks and Recreation for the County of Brant, emphasized the importance of gathering public feedback.
“Today, we’re presenting conceptual designs and collecting input from the community,” Ellins said. “We’ve been working on this project since 2019, and our previous consultations highlighted the need for a gymnasium, as there isn’t one currently in the county. Right now, we rely on schools and churches for gym space, which limits daytime programming.”
The proposed expansion would also include multipurpose rooms to accommodate events like birthday parties, bridal showers, and group programming for toddlers, youth, and seniors. “Pickleball, for example, has become very popular with seniors, and this gymnasium would help meet that demand,” Ellins added.
The expansion would be built on the east side of the current Brant Sports Complex, creating a dedicated customer service area for gymnasium users and a walking track located above the gym. These features are designed to enhance accessibility and provide more recreational options for families.
Residents attending Tuesday’s event were able to view conceptual designs and complete surveys to share their feedback. For those unable to attend, the County of Brant has made the survey available online at EngageBrant.ca/BSCExpansion until February 9, with additional in-person pop-up events scheduled across the region.
Ellins explained that community input will play a critical role in shaping the final design. “Once we’ve gathered feedback from the public and our community partners, we’ll present a report to Council in March with two options for the project. Council will decide which route to take and provide staff with direction,” she said.
The expansion is currently proposed in the County’s 2026 budget but still requires Council approval. If approved, staff aim to present a follow-up report by late 2025 to determine next steps.
“This project reflects the needs of our growing community,” said Brantford-Brant MPP Will Bouma. “Investments like this are essential for supporting families and encouraging growth in the area. The Brant Sports Complex is a key part of our recreational infrastructure, and this expansion will ensure it meets the needs of future generations.”
The County of Brant conducted initial consultations in June 2023, gathering input on a range of potential features, including a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and environmentally friendly building practices.
Ellins noted that the new facilities would also provide flexibility for parents and families. “Imagine parents dropping their kids off for hockey practice and being able to use the walking track or attend a fitness class,” she said. “This project is about making the complex a hub for all members of the community.”
Additional public engagement opportunities include pop-up events scheduled for:
- January 31: Syl Apps Community Centre, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- February 2: Gaukel Memorial Community Centre, St. George, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Printed surveys are available at County of Brant customer service locations in Paris and Burford until February 7, or residents can complete the survey by phone by calling 519.442.7268 or 1.855.442.7268.
Ellins remains optimistic about the project’s potential impact. “This expansion has been a long time in the making, and we’re looking forward to hearing from the community to shape its future. It’s about creating a space that supports everyone—whether it’s sports, fitness, or community gatherings.”
