The City of Brantford has issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to public engagement as the Sports and Entertainment Centre (SEC) project moves forward. The response comes after a community group formally requested an in-person Town Hall meeting to discuss the project’s budget and design process.
Heather Carvalho, Manager of Communications and Community Engagement for the City, stated, “The City is dedicated to ensuring robust and meaningful public engagement as the SEC project progresses into its next stages. As part of the recently approved Progressive Design Build process, the SEC project’s design team will be regularly engaging with residents and stakeholders, including through public open houses. Once a final design and cost have been determined, the City will adhere to the transparent public meeting process outlined in the City’s procedural bylaw, allowing residents and stakeholders to provide input before Council makes a decision on whether to move forward with the project’s construction.”
The request for a Town Hall meeting was made by a community group represented by Mark Dremak, who cited concerns over project transparency, costs, and the financial risks to taxpayers.
The group proposed that the meeting be held in the evening during the first quarter of 2025, with notice provided through the City’s public utilities bill distribution process.
The community group also raised questions about the financial assumptions behind the $140 million SEC budget, referencing past public engagement precedents, including the April 2024 Victoria School meeting and the Arrowdale Golf Course sale consultations.
Concerns were also expressed regarding projected operating losses and comparisons to similar facilities, such as the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines.
The SEC project is intended to serve as the new home for the Brantford Bulldogs, following the team’s ownership transfer to NHL player Zach Hyman and his family.
In January 2025, Mayor Kevin Davis and Spencer Hyman signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) securing the Bulldogs as the anchor tenant with a 15-year lease and renewal options extending up to 40 years.
The City has adopted a Progressive Design-Build (PDB) model for the SEC, which emphasizes collaboration between designers and contractors to manage costs and reduce project risks.
The facility is planned to align with the City’s Net-Zero Building Strategy, incorporating climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable features.
Public engagement opportunities are expected to begin in September 2025, including an interactive open house and online participation via the Let’s Talk Brantford platform.
A “Go/No-Go” report, outlining final design details, budget, and construction plans, will be presented to Council before any decision on moving into the construction phase.
The City has not yet confirmed whether a dedicated Town Hall meeting, as requested by the community group, will be added to the engagement process.
