Mayor Kevin Davis will travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin this week to represent the City of Brantford at the 2025 Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Summit, a high-level gathering of over 150 mayors, environmental leaders, and policymakers from Canada and the United States. The summit, taking place May 14–16, will focus on advancing cross-border collaboration to safeguard the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basin while addressing pressing economic and environmental challenges.
This year’s summit marks a pivotal moment for the Cities Initiative, as it continues to evolve from an environmental coalition into a growing political force influencing climate, trade, and infrastructure policy across North America. Member cities will engage in coordinated advocacy and adopt joint resolutions aimed at driving action at both national and international levels.
Among the key issues on the summit agenda are the recent tariffs imposed on Canadian goods, which have had ripple effects on municipalities reliant on cross-border trade. Brantford City Council previously passed a resolution urging the federal government to prioritize economic relief for municipalities affected by these retaliatory measures. The resolution calls for the creation of a targeted municipal relief fund and exemptions for goods produced in economically vulnerable communities.
“Attending the Great Lakes Summit provides an invaluable opportunity to elevate Brantford’s voice on issues that matter locally and regionally,” said Mayor Davis. “The impact of international trade policy is not abstract—it’s being felt directly by our workers and businesses. Municipalities must be part of the conversation.”
While in Wisconsin, Mayor Davis will also visit the global headquarters of SC Johnson in Racine. SC Johnson has maintained operations in Brantford since 1920 and remains a cornerstone employer and community partner. The visit aims to reaffirm Brantford’s commitment to the longstanding relationship with the company, as well as explore future collaboration opportunities.
Environmental concerns will also feature prominently in summit discussions, including the ongoing issue of rising nitrate levels in the Grand River, a key source of Brantford’s drinking water. Although the city’s water supply remains within safe limits as defined by provincial health regulations, elevated nitrate levels have become an increasing concern in recent years.
“Our challenges with nitrate levels in the Grand River are part of a broader environmental reality facing many communities throughout North America,” Mayor Davis said. “A clean, safe source water system is critical to our long-term sustainability. We need coordinated action, investment in clean technologies, and knowledge-sharing across municipal boundaries.”
As a participating member of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, Brantford continues to advocate for municipal leadership in shaping policies that protect vital water resources while promoting economic resilience.
For more information on the City’s involvement in environmental and trade advocacy initiatives, visit brantford.ca.
