The City of Brantford is once again asking residents to weigh in on plans for a proposed Sports and Entertainment Centre (SEC) that could reshape the downtown core.
Preliminary designs show a modern multi-purpose facility to be built between Elements Casino and Earl Haig Family Fun Park.
City officials argue the location would tie the project into existing attractions, support nearby businesses, and spark new investment in the area.
The proposed venue would be designed to host everything from hockey games and concerts to cultural festivals, family shows, and community events.
Accessibility is being pitched as a central feature, with the project team emphasizing universal design principles meant to serve residents of all ages and abilities.
Brantford City Council has not yet committed to moving the project forward.
Instead, staff are gathering feedback on how the building should function and how it would fit into the city’s broader downtown revitalization efforts.
Residents can participate online through a survey at LetsTalkBrantford.ca/SEC, where questions focus on design priorities such as seating layouts, event flexibility, and integration with surrounding streets.
Three public open houses are also scheduled, giving residents the opportunity to view large-scale drawings, ask questions, and speak directly with project staff:
• Oct. 1, 6:30–8 p.m. – Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, 254 North Park St.
• Oct. 8, 6:30–8 p.m. – Walter Gretzky Golf Course, 320 Balmoral Dr.
• Oct. 16, 6:30–8 p.m. – Brantford & District Civic Centre, 79 Market St.
No registration is required.
Once public input is collected, the findings will be reported back to City Council before a final decision is made on whether to move ahead with the next stage.
City staff describe the SEC as one of the most significant civic investments under consideration, with the potential to draw visitors from across the region and cement Brantford’s downtown as a destination for sports and entertainment.
For now, the future of the project rests with the community.
