As temperatures begin to drop across southern Ontario, local organizations gathered at the Woodman Park Community Centre to help residents prepare for the challenges of winter.
The free community event, Winter Wonders: Your Guide to Thriving in the Cold, was organized by the East Ward Echo Place Neighbourhood Association in partnership with the City of Brantford and the Brantford Immigration Partnership (BIP).
The afternoon brought together experts from public health, animal care, road safety, and community wellness sectors to share practical advice on staying healthy, safe, and connected during the colder months.
Brantford City Councillor Mandy Samwell highlighted the importance of local events that promote awareness and safety:
“The importance of this event is really emphasizing winter preparedness,” she said.
“People are learning about winter driving, winter safety, and how to handle the cold weather. It’s a great opportunity—especially for newcomers—to feel more comfortable as we move into the season.”
Samwell commended the East Ward Echo Place Neighbourhood Association for creating an inclusive initiative that helps both long-time residents and newcomers adapt to Canadian winters.
Laurie Moniz, owner of The Doodle Den in Brantford, shared key advice on winter pet care—an aspect often overlooked by new pet owners.
“Here, it’s cold, and we need to protect our dogs’ paws from salt and ice,” she said.
“Use pet-safe salt, keep their hair longer, and make sure they have boots and sweaters when they go out. The biggest mistake people make—especially those coming from warmer countries—is thinking pets can stay outside all day. In Canada, it’s simply too cold for that.”
For Sylvia Collins, a driving instructor with 40 years of experience at DriveWise, winter safety starts long before getting behind the wheel.
“It’s about getting the car ready, getting yourself ready, and understanding the changes winter brings,” Collins explained.
“You need more space, more time, and more patience. Make sure your car has snow tires, proper antifreeze, and windshield fluid for cold temperatures.”
Collins, who has also taught women to drive in Saudi Arabia, said she empathizes with newcomers adjusting to new conditions:
“I’ve experienced being new in another culture. I understand what it’s like, and this event really helps people feel supported.”
From the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Lill Petralla focused on combating the “winter blues.”
“It’s so important not to hibernate,” she said.
“We just want to stay warm and sleep, but it’s essential to get out, stay active, and remain connected. Especially for newcomers, the long Canadian winter can be a shock—but keeping busy and social helps both mental and physical health.”
Representing the Brantford Immigration Partnership, Magdalena Bentia emphasized that events like this strengthen community inclusion.
“We’re here to connect with newcomers, share information about our newsletter and programs, and make sure people know about the resources available,” Bentia said.
“Challenges like finding housing, employment, and language training exist across many cities, but through collaboration, we’re working to make Brantford a welcoming place.”
Armanda Lambert, chair of the East Ward Echo Place Neighbourhood Association, said the event was inspired by feedback from newcomers seeking more resources on winter living.
“We take for granted how much we know about surviving the winter,” Lambert explained.
“For many newcomers, this is all new. We wanted to bridge that gap, help people feel part of the community, and provide practical tools for thriving through the cold months.”
With presentations from Grand Erie Public Health, Autism Dog Services, the City of Brantford’s Snow Buddy and Flood Hero programs, and CMHA Brant Haldimand Norfolk, Winter Wonders offered everything from safety demos to wellness advice.
The event concluded with a community Q&A and refreshments—warming spirits and building connections as Brantford heads into another Canadian winter.
