Brantford City Council has approved key steps toward securing the future of the Brantford Bulldogs and advancing the development of a new Sports and Entertainment Centre (SEC).
The decision follows the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Board’s approval in January 2025 of the Bulldogs’ ownership transfer to NHL player Zach Hyman and his family.
On January 18, 2025, Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis officially welcomed the team’s new owners—Stuart, Spencer, and Zach Hyman—to the city.
During the meeting, Mayor Davis and Spencer Hyman signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a 15-year lease for the Brantford Bulldogs as the anchor tenant of the proposed SEC.
The agreement includes renewal options that could extend the lease for up to 40 years, ensuring the continued presence of OHL hockey in Brantford for the foreseeable future.
At a Special Council meeting on February 11, Brantford City Council approved a staff recommendation to proceed with the SEC development using a Progressive Design-Build (PDB) procurement model.
This approach is expected to enhance collaboration between designers and contractors while maintaining cost control and efficiency. The model is also aimed at reducing project risks and ensuring transparency throughout the process.
The new SEC will align with the City’s Net-Zero Building Strategy, incorporating environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient design features.
These measures are intended to lower emissions and reduce long-term operating costs.
City staff will now begin the process of selecting a Design-Build Team by initiating a Request for Proposals (RFP). Later this year, Council will review a “Go/No-Go” report, which will include final design details, budget considerations, and construction plans before proceeding to the construction phase.
Public engagement will remain a central focus throughout the design-build process.
Residents will have opportunities to provide input through an interactive open house event and the Let’s Talk Brantford online platform. Engagement related to the design phase is expected to begin in September, allowing the public to ask questions and share feedback on the project.
These developments mark significant progress in securing a long-term home for the Brantford Bulldogs while advancing a major infrastructure project aimed at benefiting the local community.
