Overview

In May, Brantford City Council established the Mayor's Economic Recovery Task Force to support the economic recovery of our City.  The Task Force will operate as a collaborative community forum in which various entities and organizations across all business sectors and non-profit organizations can share information and resources that will assist with development of a local economic recovery plan as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and/or eased over time.

The significant contribution of the time and efforts of Task Force members are examples of what Brantford is; an ambitious, entrepreneurial, and vibrant community committed to working together to finding solutions. I am extremely proud of the commitment on behalf of Council, staff and businesses alike to continue to be responsive to the needs of Brantford. I want to thank the Task Force for working diligently to provide multi-sectoral leadership and direction to guide Brantford’s economic recovery in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Kevin Davis, Chair of the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force

This page contains information related to the Task Force including meeting information, documents, and resources.

Meeting Information

The meeting schedule, as well as associated documents and records, for the Task Force and Working Group are listed in the table below.

Table: Task Force and Working Group schedule
Task Force and Working Group schedule
DateTimeGroupDocumentsVideo Recording
Tuesday, May 19, 2020 2:30 pm Task Force  Agenda (PDF) YouTube
Friday, May 22, 2020 2:30 pm Working Group  -  -
Thursday, May 28, 2020 2:30 pm Working Group  -  -
Friday, June 5, 2020 1:30 pm Task Force  Agenda (PDF)  YouTube
Wednesday, June 10, 2020 2:30 pm Working Group  - -
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 2:30 pm Task Force Agenda (PDF)  YouTube
Tuesday, June 23, 2020 6:00 pm Council Report Agenda (PDF)  Rogers tv TM
Wednesday, August 26, 2020 2:30 pm Task Force Agenda (PDF)  YouTube
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 6:00 pm Council Report Agenda (PDF) Rogers tvTM
Thursday, February 11, 2021 2:00 pm Task Force Agenda (PDF)  YouTube

Documents and Resources

Explore the sections below for information related to the formation of the Task Force as well as related resources produced by the Task Force and Working Group.

News and updates

Reports and resources

  • Economic Recovery Task Force: Economic Recovery Action Plan Document (archive available upon request)

Findings and Action Items

Below is a summary of the findings and actions items of the Task Force and Working Group. 

 * Legend - Program / Initiative Lead
  • BCHU – Brant County Health Unit
  • BHRN – Brant Human Resources Network
  • BRREA – Brantford Regional Real Estate Association
  • CC – Conestoga College
  • CCBB – Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant
  • CoB – City of Brantford
  • DBBIA – Downtown Brantford BIA
  • EDTD – City of Brantford Economic Development and Tourism Department
  • EO – Employment Ontario (CareerLink, Community Resource and Employment Service, St. Leonard’s Community Services – Brantford Employment Centre)
  • ERTF – Economic Recovery Task Force
  • HHBRTA – Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association
  • SNGRDC – Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation
  • SNP – Six Nations Polytechnic
  • SNT – Six Nations Tourism
  • UEOC – Unified Emergency Operations Centre
  • WLU – Wilfrid Laurier University
  • WPBGE – Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie
Table: Action Items - 1. Analysis and Risk
1. Analysis and Risk
Program and/or InitiativeTimelineLead *Anticipated OutcomeRecommendation
1.a.  |  Direct business outreach to all sectors–phone calls, emails March - ongoing EDTD Understand impact of pandemic on business operations, establish support services and cultivate business relationships  
1.b.  |  Create online business impact survey March 31 - April 30 EDTD Benchmark impacts on operations, workforce, revenues and challenges businesses are experiencing Release of second survey (July), and third survey (October)
1.c.  |  Coordinated approach and regular engagement with CCBB, anchor institutions, local and regional stakeholders March - ongoing ERTF Create uniformity in communications, leverage resources and ensure all stakeholders are aware of resources and supports available  
Table: Action Items - 2. Community Health and Safety
2. Community Health and Safety
Program and/or InitiativeTimelineLead *Anticipated OutcomeRecommendation
2.a.   |  Coordinated approach and daily calls with BCHU via UEOC March - ongoing UEOC Ensure local efforts with recovery align with Provincial/Federal restrictions/orders and supported by BCHU  
2.b. (i)  |  Business to business support for PPE (personal protective equipment) March - ongoing EDTD, SNGRDC, Enterprise Brant, DBBIA, CCBB Connect business with BCHS and local suppliers to secure PPE Utilize Provincial workplace PPE Supplier Directory to help businesses identify suppliers for PPE that will support employees’ safe return to work
2.b. (ii)  |  Business to business support for PPE (personal protective equipment) March - ongoing EDTD, SNGRDC, Enterprise Brant, DBBIA, CCBB Connect business with BCHS and local suppliers to secure PPE Utilize National Rapid Response Platform
2.b. (iii)  |  Business to business support for PPE (personal protective equipment) March - ongoing EDTD, SNGRDC, Enterprise Brant, DBBIA, CCBB Connect business with BCHS and local suppliers to secure PPE Support Chamber of Commerce with local PPE database development
2.b. (iv)  |  Business to business support for PPE (personal protective equipment) March - ongoing EDTD, SNGRDC, Enterprise Brant, DBBIA, CCBB Connect business with BCHS and local suppliers to secure PPE Explore collaboration of PPE kits with small business community
2.c. (i)  |  Provide connections and support for local manufacturers to add or ‘retool’ production lines March - ongoing EDTD, CCBB Support businesses who have the capability for PPE manufacturing and/or auxiliary products to address existing and future emergency crisis events Call for action to local manufacturers to consider retooling
2.c. (ii)  |  Provide connections and support for local manufacturers to add or ‘retool’ production lines March - ongoing EDTD, CCBB Support businesses who have the capability for PPE manufacturing and/or auxiliary products to address existing and future emergency crisis events Identify potential funding opportunities and support agencies aligned with such efforts
2.d.  |  Develop sector specific Recovery Plan Templates June - ongoing Ferrero Canada Ltd., Apotex Pharmachem Inc., S.C. Johnson & Son, Limited., BCHU, EDTD, BHRN, HHBRTA Support and assist local businesses with reopening by providing clear and consistent health and safety guidelines for staff and consumers as per BCHU protocols Capitalize on Provincial templates (Sector-specific guidance from health and safety associations) and Task Force members expertise across all sectors to develop branded templates that can be shared with municipality and business community at large for best practices related to reopening/returning to work environment
2.e. (i)  |  Develop messaging and resources to instill social confidence within the community June - ongoing EDTD, CoB Communications and Community Engagement Department, CoB Human Resource Department, BCHU, DBBIA, HHBRTA Collaborative initiative between business and the municipality to promote what has been done to make people and workplaces safer (PPE, dividers, social distancing/sanitizer signage, remote meetings for those at risk/symptomatic) and ensure bylaw enforcement is sustained Creation of a COVID-19 business operations reference sheet or “roadmap” in collaboration with BCHU and CoB Health, Wellness & Safety team
2.e. (ii)  |  Develop messaging and resources to instill social confidence within the community June - ongoing EDTD, CoB Communications and Community Engagement Department, CoB Human Resource Department, BCHU, DBBIA, HHBRTA Collaborative initiative between business and the municipality to promote what has been done to make people and workplaces safer (PPE, dividers, social distancing/sanitizer signage, remote meetings for those at risk/symptomatic) and ensure bylaw enforcement is sustained Explore establishing a designation (to display/promote) for businesses that have been trained or attained health and safety standard best practices
Table: Action Items - 3. Municipal Processes and Initiatives
3. Municipal Processes and Initiatives
Program and/or InitiativeTimelineLead *Anticipated OutcomeRecommendation
3.a. |  Review applicable municipal by-laws, processes and potential funding sources; Provide application guidance for senior level government programs May - June CoB Planning Department, EDTD, CoB, Finance Department, CoB Clerks Department, CoB Public Works Department Identify municipal avenues that can be revised or altered temporarily and/or permanently to support recovery efforts for the municipality and its businesses Generate a list of municipal by-laws, initiatives and operational processes that could be amended with respect to business operations, development approvals, licensing, etc.
3.a. (i)  |  Review applicable municipal by-laws, processes and potential funding sources; Provide application guidance for senior level government programs May - June CoB Planning Department, EDTD, CoB, Finance Department, CoB Clerks Department, CoB Public Works Department Identify municipal avenues that can be revised or altered temporarily and/or permanently to support recovery efforts for the municipality and its businesses Temporary use by-laws for outdoor patios/seating, parklets, creative place-making
3.a. (ii)  |  Review applicable municipal by-laws, processes and potential funding sources; Provide application guidance for senior level government programs May - June CoB Planning Department, EDTD, CoB, Finance Department, CoB Clerks Department, CoB Public Works Department Identify municipal avenues that can be revised or altered temporarily and/or permanently to support recovery efforts for the municipality and its businesses Easing of ticketing for prolonged parking/waiver of parking pass fees
3.a. (iii)  |  Review applicable municipal by-laws, processes and potential funding sources; Provide application guidance for senior level government programs May - June CoB Planning Department, EDTD, CoB, Finance Department, CoB Clerks Department, CoB Public Works Department Identify municipal avenues that can be revised or altered temporarily and/or permanently to support recovery efforts for the municipality and its businesses Expedited permitting for food trucks/outdoor vendors
3.a. (iv)  |  Review applicable municipal by-laws, processes and potential funding sources; Provide application guidance for senior level government programs May - June CoB Planning Department, EDTD, CoB, Finance Department, CoB Clerks Department, CoB Public Works Department Identify municipal avenues that can be revised or altered temporarily and/or permanently to support recovery efforts for the municipality and its businesses Prospective business loan funding sources
3.a. (v)  |  Review applicable municipal by-laws, processes and potential funding sources; Provide application guidance for senior level government programs May - June CoB Planning Department, EDTD, CoB, Finance Department, CoB Clerks Department, CoB Public Works Department Identify municipal avenues that can be revised or altered temporarily and/or permanently to support recovery efforts for the municipality and its businesses Increased virtual public information centres for planning applications and expedited SPA/permitting approval process
3.a. (vi)  |  Review applicable municipal by-laws, processes and potential funding sources; Provide application guidance for senior level government programs May - June CoB Planning Department, EDTD, CoB, Finance Department, CoB Clerks Department, CoB Public Works Department Identify municipal avenues that can be revised or altered temporarily and/or permanently to support recovery efforts for the municipality and its businesses Accelerate Building and Construction Task Force report to Council
Table: Action Items - 4. Support Local Brantford Businesses
4. Support Local Brantford Businesses
Program and/or InitiativeTimelineLead *Anticipated OutcomeRecommendation
4.a. (i)  |  Develop and implement a “shop local” campaign aimed at keeping local dollars within the community (#BrantfordTogether campaign launched on April 6) April - ongoing EDTD (primary), ERTF, SNT, DBBIA, CCBB, Enterprise Brant, HHBRTA Increase consumer spending to local business and create a sense of pride for supporting local Maintain the spotlight on local businesses through the #BrantfordTogether social media campaign
4.a. (ii)  |  Develop and implement a “shop local” campaign aimed at keeping local dollars within the community (#BrantfordTogether campaign launched on April 6) April - ongoing EDTD (primary), ERTF, SNT, DBBIA, CCBB, Enterprise Brant, HHBRTA Increase consumer spending to local business and create a sense of pride for supporting local Continue cross promotion and support of local businesses, that remain open or will be reopening, through online platforms (local business app, social media cross - posting, online gift card procurement and e-commerce)
4.a. (iii)  |  Develop and implement a “shop local” campaign aimed at keeping local dollars within the community (#BrantfordTogether campaign launched on April 6) April - ongoing EDTD (primary), ERTF, SNT, DBBIA, CCBB, Enterprise Brant, HHBRTA Increase consumer spending to local business and create a sense of pride for supporting local Shop Local Program specifically focused on DBBIA (Stronger Together campaign)
4.a. (iv)  |  Develop and implement a “shop local” campaign aimed at keeping local dollars within the community (#BrantfordTogether campaign launched on April 6) April - ongoing EDTD (primary), ERTF, SNT, DBBIA, CCBB, Enterprise Brant, HHBRTA Increase consumer spending to local business and create a sense of pride for supporting local Creation of a small business association specifically for hospitality businesses (restaurants, bars, hotels, etc.)
4.a. (v)  |  Develop and implement a “shop local” campaign aimed at keeping local dollars within the community (#BrantfordTogether campaign launched on April 6) April - ongoing EDTD (primary), ERTF, SNT, DBBIA, CCBB, Enterprise Brant, HHBRTA Increase consumer spending to local business and create a sense of pride for supporting local Promote Brantford Expositor ‘Connect with Local Business’ free online business directory initiative for open businesses
4.a. (vi)  |  Develop and implement a “shop local” campaign aimed at keeping local dollars within the community (#BrantfordTogether campaign launched on April 6) April - ongoing EDTD (primary), ERTF, SNT, DBBIA, CCBB, Enterprise Brant, HHBRTA Increase consumer spending to local business and create a sense of pride for supporting local Digital Main Street program
4.a. (vii)  |  Develop and implement a “shop local” campaign aimed at keeping local dollars within the community (#BrantfordTogether campaign launched on April 6) April - ongoing EDTD (primary), ERTF, SNT, DBBIA, CCBB, Enterprise Brant, HHBRTA Increase consumer spending to local business and create a sense of pride for supporting local Invite the County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit to participate fully in the shop local campaign
4.b.  |  Investigate the feasibility of changing procurement policies to focus on local products and services June - ongoing ERTF, CoB Purchasing Department Encourage businesses (private and public) to review and update procurement policies with a focus on the local supply chain and economic attributes affiliated Call for action to Task Force representatives to review purchasing policies and consider local suppliers for goods and service
4.c. (i)  |  Develop a formal marketing campaign aimed at promoting the reopening of the community overall and its competitive advantages (quality of life, affordability, labour force, domestic tourism, etc.) June - ongoing EDTD, CoB Communications and Community Engagement Department, Brant, BRREA, SNT, HHBRTA Increase consumer spending across all sectors and promote unique tourism amenities in collaboration with community stakeholders; Focus on downtown, especially businesses that rely on students Creation of a formalized marketing plan (internal/external) that evolves as the economy reopens and promotes the safety of the community
4.c. (ii)  |  Develop a formal marketing campaign aimed at promoting the reopening of the community overall and its competitive advantages (quality of life, affordability, labour force, domestic tourism, etc.) June - ongoing EDTD, CoB Communications and Community Engagement Department, Brant, BRREA, SNT, HHBRTA Increase consumer spending across all sectors and promote unique tourism amenities in collaboration with community stakeholders; Focus on downtown, especially businesses that rely on students Investigate Public art/murals/reuse empty spaces – beautification in downtown core
Table: Action Items - 5. Program Delivery and Resource Development
5. Program Delivery and Resource Development
Program and/or InitiativeTimelineLead *Anticipated OutcomeRecommendation
5.a.  |  Develop and maintain a webpage for centralized support and resources March - ongoing EDTD Online repository of resources from all levels of government and community organizations to assist businesses with navigating relief programs and sector specific support Creation of dedicated Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force web page to house Task Force related information, community engagement form, Action Plan and ongoing monitoring of action items
5.b.  |  Encourage all existing service delivery to an online format March - ongoing EDTD, CCBB, EO, WPBGE Continue offering business support programs online through Business Resource Enterprise Centre (Business capacity building workshops, Starter Company Plus, Digital Main Street) and Chamber of Commerce, Webinars for job seekers (St. Leonard’s, CareerLink, etc.) Investigate the ability of how low - income and seniors’ residents can access programs or skills training needed to participate through online mediums
5.c.  |  Investigate opportunities to work with post-secondary institutions in developing a digital community attraction package to entice students to return to the community despite online course platform for fall semester July - August EDTD, CC, WLU, SNP, DBBIA Increase number of returning students to the community which will increase spending, benefit the business community overall, DBBIA particularly and provide additional labour supply to the workforce Creation of online collateral between multiple stakeholders that can be delivered to prospective and returning students prior to Fall semester
5.d.  |  Create partnerships between the tourism, sport and cultural sectors to get audiences back into facilities/public spaces June - ongoing EDTD, SNT, HHBRTA, Brant Museum and Galleries Association Commence new ways to present programs via social distancing or through virtual presentation platforms Collaborate with local organizations and facility operators on reopening timelines and associated safety protocols that will be required as per Provincial/BCHU guidelines
5.e.  |  Leverage and promote local funding streams through Enterprise Brant (Regional Relief and Recovery Fund) and Brant Community Foundation (Emergency Community Support Fund) to assist entrepreneurs and not-for-profit businesses with financial resource options May 22 - ongoing Enterprise Brant, Brant Community Foundation, EDTD, CCBB Increase number of grant/loan disbursements to local businesses to sustain operations through recovery phase Collaborate with Task Force representatives from Enterprise Brant and Brant Community Foundation to develop outreach strategy to eligible business sectors, social-enterprises, and not-for-profits
5.f.  |  Leverage partnerships with professional service providers (ex. banks, lawyers, accountants) to assist businesses with resources/inquiries relating to operational issues June - ongoing EDTD (primary), RBC, Millards Chartered Accountants, Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon, LLP, Enterprise Brant Increase knowledge sharing and support networks for businesses Call for action to Task Force representatives (and other community firms) from professional services sector to identify creative opportunities for program and service support as well as mentoring
5.g.  |  Introduce new program initiatives to local small business owners July - ongoing EDTD, CCBB, DBBIA, Enhanced local business environment and economic impact including increase in business starts, expansions and jobs created. Support local businesses through new business initiatives
Table: Action Items - 6. Digital Integration
6. Digital Integration
Program and/or InitiativeTimelineLead *Anticipated OutcomeRecommendation
6.a. (i)  |  Investigate the potential for broadband access/connectivity in remote and low income/seniors areas June - ongoing SNGRDC, Woodland Cultural Centre, EDTD, WLU, CoB Health and Human Services Department Increase access to broadband service in underserviced areas to support cloud applications, online learning and e-commerce use, etc. Research Rural Ontario Residential Broadband Project 2 and determine Brantford’s eligibility and process for application/expression of interest
6.a. (ii)  |  Investigate the potential for broadband access/connectivity in remote and low income/seniors areas June - ongoing SNGRDC, Woodland Cultural Centre, EDTD, WLU, CoB Health and Human Services Department Increase access to broadband service in underserviced areas to support cloud applications, online learning and e-commerce use, etc. Formalize/update agreement between City of Brantford Council and Six Nations Council
6.b.  |  Leverage post - secondary student expertise to assist with small business transition to online platforms (ex. WLU programs, Conestoga IT and Computer programs, co-op students September - ongoing CC - Doon Campus (co-op), WLU, DBBIA, CCBB, EDTD Increase online service delivery for business and residents to capitalize on shifting retail trends Collaborate with local post - secondary institution Task Force representatives to determine feasibility and function
6.c. (i)  |  Develop a digital strategy for not-for-profits and cultural/tourism/sport organizations to meet the needs of clients and audiences July - ongoing Woodland Cultural Centre, SNT, EDTD, HHBRTA Increase online service delivery for not-for-profits, cultural, sport and tourism organizations to retain customers and tourism clients Collaborate with local not-for-profit, cultural and tourism Task Force representatives on needs and strategy formation
6.c. (ii)  |  Develop a digital strategy for not-for-profits and cultural/tourism/sport organizations to meet the needs of clients and audiences July - ongoing Woodland Cultural Centre, SNT, EDTD, HHBRTA Increase online service delivery for not-for-profits, cultural, sport and tourism organizations to retain customers and tourism clients Work in partnership with Woodland Cultural Centre on Digital Strategy Funding and modifications to application
Table: Action Items - 7. Workforce Development and Opportunities
7. Workforce Development and Opportunities
Program and/or InitiativeTimelineLead *Anticipated OutcomeRecommendation
7.a.  |  Support WFPBGE economic recovery task force and forthcoming workforce development initiatives May 1 - ongoing WPBGE Increase collaboration and information sharing across the region for workforce recovery efforts and the changing workplace environment Promote the new Grand Erie Job Portal which aggregates job availabilities in the City of Brantford as well as Six Nations, New Credit, and Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk Counties
7.b. (i)  |  Support Employment Ontario offices with job fairs, job matching, promotion of unskilled jobs (that will increase as a result of retail downturn) June –ongoing EO, WPBGE Increase local job opportunities and secure employment for those out of work, laid off or on declared emergency leave (some indefinite) Collaborate with Employment Ontario Representatives on digital strategy and supports required
7.b. (ii)  |  Support Employment Ontario offices with job fairs, job matching, promotion of unskilled jobs (that will increase as a result of retail downturn) June –ongoing EO, WPBGE Increase local job opportunities and secure employment for those out of work, laid off or on declared emergency leave (some indefinite) Promote Skills Advanced Ontario Programs Construct Your Career and Skills2Advance:  Manufacturing and Warehousing
7.c.  |  Support Newcomers and Immigrants to the community through new training opportunities and local service supports June - ongoing YMCA Immigrant Settlement Services, CoB Corporate Initiatives and Community Strategies Increase newcomers and immigrants to the community supporting economic vitality and growth Collaborate with YMCA - Employment and Immigrant Services Representative on Task Force to understand resources required
7.d.  |  Investigate opportunities with WFPBGE and local post-secondary institutions for retraining, reskilling and upskilling to align with the new normal and business adaptation June - ongoing WPBGE, WLU, CC, SNP, EO Increase in skilled labour pool for the community and filling gaps that were both a result and product of the current economic situation Collaborate with local post - secondary institution Task Force representatives to determine feasibility and function
Table: Action Items - 8. Advocacy
8. Advocacy
Program and/or InitiativeTimelineLead *Anticipated OutcomeRecommendation
8.a. (i)  |  Advocate to senior levels of government for funding opportunities and relief measures May - ongoing CoB Office of the Mayor and CAO, SNGRDC, CCBB, DBBIA, HHBRTA, MP, MPP, Grand Valley Construction Association, BRREA, Brantford Home Builders, Six Nations Elected Council, WLU Increase funding allocations to business and the municipality to aid with sustainability of operations and through the economic recovery moving forward Advocate for the municipality with respect to large infrastructure funding streams (transportation projects, joint partnership opportunities, etc.)
8.a. (ii)  |  Advocate to senior levels of government for funding opportunities and relief measures May - ongoing CoB Office of the Mayor and CAO, SNGRDC, CCBB, DBBIA, HHBRTA, MP, MPP, Grand Valley Construction Association, BRREA, Brantford Home Builders, Six Nations Elected Council, WLU Increase funding allocations to business and the municipality to aid with sustainability of operations and through the economic recovery moving forward Advocate for the business community with respect to emergency response benefits and rent relief funding programs that have been announced, their effectiveness and any gaps that exist within the current model
8.a. (iii)  |  Advocate to senior levels of government for funding opportunities and relief measures May - ongoing CoB Office of the Mayor and CAO, SNGRDC, CCBB, DBBIA, HHBRTA, MP, MPP, Grand Valley Construction Association, BRREA, Brantford Home Builders, Six Nations Elected Council, WLU Increase funding allocations to business and the municipality to aid with sustainability of operations and through the economic recovery moving forward Advocate in partnership with larger organizations (Tourism Industry of Ontario, Ontario Business Improvement Area Association, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, etc.) to capitalize on broader advocacy efforts (e.g. capacity for child care spaces and support services including OneList)
8.b.  |  Advocate to senior levels of government for not-for-profit stabilization fund to offset ability to fundraise or offer paid services May - ongoing Community Resource and Employment Service, Brant Community Foundation, MP, MPP, CoB Office of the Mayor and CAO, Brant United Way (support) Increase funding allocations to not-for-profit business to aid with sustainability of operations and through the economic recovery moving forward Advocate for not-for-profit organizations and securing funding to offset financial challenges