County of Brant highlights growth, investment in 2025 year in review

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Strong economic growth, major infrastructure investment and increased community use of local amenities were among the highlights of the County of Brant’s 2025 Year in Review, presented to council last week.

The annual report, prepared by the County’s Corporate Initiatives Division, provides a snapshot of projects, programs and progress across five key strategic priorities, while also outlining plans for 2026. 

“This is a phenomenal report. It’s so informative. It’s a little bit like a report card in the sense that it’s covering different subjects and how we are doing,” said Coun. Steve Howes during the March 24 council meeting. 

The report highlights significant economic momentum, including a sharp increase in industrial, commercial and institutional construction activity, along with $45.8 million in grant funding secured to support infrastructure and growth-related costs. 

County staff also coordinated approximately $96 million in capital projects in 2025, including roadwork, bridges, culverts and community facility upgrades. 

On the community side, recreation and transit usage continued to grow, with more than 7,100 participants in recreation programs and over 27,000 Brant Transit rides recorded - a 7.4 per cent increase over 2024. 

Coun. John Peirce pointed to several figures that stood out, particularly the level of community use of trails and waterfront spaces.

“That 386,611 people used our trails. That’s 1,059 a day. That’s fantastic. I don’t think anyone would realize our trails are used that much,” he said. 

Peirce also highlighted the demand on emergency services, noting the County’s fire department responded to 1,145 incidents while paramedics handled 33,866 calls in 2025.

“People wouldn’t understand that. It’s shocking to a lot of people, but it is the facts,” he said. 

Council heard the report is intended to improve transparency and help residents better understand the scope of municipal work and spending.

“I had people say wow, now you start to see where the tax dollars go,” said Howes, who added he would like to see even more communication of the report’s findings. 

While generally supportive, Coun. John Bell said the report should also acknowledge areas where goals were not fully achieved.

“I think we could have been a slightly more humble and say there are a few things we did not finish or could not do that we wanted to do,” he said. 

Bell noted that the report did a good job in helping people step back for a second and take a look at the big picture. 

“What the story tells at the big picture level is that we do an awful lot. If you ask the man or woman on the street ‘are you happy what the county is doing for you?’ It’s highly unlikely they will think of the big picture.” 

Staff noted the Year in Review is designed not only to reflect on progress but also to guide future planning and investment, while recognizing staff contributions and informing the community.  The report was received by council for information. 

Copies of the 2025 Year in Review will be available online and at County offices.