Oakhill residents push back on annexation plans

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Concerns over transparency, timing and public consultation dominated presentations to the County of Brant’s Administration and Operations Committee on April 21 regarding the proposed annexation of Oakhill lands.

Two delegations, one from a newly formed community group and another representing Oakhill residents, urged council to reconsider or further review the process tied to ongoing ‘airport land’ negotiations between the County of Brant and the City of Brantford.

Travis Welch, presenting on behalf of the Brant Civic Accountability Association (BCA), questioned how the process has unfolded to date, suggesting it may have bypassed standard municipal procedures.

“We feel procedurally how this facilitator was appointed was not done with due diligence,” said Welch. 

Welch’s presentation outlined several concerns, including what he described as a fast-tracked motion to Brantford City Council, a lack of supporting staff analysis, and limited evidence of public consultation or formal impact assessments. He also pointed to the timing of the process, noting it occurred leading up to a municipal election, raising concerns about reduced debate and transparency.

The group is calling for further staff review focusing on procedural fairness, due diligence, and public engagement, and suggested a potential independent review of the Environmental Assessment process.

Councillor David Miller questioned whether the group had raised its concerns with provincial officials.

“Municipalities are creatures of the province. Have you lobbied or approached our MPP or minister in the government and what was the outcome of that,” Miller asked. 

Welch confirmed that legal discussions are underway with Minister of Environment and Housing. The BCA asked county council to pause progress on the negotiations. 

However, County Chief Administrative Officer Allison Newton noted that the process is provincially initiated, limiting the municipality’s ability to pause it.

“It was initiated by the province so they do not have the power to pause it. We do have the power to not participate but it does not stop the process,” Newton explained. 

A second delegation brought a more personal perspective.

Andrea Berestovenko, speaking on behalf of Oakhill residents in Ward 5, voiced strong opposition to the proposed annexation.

“My husband and I chose to build our lives in the Oakhill community in the County of Brant over 20 years ago,” she opened. 

“We respectfully appose an annex of lands to the City of Brantford.” 

Berestovenko described Oakhill as a close-knit rural community with a distinct identity, expressing concern that annexation would alter its character and impose financial burdens on residents.

“Oakhill is so much more than a geographic area. It’s a well-established, close nit community with distinct identity, history and way of life,” she said. 

Among the key concerns raised were a lack of transparent consultation, potential changes to land use, impacts on property values, and increased taxes.

“When I looked on City of Brantford for 2024, my taxes would almost quadruple from where they are in the county,” she said. 

That estimate was questioned by Coun. John Bell, who noted county data suggests Brantford property taxes are approximately 28 per cent higher than comparable county properties.

Berestovenko also highlighted strong community opposition, noting an online petition she launched has gathered more than 600 signatures.

When asked by Coun. David Miller whether any residents supported joining the city, she responded: “None. I’ve come across zero. I’ve come across more that had no idea this was taking place. I have not come across anyone that said this is a great idea.” 

She emphasized that many residents deliberately chose rural living.

“We chose to live in the county. We chose not to have bus routes, we chose not to have sidewalks and we knew we’d be on septic when we moved out there and we’re fine with that. We chose the rural life.” 

Berestovenko said she plans to bring her concerns to Brantford city council as well.

County officials acknowledged the concerns, with Newton noting that details around the so-called “airport lands” remain unclear.

“Nothing has been conceded to yet in the negotiations that have happened. There have been varying scenarios put forward but nothing concrete,” she said. 

She added that both the province and the City of Brantford have agreed to move forward with public consultation expected in May, which may provide greater clarity on potential boundaries.

“We have pushed for further public consultation – it’s been a concern of ours as it is to many community members,” Newton said. 

Mayor David Bailey expressed support for residents advocating for their community.

“Just know that you are preaching to the choir here and good luck on your journey,” he said. 

The committee received the presentations for information and referred the matter to county staff for further consideration.

The land negotiations stem from a request submitted by the City of Brantford under the Municipal Act asking the province to review potential restructuring options for the airport lands, which are owned by the city but located within the County’s jurisdiction. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing formally directed both municipalities on March 10, 2026 to begin discussions toward a possible boundary adjustment, with a deadline of June 30, 2026 to reach an agreement.