Thank you for your feedback! Here’s a summary of what we heard

Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts between February 25 and April 17 to help shape the County of Brant’s next Community Safety and Well-being Plan. Your feedback helps us understand what matters most to our community, and how we can work together to build a safer, healthier, and more connected County.

Engagement at a Glance

• 164 online/print/phone surveys
• 60 participants at 5 pop-up events across the County
• 68 participants at 4 focus group discussions (youth, seniors, newcomers, mental health)
• Project promoted through Engage Brant, print ads, social media, posters, community organizations, and school networks

Key Priorities – What We Heard

The “What’s needed” sections below highlight ideas and priorities shared by community members like you, during the engagement process. These suggestions reflect the feedback we received through the survey, pop-up events, and focus group discussions.

1. Mental Health, Wellness & Substance Use Supports

You told us that access to mental health care is a major concern - especially for youth and people in rural areas.

What’s needed:

• Free or low-cost counseling and therapy
• More mental health support in schools, workplaces, and rural communities
• Better public awareness of available services
• Faster access and reduced wait times
• Transportation and mobile services for rural areas
• Community spaces for peer support and connection

“It’s hard to find help or even know where to look.”

2. Youth Empowerment and Opportunities

We heard a strong call for more inclusive, affordable, and fun options for young people to feel supported and connected.

What’s needed:

• Free or low-cost youth programs (video game nights, outdoor activities, movie nights)
• Job training and life skills programs (like resume writing, budgeting, cooking)
• Safe, supervised places to hang out - especially in the winter
• More activities in rural areas and better transportation options

“Youth want to feel like they belong—not just as future adults, but as important community members today.”

3. Housing Affordability and Supports for Unhoused Individuals

Housing is a growing challenge in our community. Many residents shared concerns about high costs and long waitlists.

What’s needed:

• Affordable housing options and rent supports
• Programs to help people move from homelessness to stability
• Life skills and employment training
• Better access to health care, food, and basic needs

“Housing prices are pushing people out—especially seniors and low-income families.”

4. Connected and Safe Mobility

Getting around safely and easily - especially without a car, is a big issue across the County.

What’s needed:

• Expanded public transit, especially in rural areas
• More sidewalks, bike lanes, and streetlights
• Safer crosswalks and traffic calming (e.g., speed bumps, photo radar)
• Better road safety near schools and parks

“If you don’t have a car, it’s hard to get anywhere. And some roads just don’t feel safe.”

5. Community Belonging

Residents love the small-town feel of Brant but are concerned about growing isolation and a loss of connection.

What’s needed:

• More local events, festivals, and cultural celebrations
• Family-friendly and intergenerational activities
• Spaces to gather, meet neighbours, and volunteer
• Programs that celebrate diversity and help people feel seen and included

What’s Next?

All of this feedback will help shape the County of Brant’s updated Community Safety and Well-being Plan. A draft plan will be shared publicly for review and feedback next week before it is presented to Council for consideration and approval in June.

We’re committed to taking action based on what we’ve heard, and we’ll keep you updated along the way. Subscribe for updates and be the first to learn more about this project. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.

Thank you for your time, ideas, and honesty. Together, we’re building a stronger Brant.