Rural Prosperity Community Improvement Plan

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey and share feedback on the draft Rural Prosperity Community Improvement Plan. Your feedback will help staff refine the draft plan before it is presented to Council in the spring.

Engagement for the Rural Prosperity Community Improvement Plan took place from January 6 to February 17, 2026, with in person open houses held in Onondaga, Oakland, and Glen Morris on January 28 and 29, 2026.

To help spread the word, County staff used several communication channels to reach rural residents, farm operators, and rural business owners. Information was shared on the Engage Brant project webpage, and a postcard was mailed to rural properties across the County to promote the survey and open houses. The project was also featured in the January Economic Development and Tourism Newsletter. Direct emails were sent to Brant News and Engage Brant subscribers, posters were displayed in County facilities, and weekly updates were shared on the County’s social media platforms.

Community members responded and took part in the engagement process. The project page received over 700 visits, and the Frequently Asked Questions section was viewed 51 times. A total of 65 surveys were completed, and 60 people attended one of the three open house events. This feedback will help refine the draft plan before it moves forward.

What we heard

Strong support for farm viability

You told us that supporting local food production and helping farmers stay viable are top priorities. There was also strong interest in reusing existing rural buildings, improving properties, and supporting agri-tourism in a way that fits rural Brant.

Interest in practical improvements

The most popular grant ideas focused on practical, lower cost improvements such as signage, parking and site upgrades, additional residential units on farms, and help with planning or application fees. This tells us that many of you are looking for realistic, manageable projects.

Protect farmland and rural character

Many comments emphasized the importance of protecting farmland and maintaining rural character. You want to ensure the plan supports agriculture without creating pressure for non-farm development.

Clear rules and a simple process

You told us that clear eligibility rules, simple application forms, and the ability to speak with staff before applying are important. Many of you are interested in applying but want clarity before investing time and money.

Cost remains the biggest barrier

The most common concern was that project costs may still be too high, even with a grant. Some respondents were also unsure whether their property would qualify.

Overall support

Most respondents support moving ahead with the RPCIP, with interest in applying if the program is clear, fair, and transparent.

View the full Survey Responses Report.

What’s next

County staff will review the feedback and use it to help inform potential updates to the Rural Prosperity Community Improvement Plan (RPCIP) before it is presented for Council approval on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers, 7 Broadway Street, West, Paris.

Council meetings can also be viewed on the County of Brant YouTube Channel at brant.ca/Live.

We want to hear what works, what needs improvement, and what concerns you may have about the draft plan. Your feedback will help us ensure the draft plan is on the right track and shape any changes that may be needed before it goes to Council.

Take the survey

Engagement closes Friday, February 13, 2026.

Open House events

Join us at an in-person Open House to learn more about the project, speak with County staff, and share your input.

You’ll have an opportunity to:

• View the draft RPCIP in detail
• Ask questions about plan
• Speak directly with staff about any concerns or feedback you have

This will be a drop-in open house. Though no formal presentation will be provided, the draft plan will be laid out and available to view with informational handouts prepared for attendees.

Questions or comments

• Do the proposed grants and eligible projects make sense for your farm, business, or organization?
• Are there barriers we have missed?
• Are there other project types that should be eligible?
• Do you have concerns about how this plan could affect rural communities?

Let us know. Share your questions or comments directly with the project team online.