BrantfordDailyBrief

February 18th, 2026

Brantford City Council approved a $152 million Sports & Entertainment Centre project in 2026.
Design and construction teams include Stantec and Graham.
Project aims to modernize local event infrastructure.
Facility expected to host sports, concerts, and community programming.
Positioned as a major downtown revitalization initiative.
Construction timelines to be confirmed following council approval.

Source:
Daily Commercial News – https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/projects/2025/12/stantec-graham-selected-for-152m-brantford-sports-and-entertainment-centre

January 12, 2026, Mayor Kevin Davis released the City’s 2026 Budget.
Initial proposal included a 5.81% overall property tax increase; revised budget reduced that to 4.22%, including external agencies.
The City-controlled portion of the increase was lowered to 2.6%, down from 5.17%.
For the average homeowner, the annual tax increase dropped from $229.02 to $166.26, approximately $5 less per month.
Budget adjustments resulted in approximately $3.63 million in savings.
Priorities include road resurfacing improvements, a new Shellard Lane Library Branch, and creation of a Tax Stabilization Reserve using a $4.3 million WSIB rebate.

Source:
City of Brantford – https://www.brantford.ca/en/mayor-s-2026-budget-reduces-proposed-tax-increase-while-protecting-essential-services.aspx

Incident occurred January 16, 2026 at approximately 2:30 a.m. after Brantford Police responded to a disturbance call at a residence on Palomino Drive.
Officers entered the home shortly after arrival.
A 33-year-old man was shot during the interaction and later pronounced deceased.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) invoked its mandate the same day.
SIU investigators and forensic specialists processed the scene.
The SIU will determine whether criminal charges are warranted following the investigation.

Source:
Global News – https://globalnews.ca/news/11616782/man-shot-killed-officers-brantford-ontario/

Brantford Police issued a public appeal seeking Ryan, age 33.
Last seen February 17, 2026 at approximately 9:00 p.m. in the area of Stanley Street and Henry Street in Brantford.
Police released a physical description and photo.
Residents were asked to check surveillance footage and report sightings.
Tips can be submitted directly to Brantford Police or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Investigation remains active as of the latest update.

Source:
Brantford Police Service – https://www.brantfordpolice.ca/news-and-media-releases/

Late winter warming is causing snow and ice melt across the Grand River watershed.
Ice breakup increases risk of ice jams and localized flooding.
Elevated river flows are expected as thaw continues.
Conservation authorities are monitoring flows closely.
Snow melt follows weeks of below-zero temperatures, increasing runoff volume.
Municipal advisories may be issued if water levels rise further.

Source:
Elora Fergustoday – https://www.elorafergustoday.com/local-news/grand-river-watershed-faces-flood-risk-from-thaw-and-rain-11878594

February 16, 2026, provincial warnings highlighted flooding risks due to rapid snow melt.
Grand River Conservation Authority flood watches are active in parts of the watershed.
Melting combined with rainfall increases potential for ice jams.
Authorities urge caution near riverbanks and flood-prone areas.
Recent storms created deep snowpack now melting quickly.
Past winter flooding events inform current preparedness measures.

Source:
Canadian Press via Yahoo News – https://ca.news.yahoo.com/snow-melt-raising-flood-risk-090019914.html

Conservation officials warn river ice becomes unstable during late winter thaws.
Temperature swings weaken ice thickness rapidly.
Public advised to stay off frozen rivers and tributaries.
Ice-related rescues increase during freeze-thaw cycles.
Conditions vary daily depending on weather patterns.

Source:
Grand River Conservation Authority – https://www.facebook.com/grandriverconservation/posts/remember-that-ice-can-be-very-thin-at-this-time-of-year-keep-off-local-rivers-la/1373092608179680

Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit India on March 1–2, 2026.
Meetings planned with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Talks will focus on launching a comprehensive economic partnership agreement.
Discussions follow trade tensions and tariff pressures affecting Canada’s economy.
Ontario-India trade has increased approximately 60% since 2018.
The visit builds on discussions held during the November 2025 G20 summit.

Source:
Reuters – https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canadas-carney-visit-india-early-march-ontario-minister-says-2026-02-16/

February 17, 2026, announcement made in Montréal.
Strategy aims to strengthen domestic military procurement and production.
Billions in investment directed toward aerospace, shipbuilding, and land systems.
Plan prioritizes Canadian firms and supply chain security.
Government projects up to 125,000 high-paying jobs connected to the defence sector.
Initiative positions Canada to reduce reliance on foreign defence suppliers.

Source:
Prime Minister’s Office – https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2026/02/17/prime-minister-carney-launches-canadas-first-defence-industrial