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Issue #260

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 HEY BRANTFORD!

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County looks to strengthen case for Bishopsgate interchange following AMO talks

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(MICHELLE MALVASO PHOTO)

There were plenty of thrills, smiles and family fun to go around as the 168th Paris Fair took over the fairgrounds for another Labour Day weekend of rides, entertainment, agriculture and community tradition. Turn to pages 12-13 for more sights and smiles from this year’s fair.

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Powerful Sept. 2 storm leaves trail of damage county wide CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

A powerful storm tore through the County of Brant on Wednesday evening, leaving

thousands without power, damaging electrical infrastructure, toppling trees and forcing the cancellation of opening night at the Paris Fair. Strong winds, heavy rain and flooding swept through the region on Sept. 2, causing wideCONTINUED ON PAGE 3

The County of Brant will look to regional partners and additional economic data to strengthen its case for a Highway 403 interchange at Bishopsgate Road after provincial transportation officials indicated they do not currently see a need for the project. County staff provided councillors with more details about discussions held during the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference as part of a government relations update presented to the Policy Development Committee on Sept. 1. The report outlined the results of County delegations at the Aug. 16-19 conference, with much of the advocacy focused on two longstanding priorities: the proposed Bishopsgate Road interchange and expansion of natural gas service into rural areas. County representatives, including Mayor DaCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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September 9, 2026

Paris Independent

Natural gas expansion also remains on the County’s advocacy agenda as province considers criteria for a potential third intake CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

vid Bailey, Coun. Ella Haley and staff, met with Hardeep Singh Grewal, parliamentary assistant to the minister of transportation, to discuss transportation infrastructure, particularly along the Bishopsgate Road and Rest Acres Road corridor. The County argued the proposed interchange is needed to accommodate significant residential and industrial growth, improve connectivity and ease pressure on the existing Rest Acres Road interchange. According to the report, more than eight million square feet of current and planned industrial-commercial development is tied to the corridor. However, the response from the Ministry of Transportation was not what County officials had hoped for. “It was conveyed to us that the ministry doesn’t see the necessity for that interchange,” general manager of strategic initiatives Adam Crozier told councillors during the Sept. 1 meeting. The written report similarly states MTO representatives indicated the ministry does not currently identify a need for a Bishopsgate interchange. County officials countered that if the interchange is not going to move ahead, development applications along Rest Acres Road should be permitted to proceed. They also cautioned that development decisions could affect the opportunity to eventually establish a north-south regional transporta-

tion corridor connecting highways 401 and 403. Coun. John Peirce pressed staff for more information about the discussion and questioned whether the County could strengthen its advocacy by once again seeking support from neighbouring municipalities. Peirce noted Oxford and Norfolk counties and the Region of Waterloo have supported the interchange in the past and suggested there could be value in approaching the province collectively from a regional perspective. Crozier agreed the County needs to be more strategic and cohesive in building its case, including taking a regional approach. The County also raised the Bishopsgate interchange during a separate AMO delegation organized by the South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation. That delegation met with Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Minister Victor Fedeli and focused on the interchange's importance to employment, industrial and commercial growth throughout the region. Staff now plan to provide the province with more detailed information, including development charge and building permit revenues, total development square footage and projected job creation associated with current and planned developments. The information is intended to demonstrate the economic consequences if the interchange does not proceed and strengthen the County's business case.

The County's priority issues list shows there remains no confirmed provincial commitment or timeline for the Bishopsgate project, with the next step being development of an enhanced business case. Natural gas expansion was another major topic of discussion at committee. Coun. David Miller asked for an update on the County's AMO delegation concerning rural natural gas expansion, noting residents who rely on alternatives such as diesel fuel can face high heating costs. County representatives met with Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries Sam Oosterhoff alongside Brant MPP Will Bouma to discuss a possible third phase of Ontario's Natural Gas Expansion Program. The County is seeking funding for shovel-ready projects in Harley and Glen Morris that staff say are not financially viable under existing Ontario Energy Board requirements without provincial support. “From what I understand province has directed Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to come up with a framework for eligible criteria for a third intake of the natural gas expansion project. We do see there will likely be some measure of a third intake for the natural gas expansion program. It sounds like the delegation went quite well and I understand they are aware of our project in Harley,” Crozier said. The province has directed the OEB to develop recommendations for criteria that could be used for a future program intake.

Those recommendations are due to the province by Jan. 15, 2027 and are expected to consider factors including project readiness, cost-effectiveness, community benefits and economic impacts. Staff said they will continue preparing technical and supporting documentation so the County is positioned to apply if a third phase is announced. Councillors also sought clarification on a $500-million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund highlighted in the AMO report. Coun. David Miller asked whether it was the same funding program the County had applied to for the Brant Sports Complex expansion. Staff clarified the previous Brant Sports Complex application was through a federal program, while the fund announced at AMO represents another round of provincial funding. The County's priority issues list notes applications are open and appropriate staff and Bouma have been made aware of the opportunity. Beyond those discussions, the County continues to advocate for several other priority issues, including Paris flood mitigation funding, approvals and funding for the new Paris Water Pollution Control Plant, rural economic development and global market support, and gender-based and intimate partner violence prevention.

Paris Independent

September 9, 2026

Storm’s aftermath felt across Paris and Brant CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

spread damage across Brantford and Brant County. At the height of the storm, more than 33,000 GrandBridge Energy customers across its service territory were without power. GrandBridge Energy services a majority of Paris and Brant County. Hydro One services the remaining residents (in newer subdivisions in North Paris, as well as half of Burford, Scotland and rural Brant

(TIMOTHY WALTERS PHOTO)

Storm damage was evident across the Paris Fairgrounds following the powerful Sept. 2 storm, which toppled tents and midway attractions and forced organizers to cancel the opening night of the 168th annual Paris Fair. Paid for by the Garneau for Mayor Campaign

County areas). GrandBridge Energy reported that Brantford and the County of Brant sustained the most significant impact, with approximately 20,000 customers affected throughout the event. Another 13,000 customers were impacted in Cambridge and North Dumfries (Ayr). Crews worked through the night and into the following day repairing broken utility poles, downed powerlines and other electrical equipment damaged by falling trees and branches. Within 24 hours of the storm, GrandBridge Energy reported fewer than 300 customers remained without power. Many of those were isolated cases where repairs to privately owned equipment were required before service could be restored. “We thank our customers for their patience and understanding during the outages caused by last night’s storm. Our crews worked throughout the night to safely restore power as quickly as possible. We greatly appreciate the community’s support during the response,” said Greg Davidson, Vice President of Operations for GrandBridge Energy. GrandBridge Energy said its Customer Service team and System Control operators worked closely with field crews to triage incidents as they were reported, prioritizing emergencies and significant public safety hazards, including calls from first responders. The storm also created challenges for customers looking for information about restoration efforts. GrandBridge Energy acknowledged its online outage map was not functioning properly during the storm and apologized for the inconvenience. The utility said it recognizes the importance of providing timely and accurate information during

outages and understands the frustration caused when that information is unavailable. It is working with its service provider to resolve the issue. The extent of the damage was also evident at the Paris Fairgrounds, where organizers were preparing to kick off the 168th annual Paris Fair Wednesday evening. The midway was scheduled to open at 6 p.m. for free admission and toonie night when a fast-moving shelf cloud swept through town, bringing approximately 20 minutes of destructive rain and winds. The aftermath forced organizers to cancel the fair's first night. Tents were blown over and the midway sustained significant damage. The fun house toppled during the storm and was later removed because of the damage. Campbell Amusements workers and Paris Agricultural Society volunteers spent the following hours cleaning up the grounds and preparing the fair to open as planned on Sept. 3. In an email update, Paris Agricultural Society General Manager Amy Warner said the organization was grateful no one was hurt. “We’re incredibly grateful that everyone is safe. After a night like this, it’s the people who remind us what the Paris Fair is really about: community, resilience, kindness and coming together. A huge thank you to our incredible members, volunteers, exhibitors and Campbell Amusements for your patience, compassion and determination tonight. We have seen people clean up, help one another and keep moving forward, and we couldn’t be more grateful.” Beyond the fairgrounds, the County of Brant reported significant storm damage, particularly across the northern half of the municipality. In a social media post, county officials

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A resident shared this image of a large tree that came down on Elm Street during the powerful Sept. 2 storm, causing minor damage to the Paris Optimist Club property as strong winds and heavy rain swept through the community.

said significant damage, including downed trees and power lines, was concentrated in the northern half of the County. County crews are patrolling roads and clearing storm debris from roadways and shoulders. Cleanup efforts are expected to continue well into next week.” Several downed trees were also reported in County parks. Staff said trails were inspected as resources and time permit. Last week’s major storm comes exactly two months after another destructive storm blew through the region on July 1. Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!

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September 9, 2026

Paris Independent

County review proposes changes aimed at streamlining council meetings CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

County of Brant councillors are supporting a staff report recommending a series of potential changes to the municipality’s procedural bylaw, which will be passed along to the incoming council following a comprehensive review of how council meetings are conducted. The Policy Development Committee reviewed a staff report Sept. 1 outlining 13 proposed changes dealing with everything from public delegations and consent items to technical disruptions during meetings. The review was initiated following a council resolution in March directing Council Services staff to examine the existing procedural bylaw and compare it with practices in other municipalities. Staff looked at Brantford, Cambridge, Guelph, Haldimand County, Kitchener, Norfolk County, Waterloo and Woodstock. The goal is not for the current council to make the final changes. Instead, councillors are being asked to provide recommendations that the newly elected 2026-2030 council can consider after taking office. That approach prompted some discussion around the committee table. Coun. Robert Chambers expressed apprehension about making recommendations for a new council.

Coun. Lukas Oakley, however, said the experience accumulated during the current term could provide a useful starting point for those elected this fall. “I think it’s valuable for us to give our experience going forward to the next term of councillor,” said Oakley. Coun. John Bell agreed there was value in drawing on the experience around the current council table. He noted council will lose about 40 per cent of its experience, measured in councillor years of service, because some members are not seeking re-election. Coun. David Miller said he supported the direction of the report, particularly its emphasis on improving the efficiency of meetings. “I think it’s a good start,” Miller said. Some of the most significant recommendations involve public delegations. Currently, individuals or groups appearing before council or a standing committee are generally permitted up to 10 minutes, while larger delegations can receive up to 15 minutes. Staff are proposing reducing the limit to five minutes for individuals or groups, while delegations consisting of three or more people would receive up to 10 minutes. Staff-requested delegations and presentations would not be subject to those limits. The report says five-minute limits

are common among municipalities and are intended to encourage concise presentations and prevent meetings from becoming unnecessarily lengthy. The jurisdictional scan found five-minute delegation limits in several municipalities, including Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener, Norfolk County, Waterloo and Woodstock, while Brantford and Haldimand County generally allow up to 10 minutes. Staff are also recommending the clerk be given authority to determine whether a delegation request would be better addressed through another decision-making process. If a request is declined, the individual could approach their councillors about bringing forward a notice of motion. Another proposed provision would prevent delegations from returning to council on the same matter for 12 months after a decision has been made unless new information is being presented. Staff noted similar restrictions are used by other municipalities. Several recommendations are aimed specifically at shortening or simplifying meetings. Staff propose moving adoption of previous meeting minutes and business arising from the minutes into the consent agenda. Councillor updates would also be moved to immediately before closed-session business. The definition and handling of consent items would also be expanded. Routine matters could include housekeeping and administrative reports, tender awards that are within budget and awarded to the lowest bidder, advisory committee and agency minutes that do not require action, correspondence not requiring action and County project updates.

Consent items would generally only be separated when a councillor has a pecuniary interest or wants a resolution beyond simply receiving or approving the item as presented. Councillors could still discuss consent items, with the chair moderating discussion. Staff are also proposing eliminating the County’s existing “renewal” provision, which allows certain defeated motions to be brought back. The report says the mechanism is uncommon among the municipalities reviewed and can be detrimental to business continuity. Another recommendation would replace the existing three-reading process for bylaws with a provision allowing bylaws, unless otherwise requested or required, to be passed through one single motion. Staff said the change would streamline council agendas and meetings. The review also addresses what happens when a council meeting livestream fails. Under the proposal, the chair could call a 15-minute recess. If the problem cannot be resolved, the meeting could continue without the livestream provided certain conditions are met, including maintaining an open, in-person public meeting and ensuring quorum can be maintained. Staff said the proposed procedural updates are intended to provide greater clarity while improving the focus and flow of council and committee meetings. The procedural bylaw also plays a role in promoting transparency, accountability and public participation in municipal decision-making. The committee supported moving the recommendations forward. The motion carried and will now go before County of Brant council for approval.

A Celebration of Culture

(DAN MUYS PHOTO) *Paid for by the campaign to elect Emad Yosif Ward 3

Mayor David Bailey, MP Dan Muys and MPP Will Bouma along with Afro-CariBrant Festival organizers gather on stage at Paris Lions Park during the fourth annual festival, held Sept. 5-6. Brant County Council proclaimed the weekend Afro-CariBrant Weekend in recognition of the festival and its contribution to the community.

Paris Independent

September 9, 2026

Municipal Election Q&A: Mayoral candidates answer questions from Paris Independent readers CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

As voters prepare to head to the polls in the upcoming municipal election next month, the Paris Independent is providing candidates with an opportunity to speak directly to the issues and priorities raised by local residents. All certified mayoral candidates were contacted and invited to participate in this Q&A. Each candidate was provided with the same set of questions, which were developed from submissions received from Paris Independent readers. The goal is to give voters an opportunity to compare candidates’ perspectives on the same issues and learn more about how each would approach the role of mayor. We encourage readers to continue engaging with candidates throughout the election campaign. Those who have follow-up questions, concerns or would like to learn more about a candidate and their platform can find candidate contact information through the County of Brant’s certified candidates webpage: https://www.brant.ca/ council-and-county-administration/elections/certified-candidates/ The Paris Independent’s candidate Q&A coverage continues in next week’s edition with candidates running in Ward 1. Ward 1 candidates were provided with the same questions presented to the mayoral candidates, with the exception of a small number of questions specific to the role of mayor. The mayoral candidates are listed below in order of certification on the county’s website. JENNIFER KYLE

tion every day. We can’t continue to build first and figure those pieces out later. We also need to understand what growth costs, protect agricultural land and recognize that what makes sense in Paris may not make sense in Burford, St. George or our other rural communities. We have better plans in place, and now we need to follow through. The goal should never be simply a bigger Brant. The goal is a Brant that remains a great place to live as we grow. Recent approval of a zoning change for properties in downtown Paris represents an important first step toward a significant residential development in the downtown core. What impact do you believe this type of development could have on downtown Paris? Please identify both the potential benefits and challenges. I think residential development can really benefit downtown Paris if it is done thoughtfully. More people living downtown means more customers within walking distance of our shops and restaurants, more housing options, and more activity in downtown outside normal business hours. This also fits with the Downtown Paris Master Plan, which looks at how we can accommodate growth while protecting the historic character of downtown Paris that we all love. The details matter! Traffic, parking, servicing, pedestrian safety and how a development fits into the existing downtown all need consideration. I support appropriate density in our serviced communities, including downtown Paris. But it needs to add to what is already there, not overwhelm it. Done well, I think more people calling downtown Paris home can help make an already successful downtown even stronger. How would you improve access to affordable public swimming facilities for County of Brant residents, particularly given the limited access to pools in Brantford? Would you support the development of a public swimming pool (a new one indoors or another one outdoors) in the County of Brant? I certainly support building an indoor public pool in the County of Brant. Year-round access to a pool is one of the things I hear requested most often from residents. We have a very well-used outdoor pool in Paris, but an indoor pool would allow swimming lessons, recreation, seniors’ programming and other activities throughout the year. County recreation planning already suggests doing an updated feasibility study and business case to consider an indoor pool, so I think it is time to move ahead with that work. An indoor pool is, of course, a huge investment, both to build and operate. Council would have to really consider where it should go, what it will cost, potential partnerships and what funding may be available. But there is absolutely a gap here, so I support doing the work now to find the most responsible way to make an indoor pool a reality.

What are your views on establishing a public transit system within the County of Brant to connect communities such as Paris, Brantford, Burford and St. George and how should the County approach the costs and funding associated with implementing and operating such a system? I absolutely see a need for more transit connections in Brant, but I also don’t think that means a traditional fixed-route transit system right away. I think it makes sense to start with what we have. We already have Brant Transit, which can and should be expanded as demand grows. This could include trying out fixed routes where they make sense. We should also continue to pursue collaboration with Brantford and other neighbouring municipalities. People cross municipal borders every day for work, school, appointments and other services, so thinking about transportation shouldn’t stop at the boundary. Cost is also an important consideration. I would want to look for provincial funding and partnerships where possible, and then use ridership and demand to guide how and where we expand. The goal should be better transit options people will actually use and that we can also afford to sustain. What changes or improvements would you like to see made to Brant Transit to better meet the transportation needs of

County of Brant residents? I would like to make Brant Transit easier and more practical for people to use. I have heard frustrations from residents about how far in advance rides need to be booked, as well as reliability and cancelled bookings. If we want more people to use Brant Transit, we need to make sure they can actually depend on it to get where they need to go. I also think we should pay attention to where people are trying to go. If we are seeing the same trips and destinations over and over again, there could be opportunities for scheduled connections or even fixed routes in some areas. We should also keep looking at better connections with Brantford and other neighbouring transit systems where it makes sense. Brant Transit is a good service, but I would like to see us make it more convenient and reliable for more residents. What specific outcome would you work toward regarding the proposed boundary adjustment involving the Brantford Municipal Airport and surrounding County-owned lands? Include key concerns you would address before supporting any agreement with the City of Brantford? The airport boundary adjustment has been paused, and I really do believe that was the right decision. There wasn't enough CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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September 9, 2026

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

time to work through all of the details and give residents opportunity to fully understand and provide their input on a permanent decision. I do expect boundary discussions with Brantford to come back. Brantford has legitimate growth and transportation challenges, and the County should be willing to work together to find solutions that benefit both municipalities. But any future boundary adjustment also has to make sense for Brant. Before I could support an agreement, I would want to see fair compensation, impacts on agriculture, infrastructure and transportation properly understood, and residents given meaningful opportunities to participate. I want a strong, cooperative relationship with Brantford, but transferring land is permanent. We need enough time to look at every reasonable option and make sure any agreement protects Brant’s long-term interests, too. Can you provide an example of a time you worked within a complex organization or with a diverse group of people to achieve a successful outcome? What role did you play in reaching that result? One example I am particularly proud of is my eight years on the board of AgScape, an Ontario-wide agricultural education organization. When I joined the board in 2018, the organization was struggling financially and there were some difficult decisions ahead. Over the next several years, our board and staff worked together to turn things around and put AgScape on much stronger footing. I served several years as Vice-Chair, chaired the HR Committee and was part of the Executive Committee. I was closely involved in leadership transition, supporting staff through that change, and also helped develop a completely new strategic plan that really helped refocus the organization. It was absolutely a team effort. My role was to ask questions, work through some tough decisions and help provide stability and direction during a pretty significant period of change. If elected to Brant County Council, will you propose a motion for Council's approval to impose a one-year moratorium on artificial intelligence data centers until the water, energy, pollution, and noise issues are thoroughly understood? I would support a one-year moratorium on data centres. However, with nothing currently proposed in Brant, I don’t know that I would bring the motion forward myself right now. There are very legitimate questions about how much water and electricity data centres use, along with concerns about noise, pollution and other impacts. As we already have water challenges in some areas and communities that experience issues with hydro reliability, understanding the impacts is essential. If a data centre was proposed before we had answers, I would absolutely support putting things on hold while we figured them out. I would also support considering a moratorium if another member of Council or residents brought the issue forward. The bottom line is we don’t know enough yet to say whether or not data centres are a good fit for Brant. We need to understand the impacts before making that decision.

The County has adopted a Long-Term Financial Plan to help guide its financial decisions and priorities over the coming years. If elected, how would you use that plan to guide your decisions at the council table, particularly when weighing new priorities, major investments and the long-term affordability of services for County residents? The County's Long-Term Financial Plan helps Council understand how the decisions we make today affect taxpayers years from now. Brant has some big investments coming down the pipe. We don't have unlimited funds, so that means making choices and then being honest about the trade-offs. If we add something new, what will it cost to build and operate? If we delay something, what are the financial consequences? If we cut or redirect funding, what are we giving up to do that? I would use the long-term financial plan to help Council see our priorities all together rather than making decisions one project or one budget year at a time. For me, affordability isn't just about spending less. It is about making good choices with the money we have, understanding the consequences of those decisions, and still investing in what Brant needs for today and tomorrow. How do you foresee the culture of staff and councillors under your leadership? I want a Council where folks come prepared, speak their minds, ask questions and are willing to listen to each other. We are not always going to agree, and that's a good thing. Eleven different perspectives around the table can lead to better decisions, as long as we can disagree respectfully, make a decision and then move forward. I think the same should apply to relationships with staff. Council should be able to ask tough questions and challenge recommendations, and staff need to be comfortable giving us their best professional advice, even when it's something we don't want to hear. There are 10 councillors and a mayor, and every person at that table was elected by residents to have a voice. My job as mayor would be to make sure those voices are heard, keep us focused on the work, and help Council find ways forward. Would you use the strong mayor powers available under Ontario legislation? What circumstances, if any, would justify using those powers rather than seeking consensus through Council? No. I would not use the discretionary Strong Mayor Powers. I don't agree with giving that much decision-making power to one person. Brant elects 10 councillors and a mayor, and I believe those 11 people should make decisions together through discussion, debate and ultimately a vote. There are some responsibilities the province has specifically given to mayors that I can't opt out of. For example, the mayor is required to propose the municipal budget. I will fulfill those responsibilities, but Council will absolutely be part of the process. Beyond what I am required to do, decisions belong at the Council table. If I can't convince a majority of Council that an idea is good for Brant, I don't think I should be able to force it through just because I'm the mayor. My job is to work with Council and find

Paris Independent

ways forward, not find ways around it. CHRISTINE GARNEAUBISAILLON

What is your position on the current and projected residential growth and development in the county? Do you believe the pace and scale of development are appropriate for the community, and what factors should Council consider when approving future development? Recognizing that Council must operate within its Official Plan and Provincial Policy Statements when approaching new proposals, I believe Council can find better balance in these decisions. By starting conversations sooner, Council can work with County staff and proponents to identify opportunities to mitigate both neighbourhood and broader municipal concerns in ways that can be incorporated into what comes forward to Council for approval, helping avoid costly appeals to the Ontario Land Tribunal that often have more impactful outcomes for the County. The next Council also needs to revisit the Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) to address on-farm diversified use restrictions and increased red tape for farmers to preserve the viability of our rural communities. Ensuring that farms remain financially viable also helps protect agricultural land from development proposals as part of the broader strategy to manage land use pressures, especially when it’s closest to settlement and municipal boundaries. Recent approval of a zoning change for properties in downtown Paris represents an important first step toward a significant residential development in the downtown core. What impact do you believe this type of development could have on downtown Paris? Please identify both the potential benefits and challenges. As the mayoral candidate advocating for change, I believe that Council should have paused to consider the precedent set by more permissive zoning for its own projects in downtown Paris because this opens the door to requests by private interests asking for the same consideration. Keeping our downtowns economically viable without losing our heritage streetscapes is essential. Redevelopment disproportionate to the scale of any downtown seeks to undermine its character. The same is true for all the County’s villages and hamlets, as well as Paris. At the same time, proceeding with projects without having completed the flood mitigation works for downtown Paris puts the cart before the horse, so it is important

that the next Council prioritizes flood mitigation before further investments are made downtown by public or private interests, otherwise everyone risks what they’ve worked hard to achieve. How would you improve access to affordable public swimming facilities for County of Brant residents, particularly given the limited access to pools in Brantford? Would you support the development of a public swimming pool (a new one indoors or another one outdoors) in the County of Brant? Council missed the opportunity to explore the costs of integrating an indoor pool into the Brant Sports Complex expansion in July, despite the majority of those publicly supporting the costly project doing so under the understanding that the pool was included. By increasing municipal debt to fund this and other capital projects, I am concerned that a pool is no longer financially viable in the near term. As an interim solution the County needs to work with community partners, such as the YMCA, to ensure that County residents can access year-round aquatics with Brant Transit support if required. What are your views on establishing a public transit system within the County of Brant to connect communities such as Paris, Brantford, Burford and St. George and how should the County approach the costs and funding associated with implementing and operating such a system? Along with reframing public transit as an amenity that facilitates employment, education, and enjoyment in the County, Council needs to make decisions about fixed-route options based on proper data and cost estimates, following broad-based public engagement. I’ve heard arguments in favour and against pursuing public transit during the campaign, which is why Council must have this conversation next term. Fixed-route public transit decisions need to be made around the Council table, in open session and in conjunction with a review of Brant Transit. My approach is to work constructively with Council, staff, and the community to explore what’s right for Brant today, and tomorrow. What changes or improvements would you like to see made to Brant Transit to better meet the transportation needs of County of Brant residents? From what I observe from conversations with Brant Transit users, better managing the contract with the service provider in the short term could help because this model is heavily subsidized for a small ridership that is often left behind, so it needs to work! Council also needs to consider the future of Brant Transit in tandem with the conversation about public transit (fixed route buses) because both could be part of a broader regional transportation strategy going forward. It’s also important that the next Council insists on a competitive procurement process for all municipal contracts, including Brant Transit, to ensure that the County is always getting the best value for your tax dollars. What specific outcome would you work toward regarding the proposed boundary adjustment involving the Brantford Municipal Airport and surCONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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rounding County-owned lands? Include key concerns you would address before supporting any agreement with the City of Brantford? I’ve already stated publicly that I won’t initiate a boundary adjustment with the City and am prepared to protect the County’s interests should the next City Council ask to re-initiate negotiations. I seek to lead a Council that’s focused on core municipal issues, closest to home, to strengthen the County’s case to maintain both its autonomy and its boundaries. This involves identifying next steps for Cainsville’s redevelopment. This is essential to our regional economy and balanced property tax assessments within the County. Since the City managed to withdraw its decade-old agreement to allow the County’s infrastructure to hook up to Brantford sewer-water services in recent negotiations, I’m concerned that the County will be forced to identify new industrial-commercial lands that Brant can service independently of Brantford. I worry this will compound development pressures for Paris and St. George if the County cannot hold the City accountable under the prior agreement. Can you provide an example of a time you worked within a complex organization or with a diverse group of people to achieve a successful outcome? What role did you play in reaching that result? Working at the nexus of strategic and operational governance within Ontario universities earlier in my career, I led the teams facilitating institutional decision-making around some of the most challenging topics including the adoption of enterprise risk management frameworks, major capital project approval processes, provincially mandated policies including sexual violence prevention and response, and judicial procedures for student and professional misconduct. My role involved identifying stakeholders and facilitating participation, determining relevant legislation and policies, and arranging subject matter experts to provide advice to boards and committees when required, all while ensuring that process was as fair, clear, and transparent as possible because when there’s trust in the process, outcomes are stronger. Having held primarily facilitative, rather than authoritative roles, I’ll be drawing on this experience to guide Council and our community through the questions we face over the next four years because the strongest outcomes result from the broadest engagement. If elected to Brant County Council, will you propose a motion for Council's approval to impose a one-year moratorium on artificial intelligence data centers until the water, energy, pollution, and noise issues are thoroughly understood? I will defer to County staff to identify and recommend the most appropriate method to preserve time to complete due diligence on AI data centres within existing land use planning legislation because a procedural misstep resulting from a Council-led motion could undermine the efficacy of such a resolution. The County has adopted a Long-Term Financial Plan to help guide its financial decisions and priorities over the coming years. If elected, how would you use that

plan to guide your decisions at the council table, particularly when weighing new priorities, major investments and the long-term affordability of services for County residents? This begins by ensuring the most recent iteration of the Long-Term Financial Plan is easily accessible on the County’s website because it had not been published as of submitting this answer. We also need to ensure that the data used to project future expenses is accurate because Council cannot make sound financial decisions without correct forecasts, otherwise decisions will continue out of sequence. Our current economic outlook suggests Council should proceed more cautiously when it comes to discretionary spending, especially projects funded by anticipated, but not realized sources and debt because these risk quickly driving up property taxes if funds don’t materialize. One of the most consistent messages I’m hearing on doorsteps is that rising cost of living is making it harder to make ends meet. Just as residents, business owners, and farmers have learned to choose between “needs” and “wants,” Council needs to do so as well. How do you foresee the culture of staff and councillors under your leadership? Building on the Elect Respect Pledge, the County I seek to lead prioritizes integrity and accountability, as I always have myself. When Council better recognizes how each decision it makes affects real people everyday, this percolates through the organizational structure creating an even more people-focused culture over time. With a Council that sets a more respectful “tone from the top,” the County will strengthen relationships within itself and its community, and not just among folks with whom they agree. This is essential because the municipality must work for everyone. Would you use the strong mayor powers available under Ontario legislation? What circumstances, if any, would justify using those powers rather than seeking consensus through Council? Continued pressure for a “yes” or “no” soundbite dismisses the persistent, implied authority that remains after formally delegating Strong Mayor Powers back to Council and staff. These destabilized the Brant’s governance and administration, so we must elect candidates who’ve consistently conducted themselves as leaders, aligned with the Elect Respect Pledge. Restoring public trust in local government requires a Mayor and Council who can lead by example, show up together at events, and who welcome public engagement in decision-making processes as I always have. The Council I seek to lead values divergent views and collegial debate, creates safe space to respectfully say that you disagreed, and preserves access to staff resources even when we don’t agree with each other. Besides, if an outcome brought such great benefit to Brant that a mayor felt they had to “pull rank” on Council as some suggest could happen, shouldn’t Council be on board already? GRAHAM HORNER Candidate did not respond as of press

September 9, 2026

deadline. DAVID SWANSON

What is your position on the current and projected residential growth and development in the county? Do you believe the pace and scale of development are appropriate for the community, and what factors should Council consider when approving future development? I do not believe the recent pace and scale of suburban-style development have been appropriate. Sprawl has grown the tax base, but it has eroded rural character, hit villages through school and health-care amalgamations, and locked the County into costly water, sewer, and road expansions. I ran in 2022 on “stop the sprawl” and still hold that position. Council should favour modest lot severances along existing rural road frontages. That spreads growth, keeps rural identity, and puts most new homes on wells and septic instead of new municipal systems. Snowplows, garbage trucks, and emergency services already use those roads. With some ditching upgrades, the County gains tax revenue at little extra cost and with limited impact on farms. Council should weigh rural character, long-term infrastructure costs, use of existing roads and services, farmland protection, and whether a proposal strengthens smaller communities. I support growth that pays its way and fits Brant—not sprawl that expands obligations while stripping away what makes this place unique. Recent approval of a zoning change for properties in downtown Paris represents an important first step toward a significant residential development in the downtown core. What impact do you believe this type of development could have on downtown Paris? Please identify both the potential benefits and challenges. Downtown Paris needs year-round foot traffic and spending, not just strong event weekends. More residents living in the core, with money to spend locally, is the most reliable way to support existing businesses. Events at the Promenade and Paris Drinks Fest show what vibrancy looks like; housing downtown would make that energy more consistent. Those sites sit on some of the municipality’s highest-capacity services. Leaving them underused is a planning and tax problem. Adding homes puts more assessment on infrastructure we already have and can ease pressure on other ratepayers. The original Penman buildings were four storeys or more, so modest height there is not a break with Paris history. Done well, this adds people, sales, and tax revenue without

7 pushing growth onto farmland or new suburban pipes. Challenges are process and execution. Council should support the project and cut delay so it actually gets built. I will judge it by whether it brings people and spending downtown, uses existing infrastructure, and avoids years of red tape. How would you improve access to affordable public swimming facilities for County of Brant residents, particularly given the limited access to pools in Brantford? Would you support the development of a public swimming pool (a new one indoors or another one outdoors) in the County of Brant? The Paris Pool is a real community asset. It is rarely at capacity. Before building a new pool, we should get more use from what we already have. A seasonal dome over the Paris Pool is worth studying if cost, energy use, and operations make sense. I do not see an immediate case for another public pool. Residents already have the Gretzky Centre, YMCA, Brant Park, Earl Haig, Woodman, private clubs, and local waterways. When taxes and basic infrastructure are already strained, another subsidized pool should not jump the queue. Recreation matters, but roads, bridges, and core services come first. I will review a serious proposal with costs, location, operating funding, and proof of demand. Until then: better use of the Paris Pool, partnerships that keep existing facilities affordable, and no new spending that crowds out work the County cannot keep up with. What are your views on establishing a public transit system within the County of Brant to connect communities such as Paris, Brantford, Burford and St. George and how should the County approach the costs and funding associated with implementing and operating such a system? I am not in favour of a County transit system at this time. After working on maintenance in downtown Toronto and seeing how transit operates in practice, I do not believe the benefits would outweigh the cost. The County does not have the same street-level problems seen in larger cities, and I want to keep it that way. Transit brings ongoing operating costs, security issues, and other consequences taxpayers would carry year after year. Basic income and welfare reform are a better way to help people than asking current residents to subsidize a transit network. Many people moved here knowing a car is part of rural life. It is not fair to shift that cost onto neighbours already paying for roads, bridges, and services we cannot keep up with now. If a tightly costed, user- and senior-government-funded option is put forward, I will look at the numbers. I will not support a permanent municipal obligation we cannot afford and do not need. What changes or improvements would you like to see made to Brant Transit to better meet the transportation needs of County of Brant residents? The real barriers are the cost of a vehicle, gas, insurance, and low income. That is why I keep coming back to basic income and putting money directly in people’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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September 9, 2026

pockets. They can then spend it on the transportation that actually fits their life. I do not support expanding or further subsidizing Brant Transit as the County’s answer. Transit is another form of wealth redistribution, but only for one use. I would rather help people with income than build a system current residents must keep paying for. This is a rural county. People who move here should expect that a vehicle is part of daily life. The lack of Uber or similar rideshare service does not help. I would rather see private ride options become available than have the municipality take on more transit costs. If Brant Transit can be made more useful without a larger local subsidy, I will listen. My priority is income support and practical private options, not growing a public transit obligation. What specific outcome would you work toward regarding the proposed boundary adjustment involving the Brantford Municipal Airport and surrounding County-owned lands? Include key concerns you would address before supporting any agreement with the City of Brantford? My test is simple: value for County taxpayers. I will not support a deal that hands over prime land on poor terms. A sale in the $12,000 to $14,000 an acre range would be a raw deal, even in a softer market. That land is flat, close to Highway 403, near a new water tower, and served by roads in every direction. It can generate far more income for residents than an airport that, at best, breaks even and more often costs money. The first question is whether this is the best use of land that belongs to County residents. Before supporting any agreement with Brantford, I would need a fair price that reflects development potential, a clear explanation of what the County gives up in tax revenue and control, a long-term plan for the site instead of a short-term political fix, and protection for surrounding County lands and ratepayers. I want a durable settlement that lets both communities prosper. Partnership does not mean giving the land away. Can you provide an example of a time you worked within a complex organization or with a diverse group of people to achieve a successful outcome? What role did you play in reaching that result? I have run two winter maintenance contracts in York Region, one with 33 pieces of equipment and one with 20. I was responsible for both yards: scheduled maintenance, routing, payroll, driver training, personnel, reporting, and day-to-day communication with my company and the Region. That work only succeeds if drivers, mechanics, and managers pull in the same direction under tight timelines and public pressure. My job was to set the plan, keep the equipment and people ready, and stay in constant contact so problems were solved before they became failures on the road. I like clear goals and I measure success the same way I would in the County: get the big jobs done early and under budget. I listen first and I do not rush to judgment, which helps strong personalities work together. That is the role I would bring to Council and staff: set the target, keep people aligned, deliver.

If elected to Brant County Council, will you propose a motion for Council's approval to impose a one-year moratorium on artificial intelligence data centers until the water, energy, pollution, and noise issues are thoroughly understood? I would not start by imposing a one-year ban. I would start with a proper investigation. Data centres are not all the same, they are relatively new in our area, and there is a lot of online noise around them. We should not govern off the most extreme claims, and we should not wave the questions away. Skepticism and cross-examination are necessary for sound judgment. Water, power, noise, and servicing are real municipal issues. If a proposal needs large volumes of water or new electrical capacity, Council has to see the numbers, the source of that water, the effect on existing users, and who pays for the upgrades. That review should be public, not a blanket freeze that treats every project as identical. I do not believe we need a full year to get those answers. Staff, the proponent, and the utilities can put the water, energy, and nuisance impacts on the table much sooner. I will not support a project until those impacts are understood. The County has adopted a Long-Term Financial Plan to help guide its financial decisions and priorities over the coming years. If elected, how would you use that plan to guide your decisions at the council table, particularly when weighing new priorities, major investments and the long-term affordability of services for County residents? I would treat the Long-Term Financial Plan as a limit on what the County can afford, not a wish list. New priorities and major projects should have to fit the plan’s affordability test: what it costs to build, what it costs to run, and whether residents can carry it without another jump in taxes or debt. I am not interested in adding services we cannot maintain. If a proposal raises the County’s long-term obligations, I want it measured against the plan before it gets a vote. The best way to change the status quo is to keep more public money circulating here. Property tax credits as part of how we pay employees and contractors would keep that value created in local tax coffers instead of leaving town and contributing to interest bearing debts. Combined with basic income, that would put cash in local pockets, raise the velocity of money, and reduce pressure on debt. How do you foresee the culture of staff and councillors under your leadership? I am known for temperament, grace under fire, and patience. That should bring an immediate improvement in morale and efficiency. I have overseen seasoned veterans on various contracts over the years, and they have recognized me as one of the most effective managers of people they have worked with. I will meet every staff member, right down to the people with shovels in their hands, and give them my undivided attention when we are together. To deliver the best services, every employee must know the importance of their role and the value they bring to this team. That tone can only be set from the top. Would you use the strong mayor powers available under Ontario legislation?

Paris Independent

What circumstances, if any, would justify using those powers rather than seeking consensus through Council? Strong mayor powers are in the toolkit. I have no interest in using them as a first resort. The first job is to persuade, build a majority, and get Council moving in the same direction. I have been on the 20 side of an 80/20 fight and later been proven right. If I had exhausted every effort at persuasion, believed the evidence was clear, and the issue was a raw deal for taxpayers, I would use the powers. If I am wrong, voters can deal with that at the ballot box. There are times when people around the table know a proposal is bad for residents but will not break with their group. That is weak leadership. I will not pretend it does not happen. My standard is what is good for the County, even when it is unpopular. I would use strong mayor powers only after consensus has failed. I would not use them to win ordinary political arguments. KENT HOLLETT Candidate did not respond as of press deadline. STUART BRAID

the downtown core. What impact do you believe this type of development could have on downtown Paris? Please identify both the potential benefits and challenges. I think it’s a great idea, providing the housing we offer is geared towards the segment of society that needs it most. This would be housing priced towards lower to middle class families and individuals. It’s also just as important to assist the business owners of downtown Paris (and all of Paris) who have suffered tremendous losses with the awful mismanagement related to construction and planning. In fact bringing back business to the area is one of my top priorities. The benefit would be increased foot traffic in the downtown core, possibly, but the challenges remain: our infrastructure. How would you improve access to affordable public swimming facilities for County of Brant residents, particularly given the limited access to pools in Brantford? Would you support the development of a public swimming pool (a new one indoors or another one outdoors) in the County of Brant? I would support this idea if the county has the funds to build a pool. At this point, without further consultation, it’s hard to say if we can afford it. I have other priorities, such as making sure our residents have a roof over their head, employment, and can feed themselves. The current infrastructure and construction mess needs to be cleaned up first before we start building other major structures. What are your views on establishing a public transit system within the County of Brant to connect communities such as Paris, Brantford, Burford and St. George and how should the County approach the costs and funding associated with implementing and operating such a system? I think it’s a great idea and I have heard this request from many of the constituents I’ve spoken to. I think a comprehensive sensible plan could be put forth with the assistance of the provincial and federal governments. The current transportation plan calls for a possible Go Train connection at 403 and Rest Acres Road, and that is a start. The current plan doesn’t really offer any immediate solutions, only suggestions for the decades to come, which obviously should be revised and sped up. What changes or improvements would you like to see made to Brant Transit to better meet the transportation needs of County of Brant residents? I personally think it’s not working as it should for the money we pay for the service and I would look into revamping it or getting rid of it altogether. We can have a better system in place, such as small buses or shuttles that you can access immediately, not by booking on an app a day in advance. What specific outcome would you work toward regarding the proposed boundary adjustment involving the Brantford Municipal Airport and surrounding County-owned lands? Include key concerns you would address before supporting any agreement with the City of Brantford? The residents of Brant County have already spoken out against this and made it clear they don’t want it. The discussions CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Paris Independent

September 9, 2026

LIVING RETIRED: ‘Knickers In A Knot’

By Gary Chalk Non-Pulitzer Prize Winning Columnist What a schmozzle! I discovered that at our house I wear the pants — as it turns out, not well! — and Jan, well, she has her knickers in a knot. This is what I mean… A couple of months ago, I had emergency dental work. I left the dentist office with six teeth wired together and strict instructions to follow a soft food diet. My recovery also included a visit to

an optometrist to rule out any eye damage from my mishap. So, for the three days leading up to the eye appointment I remained inside nursing my scrapes and bruises, eating Jello, soup, Kraft Dinner, and porridge. On the day of the optometrist appointment, I awoke and stepped on the bathroom scale. I had lost five pounds. YES! I slipped into a pair of skinny-fit blue jeans that Jan bought me. They felt great, for a change. I posed in front of the mirror. As a Living Retired guy, I felt, well, hip! At the optometrist office I didn’t walk in. Instead, I held my head high, tried to put my chest out, and strutted in wearing my skinny-fit blue jeans. Soon, I had drops in my eye and was told to wait in the reception area with

three other patients. We all chatted, while I fumbled trying to put my key fob in my skinny-fit blue jeans pocket. It wouldn’t fit. Strange. Good news: the eye looks fine. Feeling pretty good in my skinny-fit blue jeans, with a spring in my step, I pranced to their frame shop thinking new glasses would complement my weight loss. The female sales associate sympathized with me not being able to fit my key fob into the pocket, and, I am not making this up, she said, “You look great for your age wearing skinny-fit blue jeans.” I felt like a whole new man! Back home, I continued to fumble with the key fob. I realized the front pocket of my skinny-fit blue jeans seemed small. I stood at our bed and collapsed onto my back. I flailed my legs in the air, eventually yanking the skinny-fit blue jeans down to my ankles. I looked: the pocket was half the normal size. That is when I saw the tag. It read, ‘30 Tall.’ OMG! I ran to Jan’s office and blurted out, “Jan. Sorry, I need to interrupt. I don’t want to be a smart ass but am I wearing

your skinny-fit blue jeans?” Jan looked up. She took one look at me modelling her favourite skinny-fit blue jeans. She laughed uncontrollably. I could hardly understand her say, “Gary, please don’t tell me you wore my skinny-fit blue jeans to your appointment at the optometrist!”I have done some dumb things in my life like the time in high school I organized a parade and halfway along the route the police arrived and told me I needed a permit – that is a Living Retired column for another time. But wearing Jans skinny-fit blue jeans was a first. Once and done! That night I got into bed first. Jan was frustrated, “Gary, I can’t find my pyjamas. Have you seen them?” (Pause.) “Please, please, PLEASE don’t tell me you’re wearing them.” Who wears the pants at your house? At our place I wear the pants. Both mine and Jan’s. Living Retired is written by Gary Chalk and published throughout Canada and USA. To receive Living Retired by email each Monday, or to book Gary to speak at your service club, corporate event, or retirement party contact Gchalk@me.com.

THEN AND NOW: From the New Royal Hotel to a modern jewel #11 Mechanic Street Part 2

By Wayne Wilkinson Paris Historian / Artist In Part I, we traced the history of this early industrial section of the lower village of Paris back to the 1840s, when James Tennant opened his initial grocery and tavern business. In 1868, the property was purchased by T.P. Gray, who ran his prominent hotel on the site until 1901.

That year marked a major turning point: John James Flahiff purchased and completely renovated the former Dumfries House, proudly renaming it the New Royal Hotel. In 1917, Flahiff decided to lease out a portion of the building, prompting a dramatic transformation to the storefront facade as the eastern wing became a motion picture theatre. The venue was leased by Jules and Jay Allen, two ambitious brothers from Pennsylvania who settled in Brantford before building Canada’s very first nationwide theatre chain. (For the rest of that silver-screen story, be sure to check out Chris Whelan’s companion column on the history of the Capitol Theatre!) J.J. Flahiff kept his thriving hotel running strong through two World Wars, eventually selling in

1955. Art Alexander stepped in as the new proprietor, guiding the establishment through a mid-century boom. His hotel became widely renowned for its warm hospitality and delicious, home-cooked meals, thanks in large part to Nan Richardson, who ran the kitchen and baked what many considered the best apple pies in town. After a successful decade under Alexander, Polish WWII veteran Joe Stylinski took the helm in 1965. Joe and his wife introduced major interior updates to keep pace with changing cultural norms. Most notably, the physical wall separating the "Men Only" beverage room from the "Ladies and Escorts" lounge was taken down, creating a single, spacious, open-concept tavern. As the 1970s rolled along, the business shifted away from lodging to focus almost entirely on its lively social scene, prompting another name change: the Royal Tavern. Tragedy struck in 1974 when a devastating fire completely destroyed the third floor, sadly claiming the lives of two patrons. Following the blaze, the historic gabled top floor was never rebuilt, leaving the building shortened but operational. From 1980 until 2015, a true Paris legend, Rick McMaster, greeted generations of locals at the Royal with his warm, friendly, hometown demeanor. Sadly, Rick passed away in 2015,

shortly after the legendary tavern closed its doors for the final time. With the old theatre long gone and the historic building past its prime, prominent local developer Bill Kennedy acquired the property. The 125-year-old downtown fixture was demolished to make way for a brand-new architectural jewel: a state-of-the-art, four-story luxury condominium complex. Today, the new building features ten residential suites backed by the picturesque Nith River, along with four bustling commer-

cial spaces at street level. So the next time you stroll down Mechanic Street and see the name "ROYAL" etched into the modern complex, take a moment to recall this location's grand evolution, and how that regal title remains permanently woven into the rich fabric of Paris history. Some information obtained from the archives at the Paris Museum & Historical Society with assistance from Steve Pinket.

September 9, 2026

Paris Independent

HISTORIC PARIS

PARIS PAST: Silver screens, Saturday serials, and the magic and wonder of the Paris Capitol Theatre

By Chris Whelan If you take a stroll down Mechanic Street in downtown Paris today, it’s easy to pass by without realizing that 11 Mechanic Street was once the entertainment heart of our town. For half a century, the local cinema stood as a palace of dreams, bringing Hollywood glamour, rowdy Saturday matinees, and unforgettable community gatherings to generations of Parisians. Movie house history in Paris stretches back to around 1900. In 1917, Pennsylvania’s Allen Brothers, who started out in Brantford before building Canada's largest theatre chain, bought the town's existing "Gem Theatre" to close it, hiring owners Alice and Frank Cove into their growing enterprise. By 1919, the Allen Brothers built an annex to the rear of the Royal Hotel at 11 Mechanic Street, opening it as the Colonial Theatre. It transitioned to the Allen Theatre in 1920. The early silent era had a distinct local touch. Resident James Adeney recalls that his uncle, Marcus Adeney, sat at the piano bench playing live accompaniment to the silent flicks flickering on screen. Following a major dispute with supplier Paramount in 1923, the Allen Brothers

chain folded. The Famous Players Canadian Corporation stepped in and took over, rebranding many of their newly acquired venues under a iconic name: the Capitol Theatre. On July 22, 1930, under Manager Joseph Bolinsky, "talkies" officially arrived in Paris. Refurbished with fresh paint, new curtains, comfortable seating, and a stateof-the-art sound system, the New Capitol Theatre opened its doors with Jack Oakie starring in The Social Lion for 35 cents a ticket. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, the Capitol was the place to be every weekend. For kids like Gary Pottruff, whose mother worked Saturday shifts at the Penman's mill for the war effort, a dime from mom bought entry to an entire afternoon of cartoons, war newsreels, and features. Gary fondly remembers sliding under the seats from the top row all the way down to the stage, keeping the floors clean, even if their clothes suffered for it! Afterwards, patrons walked up the slanting floor back out to Mechanic Street, blinking into the bright daylight. Saturday matinees were legendary. Bill MacDonald remembers spending entire afternoons taking in double features, usually a Western paired with a serial episode. For Deirdre Biehn, a 25-cent weekly allowance broke down perfectly: 15 cents for admission and a dime for treats. Others, like Norma Lockey, grabbed a 10-cent bag of penny candy from The Palms beforehand, while Patricia Boyd grabbed a cone of fresh French fries from the nearby chip wagon to devour before stepping inside. The venue also hosted treasured community events. Every Christmas, Penmans sponsored a holiday party and parade ending right at the Capitol, where kids watched a free movie and left with bags of Christmas candy, courtesy of Santa. Other times, admission was as simple as bringing a can of soup. As kids grew into teenagers, the Capitol transitioned from noisy matinees to Friday night date spots. Carol Ann Westbrook remembers falling head over heels for Mar-

The Capital Theatre Paris vintage colorized

Capital Theatre Paris

lon Brando when The Wild One hit the screen. Wayne Roper recalls a rule where minors needed an adult to attend evening shows, prompting his grandfather McBride to buy a ticket for Gord Gibson just so he could get in to see Elvis Presley in 1956's Love Me Tender. The theatre wasn't without its dramatic non-movie moments either. Cathy Deslippe recalled her father Jim Raycraft and uncle Gord Raycraft being inside the theatre the night Hurricane Hazel struck in October 1954, describing how the building shook violently in the storm. Others, including Maria Durning and Dianne Sugden, remember police stopping the show that day during the severe flood threat, ordering everyone to rush home immediately, escorting kids over the bridge toward the Flats before the waters rose. Over the years, various managers and operators steered the ship, including B.H. Mechanic, Sherman Kirby, and Gordon Fluker. Dedicated staff kept the reels spinning; local projectionist Art Roberts began his career as a Capitol usher before working the booth until 1937, while Rob Haggart's grandfather also operated the projector. To keep patrons coming, management ran creative promotions. In May 1949, they offered 22-karat gold-bordered "Marigold" dinnerware set pieces to female moviegoers for a 10-cent service charge. In February 1955, owners completed a sweeping $40,000 modernization program. The "New" Capitol grand reopening featured CinemaScope and VistaVision wide-screen projection, water-cooled air conditioning, luxurious seats, new carpeting, and an ultra-modern candy bar stocked with popcorn and Coca-Cola. Despite the massive renovation, the rapid rise of home television dealt a fatal blow to

small-town single-screen cinemas across North America. Just a year later, in February 1956, the Capitol Theatre officially closed its doors after nearly 50 years of cinema in Paris. In October 1959, 500 of its seats were unbolted and shipped 400 miles north of Winnipeg to outfit a new theatre in the frontier settlement of Thompson, Manitoba. Though the theatre annex was eventually demolished in 2006, its memory lives on. Dedicated volunteers at the Paris Museum and Historical Society spent over two years cleaning and restoring the original Capitol Theatre projector, which now sits proudly on permanent display. The building at 11 Mechanic Street may look different today, but for generations of Parisians, it will always be the magical place where the lights dimmed, the curtains pulled back, and the magic of the movies came alive. Email your memories to: editor@theparisindependent.com

Paris Independent

What Keeps a Downtown Alive?

RACHELLE ROUSSEAU Rousseau Rares Vintage

Events have a way of changing the rhythm of a downtown. Suddenly the sidewalks are full. Music carries between the buildings. There are new faces mixed in with familiar ones, and for an afternoon, the street feels different. On those days, there is something you hear from behind downtown storefronts: It’s so nice to see people downtown. There is a kind of relief in it. There is something reassuring about looking out a window and seeing people moving between buildings, gathering on sidewalks and filling the street again. For a few hours, the street has its pulse back. But busy isn’t the same thing as alive. A living downtown has a pulse on the ordinary days, too. Maybe that’s one of the most valuable things an event can do. It gives someone their first reason to come downtown, so they can find their own reasons to return. Someone remembers a place they discovered. They come back a week later, and then again. A street you once visited becomes a street you know. And routine creates relationships. You recognize the people behind the counters, and they begin to recognize you too. You notice when a window changes. You wave through the glass without really thinking about it. Familiar faces start ap-

pearing everywhere. Those small connections accumulate. Somewhere along the way, downtown stops feeling like a collection of businesses and starts feeling like a community. And like anything living, a downtown changes. Businesses come and go. New people arrive. Traditions evolve. Streets are rebuilt. The town around them grows. Change can interrupt the familiar. But a living downtown was never meant to stand still. Sometimes change is how a place stays alive. We can preserve old buildings. We can rebuild streets. We can create beautiful public spaces and fill the calendar with events. But none of those things, on their own, can make a downtown live. People do that. They do it by showing up. By gathering. By returning. By becoming familiar faces. Buildings give a downtown its shape. People give it life. Maybe that is the opportunity that comes with change. \ Not simply to put everything back exactly as it was, but to return to it. To rediscover somewhere familiar. To notice what has changed and what has remained. Preservation protects the place. Participation keeps it alive. Because a living downtown isn’t something we ever finish building. It’s something we continually make together.

September 9, 2026

Paris Independent

(MICHELLE MALVASO PHOTOS)

One-year-old Camryn takes in all the sights and sounds at the Fair. While this was her first fair experience, the Paris Fair has brought wonder and amazement to kids for 168 years.

Paws, applause and plenty of tricks! The four-legged stars of The Ultimutts Animal Actors Show entertained Paris Fair crowds with an impressive mix of stunts, tricks and high-flying fun.

Grace W., Kaitlyn B., Grace L and Tessa B. participate in a cow milking demonstration.

Lily (10) with Snowball and Havily (11) with Penelope prepare their goats for show on Sunday.

(PARIS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY PHOTO)

Ag-Mazing indeed! Katheryn celebrates her win after taking part in the Ag-Mazing activities in the Paris Fair’s Ag Awareness area, where fairgoers could put their agricultural knowledge to the test.

Who needs four wheels when you’ve got four paws? This talented pup puts a new spin on scooting during The Ultimutts Animal Actors Show at the Paris Fair.

Brett Kissel’s appearance at the Paris Fair marked a fullcircle moment for the Canadian country music star, who previously performed at the fair earlier in his career. Since then, Kissel has become one of Canada’s most decorated country performers, earning multiple JUNO and Canadian Country Music Association awards, Gold and Platinum certifications and numerous chart-topping singles – and the crowd absolutely loved him.

(PARIS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY PHOTO)

Tea, tradition and a touch of royalty! The Paris Fair hosted its first annual High Tea, welcoming special guests Miss Six Nations Kymberly Farmer, Mrs. Regional Canada Aleria McKay, Rockton Silver Ambassador Terri Mand and 2026 Paris Fair Ambassador Lauren O’Nahr.

Paris Independent

Boden (9) exhibiting with Rosalie.

September 9, 2026

Proud of her prize-winning work! Juniper B. shows off her second-place entry in the Paris Agricultural Society’s exhibits during the 168th Paris Fair.

Who could resist all the sweet treats at the Paris Fair? Juniper and Ben cool off with a delicious ice cream while enjoying a fun-filled day at the fairgrounds.

(PARIS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY PHOTO)

One final encore! After more than 35 years of entertaining audiences, Erik Traplin performed his final show at the Paris Fair, where he has been a longtime fan favourite and familiar face for generations of fairgoers.

(MICHELLE MALVASO PHOTOS)

Declan won a snake for his efforts on this attraction at the Paris Agricultural Fair 2026 at the Paris Fairgrounds on September 6, 2026

Canadian country music star Brett Kissel returned to the Paris Fair on Sunday, Sept. 6, drawing an absolutely packed crowd for one of the weekend’s most anticipated performances. Fans flooded the fairgrounds ahead of the show, creating gridlock around the north end as concertgoers gathered to see the award-winning performer take the stage and show his love for Paris.

September 9, 2026

Paris Independent

Lauren O’Nahr takes top honours in Paris Fair Ambassador competition RUBYYY JONES Cultural Correspondent

Lauren O’Nahr was crowned the 2026 Paris Fair Ambassador last Thursday night, emerging from a field of three candidates during the opening ceremonies of the 168th annual Paris Fair. Sponsored by the Girl Guides of Canada, O’Nahr earned the title following a competition that tested candidates through interviews, professional resumés, prepared speeches, impromptu questions and videos highlighting their sponsoring organizations. The 62nd annual Ambassador competition was part of an opening night that carried added significance this year. Just 24 hours earlier, a powerful storm swept through the fairgrounds, damaging displays, exhibits and vendor setups and leaving Paris Agricultural Society volunteers with an enormous cleanup effort ahead of Thursday’s opening. Despite the setback, volunteers rallied to ensure the gates opened as planned, setting the stage for an evening celebrating community, agriculture, volunteerism and the next generation of local leaders. Before the Ambassador ceremony could get underway, officials took the stage to officially open the 168th Paris Fair. Emcee Pat Howell-Blackmore took the mic

and introduced guests, starting with the official greetings from Paris Agricultural Society President, Matt Stuart and General Manager, Amy Warner. They praised the community members who helped make the fair possible, along with Campbell Amusements for its resourcefulness and everyone who stepped up to help in the aftermath of the storm. Howell-Blackmore also welcomed Mayor David Bailey to the stage who spoke briefly and enthusiastically about his time in office and his love of the Paris Fair and everything it brings to the County. MP Dan Muys spoke too, echoed those sentiments, highlighting the way the community rallied in the aftermath of the storm and offering further praise to the many volunteers who helped make the fair possible. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 was also an important part of the opening ceremony. Legion representatives reminded everyone about their 100th Anniversary celebrations scheduled for the end of September/early Ocotber. Mona Eichmann, District 7 representative for the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies, spoke about the importance of supporting and participating in local agricultural societies, programs and events. With the formal greetings kicking off the fair, the 62nd annual Ambassador Competition started with the introduction of the

(RUBYYY JONES PHOTO)

The official PAS opening ceremonies photo: General Manager, Amy Warner, PAS president Matt Stuart, 2026 Ambassador Grace Auslebrook-Smith, guest Canadian Legion Representative, Mayor David Bailey, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 President Barry Humphrey, MP David Muys and Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies District 7 representative Mona Eichmann.

Ambassador committee: Jennifer Kelley, Melissa Condon, Heather Fair, Suzanne Kelley, Bronwyn Monkhouse, Hope Punturiero, Bella Todd and Kylie Vanderhoek, as well as last year’s winner Grace Auslebrook-Smith. The judges included former

Queen of the Furrow, Derika Nauta, and past Ambassador Bethany Parkinson, and me, Rubyyy Jones. Junior Inspire participants Kynlee Crawley and Kaylen Fairfax were also wel-

St. James' Anglican Church 8 Burwell Street, Paris Sunday services: 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM UPCOMING EVENTS IN HONOUR OF ST. FRANCIS, PATRON SAINT OF ANIMALS AND ECOLOGY: Dog-Walking Group Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Sept 15, 22, 29, Oct 6 Followed by an optional prayer service at 6:30 PM Pet-Blessing Service Saturday, October 10, 10:30 AM

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Paris Independent

September 9, 2026

SPORTS

Sponsored by Paris Canadian Tire

The Paris Independent

PARIS ATHLETE OF THE MONTH Hometown Paris Mounties captain Ryan GardnerO’Keefe sets sights on championship in final junior season

CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

For Ryan Gardner-O’Keefe, hockey and Paris have always gone hand in hand. Long before he became captain of his hometown junior hockey team, Gardner-O’Keefe was a two-year-old with a pair of boots, a stick and an outdoor rink. “I first got involved in hockey from the day I could remember, it all started back on the old outdoor Syl Apps Arena with just my boots and a stick at 2 years old and the love for the game started then.” Now 21, the Paris native and 2023 Paris District High School graduate is entering his final season of junior hockey as captain of the Paris Mounties, a role he has held for the past two seasons. Of everything he has accomplished during his hockey career, wearing the ‘C’ for his hometown team ranks near the top.

“I’m definitely most proud of being named captain the past two years of my hometown team. As well as backto-back years in Junior B hockey in Caledonia losing in the game 7 of the finals. And not being able to win a trophy has made me that much more eager to want to win in my last year in Paris.” Gardner-O’Keefe’s path through hockey has largely been rooted in the community where it began. He spent most of his minor hockey career playing for the Paris Wolfpack before moving to Brantford AAA for one season. He returned home to play for the Paris Mounties in 2022-23 and was named an assistant captain during his rookie season. His play caught the attention of Jake McNeil, leading Gardner-O’Keefe to Caledonia, where he spent two seasons playing Junior B hockey. Both seasons ended painfully close to a championship, with Caledonia falling in Game 7 of the finals in consecutive years. Those experiences have only added fuel to Gardner-O’Keefe’s desire to finish his junior career on top - this time in a Mounties jersey. On the ice, Gardner-O’Keefe describes himself simply. “I would say I’m a hardworking team-oriented person, who loves to score points.” That competitive nature also extends to looking out for his teammates. Gardner-O’Keefe likes to have fun on the ice, but when the game gets serious, so does he. As captain, he takes pride in standing up for the players around him and bringing the kind of intensity expected from a team leader. His development hasn’t stopped just because he is now one of the veteran players in the dressing room. Gardner-O’Keefe continues to study the people around him and take lessons from coaches and mentors that can improve his game and potentially help him behind the bench someday. “I’m always trying to work on picking things up from the mentors I have in place and finding good information to take from all sorts of great leaders.” That includes new Paris Mounties head coach Zac Rinaldo. Gardner-O’Keefe said even in the short time they have worked together, he has already picked up lessons he could one day incorporate into his own coaching. He sees learning the game as something that extends well beyond his playing career. His commitment also extends beyond games and practices. Gardner-O’Keefe believes competing at the junior level requires both physical preparation and the right mentality.

“Yes, it takes a lot of hard work and determination if you want to win, but in the end it’s all in your head. If you tell yourself, you can’t compete with guys at that level the only thing stopping you is yourself. Tell yourself you’ll be better than them and do the training off the ice to prove it. It doesn’t just take all on ice training to be a good hockey player!” There are already signs that work could pay off during his final season. The Mounties travelled to Niagara Aug. 28-30 for a preseason tournament, where Gardner-O’Keefe collected six points in four games, an early indication of the offensive contribution the captain is capable of bringing this season. Hockey wasn’t Gardner-O’Keefe’s only sport growing up. He also played baseball before deciding around age 13 or 14 that hockey would become his primary focus. He credits baseball with helping keep him active, conditioned and motivated during hockey’s off-season. While competitive baseball eventually took a back seat, he hasn’t left the diamond entirely and still plays in a slo-pitch league in St. George with friends. Behind all those years spent travelling between arenas, diamonds, practices and tournaments were Gardner-O’Keefe’s parents, who he identifies as the biggest influence on his athletic career. “Definitely my parents for always being there with endless support no matter what and all the drives to and back from hockey and tournaments all over Ontario. Growing up playing baseball and hockey we travelled everywhere! They always made sure I was happy and playing the game I loved and I really appreciate them for that! They have shaped me to become a better man away from the arena from all the effort and everything!” With his final junior season now underway, Gardner-O’Keefe knows exactly what he wants to accomplish before that chapter closes: win the Schmalz Cup with his hometown team. But he isn’t necessarily ready for his playing days to end there. Gardner-O’Keefe hopes five years of junior hockey experience could open the door to playing professionally overseas. At the same time, the sport has already introduced him to another passion — coaching. He previously spent two years coaching with the Paris District High School hockey team and this season will help his father, Gary, coach the U18 Brant Battalion. It is a role that could become an even bigger part of his future once his playing career comes to an end. “I look forward to when the time comes that I’ll be able to hopefully coach Junior hockey or use all the lessons I’ve been taught from it to display it elsewhere!”

September 9, 2026

16 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

comed to the stage, where they were recognized for their participation in the program and presented with gifts. Ahead of the competition, both spoke about their experiences in the mentorship program. Crawley described it as an empowering opportunity, remarking, “it was very good and I loved walking on the stage, it was very empowering, because even though I was nervous, it was super fun.” Fairfax agreed that it was “very fun” and encouraged other young people to consider taking part in the personal and professional development program, adding, “it’ll change your life, you’ll meet new people and it’ll be fun too.” The judges had a hard task at hand with three fantastic potential ambassadors: Lau-

Paris Independent

ren O’Nahr, sponsored by the Girl Guides of Canada, Abigail MacDonald, sponsored by the Women Inspiring Women, Women’s Institute and Claire Livingston, sponsored by St. George Women’s Institute. What many people do not know is the evening’s competition begins before the contestants hit the stage. Candidates participate in oneon-one interviews with the judges and submit a professional CV, along with a video highlighting their sponsoring organization, for the judges to review. Once they hit the stage, each competitor is required to deliver speeches and answer impromptu questions. It’s great practice for skills they will exhibit in the days following the competition, if they are selected as the Paris Fair Ambassador. Each of the speeches highlighted the powerful role volunteerism can play in

brant.ca | parksandrec@brant.ca | 519.44BRANT (442.7268) |

strengthening a community. Together, they O’Nahr was joined on stage by an enthusioffered a meaningful reminder of what can astic group of Girl Guides and Guide leadbe accomplished when people care for one ers who celebrated her achievement with another and dedicate their time and talents congratulations and photos. to making their community a better place for everyone. As the judges deliberated, the audience watched the sponsorship videos created by each contestant. The videos are a newer addition to the Ambassador program, giving candidates an opportunity to showcase their creativity while providing their sponsoring organizations with a meaningful piece of promotional content. Outgoing Ambassador Grace Auslebrook-Smith delivered a heartfelt speech about her year representing our community across the province and it was amazing to see her growth and confidence in public speaking and leadership. With three candidates competing this year, only the first-place winner was announced. Lauren O’Nahr was named the 2026 Paris Fair Ambassador, recognized for an impressive resumé filled with volunteer ex(RUBYYY JONES PHOTO) perience and a strong commitment to her Paris Fair Ambassador Competitors, left to community. Following the announcement, right, Abigail MacDonald, Lauren O'Nahr and Claire Livingston.

Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies

The Paris Duffers golf report JEFF JOHNSTON AKA STONES Paris Independent Contributor

SOUTH DUMFRIES Tuesday, September 15 at 7:00 pm Gaukel Memorial Community Centre (7 Gaukel Dr, St George)

BRANT WEST Wednesday, October 7 at 7:00 pm Burford Community Centre (14 Potter Drive, Burford) 2006-2007 Burford Minor Hockey Novice Rep Team

PARIS Thursday, October 15 at 7:00 pm Syl Apps Community Centre (51 William Street, Paris) Zac Dalpe | Marilyn McCulloch | Sandy Boyd 2002 Paris Minor Hockey Bantam Rep Wolfpack Team

Nominate a local athlete for the 2027 Sports Hall of Fame by Monday, November 30.

brant.ca/SportsHall

St. George Lions Club | Doug Robb | Dean and Sue Morrison

Weekend Quiz

Well, here we are! Follow along as high winds met good weather out on the course, with golf clubs flying and everyone ducking and no, not the Daffy kind! Big T, celebrating his 55th birthday no less (Happy Birthday, Tom, by the way!), teamed up with Big Al Muckeraw to take on Cutter and... what’s-his-name. It came right down to the wire, with Cutter sinking a final putt to seal the match with a bark! Meanwhile, Brownie was counting "one, two, skip a few," tossing in a "McCulligan" here and there. He used this special method of play to totally baffle Kopper and the gang. Over on the next hole, Haybo and

Chicken took on Bergie and Fever, and the feathers were definitely flying! Fever kept his cool as the mature one of the group, sinking great drives and making putts Fever-style all along the way. Good fun was had by all out at The Burford Golf Links this week, though everyone was in a bit of a hurry to wrap up and get over to the Paris Fair. Scores aside, everyone came out a winner, with Willy D and Billy B keeping the peace while Birdy kept score. They always say to read between the lines, because that’s where the best stories lie, just like in golf. Head down, eye on the ball... there is just so much to remember, and that’s probably why I can't hit straight! All the best, and see you next week on the course in Burford. Stones

paris curling club

open house social friday september 25th

By Jake Grant

1. Who plays the piano in Charlie Brown? 2. What is the birthstone for September? 3. How many equinoxes are there in a year? 4. What's the name for the science of growing apples? 5. What does AKA mean?

6. What dog breed was traditionally kept by monks in the Swiss Alps to find lost travelers? 7. How many members does the South Korean band BTS have? 8. What are baby goats called? 9. What ball has 32 panels? 10. A pantheon is a temple dedicated to who?

This week’s answers are found on pg. 22

7:00 - 10:00 pm free to attend meet club members and convenors special new member signup discount Email fun@pariscurlingclub.com for more info!

Paris Independent

HEALTH HUB Explore a network of local health services, expert care, and wellness solutions designed with you in mind.

Why Baseline Testing Belongs Before Every Sport Season DR. TYLER FLETCHER CEO and Sports Chiropractor, Cobblestone Medicine and Rehab Centres

Every fall, Brant County athletes lace up for football, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, and ringette. Most will have a great season. Some will take a hit that does not look dramatic — and that is exactly when families get into trouble. A concussion is a brain injury. It can come from a blow to the head or a jolt to the body. You do not need to lose consciousness. You may not look injured on the sideline. Symptoms can fade in days while the brain is still recovering. That gap is why “I feel fine” is not a clearance plan. This is also why baseline testing should happen before every sport season, not after the first bad hit. A young athlete’s brain is still changing. Fitness, sleep, vision, balance, and thinking speed are not the same in September as they were last March. Last year’s numbers go stale. A new season needs a new healthy snapshot — taken while your athlete is well, not while they are dizzy in a clinic hallway. That snapshot is multimodal baseline testing. Multimodal means we measure more than one system. A concussion can affect memory, attention, mood, vision, balance, reaction time, and how the body handles exercise. One computer quiz cannot capture all of that. Comparing an injured athlete only to “average kids their age” also misses the point. We need their normal. At Cobblestone, a multimodal baseline usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. Wear comfortable clothes. We start with concussion and medical history, how you feel on a typical day, and a mental-emotional screen. We then test thinking skills: memory, attention, concentration, and reasoning. We also test the systems families rarely think about until schoolwork or sport falls apart. RightEye functional vision assessment is not a standard

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eye-chart exam. Many athletes can read the bottom line and still have a tracking problem. RightEye measures how the eyes and brain work together: visual tracking of a moving target, saccadic eye movements (the quick jumps used to scan a field, a puck, or a page), endurance eye-movement testing (whether tracking holds up as fatigue sets in), and a reading test. Those skills matter in the classroom and on the field. If we already know how the eyes performed when healthy, we can see what changed after a concussion. 3D Balance Tracker is more than standing on one foot. A computerized force plate measures postural sway in three dimensions — how much the body shifts, in which direction, and how steadily the athlete holds their centre of pressure. Balance problems after concussion are easy to miss and easy to hide. An objective baseline gives us a number to compare, not just a guess. We also look at reaction time, strength, agility, coordination, gait, and exertion. Together, those pieces help us make safer return-to-school and return-to-play decisions if an injury happens later. The community numbers are worth taking seriously. Up to 30 percent of high-risk athletes sustain a concussion in a season. About half of sport concussions are missed or never reported. Teens often underreport symptoms so they can return faster. Baseline testing does not prevent a concussion, and it should never be the only factor in clearance. Used as part of a full plan — the approach we follow as a Complete Concussion Management partner clinic — it helps us catch lingering problems a short conversation can miss. Do this before the season starts. Then repeat it as the next season approaches, especially for growing athletes. That is how we protect the brain before the first header, hit, or fall. Book your multimodal concussion baseline testing with Cobblestone and Dr Tyler Fletcher!

September 9, 2026

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September 9, 2026

Paris Independent

Brantford-Brant unemployment rate drops to 6.2% MEDIA RELEASE

Brantford-Brant’s labour market continued to gain ground in August, with employment rising for the seventh consecutive month and the local unemployment rate falling to 6.2 per cent. The unemployment rate dropped 0.2 percentage points last month, according to the latest seasonally adjusted estimates from Statistics Canada, continuing a positive stretch for the local job market. Brantford-Brant also compared favourably with provincial and national figures. Canada’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.4 per cent in August, while Ontario’s edged up 0.1 percentage points to 6.9 per cent. Among surrounding communities, St. Catharines-Niagara and Guelph also recorded declines in their unemployment rates, while Hamilton, Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo and London saw slight increases. Locally, employment gains were concentrated in manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, and information, culture and recreation. While employment continues to grow, online job post-

ings dipped slightly during the month. The Workforce Planning Board’s Grand Erie Jobs platform recorded 1,800 new job postings in August, a three per cent decrease from July. Fewer companies are hiring, but employers are also finding suitable candidates more quickly than before. Retail salespersons topped the list of the region’s most in-demand occupations, followed by transport truck drivers, food counter attendants, material handlers and secondary school teachers. The positive summer employment trend has also been reflected in strong turnout at in-person hiring and networking events across Grand Erie, with two more employment fairs scheduled for September. The Brantford Steps to Employment fair will take place Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Gihekdagye Friendship Centre, 274 Colborne St. in Brantford. The free event will connect students, newcomers and other job seekers with local employers, community organizations and career services. Hands-on skills-building workshops will also be available. Later in the month, Grand River Employment & Train-

The Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie connects with job seekers during a recent local employment event. The organization says in-person hiring and networking events across the region have seen strong turnout this summer, with more opportunities planned for September.

ing (GREAT) will host its annual Job Fair on Thursday, Sept. 24 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Gathering Place by the Grand, 2593 Chiefswood Rd. in Ohsweken. More than 40 employers representing multiple industries are expected to participate. Job seekers will have access to direct hiring opportunities, resumé support, onsite Service Canada assistance and local service providers. The Workforce Planning Board is one of 25 non-profit organizations in Ontario that provide leadership in labour force planning. It is funded in part by the governments of Canada and Ontario.

My memories from September 11, 2001 STEWART GRANT Grant Haven Media Publisher

Long before I was in the newspaper business, I still wrote a lot of things down and kept a journal. Social media was not around yet, but lengthy emails to friends and family were a thing, especially for me living on an island away from home. On Sept.11, 2001, I was a 27-year-old living in Bermuda and working as a Chartered Accountant for Marsh, an insurance company. My wife Laurie and I were hosting her parents Gary and Marg who were visiting us at our island home, and we were relieved that Hurricane Erin, the first Atlantic hurricane of 2001, had passed by Bermuda on Sept. 9 without incident. On Sept. 11, 2001, my parents, Murray and June, were back home in St. Marys while my sister Lori was living in Norway where she was working in finance with General Electric. I wrote them the following email on the evening of Sept. 11 as I reflected on the horrific events. I just wanted to share this email to take you back 25 years to the thoughts of a regular guy in his 20s living through this when it happened. It’s amazing how when I re-type this email all these years later how the feelings come flooding back. September 11, 2001, 8:45 am Eastern time, 9:45 am Atlantic Time – I was sitting at my desk when Tom White walked by and told me the news – the World Trade Center had been hit by two airplanes. That’s where I was when the news came. As my internet was down, I called Laurie at work so I could hear the broadcast from her TV over the phone lines to get more details on this shocking news. Following our talk, the next amazing wave of news came around – the Pentagon had also been hit. We at Marsh gathered in the meeting room where we watched the unbelievable news come in on ABC and CBS. For the balance of the morning, we silently stood and sat in shock as the pictures came across the screen. Then at about 12:00, there was a gathering

in the training room where we prayed for world peace and had a moment of silence for the dead – about six or seven people got up and prayed aloud. This is when I felt saddest, thinking not only of those who died today but also about what this attack may mean on a grander scale. Like the Challenger explosion in 1986, like the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, and like the Kennedy assassination in 1963, this unfortunately will forever be a moment captured in time; a moment where everyone knows where they were when in happened. Somehow though this is scarier than all the other examples above. This was something out of a movie, something surreal – the first half of Independence Day comes to mind. Hopefully this is not a sign of things to come. Hopefully the terrorist actions which are now common in places like Jerusalem have not permanently found their way into our lives. Hopefully we do not travel in fear of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hopefully this doesn’t start a chain of events which leads us into World War III. The amazing thing is, although we are living in Bermuda, Canada, and Norway, we will find that none of us are unaffected by this tragedy. I probably know people that died today. The Marsh headquarters were in the World Trade Center, floors 95 to 100. Last month I met in person a couple people from the Marsh NY office, including one woman who I’ve spoken with on 10-15 occasions and gotten to know. I hope she was out of the office today. The largest companies in the world have offices in the World Trade Center. Marsh, Deloitte & Touche, and Arthur Anderson are just the ones I know for sure. Some 50,000 or so work in the World Trade Center I’ve been told, so I’m sure we all know someone who knows someone who was there today. Once we get over the terrible loss of the people that died, we will be left to deal with the consequences – the emotional impact

on the survivors, the impact on the national psyche, and the changes in our lives as a result of this. Travel will definitely be impacted, as we will see increased lines at borders, customs, etc. due to increased searches, questioning, etc. People of certain races are going to be the subject of constant scrutiny just because of their skin colour – for them it might be very difficult.

Well, I don’t know what else to say… I’m probably not thinking clearly anyway. I just wanted to get in touch with my family today and reflect a bit on what has happened. This is not just another news story that captures our interest for awhile, this is very sadly a day in which we have perhaps seen a significant turning point in world history.

Paris Independent CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

have been paused for now, as they should be during an election. I have also heard complaints of bullying like tactics from the government officials, and those who feel this process has been undemocratic and done behind closed doors, without proper consultation and transparency. This is not acceptable. Brant County would incur losses of its tax base, and farmlands. There are environmental concerns associated with the proposed expansion as well. Why doesn’t Brant County put forth a motion to absorb Brantford instead of Brantford wanting to amalgamate with us? There have been too many people losing their homes, farms, businesses and livelihoods because of government interference and land development the last few years and I find that concerning. Can you provide an example of a time you worked within a complex organization or with a diverse group of people to achieve a successful outcome? What role did you play in reaching that result? I have worked in many complex situations with a diverse group of people. I have worked with psychiatric patients, autistic and down syndrome people, and street kids. I have also been involved in the business and I.T. world since the eighties. I have owned businesses, led teams and campaigns (both marketing and political),

and have effected change in many different organizations. My work experience and education in I.T. has also led to many successful outcomes. I’ve had to navigate through many complex and technical concepts, while still being able to explain these concepts in a simple manner. Whether in social work, business or politics my role in the success of these ventures was leadership with honesty and integrity. All of my past experience is about helping people solve problems. With trust in government at an all-time low, it’s time people elected someone they can trust. If elected to Brant County Council, will you propose a motion for Council's approval to impose a one-year moratorium on artificial intelligence data centers until the water, energy, pollution, and noise issues are thoroughly understood? Yes. Data centers are best suited to be constructed way up north, where it’s always cold, not in Southern Ontario. Data centers require a large amount of fresh water, and hydro, which would put more of a strain on our watershed and infrastructures. I would prefer to make sure our indigenous first nations groups have fresh water before a data center. I would also rather attract new businesses and jobs by filling the many vacant buildings before constructing new ones. The County has adopted a Long-Term

September 9, 2026

Financial Plan to help guide its financial decisions and priorities over the coming years. If elected, how would you use that plan to guide your decisions at the council table, particularly when weighing new priorities, major investments and the long-term affordability of services for County residents? Yes I would use the guide, a lot of work and information has been put into producing that guide. However the Long Term Financial Plan is meant to be revised and updated yearly at least, so I would expect a new government with new ideas to make improvements to the guide going forward. The guide must take into account constituent feedback and changing economic conditions. The government must seek to preserve small town values in all of it’s future planning. The well-being of the constituents of Brant County must be paramount at all times, and the peace that they seek here. How do you foresee the culture of staff and councillors under your leadership? I think the culture needs to change. My role will be to lead as a team. That’s what Brant County residents want. We must remember we are there to act on the wishes of our constituents. We don’t need a local government mired in conflicts of interest or other distractions. For a local government to tell its tax paying constituents “if you don’t like it move” in response to push

19 back on government policy is unacceptable and indicative of the need for culture change and new ideas. I aim to build a collaborative council that works together on every issue. The culture will definitely be different. Would you use the strong mayor powers available under Ontario legislation? What circumstances, if any, would justify using those powers rather than seeking consensus through Council? No, I am not a king (although I do have royalty in my blood). As I already mentioned, my role on council is to represent the voices of the community, and council should act as a team, especially at the municipal level. That is democracy. Unfortunately, the idea of democracy and elected leaders acting on behalf of their constituents is a concept few politicians seem to grasp these days. I do not intend to follow that path. The strong mayor powers were enacted by the provincial government to help speed up the building of houses. I think we have enough of that in the county. So no, I won’t be using them, because I don’t believe that’s what Brant County residents want. Doug Ford also passed a law where the provincial government can take over a council if it deems it necessary. These are not very democratic laws.

County of Brant proposes pay increases for mayor, councillors for next term CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

County of Brant councillors are considering increases to the salaries of the mayor and council members for the 2026-2030 term, following a review that compared local compensation with several other Ontario municipalities. A staff report presented to the Policy Development Committee on Sept. 1 recommends setting the mayor’s annual salary at $117,200 and councillor salaries at $47,223, effective with the inauguration of the next council. That would represent an increase of $10,125 for the mayor, or about 9.5 per cent, from the current $107,075 salary. Councillors, who currently earn $39,778, would see an increase of $7,445, or about 18.7 per cent. The recommended salaries are based on targeting the 55th percentile of compensation among the County of Brant’s comparator municipalities. Council had previously used the 50th percentile as its target following its 2022 remuneration review. Since then, the county has established the 55th percentile as its target when conducting market comparisons for staff, and staff is recommending the same benchmark for elected officials. The proposed salary and benefit increases are expected to add approximately $93,114 annually to the county budget. When other recommended changes are included, the

total estimated cost is $100,614. Staff said the changes would be incorporated into the 2027 budget and 2028-2030 operating forecasts and are not expected to have a material impact on the county's long-term financial plan. The review looked at compensation in municipalities including Brantford, Cambridge, Norfolk, Haldimand, Oxford and Wellington counties, Woodstock, Orillia, Stratford and Kawartha Lakes. The comparison shows considerable variation in how elected officials are compensated. Brant's current mayoral salary of $107,075 is below Cambridge's $135,607, Brantford's $132,708, Norfolk County's $118,000, Oxford County's $110,455 and Wellington County's $155,985. It is higher than salaries in Orillia, Woodstock, Haldimand County, Stratford and Kawartha Lakes. The picture is somewhat different for councillors. Brant's current $39,778 salary is almost identical to Brantford's $39,732 and higher than Oxford County's $37,492, Woodstock's $34,713, Haldimand's $30,479 and Kawartha Lakes' $33,000. However, councillors earn $56,206 in Cambridge, $49,801 in Wellington County and $59,000 in Norfolk County. Staff also examined other ways of establishing council salaries. Norfolk County recently adopted a model tied to the salary of a member of provincial parliament, setting its mayor's pay

at 75 per cent of an MPP's base salary and councillor pay at 50 per cent of the mayor's salary. Applying that formula in Brant would result in salaries of $122,969 for the mayor and $61,485 for councillors, with an estimated annual budget impact of $258,329. Another option considered was Cambridge's model, which links council compensation to median full-time employment income in the community. If applied in Brant, that approach would result in a mayoral salary of $134,544 and councillor salaries of $64,780, carrying an estimated annual salary and benefits impact of $308,024. Staff ultimately recommended the 55th-percentile comparator model. Beyond base salaries, staff is recommending that council pay continue to receive the same annual cost-of-living adjustment provided to the county's full-time, non-union employees. No changes are proposed to health and dental benefits, for which the county currently pays 100 per cent of premiums. The report also recommends clarifying mileage and conference policies. Councillors can currently claim mileage for municipal business at the rate provided to county administrative employees, presently 70 cents per kilometre. The mayor also receives a taxable $3,000 annual vehicle allowance and can claim mileage in addition to that allowance. Staff is recommending language clarifying that mileage claims can vary among

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councillors because some must travel farther based largely on where they live in relation to council chambers. Members would continue to be entitled to reimbursement for travel associated with council duties, with claims publicly reported annually. Changes are also proposed for conference spending. Rather than maintaining the existing annual limit of $3,250 for councillors and $6,000 for the mayor, staff recommends allowing each councillor to attend up to two conferences annually at the county's expense, while the mayor could attend three. Additional conferences would require council approval. The change is estimated to cost approximately $7,500 annually. Alcohol would explicitly be excluded as a reimbursable expense, while conferences outside Ontario would continue to require council approval. No changes are recommended to the general expense accounts of $500 annually for councillors and $1,000 for the mayor. The existing provision providing an additional $1,800 in salary to councillors or the mayor serving as the county's representative on provincial or national municipal organizations would also remain unchanged. The report also recommends staff investigate the costs and implications of providing personal or home security systems for council members, following discussions about active-threat preparedness. A separate review of remuneration for board and committee members is expected to return to council in October.

September 9, 2026

Paris Independent

Horoscope WEEKLY

September 9 - September 15 2026 ARIES

LIBRA

A fresh opportunity motivates you. Trust yourself—it leads to exciting progress ahead.

Balance brings clarity, Libra. An exciting opportunity creates fresh optimism and progress.

TAURUS

SCORPIO

Stability returns, Taurus. A thoughtful choice brings confidence and positive results.

Your patience pays off, Scorpio. Believe in yourself—a rewarding development is ahead.

GEMINI

SAGITTARIUS

New ideas spark inspiration, Gemini. Stay curious—it opens the door to exciting possibilities.

Exciting possibilities appear, Sagittarius. Follow your instincts and embrace the adventure ahead.

Mar 21 - Apr 20

Apr 21 - May 21

May 22 - Jun 21

CANCER

Jun 22 - Jul 22 A happy moment warms your heart, Cancer. Follow your feelings—they strengthen meaningful connections.

LEO

Jul 23 - Aug 23 Your efforts gain attention, Leo. Stay confident—it brings recognition and rewarding opportunities.

VIRGO

Sept 23 - Oct 23

Oct 24 - Nov 22

Nov 23 - Dec 21

CAPRICORN

Dec 22 - Jan 20 Your hard work begins to show results, Capricorn. A small victory boosts your confidence and brings you closer to an important goal.

AQUARIUS

Jan 21 - Feb 18 Fresh inspiration arrives, Aquarius. Trust your creativity— it leads to meaningful progress.

Aug 24 - Sept 22

PISCES

Trust your instincts as a new opportunity brings confidence, progress, and rewarding possibilities your way.

Stay open to new possibilities— they bring happiness, confidence, and meaningful

Feb 19 - Mar 20

You’re invited!

OPEN HOUSE & HEALTHY AGING EXPO

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Afro-CariBrant Brings the Energy

Retirement living with care CALL TO DISCOVER MORE 226-457-0682

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Colourful costumes, music and dance brought the 2026 Afro-CariBrant Festival theme, “Heritage in Motion,” to life at Paris Lions Park. The two-day celebration showcased African, Caribbean and Black cultures through live performances, a parade, food, history and family activities.

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The Paris Independent for Wednesday September 9th 2026