Brantford Mayor ‘devastated’ by prospect SC Johnson could leave city

Mayor Kevin Davis says he is “devastated” at the prospect of SC Johnson leaving Brantford.

The mayor chairs the city’s planning committee and first saw the rezoning application by developer Rosart Bucci Group in March 2023.

The builder proposes to construct 156 units in 23 separate townhouse blocks at 58 Morrell Street on a 3.6-hectare brownfield site that was once home to a Robbins and Myers facility.

“SC Johnson received the standard notice provided to all neighbours,” Davis noted. “They filed several letters in opposition to the planning application and did appear on March 9 at a planning committee hearing.”

The mayor said the company asked for a deferral – agreed to by the committee until June – so the company could enter discussions with the builder to try to find other solutions.

“When I first became aware, reading the responses from SC Johnson of how serious this was for them — like many people this week who are hearing of this for the first time in Brantford – I was devastated,” Davis shared. “We’ve been so very lucky to have SC Johnson here for 100-plus years. Not only are they a great employer but for everything they’ve done in the community.”

Over the last two decades the company has contributed more than $34 million CAD (in today’s dollars) to benefit the community for projects that include the Brant Community Healthcare System, The SC Johnson Trail, and the SC Johnson Community Centre.

The mayor noted that the city has suggested the possibility of some city-owned properties that could be swapped out but ended up being satisfactory.

Davis said he is trying to find a solution that would allow the developer to build in Brantford while ensuring SC Johnson continues to operate in the city.

“I want them here and to continue here,” said Davis “I’ll do whatever it is that is reasonable and proper for me to do.”

A report by the city’s planning staff recommended approval of the rezoning application that would see it changed from the current industrial to residential.

The report noted the proposed development conforms with the province’s Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2020) and is consistent with the provincial policy statement.

The subject lands – converted in the city’s new Official Plan to residential land use from the previous industrial land use – would see the redevelopment and intensification of underutilized lands that would use existing infrastructure and municipal services.

The developer submitted two land use compatibility studies that analyzed how the air quality, dust and odor of surrounding land uses may impact the proposed residential development.

The study recommended units at the western end of the property be outfitted with central air conditioning to allow windows and doors to remain closed if required, with the ability to install carbon or dust filters to air intakes as needed.

The study also recommended a warning clause be included in agreements registered on title for the units, advising that due to the proximity of adjacent industries, dust and odors from these facilities may at times be perceptible.

The second study dealt with noise impacts and road traffic, and recommended the designation of a Class 4 acoustical area that allows for higher sound level limits, making it easier for surrounding industries to remain in compliance with provincial requirements.

SC Johnson Chairman and CEO Fisk Johnson said earlier this week that the company has experienced “challenges of having residents living in proximity to our factories and it has simply not worked out.”

He went on to say that if allowed to proceed, the proposed residential development would seriously jeopardize the future viability of its operations, as well as the quality of life of nearby Brantford neighbourhoods.

“Even if you assume the residential development is fine for today, it simply doesn’t work for what we want, and need, to produce in the future,” Johnson said late Friday afternoon. “Our production footprint consistently evolves to adapt to the demands of the marketplace and will continue to do so. Our current factory operations don’t accurately reflect upcoming use of the plant as our product mix is ​​changing. This potential housing development would be extremely limiting to what we could do to evolve or even maintain our current production footprint here.”

Davis said Friday that the Holmedale neighborhood has a long history of residential and industrial living together.

“It’s a unique ambience down there, a vibrant arts and culture scene, some restaurants, and the proximity to the river. It’s a desirable place to live,” he explained. “We have a long history, and the residents know it, that we live with industry down there.”

A decision on the application was deferred in June to allow discussions to continue.

“If a rezoning application goes beyond the 120 days, the builder can then bypass council and go directly to the Ontario Land Tribunal,” said Davis. “At the end of July, the builder made that decision.”

The mayor said he was looking forward to it coming to the committee in council so members could weigh in on the matter.

“We look at it from a different perspective than planning staff. We hear from residents, the builder, and we make a decision for what we think is best for our community. We didn’t have an opportunity this time to do that.”

Davis also noted that it would be “highly improper” for a politician to interfere with the planning staff’s recommendation and is prohibited by a code of conduct.

“It’s extremely frustrating because now council is bypassed,” said Davis, acknowledging there is an online petition and a lot of social media activity over the issue.

An online petition posted Thursday has already garnered almost 400 signatures.

To view the petition visit www.change.org/p/help-save-sc-johnson-and-the-viability-of-its-operation-in-brantford

“They are such a fine company, and I say to them ‘We don’t want you to go. I’m devastated. Let’s keep you here. Let’s find some way to stay,” Davis said.

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