A new community park in Ward 1 is being named in honor of a local fallen soldier.
The new 13-acre park located between Anderson Road and Witteveen Drive will be called Anderson Road Park. Anderson Road was named for Pte. Leonard Anderson who served as a member of the Dufferin ad Haldimand Rifles in the Second World War and died in France on July 8, 1944 at the age of 23.
In line with the city’s municipal naming policy, Ward 1 councilors reviewed the names received through public consultation. There were 14 names suggested for the new park through area neighborhood associations, through a Ward 1 meeting and from the public. Among the suggestions were Constable John Hickey Park, Emily C. General Park, Richard Carpenter Park, Tekahionawake Park, Callwood Park and Silverheels Park.
The new park includes a splash pad, a junior and senior play unit, a multi-use pad, a washroom building, and fully-accessible walkways.
Environmental assessment for parkway extension
City councilors have approved $400,000 from a transportation reserve fund for an environmental assessment in connection with the Wayne Gretzky Parkway North extension.
The extension, which is included in the city’s 2020 Transportation Master Plan Update, is one of the many recommended major road projects approved by council.
The extension will provide a parallel route to connect back to the Highway 24 corridor for inter-regional travel via Governors Road or travel to future provincial connecting link roads.
As a result, says a report submitted by Inderjit Hans, the city’s general manager of public works, “this would provide relief to the forecasted capacity issue on King George Road.”
The report said allowing city staff to start the environmental assessment will supplement planning activities in the northern expansion lands and ensure timing is in line with expected development there.
Community garden program expected to grow
Although community gardening took place at fewer sites in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, yields of fresh produce remained high.
More than 6,500 pounds of fresh local produce grown in community gardens was donated to the Brantford food bank and distributed throughout the community.
Equal Grounds Community Gardens has been initiating community gardens throughout Brantford since 2009. City council approved the establishment of a community garden program in 2015 and, during the first year, seven gardens were established in neighborhood parks. Four years later, the program had grown to include gardens in 15 parks in all city wards.
“This season marks the eighth year of the Community Garden Program,” said a report submitted by Inderjit Hans, general manager of public works. “As activities return to pre-pandemic conditions, the number of 2022 garden sites is also increasing once again at 11 locations in various city parks.”
Earl Haig remains the largest community garden site with 71 beds, 12 fruit trees, a berry patch, water service, seating and a large shed on the designated two-acre property.
“It is anticipated that the program will continue to grow and expand,” said Hans.
City to donate additional $6.5 million for John Noble Home project
The city will contribute an additional $6.5 million in capital funding for an expanded plan to redevelop John Noble Home’s Bell Court.
Empty for several years, Bell Court is a unit at the municipally owned and operated 156-bed long-term care facility on Mt. Pleasant Street in Brantford.
Bell Court is slated for redevelopment to accommodate those suffering from dementia. The home received approval for 20 new beds in 2018. The lack of local specialized behavioral units means some people are forced to move outside the community to get the care they need, said administrator Jennifer Miller.
The Bell Court project was delayed by the pandemic and, after further study, the home’s management committee requested the original plans, estimated to cost more than $10 million, be re-examined to include the possibility of a second floor.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Long-term Care announced a call for new beds.
The additional 20 beds will be used for those who require complex long-term care but don’t make it on to long-term care waitlists because of their extra needs. Many remain in hospital, sometimes for years.
The city’s share of the total cost of the 40-bed project is $13.1 million. Funding also will come from the Ministry of Long Term Care and the County of Brant.