Residents have their say on rezoning issue in Brantford

A fourth-generation employee of SC Johnson and a visually impaired co-worker were among the close to 100 people to attend a special city council committee meeting on Tuesday.

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Ethan Brooks, a life-long Brantford resident, said SC Johnson has been part of his family since his grandfather joined the company following the Second World War. His grandfather also worked at the company as did his father, who recently retired after 41 years.

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“Defining moments of my youth were partially made possible by the benefits SC Johnson offered my family,” Brooks said. “Christmas parties, summers at the company’s cottages, community events, canoe trips down the Grand River.

“I’m sure there were a lot of other benefits to me because of my father’s employment at SCJ.”

A veteran of Afghanistan, Brooks told advisors he was denied financial assistance from Veterans Affairs to attend school upon returning home after having served his country.

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SC Johnson gave him a job through the company’s sons and daughters program, giving him the opportunity to pursue higher education without taking on a lot of student debt.

“When I couldn’t find worthwhile employment as a veteran, it was SC Johnson that reached out with an opportunity to work full-time and earn a living that I didn’t think was attainable in a post-military life,” Brooks said .

SC Johnson, Brooks said, gives him Nov. 11 off to attend the city’s Remembrance Day ceremony every year with pay and full benefits.

“These are just a few examples of a corporate citizen like SC Johnson brings to our community,” Brooks said. “I’m truly disappointed that the City of Brantford could be losing a company that puts its workers and community at the forefront.”

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Brooks was one of several employees, retirees, residents and representatives of community organizations to speak at the meeting held to give residents a chance to have their say about a rezoning issue.

The future of the Brantford facility became a major issue earlier this year when it was learned a developer – Rosart Bucci Group – had purchased property at 58 Morrell St. adjacent to SC Johnson’s property at 1 Webster St.

The developer wants to build a 156-unit residential development on the property, which is zoned industrial. The developer has applied to have the property rezoned. The issue is now before the Ontario Land Tribunal for a decision.

City council has come out in support of SC Johnson and is working to resolve the impasse.

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SC Johnson, citing potential conflict between its facility and residential development, said it wouldn’t invest in its Brantford manufacturing facility or a distribution center expansion if the rezoning is approved.

Councilors also heard how SC Johnson changed Robitaille’s life some 20 years ago.

Visually-impaired all his life, Robitaille lost his job at a restaurant just after getting engaged. Lacking experience, Robitaille had difficulty landing employment.

However, he had built up some contacts through volunteer work at Brant United Way and one of those contacts was the then-general manager of SC Johnson.

Robitaille landed a job at SC Johnson and will soon be celebrating his 20th anniversary at the company.

To view the meeting visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROdhkEgT73o.

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