Director's Message: Looking Forward to 2021

With 2020 soon behind us, we look forward to the promise of a brighter year in 2021. None of us have escaped the wide-reaching impacts of this pandemic. Yet through one of the most challenging years on record, I have seen the astonishing generosity and resilience of our community come together.

Within Brantford, our health care professionals, first respondents, and front line workers are truly heroes as they work tirelessly to support those in need. Our community partners continue to stand in the gap to deliver critical services to the vulnerable, while our educators consistently adapt to guide the development of primary, secondary, and post-secondary students. Words cannot express thanks to each and every one of you.

Economically, many small and specialty businesses quickly shifted gears to offer new or enhanced customer outreach options including online shopping, curbside pick-up, and local delivery. Numerous Brantford manufacturers retooled or added to their operations to produce PPE and related supplies for the community at large and health care system in particular. Our municipal, business, and community leaders banded together through the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force to create a targeted and tangible plan to support our local economy and embrace the shop local platform so critical in these challenging times.

While we face more challenges in the weeks and months ahead, the prospect of increased opportunity in the new year is fueled by many factors: the incredible determination of our community, the ongoing efforts of our extraordinary healthcare professionals, and the commitment of our municipal leaders as well provincial and federal counterparts to remain diligent and focused on recovery efforts.

The strength and character of a community is revealed most clearly during times of adversity and I am extremely proud of our community’s efforts to date and its unwavering support as we persevere forward.

From everyone at the City’s Economic Development and Tourism Department, may your holiday be filled with much joy and cheer and may 2021 bring you increased health and happiness.

Kevin Finney

Director, Economic Development and Tourism