Province steps in on debate over future of Brantford Municipal Airport

A debate about the Brantford Municipal Airport, and the land it sits on, is before a provincial facilitator CTV’s Krista Simpson explains why.

The future of a major landmark in Brant County continues to be mired in political turmoil.

It may be called “The Brantford Municipal Airport” but the airfield actually sits outside the city’s western borders in neighbouring Brant County. It has been the home of the Brantford Flying Club since 1929 and hosted a popular charity airshow in the past.

Now, the site that was once a place where dreams took flight, has become a bone of contention between the two municipalities.

“Pretty much everybody agrees the airport is not achieving its full potential as a driver of economic activity in our region, and in fact, it is slowly declining,” Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis claimed.

The airport features a commercial hanger and warehouse spaces for lease and is a certified Canada Customs Airport of Entry. However, Davis believes that the fact that Brant County owns the land makes it hard to expand and revitalize the space.

“We don’t receive the property taxes, the development charges, the permitting fees, the utility charges – all those charges that make it financially possible for a municipality to make those investments,” he said.

The future of the airport has been up for debate for years, with some people who live in the county worried about creeping urban sprawl.

Contentious conversations

Late last year, at the request of the airport board, Brantford City Council voted to ask the province for help to bring the airport lands into the city.

In March, a provincial facilitator was appointed to guide discussions between Brantford and Brant County.

“A facilitator can’t impose an arrangement. He is there as a mediator to help the city and county see if they can arrive at an agreement that would have the airport in the city,” Davis explained.

Although the county said they are committed to respectful conversations with the city, the discussions have been turbulent.

In a statement, the county said in the fall of 2025, the city requested a 50/50 split of airport expenses.

“This was not a typical scenario as it provided no context, business case or rationale, essentially showing no respect or regard for the County and our processes. The request was received but not turned down outright by the County. The City using this to say that the County was unwilling to participate in negotiations is categorically untrue. As well, verbal offers have been made numerous times to negotiate on the airport lands,” the county said in an email to CTV News.

The county also claims the city has used the threat of amalgamation, another longstanding issue in the area, to complicate discussions.

“The County believes in equitable and respectful collaboration with all our neighbours. Had this been approached differently, in a fair and transparent manner, the outcome likely would have been far more efficient and productive for all involved,” the statement continued.

Mayor Davis denied that threats were made and said the city’s goal is to find a solution that’s agreeable to both the city and the county.

Resident worries

While the mediated talks continue behind closed doors, people living near the airport worry about what the future decision could mean for their homes.

“People are extremely scared about potentially loving living in the country, and there could be an opportunity where they’re going to turn into part of the City of Brantford,” Travis Welch, the founder of the Brant Civic Accountability Association, told CTV News on Friday. “There are taxation issues. There’s municipal planning. There are all types of things that have not been addressed with the public.”

Welch formed the Brant Civic Accountability Association due to concerns about the public consultation process surrounding major municipal decisions.

“The public has not been notified about this,” he said. “They have no understanding of what type of boundary changes may occur. Furthermore, ultimately, this is something that is being expedited in a very fast manner.”

Welch believes fresh eyes may be needed. Neither Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis nor Brant County Mayor David Bailey are seeking re-election in October’s municipal election.

“Let new incoming mayors and council make these decisions, because at this point in time, the public has no idea what’s going on. “

Davis said if an agreement is reached, there will still be a full consultation process as required by the Municipal Act.

“Individuals who are concerned will have many opportunities, at least to a minimum of two and many more if they have a dialogue with city staff or residents both in the city and the county, to express any concerns or support for what may or may not be proposed.”

An announcement regarding the outcome of the facilitated discussions is expected next week.