The City of Brantford announced a significant environmental initiative in collaboration with the Brant Land Trust on Friday, November 17, 2023.
Consistent with the City’s Climate Action Plan, this initiative reflects the City’s commitment to sustainable practices and community-focused environmental stewardship.
In May 2022, Brantford Power Inc. and Energy+ Inc. officially merged to form GrandBridge Energy Inc. Benefits of the merger include, stability in distribution rates, technological advancements, and improved services for 109,000 customers across Brantford, Cambridge, the County of Brant, and North Dumfries. Alongside these commitments, the City of Brantford has taken a significant step towards environmental conservation on the lands adjacent to 150 Savannah Oaks Drive.
The municipality successfully transferred its ownership of the pond located at 130 Savannah Oaks Drive to the Brant Land Trust. This move exemplifies a proactive approach to balance industrial development with environmental preservation.
“Our collaboration with the Brant Land Trust signifies our dedication to environmental stewardship,” said Kevin Davis, Mayor for the City of Brantford. “The planting of native trees and shrubs is a crucial step towards achieving carbon neutrality and preserving biodiversity. Moving forward, the City plans to incorporate these lands into the Natural Heritage System within our planning policy framework, emphasizing our long-term commitment to environmental preservation.”
Mary Lou Knechtel, President of the Brant Land Trust, expressed gratitude to Brant Tree Coalition member, Chuck Beach, and the dedicated volunteers who will contribute to the reforestation efforts at the site that will include planting trees.
“The preservation of this pond as a small ecological reserve amid an industrial area signifies our commitment to maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem,” said Knechtel. “These pockets of natural habitat are crucial for sustaining a harmonious approach to development while preserving the vitality of our ecosystem.”
The pond area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including fish, nesting birds, turtles, frogs, and numerous invertebrates. Future plans include planting approximately 20,000 native trees and shrubs in the unforested area adjacent to the pond, contributing significantly to the City’s carbon neutrality goals.
The planted areas surrounding the pond and pathways will feature a mix of native species, including ninebark, nannyberry, highbush cranberry, serviceberry, tamarack, white pine, sugar maple, red maple, white birch, white cedar, sycamore, red oak, black cherry, staghorn sumac, and basswood trees.
