Living in Brantford

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Situated on the picturesque Grand River, the City of Brantford is in the heart of Southern Ontario, with direct access to Highway 403 and proximity to other major highways, rail lines and three Canadian ports of entry (Windsor, Toronto, and Niagara Falls/Fort Erie). Brantford is named after Joseph Brant – also known as Thayendanegea – an important Mohawk chief during the American Revolutionary War and, later, an influential Indigenous leader and intermediary between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Neighbouring Brantford are the Indigenous communities of Six Nations of the Grand River Territory — the most populous Indigenous community in Canada — and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

A City of Legends

Brantford is known as The Telephone City in recognition of its affiliation with telephone inventor Alexander Graham Bell, who made significant developments in early telephone technology at his parents’ home.

Brantford is also the hometown of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. The city has a strong sporting legacy, supporting a wide range of physical activities and hosting numerous youth and adult tournaments throughout the year, earning it the nickname of “Tournament Capital of Ontario.”

Diverse Economy

After a long history as a successful farming and manufacturing centre, Brantford endured a period of economic hardship in the 1980s and 1990s. The community’s fortunes began to recover in the late 1990s, thanks in part to the establishment of a Laurier campus in the downtown in 1999.

Brantford has cultivated a diverse economic base that is home to many companies operating in the global marketplace, including SC Johnson, Ferrero Canada Ltd./Ltée, Mitsui High-tec (Canada) Inc., Procter & Gamble, Tigercat Industries Inc. and Maple Leaf Foods. Complementing this wide-ranging the film and digital media sector, reflecting the city’s unique natural features, historical buildings, beautiful neighbourhoods and public amenities.

Thriving in Culture

As a thriving city that is rich in culture and tourism attractions, Brantford has something to offer everyone – historical experiences, outdoor adventure, fantastic family fun, sporting events and culinary destinations. The city’s location provides easy access to major highways, internationally connected railways and airports.

Learn More

To learn more about living in the region including: real estate, schools, community groups and more, visit:

• Living in Brantford