I have been mulling this post for some time, so with some time on my hands while I wait for a callback, it’s go time.
I’ve been struck recently by how significant portions of this community appear to be a in funk about Brantford.
As an example, those who’ve met me in person or spent time speaking with me are likely aware that it’s my intent to move from my current abode in Ingersoll to Brantford some time in 2012. I like living in the community where I work. In my industry in particular, I see it as an asset. I don’t feel like as much of an outsider when I actually live in the community I report on.
In January, someone I met told me not to move to Brantford. When I accepted this position, someone I worked with in Woodstock (who lives in Brant County) called the city a “s—hole.” Several other times, I’ve seen that downtrodden perspective reflected in offhand comments about this city. Recently, one person suggested that until the final group of employees who worked at the city’s then-dominant powerhouse manufacturers passes on, this city will always find itself in a funk. Certainly, more recent challenges such as First Nations land-development protests have put a damper on this city and perpetuate its funk.
Counter that with those who take extreme exception to the city being continually characterized in a negative light. City Hall is home to a number of offices whose zeal to promote all the city is doing well is only exceeded when pouncing on those who might dare bring up anything negative. It’s led to breakfasts of champions, a rebranding and marketing committee and other efforts.
As the outsider, there are many things that impress me about Brantford. The revitalization in the downtown is particularly impressive— I have an open invitation to bring family members to Harmony Square whenever they visit. Other family members raved about the Canadian Military Heritage Museum (a hidden gem, if you ask me) and other local heritage sites. I’ve been impressed by every city park I’ve been to and when complete the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre will definitely win when compared to any municipal rec facility in this country.
As the outsider, I’ve also been impressed by how friendly and welcoming people have been. Funk or not, be it in the more official circles I navigate as a journalist or others, I’ve never been on the receiving end of an unwelcoming vibe. Only one person has ever suggested my lack of residency / history should serve to discredit me.
Given the market and other conditions, there is economic growth here too— not in a thousands of jobs way, but then show me any Canadian community that’s had that happen in its borders since the Toyota announcement (which was in 2005, I might add). Companies, in new sectors, are coming here— and some are staying when they haven’t been scared off by the funk.
So as the outsider, for what it’s worth, it’s time this city get out of its funk.
Categories: Brantford
Brantford
I grew up in a community that saw a century of economic heartbreak, stagnation and decline.
Growing up I saw my parents’ generation try to make change, try to promote economic development and the revitalization of undervalued assets, and I saw how wearing that fight was on them.
The political and organizational structures of that community had ossified. Its leadership was seemingly more concerned with managing their control of the place than with affecting change or opening up to new ideas. And the public were tired of bright solutions. Every time another ‘cure all’ was proposed and failed, another little piece of the community’s heart was broken. Politically it just stopped being worth trying anymore.
I’ve seen something of that in Brantford too, from those who’ve been struggling for improvement for many years longer than I’ve been here. I can understand why some of the community’s leaders and many of its people are more than a little ground down. I’ve met those who’ve retired from the struggle, who fought to make change in their community and worn themselves out against the resistance to change.
And I’ve heard the negative kneejerk comments too – like you, we were advised by some of the city’s ex-pats that we shouldn’t move here. Nothing ever changes because nothing can be changed. Welcome to Brantford. The place is cursed.
That said, I still think its possible to change things here, to change the culture, and without having to put on the rose coloured glasses or drinking the kool-aid, as some seem to be suggesting we do. That change starts with a change in who’s actually here, in changing the mix and background of the people in the community and not just the attitude of those who are already here. Attracting the best and the brightest is part of that, and its an effort that’s ongoing through the university at the very least. And Hugo, your moving here does make a difference in that too.
So just to be clear, its not that those who actually went through the layoffs from the industries have to pass on for that change to begin. Its not even that those who grow up here need to ‘love it or leave it’ (as I’ve heard some advocate) if they can’t stop being negative or critical.
Its only that there needs to be more people who see the possibilities *first*, and with that to have enough people to tip the balance of power and control of the agenda away those who see only the negative or those seek to hold the status quo. When the number of people here who have a good first impression of the city outnumbers those who are down on it, things will change.
So here’s my pitch: a first step on that road to change would be to move past the political and social premium placed on anyone being “Brantford Born and Raised.” It doesn’t contribute much of any reasonable value to any argument, its exclusive and cuts from the community, and in 20 years, it may not mean much anymore, if it really means anything now.
I moved to Brantford in 2008, having lived in communities across the province and after a stint out west.
Brantford is a community with a TON of potential and opportunity. We see evidence in a revitalized downtown; in the commuters who choose to travel long distances to jobs they love from a community they cherish; in the number of people who genuinely care about their city.
Like James, I agree that the “Brantford born and raised” premium is far over-valued. I CHOSE to live in Brantford and take a long commute because I believe in the city. Doesn’t that choice also speak volumes?
Brantford: the best place to live, work, and play. I’m proud to be a part of the city.