Brantford Daily Brief

LOCAL NEWS

Brantford city councillors were told that operating a municipally run vertical farm is not financially feasible.
Staff advised council that startup infrastructure costs, ongoing operational expenses, and uncertain return on investment make the model impractical for the city.
Concerns included energy demands, specialized staffing requirements, and limited municipal expertise in commercial food production.
The discussion took place during a recent council meeting examining alternative food security strategies.
Officials suggested partnerships with private operators would be more viable than direct city management.
Council received the report for information with no immediate plans to pursue a city-run operation.

Source:
https://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/news/local-news/vertical-farming-not-feasible-as-a-city-run-operation-brantford-councillors-told

Ward 5 candidate Ella Haley discussed her platform ahead of the upcoming County of Brant by-election.
Haley identified road safety, speeding concerns, and improved transit as key priorities.
She emphasized protecting farmland and environmentally sensitive areas amid growth pressures.
Affordable housing and stronger support for seniors and migrant workers were also highlighted.
Online voting for the by-election runs March 9–16, with the successful candidate sworn in at the March 24 council meeting.
Haley framed her campaign around balanced growth and community engagement.

Source:
https://www.brantbeacon.ca/ella-haley-discusses-priorities-ahead-of-by-election/

The Brantford Police Service is seeking assistance locating Mitchell, 34, reported missing on January 19, 2026.
He is described as a white male, approximately 5’11”, with brown hair and hazel eyes.
Mitchell was last seen wearing tan pants and a navy/brown jacket, and wears glasses.
Police are working to verify his well-being.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Brantford Police or Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers.
The investigation remains active.

Source:
https://www.brantfordpolice.ca/news-and-media-releases/posts/missing-mitchell-34/

Brantford police are also searching for Steven, 41, reported missing on January 13, 2026.
He is described as a white male with a slim build, brown hair, and green eyes.
Steven is known to frequent downtown Brantford.
Authorities are seeking information to confirm his safety and whereabouts.
Community members are encouraged to report sightings immediately.
The missing persons investigation is ongoing.

Source:
https://www.brantfordpolice.ca/news-and-media-releases/posts/missing-steven-41/

GoodLeaf Farms in Guelph, Ontario, continues expanding its fully automated indoor vertical farming operations.
The facility grows microgreens and baby greens year-round without pesticides.
Controlled indoor systems allow consistent production regardless of weather conditions.
Automation reduces labour intensity while maintaining food safety standards.
The operation contributes to regional food security and reduced transportation emissions.
Vertical farming remains a growing component of Ontario’s agri-food innovation sector.

Source:
https://www.guelphtoday.com/following-up/guelph-based-vertical-farm-reaches-new-heights-10874579

A fast-moving Alberta clipper system is forecast to bring widespread snowfall across southern Ontario.
Accumulations of approximately 5–10 centimetres are expected in affected regions.
The system may create hazardous driving conditions during peak travel periods.
Snowfall is part of an active late-winter weather pattern impacting the province.
Meteorologists warn of blowing snow and reduced visibility in open areas.
Residents are advised to monitor forecasts and prepare for winter travel conditions.

Source:
https://www.insidehalton.com/news/alberta-clipper-brings-snowfall/article_dd69b6ab-c8c8-5c03-8001-3ad5843241a7.html

Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision limiting former President Donald Trump’s tariff authority.
The ruling curbs the executive branch’s ability to impose broad global tariffs under emergency powers.
Ford said the decision sends a stabilizing message for cross-border trade.
He emphasized the importance of protecting Ontario exports, including steel, auto manufacturing, and lumber.
The decision has implications for Canada-U.S. economic relations.
Provincial leaders continue monitoring trade developments closely.

Source:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ford-reacts-scotus-tariff-decision-9.7102745

Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux will join Prime Minister Mark Carney on an upcoming international trip.
The delegation will visit India, Australia, and Japan to strengthen trade relationships.
Meetings will focus on energy, technology, critical minerals, and economic diversification.
The trip runs from late February into early March 2026.
The move signals cross-party participation in trade diplomacy efforts.
Officials say the goal is to reduce Canada’s economic reliance on the U.S. market.

Source:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/floor-crossing-mp-matt-jeneroux-joining-carney-on-trip-to-india-australia-and-japan-9.7103948