Is the City of Brantford looking to amalgamate with the County of Brant?

A notice of motion brought forward by Mayor Kevin Davis sure makes it look that way.

Davis, at a committee meeting Tuesday, served notice that he wants a resolution on “review of shared services and amalgamation process” to be discussed at a future city council committee meeting.

The motion, which has yet to be discussed, would have city staff look at “the process by which Ontario municipalities may be restructured through amalgamation, including a list of steps required to prepare a restructuring proposal to support the amalgamation of the City of Brantford and the County of Brant.”

The motion also directs staff to provide a list of all information, data and reports recommended to be obtained by the city in order to provide sufficient evidence to support an amalgamation-based restructuring proposal.”

Earlier this year, city council passed a resolution calling for the resurrection of a city-county joint services committee. The committee would look for ways for the municipalities to share more services to be more efficient and cost-effective.

County councillors, however, turned down the request, saying the county and city already share a number of services and the county is looking to see what kind of arrangements could be made with other neighbouring municipalities, including Oxford and Norfolk counties and Hamilton-Wentworth and Waterloo regions.

Stiffer penalties sought for drug dealers

A Brantford city councillor wants stiffer penalties for drug dealers who distribute opioids, specifically fentanyl.

Coun. Dan McCreary served notice Tuesday that he wants the City of Brantford to encourage the federal government to commit to eradicating the illicit drug trade.

His motion, which will be discussed at a future city council committee meeting, calls for an increase in sentencing principles for those convicted of drug-related crime, including trafficking. It also calls for the broadening of the definition of dangerous offenders to include repeat drug traffickers.

The resolution also calls for stiffer penalties for illegal use and possession of firearms and drugs for the purposes of trafficking and steps to stop the importation of drugs, such as fentanyl.

In addition, the motion calls for prioritizing the recovery of addicts through the creation of supports that are adequately funded without negative impacts on communities.

OK for WTFest

City councillors have given their support to fourth annual WTFest music festival on July 27 at Lions Park.

Councillors voted at a Tuesday committee meeting to recognize the festival as a municipally significant event, which enables organizers to obtain a liquor licence.

The Sheepdogs are headlining the festival, which also will feature USS, The Beaches, Ascot Royals, Bonds Of Mara.

This year’s event also features special guest MC Ed The Sock.

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