BScene

10/11/2026

Woodland Cultural Centre Honoured Survivors on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Story and Photography by: Thomas Clare

Hundreds of residents, visitors and community members gathered at the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a day of reflection, learning, culture and community.

The annual observance brought people together at 184 Mohawk Street, the site of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School, to honour Survivors, their families and communities, and the children who attended residential schools. The event ran from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and featured cultural performances, guest speakers, films, an Indigenous artisan market, food and beverage vendors, a community mural, information booths and a dedicated Survivor space.

The former Mohawk Institute, which operated from 1828 to 1970, was the oldest and longest-running residential school in Canada. Its history remained at the centre of the day as visitors had opportunities to tour the former school and learn about the experiences of Survivors.

The morning program included remarks from residential school Survivors Dawn Hill and Doug George, as well as Cleve Thomas of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council. Their words encouraged visitors to listen, learn and recognize both the painful history of the residential school system and the strength of Indigenous communities today.

Throughout the day, attendees participated in a variety of activities. Some explored the cultural centre's galleries and museum spaces, while others visited artisan and community information booths, took part in crafts and watched films. Social dances and a question-and-answer session with Survivors provided additional opportunities for learning and conversation.

The event also provided visitors with access to the former Mohawk Institute Residential School. Timed self-guided tours were offered throughout the day, allowing participants to learn more about the building's history and the experiences of those who attended the school.

For Heather George, Executive Director of the Woodland Cultural Centre, the strong attendance demonstrated the importance of creating opportunities for people to come together, meet Survivors and learn from their stories. She also emphasized that reconciliation could not be limited to one day of the year and encouraged people to continue visiting the Cultural Centre and engaging with its exhibitions and programming.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coincided with Orange Shirt Day, which honoured the experiences of residential school students and remembered the children who never returned home. Across Brantford, the day served as an opportunity to reflect on the lasting impacts of the residential school system and the ongoing work of reconciliation.

At Woodland Cultural Centre, September 30 was ultimately more than a commemoration. It was a day in which Survivors, Indigenous community members, allies and visitors came together to remember the past, listen to lived experiences, celebrate Indigenous culture and consider the responsibilities that accompanied reconciliation.

The gathering at the former Mohawk Institute served as a powerful reminder that truth and reconciliation required continued learning, listening and action—not only on September 30, but throughout the year.

10/11/2026

AUTISM DOG SERVICES Laced Up, Showed Up and Stepped Up for their 2nd Annual STEPtember Challenge
Submitted Media Release

Autism Dog Services is excited to announce that their 2nd Annual STEPtember Challenge was a resounding success with over $17,000 raised! We had people from all over our service area lace up, show up and step up to the challenge of walking 30 km in 30 days! From September 1st to the 30th, we had participants walk, bike, run, swim, and go to the gym everyday! "We were so proud to see everyone moving together to raise funds for our future service dogs!” says ADS Fund Development Manager Adele Alfano.

Adds Adele, “This is more than a walk. It was an opportunity to get healthy (after summer BBQ’s!) while raising funds for ADS, enjoying a friendly competition, exploring new routes or trails and challenging your co-workers, families and walking buddies!”

“I swam 1 km everyday for the month of September. That is 16 laps in a pool everyday for 30 days. I was excited to be doing what I love while raising funds for future service dogs. Every step counts or in my case every lap counts!” jokes Adele.

Vicky Spadoni, Executive Director of Autism Dog Services says, “we are excited to have hosted this vital fundraiser for a 2nd year in a row. As a small grassroots charitable organization, not funded by the government, we are appreciative of the community support to help raise awareness of ADS along with supporting our future service dogs.

10/11/2026

City Celebrates National Seniors Day with Activities for Older Adults in October
Submitted Media Release

The City of Brantford, and its community partners, will be offering free activities throughout the month of October to celebrate seniors, offer opportunities for connection, and promote social, mental and physical well-being. To commemorate National Seniors Day on October 1, the City hosted a flag raising in Harmony Square with elected officials, city staff and members of the Grand River Council on Aging.

“National Seniors Day gives us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the important role older adults play in our community,” says Lucy Marco, Executive Director, Grand River Council on Aging. “Their knowledge, contributions and lived experiences strengthen our community, make a difference in the lives of others, and help shape a better future for generations to come.”

2026 Let’s Get Moving Series

The City of Brantford, and its community partners, are pleased to announce the return of the annual “Let’s Get Moving” campaign that offers five free activities, including:

- Yoga for Brain Health: a gentle chair yoga session that incorporates mindful movement, breath work, meditation on Monday, October 5 at 10 a.m.
- Active in Aging: a fun and engaging chair exercise session that combines physical activity with social and cognitive stimulation on Monday, October 19 at 10 a.m.
- Workshop on a Bus: Workshop on a Bus is a free educational session hosted by the City and Brantford Public Library to help older adults become more comfortable navigating the transit system. Participants will take a guided bus ride to visit key community hubs on Thursday, October 22 at 11 a.m.
- Balanced Mind and Body: a holistic movement session focused on building strength, balance, coordination and confidence on Thursday, October 22 at 10 a.m.
- Seniors Resource Fair: explore a wide range of resources and services to support older adults on Wednesday, October 14 at 10 a.m.

“I am pleased that the City is working with partners to offer this series of programs that will provide older adults with the opportunity to get active, stay connected with others, and enhance their well-being,” says Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis.

Registration is required for all activities, excluding the Seniors Resource Fair. To learn more about Let’s Get Moving, including registration details, visit Brantford.ca/healthyliving.

The Let’s Get Moving program provides an opportunity for older adults to remain active and connected to our community, which can help improve overall well-being. Prioritizing seniors' health and wellness, and promoting opportunities for community partners to deliver neighbourhood-based programming, is a key component of the City's Healthy Aging Plan and priority of the Community Safety-Well-being Plan.

Explore additional programs and activities for older adults by visiting brantford.ca/HealthyLiving and brantford.ca/55plus.

10/11/2026

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen giving what you can during Thanks4Giving Food Drive with the Brantford Food Bank this month!

Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back this Thanksgiving season? Join the Brantford Food Bank by

10/10/2026

Family Care Chiropractic Celebrated 30 Years of Caring for the Community
Story and Photography by: Thomas Clare

On Thursday, October 1, 2026, Family Care Chiropractic celebrated a remarkable milestone with its 30th Anniversary Open House & Recognition Ceremony at 24 Charing Cross St. The special event brought together patients, families, friends, community members, colleagues, and supporters to recognize three decades of dedicated service and commitment to chiropractic care.

The celebration highlighted the practice’s journey over the past 30 years and the lasting relationships it had built with generations of patients and families. Guests gathered to share memories, reconnect with familiar faces, and celebrate the people who had contributed to Family Care Chiropractic’s success.

Family Care Chiropractic led by Dr. Sandy Kunej, Dr. Adam Jokic, and Dr. Marissa Pomponio, whose dedication to patient care had continued the practice’s commitment to helping individuals and families achieve better health and well-being.

During the open house, guests had the opportunity to meet and connect with the practitioners and team, visit the practice, and take part in the anniversary festivities. The atmosphere was warm and celebratory as attendees reflected on the many years of care, service, and community connection.

A highlight of the evening was the Recognition Ceremony, which honoured individuals whose dedication, support, and contributions had helped shape Family Care Chiropractic over the years. The ceremony provided a meaningful opportunity to express appreciation to patients, staff, professional partners, family members, and community supporters who had played an important role in the practice’s story.

The 30th anniversary served as a reminder that the success of a healthcare practice extended far beyond its office. Family Care Chiropractic’s three decades have been built on trust, relationships, compassion, and a shared commitment to helping people live healthier, more active lives.

As the evening concluded, Family Care Chiropractic looked back with gratitude on 30 years of service while looking forward to the future. The anniversary celebration recognized the people and relationships that had made the journey possible and marked the beginning of another chapter for the practice and the community it served.

The 30th Anniversary Open House & Recognition Ceremony was ultimately more than a celebration of 30 years—it was a celebration of the patients, families, practitioners, staff, and community members who had made Family Care Chiropractic’s three decades of care possible.

10/10/2026

Brantford Symphony Orchestra: When All Other Lights Go Out: Beethoven & Shore Concert
Submitted Media Release

The Brantford Symphony Orchestra (“BSO”) announces their ‘When All Other Lights Go Out’ concert on October 24, 2026 at 7:30pm at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts.

Enjoy an evening of music evoking hope and tenacity in the face of uncertain times, featuring Howard Shore’s Symphonic Suite from The Lord of the Rings, and Beethoven’s exuberant Second Symphony.

The BSO will introduce guest Conductor Shawn Bennett. As a result of the BSO’s Artistic Director retiring last season, there will be different guest conductors at each of their four concerts during the 2026-27 season. One of these guest conductors will be chosen to become the next Artistic Director for the following season.

There will be a pre-concert talk from 7-7:15pm in the main auditorium prior to the 7:30pm concert (doors open at 6:50pm). Everyone is welcome to attend and hear more about the guest Conductor, the symphony and their performance.

Tickets are $45 for adults, $10 for high school/ college/ university students, and FREE for children and elementary students. Tickets can be purchased online at:

purchase.sandersoncentre.ca

Become a BSO Member and save 15% on tickets when ordering prior to October 24th to all four concerts during the BSO’s 2026-27 season. This can be done in person at the box office at 88 Dalhousie St. Brantford or by calling 519-759-8090 Monday-Saturday (12-5pm). Membership benefits include discounts at local restaurants, BSO swag, and the privilege of voting on our guest Conductors to assist in choosing our next Artistic Director. Details can be found on the following link:

https://brantfordsymphony.ca/support-the-bso/bso-membership

10/10/2026

Laurier Researchers Launch Homelessness Learning Resources for Secondary Schools Across Canada
Submitted Media Release

Secondary school teachers across Canada can now access a new suite of learning resources designed to help students better understand homelessness in their communities.

Developed by a team led by two professors at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus, Creating Dialogue: Secondary School Teaching Resources on Homelessness in Canada features six flexible, evidence-based lesson plans for students in grades nine through 12. The resources are available online, free of charge.

“The homelessness crisis has risen dramatically in recent years. Young people are bound to have questions, and there aren't many places they can turn to for answers,” said project co-lead Erin Dej, associate professor in Laurier’s Department of Criminology. “We’re providing students and teachers with resources that explore homelessness through real-world perspectives, critical dialogue and hands-on learning activities. We hope the lessons spark meaningful conversations and encourage critical thinking about this complex social issue.”

The lesson plans are designed to complement existing secondary school curricula, enabling teachers to integrate the content into courses ranging from civics to economics to English.

A key feature of the website is the Ontario Curriculum Finder, which allows educators to search by grade and course code to identify which lessons align with specific curriculum expectations. While the tool is tailored to Ontario’s secondary school system, the resources were designed to be easily incorporated into classrooms across the country.

The resources were developed by Dej and project co-lead Carrie Sanders, a Criminology professor, with key contributions from Kelly Gallagher-Mackay, an associate professor of Law and Society who works on education policy. An interdisciplinary team of homelessness and education researchers and peer researchers with lived experience of homelessness also contributed to the project, which was supported by a Connection Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

“Growing up surrounded by homelessness shaped who I am, and I believe that by bringing honest conversations about homelessness into our high school curriculum, we can help young people see beyond stereotypes and understand the realities that many people in their own communities face,” said Barb McPhee, peer researcher, lived experience expert advocate and market manager at North End Harvest Market in Guelph. “Knowledge creates empathy, empathy inspires action and action builds stronger communities.”

Before their public release, team members at Laurier, York University and the University of Guelph piloted the resources with more than 200 secondary school students and teachers from across southern Ontario. Feedback gathered during the pilot phase informed the final version of the lesson plans and supporting materials, including a teacher FAQ that addresses some of the challenging questions students are likely to ask.

“The resources are designed to help educators feel confident facilitating discussions on what can be a complex and sensitive topic,” said Dej. “We don’t tell students how they should feel or what conclusions to reach. Instead, we give them the tools to explore the issue through evidence, lived experience and critical dialogue.”

The lesson plans build on Dej and Sanders’ work on the acclaimed 2024 documentary, Bridging Divides: Voices and Visions about Homelessness in Canada. The film explores homelessness through the diverse perspectives of five community members, including people with lived experience of homelessness and housing precarity, a law enforcement officer, a small business owner and a service provider.

“The response we kept getting at community screenings of the documentary was, ‘You’ve got to keep showing this. What’s next?’” said Dej. “Incorporating the documentary into lesson plans that support secondary school learning outcomes was a natural next step.”

Teachers can access the full suite of resources online.
https://creating-dialogue-curriculum.netlify.app/

10/10/2026

Event of the Day!
Make sure to Be Seen racing along with others during the Pedal Paddle Pace race with Natural Path this morning!