The Project
Our partners share an urgent, critical need for new space to meet the needs of our community. Our current buildings have extremely high overhead and lease costs. They are outdated and do not meet our program, accessibility, health and safety, or growth needs. A purpose-designed, co-located space will allow us to harness cost efficiencies, and to find smarter and more innovative ways to deliver the best possible value for every dollar spent.
After three years of background work, the Riverside Hub Development Committee is exploring the feasibility of a site in Brantford’s downtown core in partnership with the City of Brantford. We are working toward completing a shovel-ready project proposal to submit for federal, provincial, and municipal infrastructure funding opportunities. We invite you to learn more about our plans to build a stronger community together.
Our Vision
We envision a 170,000 square foot community hub that offers a single point of access to mental health and social services in Brantford. We want to provide the community with a safe place to seek support, build relationships, and grow together. In the same place Brantford Residents can seek services and support, they will also be able to use or book:
Play Spaces
Large indoor playrooms, gymnasium, playgrounds, and party space.
Outdoor Spaces
Community gardens, rooftop patio, playgrounds, bike-share and repair, greenspace.
Creative Spaces
Bookable art, music, prayer, exercise, and meditation rooms.
Culinary Spaces
A community café, teaching kitchens and vegetable gardens.
Conference Centre
Bookable banquet, conference, meeting, office, and work-share spaces.
The Brantford Farmers’ Market
One site currently under consideration would include rebuilding and integrating the Brantford Farmer’s market into the building.
Our Progress
As we determine a site for construction, our consultants, partners, and community have been hard at work bringing our vision to life! Find out what we’ve been up to…
Complete
Ready-to-launch
In Progress
Upcoming
2019
Completed
Needs Analysis
Completed January 2019
Completed
Hub Development Community Formed
April 2019
2020
Completed
Feasability Study
2021
Completed
Space Needs Analysis
Ready to launch
1st Ontario Trillium Grant Awarded
In progress
Fundraising Plan
In progress
Governance Model
2022
In progress
Indigenous Talking Circles
Ready to launch
Name, Brand and Website
Completed
2nd Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Awarded
Completed
Business Plan
In progress
Site Feasibility Study
In progress
Incorporate as a New Organization
In progress
Complete By-Laws
Upcoming
Apply for Charitable Status
Upcoming
Finalized Partner Affiliate Agreements and Lease Agreements
In progress
Further Community and E.D.I Engagement
2023
In progress
Site Plan
Upcoming
Site Acquisition
Upcoming
Assemble a Riverside Hub Board of Directors
Upcoming
Building Design & Schemata
Completed
Apply for Federal/Provincial Infrastructure Funding
Upcoming
Launch Fundraising Campaign
2024
Upcoming
Begin Construction
2026
Upcoming
Open Our Doors
Our Team
The Riverside Hub has been helped along by numerous community consultants, organizations, and volunteers.
Development & Design
MTE Consulting – Engineering
+VG Architects
Two Row Architect
Melloul Blamey Construction
Ken Karakas – Remax Realtor
Consultants
Gravity Inc. – Communications
Meridian Edge – Governance
Tapestry Community Capital – Social Finance
Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon – Legal
KCI Philanthropy – Fundraising
Two Row Architect – Indigenous Engagement
KPMG – Business Plan
Vink Consulting – Community Engagement
Sierra Planning & Management – Economic Impact Study
T. John’s Consulting Group – Site Planning
Supporters
MP Larry Brock
MPP Will Bouma
Mayor Kevin Davis (Brantford)
Mayor David Bailey (Brant)
City Councilors
Muslim Association of Brantford
Eva Salter – Former Regional Infrastructure Advisor
David Prang – CEO Chamber of Commerce
Daniel Rankin – ED Brant United Way
City Staff
Sasha Hill Smith – Manager of Government Relations
Brian Hutchings – CAO
Ron Gasparetto – Manager of Real Estate