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 They are outdated and do not meet our program, accessibility, health and safety, or growth needs.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 five years of exploration, including nearly a dozen potential sites, our resources as non-profits are stretched to their limit. We are moving forward with plans to build at 54 Brant Avenue, a property owned by Willowbridge Community Services, because we know this project is critical to the health and wellbeing of our community. This is our final opportunity to see this vision realized. As we enter the pre-consultation process to confirm the project’s feasibility, we remain determined to bring this essential Hub to life. We believe this is not just a project—it’s a necessary step toward building a stronger, healthier future for Brantford. We invite you to learn more about our plans to build a stronger community together. 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 57,800 sq foot community hub, with an additional 26,000 sq ft of above grade and underground parking, 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.
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
2025
Completed
Site Feasibility Study (around 40 studies submitted for site plan application and presentation to heritage committee at City of Brantford)
Completed
Schematic Design
Completed
Space Planning Area Allocations
2026
In progress
Fundraising - Ongoing
Mar. 2026 - Dec. 2029
Upcoming
Archeological Study - Stage 3
Apr. 2026
Upcoming
Formal Site Application
Mar. 2026 - May 2026
Upcoming
Additional Financing Secured
Mar. 2026 - Oct. 2026
Upcoming
Formal Site Approval
Winter 2026 - Winter 2027
2027
Upcoming
Building Permits
Mar. 2027 - Jun. 2027
Upcoming
Tendering Procurement
Nov. 2027
Upcoming
Demolition
Nov. 2027
Upcoming
Construction Begins
Nov. 2027 - Jan. 2028
2028
Upcoming
Active Construction Phase
Jan. 2028 - Dec. 2029
2029
Upcoming
Construction Completed
Dec. 2029
Upcoming
Move and Relocation
Dec. 2029
2030
Upcoming
Building Opens
Early 2030
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
Consultants
Gravity Inc. – Communications
Meridian Edge – Governance
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