I'd love to invite you to join me at my Meet & Greet!

Whether we know each other well, have met briefly, or are meeting for the first time, I'd be delighted to see you there. This is a relaxed opportunity to chat, ask questions, share your thoughts, and talk about what matters most to you and our community.

I believe the best decisions come from listening. Your ideas, concerns, and hopes for Ward 4 are important, and I'd truly appreciate the chance to hear them.

There will be light refreshments, friendly conversation, and plenty of time to connect. Feel free to bring your family, friends, and neighbours—everyone is welcome!

I hope you'll stop by and say hello. I look forward to meeting you!

Meet & Greet with Colleen Goupil
📅 Wednesday August 12th
🕡 6:30–8:00 p.m.
📍 Friendship House 452 Grey Street

Together, we can build an even stronger Ward 4.

Oak Park Road Extension (sometimes called the Oak Park/Oak Street expansion) - Community News & Updates

 Here are the main arguments on both sides as I understand the proposal:

Pros

• Reduced congestion: A new connection between West Brant and Highway 403 could reduce traffic on Colborne Street West and improve travel times.  
• Supports growth: The road would help serve new residential and employment lands planned in northwest Brantford.  
• Better emergency access: An additional route into and out of West Brant could improve access for emergency vehicles.
• Economic development: Improved transportation could make nearby industrial and commercial lands more attractive for investment and jobs.
• Future capacity: Building the road now may help accommodate expected population growth rather than waiting until congestion becomes worse.

Cons

• Environmental impacts: The project could affect natural areas, wildlife habitat, and the Grand River corridor, depending on the final route. Environmental impacts are being studied through the Environmental Assessment process.  
• High cost: Constructing a new arterial road and bridge would require a significant public investment.
• Property impacts: Some nearby landowners could be affected through land acquisition or changes to their properties.
• Increased traffic and noise: Residents living near the new road may experience more traffic, noise, and light pollution.
• Encourages urban sprawl: Critics argue the extension could encourage development farther from the city’s core, increasing long-term infrastructure costs.

The key policy question

Supporters see the extension as necessary infrastructure to support growth and reduce congestion. Opponents believe the environmental impacts, cost, and encouragement of outward development outweigh the transportation benefits.

My balanced position is:

I support improving transportation infrastructure where it is clearly needed, but any road expansion must demonstrate value for taxpayers, minimize environmental impacts, protect neighbouring communities, and be supported by meaningful public consultation.

Brantford Airport - Community News & Updates

The proposed expansion of the Brantford Municipal Airport is one of the more debated local issues because it involves economic development, land use, and quality of life. The City has said the airport has long-term economic potential and has proposed bringing surrounding lands under City control to support future planning. The proposal has also generated significant public concern, leading to revisions after community feedback.  

Pros

• Economic growth: Expansion could attract aviation businesses such as aircraft maintenance, flight training, manufacturing, and logistics, creating jobs and increasing investment.  
• Business development: A larger airport could make Brantford more attractive to companies that rely on corporate aviation or specialized air services.
• Increased tax revenue: New commercial development around the airport could broaden the City’s tax base over time.
• Regional competitiveness: Supporters argue the airport could become a stronger economic asset for the Brantford-Brant region rather than remaining primarily a general aviation airport.  
• Long-term planning: Bringing the airport and surrounding lands under one municipality could simplify planning, servicing, and infrastructure decisions.  

Cons

• Loss of farmland: Many residents oppose removing agricultural land from farming or opening it to future development, although the proposed transfer area has recently been reduced.  
• Noise: More aircraft activity could increase noise for nearby neighbourhoods.
• Traffic: Additional businesses and airport activity could increase vehicle traffic on surrounding roads.
• Environmental impacts: Expansion could affect natural areas, wildlife, and increase greenhouse gas emissions.
• Cost: Infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer, and municipal services may require significant investment.
• Community concerns: Some residents have criticized the consultation process and expressed concerns about transparency and the pace of decision-making.  

Key question for voters

The central question is whether the expected long-term economic benefits outweigh the impacts on nearby residents, farmland, infrastructure costs, and the environment.

As a Ward 4 candidate, you may be asked whether you support:

• Expansion only if there is demonstrated economic need and strong environmental protections.
• Full public consultation before any major decisions.
• Measures to protect nearby residents from noise and traffic.
• Preserving productive farmland wherever possible.
• Ensuring taxpayers are not left paying for infrastructure that primarily benefits private development.

International Villages - 2026

At the Muslim Village, lovely Henna art.  Thanks!

The African Village was so welcoming, thanks.

The entertainment at the Chinese Village was absolutely fantastic! 

Perfect night dancing down by the Grand River! Grateful for the opportunity to share the dance floor with such an amazing group of people. Moments like these remind me how fortunate we are to come together, celebrate our community, and enjoy each other's company. Thank you to everyone who made it such a fun and memorable experience—I truly appreciate every smile, every conversation, and every dance.

Ontario Rhythm Cloggers!

Can't wait to meet you!  How can I help?

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