Jeff Johnston

If you’ve been following Brantford news or keeping an eye on Brant politics lately, you’ve likely heard the term "Strong Mayor powers" tossed around like a hot potato. It sounds a bit like something out of a superhero movie, or perhaps a political thriller, but the reality is much closer to home. It’s about how our local government functions, how our tax dollars are spent, and who ultimately calls the shots when the rubber meets the road. As I was driving past the lush farmland and the quiet beauty

If you’ve taken a drive through the village lately, you’ve probably felt it. There is a specific kind of energy humming through St. George, Ontario right now. It isn't just the usual excitement of the apple harvest or the quiet beauty of our historic downtown; it’s the sound of progress. If you’ve been following Brant politics at all, you know that the "St. George Dig" is more than just a few orange pylons: it’s the start of a massive transformation for our community. I was grabbing a coffee downtown

Have you ever sat at your kitchen table, looking over a local news story about a new housing development or a road closure, and thought, "I wish I could do something about that"? Maybe you’ve walked past our stunning historic architecture in downtown Paris or driven through the lush farmland between St. George and Mount Pleasant and felt a deep sense of pride: and a bit of worry about how we’re handling our growth. If you’ve ever felt that pull toward public service, or even if you’re just a

If you’ve driven through downtown Paris lately, you’ve seen them: the orange pylons, the heavy machinery, and the "Road Closed" signs that seem to be multiplying like rabbits. The Downtown Dig is officially in full swing, and let’s be honest, it’s a bit of a headache. Navigating the detours can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube while sitting in traffic. But here is the thing: behind those construction fences, the heart of our community is still beating strong. Our local shops, cafes, and boutiques aren't just "surviving",

If you’ve driven through downtown Paris lately, you’ve seen them: the orange pylons, the heavy machinery, and the "Road Closed" signs that seem to be multiplying like rabbits. The Downtown Dig is officially in full swing, and let’s be honest, it’s a bit of a headache. Navigating the detours can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube while sitting in traffic. But here is the thing: behind those construction fences, the heart of our community is still beating strong. Our local shops, cafes, and boutiques aren't just "surviving",

If you’ve taken a drive through downtown Paris lately, you know things look a little different. Our "Prettiest Little Town in Canada" is currently in the thick of the 2026 Phase of the Downtown Dig, and while we’re all excited about the finished product, the journey there is a bit of a maze. I’ve been out walking the streets and chatting with folks at the local coffee shops, and the "kitchen table conversations" are all about one thing: traffic. We are standing at a crossroads, literally and figuratively, as