Downtown Brantford: Neighbourhood Guide

A downtown reshaped by a university

Wilfrid Laurier University's Brantford campus opened in 1999 in the downtown. Planning began in 1996, and local leaders hoped a university would help renew the downtown core. The first building Laurier used was the Carnegie Building on George Street, which was built as a library.

Historic Dalhousie Street

The City describes the north side of Dalhousie Street as having strong historical associations and a collection of historical commercial architecture from several eras. The City has considered it for a heritage conservation district, so ask Jake whether any heritage rules apply to a specific building.

Culture and everyday life

Listings and local guides point to Harmony Square, the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, coffee shops, and the Brantford Farmers' Market within walking distance of many downtown addresses.

Getting around

The Brantford Bus Terminal is the Brantford end of GO Bus Route 15, which runs to Aldershot GO in Burlington by way of McMaster University. Local Brantford Transit buses also serve the downtown. The VIA Rail station is separate from the bus terminal. See the Commuter Guide for how the trips to Hamilton and Toronto work.

Read the Commuter Guide →

Buying to live, or to rent out

Downtown listings include condo apartments, older brick homes and houses near the university that are marketed to first-time buyers and investors. If you plan to rent, confirm the zoning, any unit registration rules, and realistic rents before you count on the income.

Investing in Brantford →

Schools

Public English schools in Brantford are run by the Grand Erie District School Board, and Catholic English schools by the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board. French-language boards also serve the area.

School assignments depend on your exact address and can change. Always confirm the assigned schools for a specific property with the school board before you make an offer.