County of Brant, City of Brantford and GRCA partnering on future of Apps’ Mill Nature Centre

The County of Brant and the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) are working on an agreement for the transfer of a 4.5-acre parcel of GRCA land within the County that includes the Apps’ Mill Nature Centre. In parallel, the County, the City of Brantford and the GRCA are collaborating on an operational agreement to support continued delivery of the GRCA’s Environmental Education Program at the site. This partnership will keep long-standing school programs in place while creating the opportunity for County, City and jointly run programming.

Figure 1: Proposed land transfer outlined/shaded in purple. Lands outlined/shaded in green are not included in the transfer and will continue to be managed by the GRCA.

For more than 50 years, the GRCA has delivered environmental education programs to people of all ages at five nature centres across the Grand River watershed. Currently, three of the GRCA’s nature centres operate on dedicated, standalone properties, including the Apps’ Mill Nature Centre in the County of Brant. The nature centre, established in the early 1980s, welcomes more than 6,000 elementary and secondary students each year, along with community groups who participate in hands‑on outdoor learning experiences that foster environmental awareness and stewardship.

In response to amendments to the Conservation Authorities (CA) Act and operational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, GRCA staff undertook a comprehensive review of the Environmental Education Program. Amendments to the CA Act changed how the program is funded, specifically, the program is required to operate without any municipal money unless there is a formal funding agreement in place. In October 2023, GRCA staff brought forward the review of the program to the GRCA Board. The review aimed to ensure strategic alignment, financial sustainability, and improved integration with other GRCA programs and services. It recommended relocating programming from standalone nature centres to fee‑for‑use conservation areas for greater operational efficiency, with further discussions needed regarding the future of the standalone facilities.

In November 2023, the GRCA Board directed staff to continue discussions with municipalities, school boards and other interested agencies regarding funding and/or other potential opportunities for the three standalone properties and facilities, including the Apps’ Mill Nature Centre.

Those discussions have since led to an agreement in principle between the County of Brant and the GRCA for the disposition of the Apps’ Mill Nature Centre and approximately 4.5 acres of supporting lands to the County, along with a collaborative operational agreement between the County, the GRCA and the City of Brantford to support the continued delivery of the GRCA’s Environmental Education Program for schools at the site. The operational agreement also creates the opportunity for municipally run and joint programs.

“The GRCA is immensely grateful for the collaboration and support of the County of Brant and the City of Brantford. The transfer of ownership and the operational agreement will not only help ensure the continuation of the GRCA’s environmental programs for local students at the Apps’ Mill Nature Centre but will also provide new program opportunities for municipal residents,” says GRCA Chair John Challinor II. “This shared approach builds on the strengths of each partner and ensures the long-term sustainability of valued programming. We look forward to working alongside the County and City to ensure a smooth transition.”

“The County of Brant is proud to be part of the future of the Apps’ Mills Nature Centre. This beloved location has served not only Brant residents, but neighbouring communities for decades,” says County of Brant Mayor David Bailey. “We thank the GRCA and the City of Brantford, this opportunity to partner reflects the positive impact that collaboration can achieve. We are also grateful to GRCA staff, who will continue to deliver programming through their expertise and commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring local students can experience the unique character of the Apps’ Mills Nature Centre for generations to come.”

“The City of Brantford is proud to work alongside the GRCA and the County of Brant to support the continued operation of the Apps’ Mill Nature Centre and its popular and impactful educational programs,” says City of Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis. “This collaboration will help ensure students and families can keep enjoying meaningful outdoor learning experiences, while also presenting new programming opportunities for our community. We value this partnership and look forward to what it will continue to make possible for residents across both municipalities.”

The transfer and operational agreement were approved by County of Brant Council on February 24, 2026, and the GRCA Board on February 27, 2026.

The operational agreement was approved by the City of Brantford’s Committee of the Whole on March 3, 2026, and will be included on the City Council March 24, 2026, meeting agenda for final consideration. If approved by City Council, municipal and GRCA staff will proceed to finalize the transfer and implement the operational agreement.

Resources

GRCA Board Report GM-10-23-76: Outdoor Environmental Education Program Review

GRCA Board Report GM-09-24-78: Update - Outdoor Environmental Education Program Review

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Media contacts:

Serena Catania, Supervisor of Communications and Marketing
Grand River Conservation Authority
Phone 519-621-2763 x 2240 | Email scatania@grandriver.ca

Suzie Keczan, Director of Communications and Public Relations
County of Brant
Phone 1-855-44BRANT | 519-442-7268 x 3208 | suzie.keczan@brant.ca

Maria Visocchi, Director, Communications, Community Engagement and Customer Service
City of Brantford
Phone 519-759-4150 x 5754 | Email mvisocchi@brantford.ca