Date last updated
Consultation on Development of Cainsville as a “Premier Industrial Hub”
Under the new Official Plan, Cainsville will greatly expand as an industrial hub, with much of the 376 hectares (929 acres) of land zoned for heavy industrial use and some general commercial use (See map below to find these zones). Employment In Cainsville can potentially triple, from 2,700 to 7,600 jobs. However, one concern is that “heavy industrial” zoning also permits warehousing and logistics (which includes transportation, packaging, and distribution hubs). These are low density employment uses that go against the County’s goal of achieving higher job density per hectare. Roads, public transit, trails, water, sewers and stormwater management will be upgraded and built.
However, what impact will this growth have on residents in Cainsville and the environment?
Now is the time for you to get involved to learn about the planned development and to have your say. Public participation in the planning process is crucial to address concerns about potential impacts and ensure responsible development that reflects community needs and priorities. Come out to the next meeting planned for Sept. 10, to learn, raise questions and concerns, and have your say.
Can’t make the workshop? Complete an online survey HERE
Note: Deadline for public input is September 30, 2025. Speak up. Make your voice heard!
Key Issues
On August 14th, an informal meeting was hosted with County Planning Staff and residents. Here are some concerns we heard:
- Increased traffic (e.g. tractor trailers); need to make it walking and cycling safe, and reduce speed limits.
- Environmental impacts of heavy industrial industry (odour, noise, smoke, dust and other potentially harmful byproducts).
- Heavy industrial zoning permits autobody repair, automobile garage, transport/truck terminals, chemical & pharmaceutical industry & cannabis processing. See full list on interactive map or below under what is permitted.
- Residents don’t know what the specific type of industry will be, until an industrial tenant is secured.
- Many residents rely on well water and worry about water contamination.
- Concerns that more development will lead to increases water use, impacting water table and availability for residents.
- Need a lay person’s version, so that residents can understand what is permitted and being proposed as planner jargon can be unclear.
- Prefer community consultation in person, but it is sometimes difficult to attend meetings.
- Impact on neighbours downwind (air pollution),
- Impact on surrounding farmland (development pressure, pollution)
- Impact on wildlife in the area and greenspaces available to neighbours.
- Concerns regarding taxes and land value in the area.
What you can do!
Keep informed. Register with https://engagebrant.ca/cainsvillelandusestrategy. Receive updates. Sign up for their newsletter and review the information below.
Register by Sept. 8 for the September 10 Project Workshop at the Cainsville Community Centre. There are 2 sessions: 2:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Get tickets: Your feedback on the concept options can influence the development plan. Planning staff and consultants will present:
- insights from consultation so far with landowners and residents,
- three draft land use concepts for the Premier Employment Hub, and
- key ideas such as roads, land use, green space, and future development.
Contact County Councillors with your concerns.
This is your chance to raise questions about how the proposed development could affect your and your neighbourhood. Make your voice heard before the end of September 2025!
Learn more:
Click here for Brant County’s interactive map to see what development is permitted near you
Read the Brantford Expositor’s coverage
Follow the Cainsville development plans on Engage Brant, including a short informational flyer
What is permitted?
Below are links to documents from the Comprehensive Zoning By-Law by The County of Brant (Office Consolidation – March 2024) that have been modified (highlighted) to show possible uses in each zone of Cainsville:
Questions that you may have:
The County Planner and their planning team want to hear what matters most to you! (Thoughts on land uses, transportation needs, green spaces, commercial activity, and the overall vision for Cainsville’s future).
- Brant County passed a resolution to tackle climate change. What high density, ecological and climate friendly business is the County trying to attract?
- What green spaces will be protected? How?
- What impact will heavy industrial development have on our property values?
- What potential environmental risks will there be for our community?
- How will this development affect our quality of life (noise, odours, traffic, pollution). Will we be able to enjoy using our backyards and grow a garden without risk of pollution?
Bring your own questions.