Mayor Kevin Davis of Brantford Joins the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative

Press Release

Toronto, ON – December 18, 2025 – The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is pleased to welcome Mayor Kevin Davis and the City of Brantford, ON to its growing coalition of more than 400 mayors and local executives working to advance economic prosperity across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Region while protecting the globally significant freshwater resources that are the heart of the region.

As a member of the Cities Initiative, Mayor Davis and Brantford will work collaboratively with members from across the basin in the United States and Canada to support healthy lakes and rivers, safe and affordable water for all residents, climate resilient communities, and economic transformation throughout the region.

Mayor Kevin Davis of Brantford, ON: “Brantford is proud to join the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and to work alongside Municipal leaders across the basin who share a commitment to protecting our freshwater resources while strengthening local economies. As a growing community with deep ties to our waterways, we recognize that clean, resilient water systems are fundamental to public health, environmental stewardship, and long-term prosperity.”

Located along the Grand River, Brantford is a vibrant and rapidly growing city with a strong industrial heritage and a modern, diversified economy supported by innovation and investment. As the City advances initiatives focused on water protection, climate adaptation, and sustainable economic development, membership in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative will support Brantford’s efforts to safeguard its natural assets, modernize water infrastructure, and contribute to a resilient and prosperous region.

Mayor Mat Siscoe of St. Catharines, ON, Canadian Co-Chair of the of the Cities Initiative: “It’s great to welcome Mayor Davis and Brantford to our growing coalition. We need to work together to ensure the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Region remains one of the top global economies and continue to deliver prosperity for our residents. That means collaborating on building the Fresh Coast Economic Corridor, modernizing our water infrastructure, and protecting the lakes and rivers that are the foundation of our success as a region. The Cities Initiative is a key player to deliver on those priorities.”

Every new member of the Cities Initiative is a testament to the importance that local governments in this globally significant basin place on preserving our freshwater resources, preparing our

communities for the impacts of climate change, improving our aging water infrastructure and building sustainable local economies that attract new blue and green industries and good jobs.

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About the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative

The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is a multinational coalition of municipal, First Nation, and Tribal government executives representing communities in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Region who are working to promote economic prosperity in our communities and protect our fresh water for the benefit of current and future generations. With more than 400 communities represented by its membership, the Cities Initiative is leading the way in advancing the environmental, economic, and social health of the region by addressing issues impacting its residents.

For more information, please contact:
Jacqueline Edwards | Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative | jedwards@glslcities.org

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