Municipal Community Newsletter

35 Alice Street | Brighton, ON K0K 1H0 CA

Featured in the March newsletter...

Half-Load Restrictions Now in Effect
Thank You for Helping us Cheer on Hallie Clarke at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games!
Official Plan & Zoning By-Law Review
March Break Public Skate Dates
2026 Municipal Election
Lighthouse Books Celebrates 10 Years
Brighton’s Applefest wins a 2026 Top 100 Award from Festival and Events Ontario!
March Break Events at the Brighton Public Library
Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings

Monthly Wisdom...

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” ~ Charles Dickens

Winter Parking Restrictions

are in place until April 1

Residents are reminded that winter parking restrictions are in effect nightly from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. until April 1. Parking is restricted on roadways, streets, and road shoulders during these hours.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Half-Load Restrictions

Half-Load restrictions are now in effect until late April, weather permitting.

These restrictions are put in place to help protect municipal roadways, as warmer temperatures during the spring thaw can increase the risk of road damage.

View a list of restricted roads

March 8 is International Women's Day!

Celebrating it's 115th year, International Women's Day is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and serves as a call to action for accelerating gender equality.

"The IWD 2026 Give To Gain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise." - International Women's Day Theme Announcement

The Municipality of Brighton would like to recognize the women in our organization, both on the front lines and behind the scenes, who play vital roles in keeping our municipality and community moving forward!

Thank You for Helping us Cheer on Hallie!

It was a great showing of Canadian and community pride at our Watch Party event on February 14 as we cheered on Hallie Clarke in Heats 3 and 4 of the skeleton event, streamed live from the Cortino Sliding Centre in Italy.

Congratulations, Hallie, on your Olympic debut - you have made Brighton proud!

The team at the Municipality of Brighton is committed to working together to meet the needs of our residents, visitors, and those who choose to invest in our area. We dedicate ourselves to providing superior services to customers.

For more information about each of our departments, visit the Municipal Services page on our website.

Ice Cold Rescues

Brighton Fire & Rescue recently joined Brighton Marine Rescue (BMR) for joint ice‑rescue training, sharpening the skills our crews rely on during early- and late‑season ice emergencies. These sessions help both teams respond quickly and safely when ice conditions are most unpredictable.

As we move into spring, we remind residents to stay cautious around frozen waterways. Be sure to keep pets leashed, teach children to avoid unfamiliar ice, and when in doubt, stay off!

A special thank you to our community partners and local property owners who provided us with space to conduct this training. Your support helps keep everyone safer.

Official Plan & Zoning By-Law Review

The Municipality of Brighton has launched a review of its Official Plan and Zoning By-Law. To help guide this work, we are seeking input from residents, businesses, landowners, and others with a connection to the community.

Your participation will help staff understand the community’s priorities and concerns as Brighton continues to grow and change.

Complete the survey before March 31, 2026.

Pick up a physical survey at:

Brighton Municipal Office and Public Library (35 Alice Street)
Brighton Public Works Department Office (67 Sharp Road)

Complete the online survey

2026 Municipal and School Board Election

The Municipality of Brighton is preparing for the upcoming 2026 Municipal and School Board Election, which will take place on October 26. If you have recently turned 18, changed your name, or moved, please take a moment to confirm your voter information on the Elections Ontario website to help keep the voters’ list accurate. Candidate nomination packages will be available beginning May 1 both online and in person at the Municipal Clerk’s Office located at 35 Alice Street. Voting in the 2026 election will be conducted using internet voting.

Important Dates and Deadlines:

Current until August 12, 2026 – Register and update Voter Information

May 1, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. – Nomination Period Begins

August 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Nominations Close

October 26, 2026 – Municipal and School Board Election Day

November 16, 2026 – Inaugural Council Meeting

Learn more and read the news release

Calling all Youth! Thinking about running for Council in the 2026 Municipal Election?

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a free online workshop designed to provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and boost your confidence in becoming a candidate and running an election campaign.

Three dates to choose from:

March 11 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

April 15 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Learn more and register

Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities

Online Workshop Series

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is hosting a series of free online workshops that provide a supportive, skills-focused environment to strengthen your leadership foundation and reconnect with the values that guide public service.

The online series is being offered in two streams:

Stream 1: For elected officials considering re-election. Learn more and register.

Stream 2: For first-time aspiring candidates. Learn more and register.

Lighthouse Books Celebrates 10 Years

Members of Council, representatives from the Economic Development Advisory Committee, and the DBIA stopped by Lighthouse Books to congratulate Kathryn and Dan on an incredible business milestone - ten years as owners!

After volunteering under the previous owner, Kathryn and Dan stepped forward when the sale of the business fell through, and what started as a "three-year retirement project" quickly became a decade in business.

Lighthouse Books continues to be a beacon for book lovers and a cherished cornerstone of downtown Brighton, with Kathryn and Dan’s commitment to literature, meaningful connections, and a vibrant downtown enriching the lives of readers, visitors, and residents of all ages.

Nominate a deserving Citizen for the Community Service Excellence Award and the Youth Community Service Excellence Award!

The Municipality of Brighton is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the Community Service Excellence Award and the Youth Community Service Excellence Award (formerly the Junior Citizen of the Year Award). These awards honour individuals whose dedication strengthens the well-being of the Brighton community.

There are two award categories being presented in 2026:

Community Service Excellence Award

Formerly known as the Citizen of the Year Award, the Community Service Excellence Award honours a resident who has made meaningful, long-term contributions to the Brighton community.

Youth Community Service Excellence Award

New for 2026, the Youth Community Service Excellence Award (formerly the Junior Citizen of the Year Award) honours an outstanding young community member whose dedication, initiative, and compassion have made a meaningful impact to the Brighton community.

Spirit of Service Awards

To acknowledge the wide range of volunteer efforts that strengthen our community, the program also includes Spirit of Service Awards, presented to nominees who demonstrate commendable service even if they are not selected as the recipient of the Community Service Excellence Award or the Youth Community Service Excellence Award. Previous Spirit of Service recipients may be nominated again this year and in future years.

Nomination forms are available at www.brighton.ca. Paper copies can also be picked up at the Municipal Office, 35 Alice Street, during regular business hours.

The deadline to submit a nomination is this Friday, March 6 at 12:00 p.m. Noon.

A special ceremony to celebrate the award recipients and recognize community volunteers will be held on April 23 at the Owen Gibb Community Centre (75 Elizabeth Street). Nominees will be contacted directly and invited to attend. Tickets will be available to community volunteers beginning March 30.

For more information on the nomination process, including the eligibility requirements, visit brighton.ca.

Learn more

As we welcome March in Brighton, the signs of spring are beginning to show and with that comes an exciting season of renewal and growth in our community. Our team is continuing to promote the Community Improvement Plan programs, which offer eligible business and property owners support for façade, accessibility, and landscape improvements, with applications open until March 31. These investments help strengthen our commercial areas, enhance curb appeal, and improve accessibility for residents and visitors.

Nominations for the 2026 Community Service Excellence Awards are now open, with forms available online at brighton.ca and in person at the Municipal Office, 35 Alice Street. There are two main awards: the Community Service Excellence Award for adult volunteers, and the Youth Community Service Excellence Award for students in grades 7–12. Completed forms must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on March 6, either in person or by email. All nominations are reviewed by the Community Events & Civic Awards Steering Committee, which recommends recipients for recognition. A special awards ceremony will be hosted in April to honor and congratulate our community volunteers.

Yours in Economic Development,

Ben Hagerman

Manager of Economic Development and Communications

Brighton’s Applefest wins a

2026 Top 100 Award from Festival and Events Ontario!

Brighton’s Applefest has once again been recognized by Festival and Events Ontario (FEO) as one of the Top 100 festivals in the province.

The Top 100 Awards celebrate festivals and events that demonstrate excellence in programming, community impact, and overall experience. Applefest was evaluated in Fall 2025 through a formal submission and reviewed by an independent panel of judges.

The Applefest Advisory Committee, together with dedicated community partners, hosts a diverse range of activities throughout the four day celebration. Highlights include the Main Street Fair, Music in the Park at Memorial Park, a Children’s Village, and a vintage car show. What began in 1974 as a gathering of local farmers showcasing their harvest has grown into a cherished community tradition, drawing thousands of visitors from across Ontario each year.

Applefest returns this year from Thursday, September 24 to Sunday, September 27, with events taking place throughout Brighton.

For more information about the 2026 Applefest festivities,

visit www.brighton.ca, or follow @BrightonApplefest on Facebook and Instagram.

Read the full press release

2026 Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Program

applications are open until March 31

Eligible downtown Brighton businesses and property owners can now access funding to enhance their properties through the Brighton Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Programs.

The CIP provides financial incentives to support property improvements that enhance Brighton's unique character and improves accessibility in the downtown core. This year, the plan focuses on three programs:

Façade Improvement Rebate Program

Intended to encourage commercial, residential or institutional properties in the Downtown core to make improvements, rehabilitate and improve their facades. The Municipality will provide a rebate for 50% of costs associated with design-related professional fees up to a maximum of $3,000.

Façade and Landscape Design Program

Designed to assist commercial, residential or institutional properties to make improvements, to rehabilitate, or improve their facades and/or landscaping. The Municipality will provide a rebate for 50% of façade or landscaping improvements that satisfy design criteria, included in detail in program description, up to a maximum of $10,000.

Community Accessibility Fund

Intended to assist businesses with improving the accessibility of the interior/exterior of their buildings in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Eligible properties include industrial, commercial and mixed-use. The Municipality will cover 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of $5,000.

Applications are open until March 31. To learn more about eligibility and program requirements, please visit our website or contact the Economic Development Department.

Email: cbirch@brighton.ca

Phone: (613) 475-0670 ext. 210

Work in Quinte Career Fair

Looking for a new gig? The Work in Quinte Career Fair is the place to be! Twice a year, local employers and job seekers come together for a no-nonsense, high-energy event where real connections happen.

The Spring 2026 Work in Quinte Career Fair is on Wednesday, April 15, from 1 - 6 pm at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre

in Belleville, ON!

Check out workinquinte.ca/careerfair for more details!

Last week, members of our Public Works team rescued an injured great horned owl found on the shoulder of a local road. Thanks to the quick actions of Ashlei, Jon, and Tylor, the owl was safely transported to Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre, where it is now receiving care and is expected to make a full recovery.

Once the owl has fully recovered, staff will work with Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre to coordinate releasing it back into the wild.

A big thank you to our dedicated staff and to Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre for the incredible work they do every day.

Photo Credit: Friends of Presqu'ile Park

Presqu'ile Provincial Park 47th Annual Waterfowl Weekend

Presqu’ile is a world-class waterfowl viewing destination, over 25 different species of ducks, geese and swans visit Presqu’ile during the spring migration.

Volunteer naturalists will be stationed around the park from 10am – 4pm to help you view and identify the many species of waterfowl.

The Friends of Presqu’ile Park will hold a BBQ lunch fundraiser at the Lighthouse on Saturday and Sunday starting at 11am. The Lighthouse Interpretive Centre will be open and will feature displays on waterfowl and the history of Presqu’ile and the surrounding area.

Council and Committee meetings are held in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre, 35 Alice Street and are open to the public.

Council and Council Planning meetings are streamed live on our YouTube Channel.

Regular Council Meetings: These meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month.
Planning Council Meetings: These meetings are held on the second Monday of each month.

Below is a list of recent Council and Committee meetings.