Petition to Protect the Community of Oak Hill from Annexation

We, the undersigned residents, property owners, and supporters of the Oakhill community, respectfully oppose any proposed annexation of Oakhill by the City of Brantford for the purpose of acquiring land associated with the local airport.

Oakhill is more than a geographic area—it is a well-established, close-knit community with a distinct identity, history, and way of life. The proposed annexation threatens to disrupt the social fabric, property rights, and long-standing stability that residents have built and maintained over generations.

Key Concerns:

1. Loss of Community Identity
Oakhill residents value their rural character, independence, and sense of community. Forced annexation would fundamentally alter this identity without the consent of those who live here.

2. Lack of Meaningful Consultation
Residents have not been adequately consulted in a transparent or inclusive manner. Decisions of this magnitude must involve genuine community engagement—not top-down planning.

3. Impact on Property Rights and Values
Annexation may lead to changes in zoning, taxation, and land use that could negatively impact property values and impose financial burdens on homeowners.

4. Unclear Necessity and Justification
The need for additional airport land has not been clearly demonstrated in a way that justifies the disruption and long-term consequences for Oakhill residents.

5. Precedent for Future Expansion
Allowing this annexation sets a concerning precedent for continued encroachment on surrounding rural communities.

Our Position

We strongly urge decision-makers to:

Respect the wishes of Oakhill residents 
Halt any annexation efforts affecting this community 
Explore alternative solutions that do not require displacement or forced municipal restructuring 
Commit to transparent, community-first planning processes 
Conclusion

The highest responsibility of municipal governance is to serve and protect its people. The residents of Oakhill deserve to have their voices heard, their homes respected, and their community preserved.

We call on the appropriate authorities to reject this annexation proposal and protect Oak Hill for current and future generations.