Kevin Davis Reflects on the People and Moments That Defined His Time as Brantford Mayor
As Kevin Davis reflected on his time as mayor of Brantford, it was not individual projects, ribbon cuttings or political accomplishments that stood out most.
Instead, Davis spoke about the people he met, the relationships he built and the experiences that shaped his eight years in the mayor’s chair.
During an emotional address at Brantford City Council, Davis thanked his wife, Lisa, his fellow council members and City staff for the support they provided throughout his time in office.
A Thank You to His Family
Davis began on a personal note, recognizing the impact public life can have on the families of elected officials.
“Lisa, through it all, had no complaints and certainly kept me very grounded with her advice and her support,” Davis said.
While elected officials willingly take on the responsibilities and demands of public office, Davis acknowledged that their family members do not necessarily make that same choice.
His comments highlighted the role Lisa played throughout his years at City Hall and the support she provided away from the council chamber.
Mayor Kevin Davis and his wife Lisa at the final meeting of city council on Sept. 29, 2026.
“It’s Always a Team Effort”
Davis also used his remarks to emphasize that municipal government is rarely the work of one individual.
“Whatever we do in life, whatever it is, very rarely do we do something on our own,” Davis said. “It’s always, always, always a team effort.”
He thanked members of both the current and previous councils, saying his experience working alongside them had enriched his time in office.
Davis acknowledged that councillors did not always agree, but said disagreement around the council table is part of the democratic process.
Looking back, he said the memories that will remain with him have less to do with individual motions, projects or initiatives and more to do with the people he encountered along the way.
“What I will carry in my soul are the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had,” Davis said. “It’s truly been a great honour to serve this city.”
A Moment He Says He Will Never Forget
One experience in particular illustrated that point.
Davis recalled a visit to W. Ross Macdonald School, where he met a student who experienced the world primarily through her sense of touch.
The student’s teacher asked Davis if she could feel his face, and he agreed.
Davis then realized he was wearing the mayor’s chain of office and sat beside her so she could experience it through touch as well.
Together, they moved through the different pieces and symbols found on the chain.
Partway through the interaction, Davis noticed the student had begun to cry.
Concerned that he had upset her, he turned to the teacher.
“She’s crying tears of happiness,” the teacher told him.
For Davis, it became one of those unexpected moments in public office that left a lasting impression.
“You’ll forget that one-hundredth ribbon cutting,” Davis said. “You’ll never forget something like that.”
Recognizing City Staff
Davis also directed considerable praise toward City of Brantford employees.
While council members are often publicly associated with municipal decisions and accomplishments, Davis said much of the work required to turn those decisions into reality happens behind the scenes.
“We’d like to sit here and take credit for all the things that we accomplished in our terms of council, but it’s really the staff that get it done,” he said.
He thanked City employees and senior management for their work and described Brantford as fortunate to have the public servants it does.
Earlier this year, Davis similarly credited City staff and council while announcing that 2026 would be his final year as mayor after eight years in office.
Memories to Take With Him
As part of the recognition, Davis was presented with several keepsakes, including a chair commemorating his time presiding over council meetings and a Brantford Bulldogs hockey jersey.
The jersey had some added significance.
Davis recalled receiving the first Bulldogs jersey when the team came to Brantford and said that jersey will eventually be left to the local sports wall of fame as a piece of Brantford sports history.
The newest jersey, he joked, gives him one he can keep.
Despite the gifts and the many initiatives associated with his years in office, Davis repeatedly returned to the same theme during his remarks.
For him, the lasting memories will be the people.
“I’ll treasure our memories and what we accomplished together,” Davis told council.
As his time in the mayor’s chair approaches its conclusion, those relationships—with family, fellow councillors, City staff and the residents he met along the way—are what Davis said he expects to remember most.
