Provincial chamber of commerce supports local solution to scrap metal theft problem
The framework calls on the province to consider new requirements for all scrap metal dealers that are consistent with the City of Brantford’s bylaws.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): A made-in-Brantford initiative to better protect businesses from vandalism by scrap metal thieves has been endorsed by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
The provincial chamber, at its annual general meeting in April, supported Turning Scrap into Strength: Provincial Metal Recycling Framework, brought forward by a Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant delegation led by CEO David Prang. The framework calls for a province-wide scrap metal recycling structure that will reduce theft and close gaps created by inconsistent municipal bylaws.
“We know that businesses, organizations, and municipalities across Ontario are struggling with the impact of nuisance vandalism and metal theft, and the inconsistencies of municipal enforcement,” Joy O’Donnell, president of the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant, said in a prepared statement.
“There are no easy solutions to the many challenges causing the recent rise in crime in this sector, however provincial standards will help municipalities manage this issue, and reduce the supply of illicit materials by closing loopholes and creating consistent competitive conditions throughout the province.”
The framework calls on the province to consider new requirements for all scrap metal dealers that are consistent with the City of Brantford’s bylaws.
Brantford introduced a bylaw in March 2024 to combat theft and vandalism that is costing businesses thousands of dollars annually. The bylaw, among other things, restricts the kind of material that can be sold to a scrap metal dealer including wire from a utility, a street or traffic sign, bronze or brass commercial valves or fittings.
However, thebylaw is only applicable in Brantford. To be truly effective, it must be implemented province-wide to prevent thieves from taking what they’ve stolen to dealers outside of Brantford’s municipal boundary.
The Brantford initiative to have the bylaw become an example for the province to follow began after a Ward 4 town hall meeting held in June 2025. Attended by representatives of the business, community, Brantford city councillors heard from several businesses that had lost thousands of dollars due to theft or vandalism.
One business owner had a $45,000 air conditioner on the roof of his building. Someone threw it off the roof onto the parking lot before stripping it of wire. Other examples include theft of bronze or copper wire from businesses.
Typically, stolen copper wire or bronze items are taken to metal recyclers and sold for cash.
Following the Ward 4 town hall meeting, the issue was brought to council, which resulted in changes to the city’s bylaws.
The Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant, working with the city’s economic development department, came up with an advocacy strategy and took the issue to the Ontario chamber’s annual general meeting. The general meeting is an opportunity for provincial members to develop policies that address common issues.
The initiative was supported by the Cambridge, Hamilton and Barrie chambers of commerce. It was also approved by 98 per cent of the chambers that attended the annual general meeting.
Norfolk County was also hit hard by the problem in 2025 when about 1,000 pounds of metal including urns, monuments and nameplates was stolen from cemeteries throughout the county. Police subsequently arrested and charged a 39-year-old Oxford County man with theft, mischief and indignity to a dead body.
The Ontario chamber represents more than 135 local chambers of commerce and boards of trade from across the province.
Courtesy: www.brantfordexpositor.ca