Audio Tours

On this week’s episode of The Best of Brantford, go behind-the-scenes at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts with Theatre Manager, Glenn Brown, to learn more about this historic theatre in the heart of downtown Brantford.

Supervising Producer: Avery Moore Kloss
Executive Producer: Kara Davey
Narrated by Glenn Brown

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In honour of Walter Gretzky's commitment to his community, North Ridge Golf Course was officially renamed the Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course in 2020. After Walter's passing in 2021, a portrait was commissioned to further commemorate his legacy and contributions to the community as well as the sport of hockey. Join Jeff Moore and John Utley as they tell the story of this incredible portrait and Walter Gretzky’s legacy.

Student Producer: Mitchell Hartman
Supervising Producer: Avery Moore Kloss
Executive Producer: Kara Davey
Narrated By: Jeff Moore and John Utley

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Located in the scenic parkette beside the Brantford Public Library, the Landscape De Kanata is a tribute to the life, legacy, and artistic influence of Brantford’s own, Lawren Harris. With over 100 contributors, including Dave Hind, leader of the Aluminum Quilting Society, this piece is a fusion of artistic styles and mediums that convey the true artistic genius of Lawren Harris. Join Dave Hind as he tells the story of the creation of the Landscape De Kanata, as well as the artists involved.

Student Producer: Fabiana Penagos
Supervising Producer: Avery Moore Kloss
Executive Producer: Kara Davey
Narrated by Dave Hind

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Located outside the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, the heart of athletics in Brantford, “The Great One” has served as a site of inspiration to aspiring young athletes as well as a nod to the legacy of the Gretzky Family in Brantford. Listen to the story of the making of this extraordinary art piece and discover the influence of Wayne Gretzky and his family on Brantford’s athletic legacy.

Student Producer: Celina Shamon
Supervising Producer: Anna Moore Kloss
Executive Producer: Kara Davey

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Located within the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition is a must-see for sports fans! For over 40 years, the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition has showcased the athletic achievements of local athletes and sport builders. Listen as Ela Stypas-Jones gives an exclusive tour of the sports hall and discusses how it contributes to Brantford’s stellar athletic legacy.

Student Producer: Sigbjørn Lægdene Stenvaag
Supervising Producer: Avery Moore Kloss
Executive Producer: Kara Davey
Narrated by: Ela Stypa-Jones

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Listen and learn as sculptor and artist Robert Dey tells the story of how the famous bronze bust of Walter Gretzky went from a simple portfolio piece in Dey’s studio to a focal point that plays an integral role in honouring the legacy of Walter Gretzky: Ambassador for the City, local hero, and Lord Mayor of the City of Brantford.

Student Producer: Jackson Rice
Supervising Producer: Avery Moore Kloss
Executive Producer: Kara Davey
Narrated by: Robert Dey

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Established at the site of a former residential school, the Woodland Cultural Centre serves to preserve, promote, and strengthen Indigenous languages, culture, art, and history. Follow along with Heather George as she guides the listener through an in-depth tour of Woodland Cultural Centre and how it helps foster cultural continuity and support for all.

Student Producer: Fabianna Penagos
Supervising Producer: Avery Moore Kloss
Executive Producer: Kara Davey
Narrated By: Heather George

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Listen and explore the history of the Good Family and Myrtleville House. Listen and learn as you follow along with Esther Brower’s in-depth tour through the Good Family’s home and discover the rich history and legacy of this historic homestead.

Student Producer: Sienna Bilancia
Supervising Producer: Avery Moore Kloss
Executive Producer: Kara Davey
Narrated By: Esther Brower

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Brantford boasts a rich industrial history and culture. As a centre for the manufacturing of everything from agricultural equipment to parts for war planes during the Second World War, the industrial heritage of our city spans decades. Listen along as the President of the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre, Christina Han, explores the role of industry in a city’s economic and cultural history as well as its identity as a whole.

Student Producer: Alexi Froese
Supervising Producer: Avery Moore Kloss
Executive Producer: Kara Davey
Narrated By: Christina Han

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Originally built in 1922 as the home of Edmund Cockshutt and his family, the Glenhyrst Art Gallery opened its doors in 1957. Since then, the gallery has amassed a collection of over 600 pieces. Listen to Ana Olson’s expert tour that weaves a tapestry of the gallery’s rich history and catch an exclusive look into the exclusive gallery vault, home to the largest collection of legendary Robert Whale pieces in the world. If you’re an art lover, or simply a Brantford history enthusiast, then this episode is for you.

Student Producer: Jessica Jensen
Supervising Producer: Avery Moore Kloss
Executive Producer: Kara Davey
Narrated By: Ana Olson

Episode coming soon.

Immerse yourself in the rich military history of Brantford, County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations at the Canadian Military Heritage Museum (CMHM). Home to over 20,000 artifacts and documents, the CMHM celebrates the brave men and women from Brantford who helped to turn the tide in many historical global conflicts. Listen to Bob Ion’s personal and in-depth tour of the museum as he introduces the many interesting exhibits that the CMHM has to offer.

Student Producer: Charlie MacDonald
Supervising Producer: Avery Moore Kloss
Executive Producer: Kara Davey
Narrated by: Bob Ion

Episode coming soon.

Did you know that our very own Brant Museum and Archives is older than the Royal Ontario Museum? Established in 1902, twelve years before the ROM, the Brant Museum and Archives is home to a number of local artifacts and documents donated by members of the community. This organization, along with the Brant Historical Society, aims to continue to collect, preserve, and share the history of Brantford, County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations. Listen and explore this incredible organization and its story.

Student Producer: Niya Pancholi
Supervising Producer: Avery Moore Kloss
Executive Producer: Kara Davey
Narrated By: Nathan Etherington

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Listen to Brian Wood’s detailed narration of the incredible story of Brantford’s connection to the telephone. From the Bell family’s emigration to Canada from Scotland, to the birth of the conceptual idea for the telephone, and everything that led to the historic first long-distance telephone call on August 10, 1876. Delve into Brantford and Alexander Graham Bell’s rich history of scientific innovation that changed the face of communication forever.

Credits:

Student Producer: Farzan Hussain
Supervising Producer: Avery Moore Kloss
Executive Producer: Kara Davey
Narrated By: Brian Wood

Episode coming soon.

In 2021, Brantford mourned the loss of Walter Gretzky, a beloved and influential community figure. As the father of Wayne Gretzky and the Lord Mayor of Brantford, Walter was an ambassador for the city and a central figure in promoting sport excellence and community. The story behind the piece “Take Your Shot” is one of loss, triumph, and community pride. Ana Olson of Glenhyrst Art Gallery narrates this incredible story and how, as a community, we continue to honour the legacy of Walter Gretzky.

Student Producer: Serena Anagbe
Supervising Producer: Avery Moore Kloss
Executive Producer: Kara Davey
Narrated By: Ana Olson

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