Mayor of Brantford: The Political Career of Friel
The political landscape of Brantford was significantly shaped by Friel, a leader known for his unorthodox style and commitment to urban renewal. First entering the mayoral office at the remarkably young age of twenty-seven, Friel navigated the city through periods of deep economic instability toward a trajectory of growth and modernization.
Key Facts
- First Elected: 1994, defeating incumbent Bob Taylor.
- Tenure Highlights: Presided over the establishment of Laurier Brantford and the conversion of the Eaton's site into a call centre.
- Political Style: Described as flamboyant and sometimes truculent.
- Key Advocacy: Strong supporter of anti-smoking by-laws and indigenous land claims.
- Election History: Won in 1994, 1997, 2000, and 2010; lost in 2003 and 2006.
Rise to Power and Economic Revitalization
Friel's ascent began in the 1994 municipal election, where he defeated one-term incumbent Bob Taylor. His early years in office were marked by severe economic challenges; he famously described the city's downtown as the worst in Canada shortly after taking office. Despite these bleak beginnings, his leadership eventually oversaw a period of notable economic growth.
One of his most lasting contributions to the city's intellectual and economic infrastructure was helping to establish Laurier Brantford, a local division of Wilfrid Laurier University. He also managed the transition of the city's commercial landscape when the Brantford Eaton's closed, overseeing the site's transformation into a call centre.
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Controversies and Policy Positions
Friel's tenure was not without conflict. He was initially a vocal opponent of the Brantford Charity Casino, labeling it a "scam" and criticizing the government for prioritizing gaming over creative capital projects. While he eventually accepted the casino's presence to secure community benefits, he maintained that it was an economic mistake.
Public Utilities and Regional Governance
During his second term, Friel advocated for the Brantford Hydro-Electric Commission to remain a public utility. He also attempted to initiate merger discussions between Brantford and the neighboring Brant County in 2000. This effort met strong opposition from Brant County Mayor Ron Eddy, leading Friel to eventually admit that a local agreement was impossible.
Social Advocacy and Indigenous Relations
Friel was recognized for maintaining positive relations with local indigenous groups. He argued that the Six Nations people held a legitimate claim to the land surrounding the Grand River, extending six miles in each direction. Additionally, he was a staunch supporter of the city's anti-smoking by-law, a position driven by the personal loss of his father to lung cancer at a young age.
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Election Cycles and Political Legacy
Friel's electoral history was a series of triumphs and narrow defeats. After winning in 1994, 1997, and 2000, he lost the 2003 election to Mike Hancock by a mere fifteen votes, choosing not to seek a recount. A second attempt in 2006 resulted in a loss by 165 votes. However, he returned to power in 2010, winning by a significant margin after Hancock declined to seek re-election.
| Election Year | Result | Opponent/Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Won | Defeated Bob Taylor |
| 1997 | Won | Defeated Andy Woodburn |
| 2000 | Won | Re-elected for third term |
| 2003 | Lost | Lost to Mike Hancock by 15 votes |
| 2006 | Lost | Lost to Mike Hancock by 165 votes |
| 2010 | Won | Won by a significant margin |
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Friel when he first became mayor?
Friel was twenty-seven years old when he was first elected as the mayor of Brantford in 1994.
What was Friel's stance on the Brantford Charity Casino?
He initially opposed it, calling it a "scam" and an economic mistake, though he later worked to ensure the community received benefits from its presence.
What educational institution did Friel help establish?
He helped establish Laurier Brantford, which is a local division of Wilfrid Laurier University.
Why did Friel support anti-smoking by-laws?
His support was deeply personal, as his father passed away from lung cancer at a relatively young age.
How did Friel's relationship with the Six Nations people manifest?
Friel was known for having good relations with local indigenous groups and argued that the Six Nations had a legitimate claim to the land surrounding the Grand River.