In 1905, Brantford witnessed an influx of Ukrainian immigrants due to the expansion of the Pratt and Letchworth foundry, an established company originally from Buffalo, New York. As the foundry opened a branch in Brantford, 50 Ukrainian families migrated, contributing to the city's industrial growth. 

A second wave of work-based immigration followed, as Ukrainians seeking agricultural opportunities were drawn to Brantford by a well-established Ukrainian community. While these farmers originally settled in the Prairie provinces, they eventually made their way to Brantford and its surrounding areas to pursue the rich farmlands the region had to offer. 

Post-World War II, in an effort to build Brantford and help the new waves of immigration, there was a rule implemented requiring new immigrants would have to complete one year of service; for women this often meant domestic work, while for men, it typically involved farm labour. This practice helped link Ukrainians to the broader community and provided them with an opportunity to earn an income while establishing their work reputation.