Brandon Minute: Advocacy Delegation, Overnight Centre, and the Keystone Funding Request

Brandon Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Brandon politics

This Week In Brandon:

• There will be a meeting of City Council today at 7:00 pm. Council will hear an update from Western Manitoba Regional Library on its programs and services. Delegations from the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium and the Keystone Centre will also make presentations to Council. (More in the Keystone presentation below!).  Also on the agenda is the Brandon City Plan and a discussion about applying for grant funding through the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for Municipalities (Manitoba GRO) Program for Richmond Avenue Reconstruction and the Keystone Sanitation Depot.
  
  
• The Keystone Centre will request increased funding from Brandon City Council due to rising utility and insurance costs. The Centre is reporting a $1.1 million operating loss for 2022-23 and projecting further deficits. Utility expenses have surged, with hydro costs up by 74%, water costs up by 117%, and insurance expected to rise nearly 91% over 2020-21 levels. To counterbalance these costs, the Centre anticipates $700,000 in new revenue from rental rate increases, including a 15% hike in ice rentals. Additional income is expected from the National Arabian Championship Show in 2025, potential future events, and expanded sponsorships.
  
  
• A new overnight drop-in center for individuals experiencing homelessness is now open. Operated by the Brandon Friendship Centre, the drop-in will offer meals and drinks nightly from 7:00 pm to 7:30 am until the end of March, funded with $350,000 from Manitoba Housing. Existing shelters like Safe and Warm often exceed capacity.

Last Week In Brandon:

• Tyler Bates has officially been sworn in as the new Chief of the Brandon Police Service, taking on the role after a lengthy 18-month search. After 19 years with the RCMP, Bates says he wants to foster a welcoming community environment and strengthen ties between the police and residents. He also says that there are challenges with recruiting and retaining officers, noting that the force currently experiences a significant turnover rate. Bates wants to emphasize the importance of building trust with the community, particularly with Indigenous populations, to address historical issues and improve public safety.
  
  
• Speaking of policing, the Brandon Police Service reported seizing approximately 104.7 kilograms of methamphetamine so far in 2024. There has been a 2.76% increase in calls for service compared to the previous year, driven partly by property crimes associated with drug-related issues. The BPS is anticipating a surplus of $741,000 for the year, attributed to various savings and increased revenue, although there are higher-than-expected expenses related to new equipment and initiatives.
  
  
• A delegation from Brandon recently visited Ottawa to promote the City’s interests on both national and international platforms. Led by Mayor Jeff Fawcett and Brandon East NDP MLA Glen Simard, the group included representatives from various local organizations, such as the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba and Assiniboine College. The trip aimed to advocate for federal funding for critical projects, including housing and transit initiatives, as well as infrastructure improvements. Although no immediate announcements resulted from the visit, the delegation said it was important to have a united front in showcasing Brandon's needs.