Brandon Minute: Arena Upgrades, Road Repairs, and Development Cost Charges

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

This Week In Brandon:

• There are no meetings at City Hall this week. The next City Council meeting takes place on September 16th.
  
  
• The City of Brandon is taking proactive measures to reduce lead in drinking water with two key initiatives: adding orthophosphate at the Water Treatment Facility and introducing a new Lead Service Line Replacement Policy. Although Brandon's water meets provincial safety standards, older homes with lead service lines may have elevated lead concentrations. The City is testing orthophosphate, which helps prevent lead from leaching into water, with a full-scale implementation planned for 2025. The City also offers free water testing and a $250 rebate for NSF-certified water filters.
  
  
• The City says that Phase 1 of the Southeast Drainage project is nearing 50% completion, with contractors focused on installing the land drainage sewer between 14th Street E and 1st Street. Excavation of the Granite Pond is currently in progress. The entire project is projected to be completed by August 2025.

Last Week In Brandon:

• The Manitoba government announced an investment of $9.7 million to resurface 18th Street in Brandon, known for having some of the worst potholes in the province. The project will repair the road from Aberdeen to Rosser Avenues by removing deep potholes and adding two new layers of pavement. Originally scheduled for 2028-29, the work was expedited due to damage caused by the spring thaw. The project is expected to be completed by October.
  
  
• Local construction and business representatives have raised concerns about Brandon moving forward with proposed updates to its development cost charges (DCCs). The City’s new proposal suggests significant increases, especially in established areas, where rates could rise by up to 16 times. Developers worry these higher costs will be passed on to consumers and might stall growth. Concerns have also been raised about accountability in using the funds for infrastructure improvements. Developers are pushing for more consultation and a single, city-wide DCC rate.
  
  
• Council has approved $6.36 million in upgrades to the Sportsplex arena, with the ice surface expected to reopen by September 2025. The project includes replacing the ice plant, which has been closed since March 2023 due to safety concerns over potential ammonia leaks. Additional upgrades include replacing the concrete pad, cooling lines, ventilation system, and installing new dasher boards. The project went over budget by $2.3 million, requiring the City to borrow funds and tap into reserves. Final approval from Manitoba’s Municipal Board is pending.