Brandon Minute: Issue 108

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

📅 This Week In Brandon: 📅

• Brandon is receiving $300,000 in provincial funding aimed at improving safety and security in its downtown core as part of broader efforts to reduce crime and support revitalization. City officials say the money could be used for measures such as improved lighting, increased police presence, expanded cadet programs, and upgraded public washroom facilities. Business leaders have welcomed the funding, noting that safety concerns and rising retail theft have been major issues affecting downtown activity. They argue that stronger security measures, combined with housing and infrastructure investment, could help restore confidence and attract more foot traffic. The Mayor says the funding supports ongoing efforts to make downtown more livable and economically active as the city continues to grow. Officials also emphasize that long-term success will depend on partnerships between government, police, and local organizations.
  
  
• Businesses in Brandon are reporting a sharp rise in retail theft, with the local chamber of commerce estimating a 40% increase in shoplifting incidents over the past year. Business owners say the problem is becoming more aggressive, with some incidents involving weapons and creating safety concerns for both staff and customers. The chamber says the issue is citywide, affecting retailers across multiple neighbourhoods, not just downtown. In response, it has formed a working group with police and government representatives to explore solutions, including a potential dedicated public safety unit focused on retail crime and repeat offenders. Business leaders say theft is not only causing financial losses but also affecting the sense of safety and confidence in local shopping areas. Some retailers point to increased police presence and cadet programs as helpful, but argue more coordinated action is still needed.
  
  
• Mayor Jeff Fawcett says the city has seen significant housing growth this year, with more than 400 new units added and about $150 million in construction activity, including $80 million in residential development. He credited federal funding programs and local policy changes for helping exceed housing targets, particularly through the Housing Accelerator Fund, while noting ongoing demand continues to outpace supply. Fawcett emphasized the need for a mix of housing types, including entry-level, workforce, and supportive housing, as the city continues to grow. He also highlighted infrastructure pressures, saying water and wastewater investments are essential to support expansion, with a large share of recent tax increases directed toward these upgrades. Public safety spending has also increased, including expanded policing resources and new initiatives like crisis response teams and body cameras. Looking ahead, he pointed to population growth targets and upcoming military expansion at CFB Shilo as key drivers of future housing demand and economic development.
  
  
• City Council has approved expanded operating hours and alcohol sales for the Salamander Summer Music Festival, set for July 17th to 19th at Rideau Park. The community-event designation allows live music to run until 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, with organizers saying the later hours help preserve the festival atmosphere and allow more artists to perform. Festival organizers also noted that alcohol service has previously boosted attendance and overall participation. Now in its fourth year, the event has grown significantly, drawing a record number of nearly 200 artist applications from across Canada and the US. City officials say the designation is a routine approval for community events and reflects support for local cultural programming. Organizers expect continued growth in attendance and vendor participation, with the full lineup to be announced in May.
  
  
• The Brandon Chamber of Commerce says Manitoba’s 2026 provincial budget does not go far enough to support business growth and is “less business-friendly than previous budgets.” Chamber president Jennifer Ludwig said the government’s focus on affordability measures - such as tax relief on some groceries and expanded child care for low-income families - may help households but does little to address rising costs and challenges faced by employers. She said businesses across Westman are concerned about labour shortages, training pressures, and whether new economic development initiatives will add value or duplicate existing services. The Chamber also raised concerns about changes to apprenticeship ratios, arguing they may make it harder for employers to train new workers despite increased provincial funding for skills programs. Ludwig said the group will continue consulting local employers and pressing the province for clearer, more coordinated economic development efforts. The Chamber plans to raise these issues further at its upcoming State of the Province event in May, where it expects to engage directly with government officials.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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