Brandon Minute: Issue 60

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

📅 This Week In Brandon: 📅

• There will be a City Council meeting on Tuesday at 7:00 pm. The agenda includes presentations from Bee City Brandon and the Arbor Day celebration, highlighting the city’s ongoing environmental initiatives. Council will review several financial matters, including capital investment planning, reserve fund expenditures for equipment purchases, and upgrades to the south end wastewater lift station. Amendments to the fee schedule for building safety and development charges will also be considered. Funding requests for the Manitoba Lacrosse Association and an emergency service convention are on the agenda, alongside remediation work at the Civic Service Complex’s fire pump room. Two rezoning bylaws related to properties on 34th Street and Douglas Street will receive first readings.
  
  
• Some downtown Brandon workers have expressed concerns following a community meeting held by Manitoba Housing about possible social services at the vacant Prairie Oasis Senior Centre. Originally focused on services for seniors in the nearby Lawson Lodge, the discussion shifted toward creating a social services hub that could include a homeless shelter, meal programs, and safe-injection sites. Concerns were shared that concentrating services downtown could harm the area’s safety and vibrancy, especially near the YMCA, which runs a daycare and youth programs. Manitoba Housing said it is engaging with community groups and tenants to decide how the site can best serve downtown while supporting safety and growth. Community providers will have the chance to submit proposals for the site’s future use.
  
  
• The site for Brandon’s new K-8 school has been selected, pending City Council approval of a rezoning application to change land near Lakeview Drive from agricultural to educational use. The school, announced in the 2025 provincial budget, will hold up to 1,000 students and include a daycare. Superintendent Mathew Gustafson said most west-end schools have been full since 2020, and new space is urgently needed. He said the division is currently gaining two students per day. Developer John Burgess said delays were caused by the lack of wastewater infrastructure, but a new lift station is nearing completion. No opening date or school name has been confirmed. The development will also extend Plateau Drive and create a new street nearby. Burgess expects to sell the land to the school division once construction is underway.
  
  
• The Keystone Centre has launched a five-year strategic plan focused on financial sustainability, stronger community ties and improved user experience. The 2025 to 2030 plan was developed with consulting firm Siere and is the first formal roadmap the centre has produced in more than six years. Board Chair Bruce Luebke said the plan aligns the board and management team around shared priorities and will be updated regularly. A major focus is financial stability, with steps such as reviewing contracts, adopting green technology and tracking assets more effectively. The Centre will also pursue high-profile events, aiming to host at least one new provincial or national event each year. Transparency is a key theme, with public updates set to occur twice annually. Luebke acknowledged past financial pressures but said the Centre is now in a better position.
  
  
• The Province is investing $120 million in Assiniboine College’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture. Premier Wab Kinew made the announcement during a State of the Province Luncheon in Brandon. The funding includes $60 million in capital support, with $40 million for the centre and $20 million for a new 216-seat daycare. Another $60 million will be provided as bridge financing so construction can begin before the end of 2025. The Centre is expected to host 800 students, up from the current 300 in agriculture programs. College President Mark Frison said the expansion will allow for new programs that aren’t currently available between BC and Ontario. Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett called the announcement great news and said the project will benefit the city and the wider region. Kinew also urged Ottawa to contribute.
  
  
• The City of Brandon is offering a $350 subsidy to help low- and medium-income residents replace their toilets with low-flow models that use six litres or less per flush. This program aims to reduce water waste, lower water bills, and promote environmental sustainability. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of household income through a recent Canada Revenue Agency assessment and submit a photo of their existing toilet. Income limits vary depending on household size, with the maximum for a single-person household set at $45,333. Interested residents can apply online via the City’s website or in person at the A.R. McDiarmid Civic Complex.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Common Sense Brandon is keeping a close eye on City Hall.

We're continuing to monitor Council and Committee meetings and hold local officials accountable. As part of this work, we want to make sure we're focused on the issues that matter most to you.

What would you like to see more information about? Hit reply to this email and let us know your top priorities!

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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