Brandon Minute: Issue 62

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

📅 This Week In Brandon: 📅

• The opening of the Maple Leaf Foods Sports Complex fields in northeast Brandon has been delayed by over a month, with the City now expecting them to open in July instead of late May. Originally, Cougars Field (the FIFA-sized soccer field located at the complex) was scheduled to open June 1st, followed by additional soccer and cricket fields by mid-July, but outdated information on the City’s website misrepresented the current timeline. City officials attribute the delay to winter construction limitations, and say Cougars Field will be the first to open, complete with operational lighting. Some parts of the project, like portions of the 3.6 km of limestone pathways, are already finished. The overall project was initially estimated at $16.6 million, with funding from all three levels of government, but was projected to go over budget by more than $3 million last year. The City is still working with consultants to finalize clubhouse details and the total cost. The clubhouse is expected to be complete by spring 2026, with a grand opening for the complex planned for the same time. An update to Council is scheduled for June 9th.
  
  
• Brandon’s 26th Street and Richmond Avenue have both earned spots on CAA Manitoba’s 2025 Worst Roads list, highlighting growing concerns over local road conditions. 26th Street ranked sixth, while Richmond Avenue placed ninth, marking a notable call for infrastructure improvements in the city. This year’s list saw a significant rural presence, with nine of the ten roads located outside Winnipeg. CAA Manitoba’s campaign received nearly 50% more nominations than last year, underscoring public frustration with potholes, poor maintenance, and roads that don’t hold up over time. The campaign aims to guide governments in prioritizing repairs, and last year’s winner, Brandon’s 18th Street, received immediate government attention. Residents have shown they’re willing to endure construction delays if it results in long-term fixes. The inclusion of two Brandon roads signals a clear need for the city to step up investment in road infrastructure.
  
  
• The City of Brandon has now spent $1 million on repairs to the Civic Services Complex following a 2023 gas explosion that injured a City employee. At a May 20th meeting, City Council approved an additional $200,000 to relocate a standpipe, which had been installed incorrectly during earlier reconstruction. Councillor Shawn Berry expressed concern over escalating costs, calling this the third over-budget request beyond the insurance payout. City staff explained that building code changes have forced additional upgrades not covered by insurance. Development Services GM Patrick Pulak said the total cost should have been estimated at $1 million from the start. He insisted no further requests would be made. Mayor Jeff Fawcett and other councillors noted that many City-owned buildings could face similar issues if damaged. The Civic Services Complex is now expected to reopen by October, ahead of the original early-2026 timeline.
  
  
• A new industrial park in Brandon is helping fill a key infrastructure gap in the city’s commercial development. The VicEast Industrial Park project, located at 1920 Victoria Ave East, aims to provide space for businesses that outgrew older sites or struggled to find suitable land. According to the City, this initiative responds to years of limited industrial land availability, which previously forced some companies to look outside Brandon. The new park is expected to attract investment, generate employment, and support local economic growth. It also aligns with the City’s long-term planning priorities by diversifying its economic base. Though details about the total cost or timeline were not provided, officials say demand for the space has already been strong. As tenants begin to move in, the park is positioned to become a hub for light industry and logistics. The project reflects Brandon’s broader strategy to remain competitive in Manitoba’s evolving economy.
  
  
• The City of Brandon is reviewing its Municipal Heritage Incentive Program, which offers property tax reductions or exemptions for buildings with historical value. Senior planner Andrew Mok explained the review is focused on gathering feedback from heritage site owners but is also open to public input. The program, unchanged since 2017, helps owners cover the often higher repair costs associated with maintaining older structures, which require specialized skills and materials. Brandon currently has 23 heritage sites, with 21 privately owned, and the program applies to repairs costing over $5,000, though that amount can be reached through multiple smaller repairs. Some have suggested lowering the $5,000 threshold and allowing the incentive to transfer to new owners upon property sale. The planning and buildings department, along with the municipal heritage advisory committee, will make a recommendation to City Council, expected by the end of the year. Public engagement sessions will be held, with dates to be announced. Residents can also submit feedback directly to the City.
  
  
• Following a provincial request, a first group of five Brandon firefighters is heading to Lynn Lake to help protect properties threatened by wildfires. Multiple teams, composed of five to six personnel each, will rotate every six days. Fire Chief Terry Parlow expressed pride in providing aid, while Mayor Jeff Fawcett offered support to affected communities and praised the work of first responders. The Canadian Red Cross is assisting evacuees, and inquiries about those displaced should be directed to them. Local leaders continue to emphasize solidarity with First Nations and municipalities facing risk from the ongoing wildfire threat.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Who is your favourite Brandon City Councillor - and why?

Is it because of their voting record, how they engage with the community, or something else?

Take a moment to reply and share your thoughts with us.

Your feedback helps us understand which Councillors are truly representing the interests and values of Brandon residents.

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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