Brandon Minute: Issue 63

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

📅 This Week In Brandon: 📅

• There will be a City Council meeting this evening at 7:00 pm. Council will receive a presentation on the City’s Summer Youth Activity Centres. There will be a public hearing to address amendments to the development charges bylaw, specifically phasing in new water and wastewater rates for high-density developments. Other agenda items involve subdivision applications on 6th Street North, an accommodation tax grant for the National Arabian Championship, and a wastewater servicing fibre extension. Unfortunately, the City rarely makes reports available prior to the meeting, but we’ll be watching the meeting and will keep you up to date on what takes place!
  
  
• Brandon’s Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum is acquiring three historic Noorduyn Norseman aircraft, an iconic Canadian bush plane built in the 1930s. These planes, which served important roles during World War II including training and transportation, are significant pieces of Canadian aviation history. One of the planes is airworthy and will be flown to Brandon when wildfire conditions improve, while the other two will be shipped and restored as static displays. The museum aims to operate one of the few Norseman aircraft still flying in Canada, joining only one other museum with an active Norseman flight program. The planes are being donated from different locations, including Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta. The museum is also preparing to resume other vintage aircraft flights once the wildfire smoke clears.
  
  
• Dr. Rhonda Hinther, a history professor at Brandon University, has received a prestigious national teaching award from the Canadian Historical Association (CHA) for her innovative use of primary sources in engaging students. The award recognizes post-secondary instructors across Canada who excel in helping students critically explore historical documents. Hinther’s work, especially through the university’s public history program, emphasizes critical thinking and making history relevant to contemporary issues. She is also co-editor of a Human Rights and Social Justice book series. The Dean of Arts praised Hinther for creating a program that equips students with practical skills and inspires professionals. The CHA honoured her at their recent annual meeting.
  
  
• In other university news, Brandon University has appointed Christine Cnossen as its new president and vice-chancellor, with her term starting in September, earlier than initially planned. Cnossen brings over 25 years of leadership experience in higher education across Canada and the UK, including roles as Provost and Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of East Anglia. She holds advanced degrees in sociology and social anthropology and has held senior positions at Thompson Rivers University and OCAD University. The board praised her strategic, compassionate, and community-focused leadership style, which impressed both the search committee and the campus community. Cnossen expressed her commitment to working closely with the university community, including Indigenous partners, to build on the university’s legacy. The current president, David Docherty, will step down early to allow for a smooth transition.
  
  
• Speaking of changes in leadership, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce also experienced a shift as outgoing president Lois Ruston handed over the role to Jennifer Ludwig during the June luncheon. Ruston was recognized for her steady guidance during a challenging period, serving 18 months after stepping in early. Ludwig, the former Vice-President, emphasized continuity with a fresh vision to transform Brandon into a thriving, trade-ready city, encouraging the question, “Why not Brandon?” She plans to prioritize member outreach to address business challenges like tariffs and a potential postal strike by advocating directly for local businesses. Ludwig highlighted Brandon’s strategic advantages, including trade opportunities, port reactivation, and improved transportation links, expressing optimism about the city’s future. Ruston will now concentrate on developing a women’s campus with the YWCA Westman. The transition was marked by a hopeful and forward-looking atmosphere, with Ludwig concluding that “the sky is literally the limit.”

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

We're now regularly posting on LinkedIn.

Follow us for regular updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and ways to get involved:

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

This week's sponsor is you! We don't have big corporate backers, so if you like what you're reading, please consider making a donation or signing up as a monthly member.

Having said that, if you are a local business and are interested in being a sponsor, send us an email and we'll talk!