Brandon Minute: Issue 68

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

📅 This Week In Brandon: 📅

• Council has unanimously agreed to support a bid to designate the Chinese Head Tax Monument in the Brandon Municipal Cemetery as a national historic site. The monument, built in 2011, honours Chinese immigrants who faced discrimination through Canada's head tax policy and serves as a remembrance for those without surviving family. The nomination was initiated by a Brandon University student as part of a history project. Supporters say the recognition is long overdue and highlights the significant contributions of Chinese Canadians. If approved by Parks Canada, the site would receive a plaque and be listed on the agency's website, increasing awareness and tourism. Councillors emphasized the monument’s relevance to Brandon’s rail history and its importance in recognizing marginalized voices.
  
  
• The Manitoba government has announced $500,000 in new funding to help repair Spruce Woods Housing Co-op in Brandon. The 81-unit complex on Braecrest Drive has provided affordable housing for families and seniors for nearly forty years. Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith said the investment will help extend the building’s lifespan and keep rent stable for low-income tenants, many of whom rely on fixed incomes. The Province says the repairs are part of its strategy to end chronic homelessness by improving existing affordable units while also building new housing. Spruce Woods already receives about $14,000 each month through the Province’s Non-Profit Housing Funding Model to support daily operations. Details about when the work will begin or what repairs will be done first were not provided. 
  
  
• Advocates and former clients are raising concerns about Aurora Reunification Village, a for-profit addictions centre in Brandon that charges families close to $10,000 per adult each month to stay in converted motel rooms. Some say the fees do not reflect the limited services offered. While the owner says the centre fills gaps in public recovery options and covers 24/7 care, critics argue families could receive better support elsewhere for less. Aurora relies heavily on funding from Jordan’s Principle and First Nations agencies, with taxpayer money covering most costs. Some community leaders defend the facility as necessary given Manitoba’s shortage of family-centred addictions supports, but advocates say changes are needed to protect vulnerable clients and ensure value for public dollars.
  
  
• Some in Brandon are calling for more resources to support youth escaping sexual exploitation and trafficking, highlighting a significant gap compared to services available in Winnipeg. GAP Youth Outreach says the lack of local programs like Winnipeg’s StreetReach is a major provincial oversight. While training for front-line workers is improving awareness and prevention, actual support for exploited youth remains limited in rural areas. Vulnerable groups include Indigenous people, women, those facing poverty or addiction, and youth aging out of care. Advocates urge stronger collaboration and expanded services locally to better assist vulnerable populations.
  
  
• The Youth Rise Leadership Program, launched by Westman Immigrant Services in Brandon, aims to empower diverse youth through hands-on experience in local government. Eight participants will spend the summer shadowing various City of Brandon departments, such as fire, parks, and sewer services, to learn how the city operates. The program is designed to build leadership skills, civic engagement, and community connection among young people from immigrant backgrounds. Participants also take part in a mock City Council meeting to better understand governance and public service. Youth have expressed how the experience is already shaping their personal growth and leadership potential. Mayor Jeff Fawcett praised the initiative as a way to strengthen community by investing in future leaders. There are hopes to expand the program to include more youth and run during the school year.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

The City of Brandon, in partnership with Brandon Downtown BIZ and the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba, has launched a new outdoor art program to revitalize the city’s downtown.

Funded by the City, the program will operate through an open granting process and invites community involvement. A task force will be formed through public applications, with an open call for project proposals to follow.

What do you think about bringing more public art to downtown Brandon? Is it a good use of public money?

Hit reply to this email and let us know!

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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