Brandon Minute: Issue 69

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

📅 This Week In Brandon: 📅

• The Manitoba government has announced or reannounced over $334 million in funding for projects in southwestern Manitoba in the months leading up to the required byelection in Spruce Woods. These include commitments to housing repairs, health and education infrastructure, and other capital spending. Premier Wab Kinew and members of his Cabinet have made at least five appearances in the region since May. Critics, including PC Leader Obby Khan, have accused the government of trying to influence voters in what has historically been a safe Progressive Conservative seat. The NDP denies any connection between the timing of the announcements and the pending vote, which must be held by September 16th. The seat has been vacant since March 29th. The PCs have nominated Colleen Robbins, while the Liberals are running Stephen Reid. The NDP has not yet publicly named its candidate.
  
  
• The Province is doubling the number of doctor training seats in Brandon, part of a $56-million investment aimed at boosting rural health care. Beginning in fall 2026, the University of Manitoba’s satellite medical program at the Brandon Regional Health Centre will offer 10 additional seats, bringing the total to 20. Premier Wab Kinew said students who train in rural areas are more likely to stay and practise in those communities, and called the expansion part of a long-term plan to rebuild the Province’s health-care system. The Province also announced $52 million in renovations for Brandon University’s Brodie Science Centre, along with $3.3 million for upgrades to the Brandon Regional Health Centre library. 
  
  
• The Brandon Downtown Development Corporation (BDDC) invested over $276,000 in 52 projects during the first half of 2025, supporting initiatives valued at nearly $878,000. These projects fall under three main programs: Business Improvement, Commercial Space Improvement, and Façade and Storefront Improvement, with the Business Improvement Program seeing the most activity. BDDC typically covers about 25% of eligible costs to encourage private investment and stimulate economic growth downtown. Notable projects include upgrades to the Brandon Professional Building to support a health clinic and new signage for local businesses like Guinness Tavern. The BDDC credits strong partnership support from the City of Brandon and federal grants for maintaining funding levels and anticipates approving more than $300,000 in funding for the latter half of 2025. The organization is anticipating at least 50 additional projects by year-end and is exploring more provincial funding to meet demand.
  
  
• Brandon Police Chief Tyler Bates reacted positively to the Province’s $1.2-million investment that doubles the number of GPS ankle monitors. He explained that these devices enhance the ability of local police to track offenders on community sentences or bail conditions in real time, alerting officers immediately if someone leaves a restricted area or breaks a curfew. This allows Brandon police to respond quickly and often prevent further crimes, especially involving violent offenders in the community. The monitors also feature communication tools that let officers warn offenders directly and send alerts to victims, particularly those affected by domestic violence. Judges decide who must wear the monitors based on risk assessments. Chief Bates says the expanded program is a valuable step toward improving public safety and supporting both law enforcement and victims in the city.
  
  
• Speaking of police, the Brandon Police Service is mourning the loss of Storm, a nine-year-old police dog who passed away peacefully in his sleep. Storm joined the service dog unit in 2017 and worked closely with Constable Shawn Haggarty. During his career, Storm played a vital role in high-risk operations, suspect tracking, and drug seizures. He also worked alongside his own offspring, Zeus and Blink. Beyond his impressive service record, Storm was known for his loyalty, intelligence, and gentle nature, forming a close bond with his handler’s family. The Brandon Police thanked Storm for his dedication and protection of the community, saying he will be deeply missed.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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