Brandon Minute: Issue 72

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

📅 This Week In Brandon: 📅

• Brandon Police Chief Tyler Bates expressed concern about an 18% rise in violent crime but hopes it is a temporary increase. The City’s overall crime severity index remained mostly steady, with less than a 1% rise, while Manitoba’s index dropped by about 4%. Bates noted a significant increase in calls related to uttering threats and robberies, but decreases in weapons-related calls, assaults, and homicides. He emphasized that these figures represent calls for service, not confirmed incidents. The non-violent crime index in Brandon dropped by roughly 6%, aligning with provincial trends. While violent crime has increased by about 23% over the past decade in Brandon, it remains lower than in Winnipeg and the national average. Mayor Jeff Fawcett says that more police presence is helping manage crime despite the rise, and that overall, the City is maintaining control.
  
  
• The City has signed off on $630,000 in funding for the Keystone Centre, complementing an $800,000 contribution from the Province, with both amounts spread over two years. This funding was delayed due to differing fiscal year ends between the City, Province, and Keystone Centre but was formally approved recently by Council. The money aims to help the Keystone Centre reduce its recent financial deficits, which have decreased from over $1 million in 2022-23 to around $359,000 in 2024-25. The funding will ease budget concerns and allow the Centre to maintain operations without drastic cost-cutting measures. The Keystone Centre continues to explore ways to increase revenue, viewing the funding as bridge support while seeking new opportunities. 
  
  
• The Kristopher Campbell Memorial Skate Plaza in downtown Brandon was recently revitalized with new murals honouring local skateboarding legends and friends who have passed away. This project, led by skate advocate Taber Collens and artist Lindsay Wakefield, was supported by the Downtown BIZ, the City of Brandon, and the skateboarding and graffiti communities. The makeover transformed the worn concrete park into a colourful, meaningful space celebrating skate culture and community spirit. The murals serve as permanent tributes and emphasize the connection between graffiti art and skateboarding. The event brought together skaters of all ages, promoting love, respect, and inclusiveness. Downtown BIZ helped fund the project and facilitated collaboration between the City and local artists. More murals are planned as the community continues to enhance the park’s atmosphere.
  
  
• The Brandon School Division will hold a byelection on October 16th to fill a vacant trustee seat in Ward 1, following the resignation of Blaine Foley earlier this year. Foley stepped down after nearly four and a half years to pursue a teaching career. The nomination period starts on September 4th, with information about the trustee role and nomination process available online or at City Hall. Eligible candidates must be Canadian citizens, at least 18 years old on election day, and have lived in Brandon for at least six months prior. Candidates also need to submit completed nomination papers with signatures from at least 25 ward electors before the deadline. The Brandon Votes election office will open on August 20th to assist potential candidates.
  
  
• Speaking of byelections, Colleen Robbins, the Progressive Conservative candidate for Spruce Woods, feels very confident about retaining the party’s long-held seat in the upcoming August 26th byelection. Robbins highlights her rural residency in Souris as a key advantage, believing it gives her a better understanding of the mostly rural riding’s concerns compared to her opponents from Brandon. She promises to represent both rural and urban parts of the riding, focusing on local issues like health care and crime. Robbins brings extensive experience from her roles within the PC party and as a nurse. The seat has been held by the PCs since its creation in 2011, and Robbins hopes to continue that trend. She emphasizes listening to constituents and being their strong voice in the legislature. Robbins is facing NDP candidate Ray Berthelette and Liberal Stephen Reid in the election.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

What do you think about the latest crime numbers in Brandon?

Do they reflect your experience living here? We want to hear from everyday residents - not politicians or officials - about how crime is affecting you and what practical ideas you have to actually manage and reduce it.

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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