Brandon Minute: Issue 87

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

📅 This Week In Brandon: 📅

• Manitoba plans to build a $3-billion combustion turbine facility at the Brandon Generating Station to meet rising electricity demand by 2029. The project would add three 250-megawatt natural gas turbines intended primarily to meet peak capacity needs and act as a backup to wind energy. Mayor Jeff Fawcett praised the plan, calling it crucial for “power sovereignty” and ensuring reliable energy during extreme winter conditions. However, environmental groups in Brandon criticized the project, arguing it conflicts with the province’s 2035 net-zero electricity goal and calling for alternative solutions like battery storage. Manitoba Hydro says construction details and timelines are still being finalized, with approvals from government and regulators pending. Premier Wab Kinew emphasized that the turbines will support future renewable energy transition and eventual use of cleaner fuels such as methane or hydrogen.
  
  
• City Council approved a major transit overhaul in an 8-1 vote, aiming to increase evening pickups, reconfigure routes, and add stops on the North Hill. The plan, developed by Watt Consulting Group, would also make buses arrive more frequently during the week and introduce three exchange hubs at the Corral Centre, Shoppers Mall, and downtown, rather than all buses going downtown. Implementation is phased: some service improvements could begin next spring, while full route restructuring would run from 2027 to 2029. The model would raise operating costs by $2.75 million annually, with bus fares increasing to $2.50 and day passes introduced at $5 in 2027. Council also approved funding for renovations at the downtown Transit Information Centre, with further budget discussions planned. Officials emphasized that the plan remains flexible and will be refined based on safety and community feedback.
  
  
• Council also voted 7-2 against a proposed cell tower on 34th Street after about 40 residents spoke in opposition, citing health concerns, property devaluation, and safety issues. Mayor Jeff Fawcett and Councillor Greg Hildebrand were the only votes in favour, warning that cellphone service could decline next year when a Rogers tower is decommissioned. Residents collected over 100 signatures against the tower, arguing the site - just 20 metres from homes - was unsuitable and that Shared Tower Inc. mishandled communications. Shared Tower acknowledged mistakes in notifying residents and signage errors but stressed the tower is needed for Rogers coverage. Council members stressed the need to balance community growth and safety. The company may consider alternative locations if service demands persist.
  
  
• Gord and Diane Peters have donated $1 million to the Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) Foundation to support the construction and equipment needs of the hospital’s new Critical Care Centre. Their gift contributes to the Foundation’s “A Foundation for Care” capital campaign, which aims to enhance critical care services for patients and families across the Westman region. The Peters, long-time community supporters, said they were motivated by the importance of strengthening local healthcare. The BRHC Foundation described the donation as a significant and timely contribution that will improve patient care and support state-of-the-art facilities for medical teams. The new centre will expand capacity and provide advanced equipment for intensive and complex care. Community members are being asked to contribute to the campaign to further support the project.
  
  
• Brandon University will host a public panel discussion, “The Ins and Outs of Bail Reform,” on Wednesday, November 26th from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm in the John E. Robbins Library’s Gathering Space. The event, free and open to all, aims to separate fact from fiction on Canada’s bail system and proposed federal legislation, exploring impacts on communities, courts, and corrections. Panelists include BU sociology professor Dr. Christopher Schneider, defence lawyer Jennifer Janssens, and Crown attorney Rich Lonstrup, with moderation by political science professors Dr. Kelly Saunders and Dr. Rick Baker. The discussion will cover the basics of bail, potential effects of the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, and issues such as repeat offences, public safety, and fairness. Light refreshments will be provided, and the event is organized with BU’s Political Science Club and Legal Studies Association.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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