Brandon Minute: Issue 91

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

📅 This Week In Brandon: 📅

• Council is reconsidering how the Community Sportsplex is funded after approving a new recreation and service fee schedule that raises some rates by up to 8%. The schedule passed 10-1, with Councillor Jason Splett (Ward 8) casting the lone dissenting vote. Splett proposed charging Brandon School Division schools and teams a heavily discounted user fee for daytime use of the rink, pool, and track - facilities they currently use at no charge - but Council defeated the amendment. Councillor Shawn Berry (Ward 7) argued that allowing free use is unfair to taxpayers, noting the City covers staffing and utility costs. Councillor Kris Desjarlais (Ward 2) cautioned against surprising school trustees and supported further consultation. A separate proposal by Councillor Bruce Luebke (Ward 6) to raise Sportsplex fees more aggressively was also defeated. Administration will report back by January 19th on options and implications.
  
  
• Mayor Jeff Fawcett says residents should expect a property tax increase of roughly 7% in the 2026 budget, with final decisions to be made during budget deliberations on January 30th and 31st. Fawcett said the increase is needed to keep pace with growth, infrastructure demands, and rising costs, noting the City’s financial pressures could justify even higher hikes. Last year, Council approved a 6.9% increase after Administration initially proposed 11.7%. An earlier MNP report recommended annual increases of up to 13% for several years to address long-term fiscal challenges, or slightly lower increases paired with delayed capital projects. Council has previously opted for increases below those recommendations. The City’s Finance Director will present an initial budget overview on January 5th, followed by several pre-budget meetings in January, most of which will be open to the public. This will be the final budget set by the current Council ahead of the October municipal election.
  
  
• The federal government is contributing $1 million to Brandon’s new stormwater pond, which is being built on the east side of the municipal cemetery. The 10-acre pond, part of the City’s southeast drainage project, is designed to prevent flooding in nearby neighbourhoods along Sycamore Drive and 18th Street. Brandon has already invested over $5.2 million in the project, with construction on the pond itself expected to finish by October 30th, 2026, and additional landscaping and green space development planned for 2027. The federal funds will help create a walking path, plant trees and native wetland species, and install benches, enhancing both flood control and community green space. Mayor Jeff Fawcett highlighted the project’s dual purpose of functional flood protection and neighbourhood beautification, while federal Minister Rebecca Chartrand emphasized its benefits for outdoor activity and community connection. The project will also include using excavated soil to support a cemetery expansion. 
  
  
• Helping Hands, Brandon’s soup kitchen, is requesting additional support from Council to cope with rising costs and declining donations. The organization is asking for a $15,000 lump sum, an increase in its annual grant from $30,000 to $50,000, and a property tax exemption of $7,500. Board Chair Andrea Epp explained that the centre’s monthly operating costs range from $20,000 to $30,000, not including building maintenance, and past expenses like a $225,000 roof repair have depleted reserves. The organization is also considering expanding staffing to meet growing demand. Executive Director Angela Braun noted that without extra funding, Helping Hands may need to adjust meals, such as serving fewer protein options, and delay building repairs. Mayor Jeff Fawcett acknowledged the group’s essential role in the community and said the City will review the request during 2026 budget deliberations while continuing discussions with the Province about support. So far this year, Helping Hands has distributed over 52,000 meals.
  
  
• Council unanimously approved a new policy that would replace informal roadside memorials with standardized, City-installed plaques near crash sites. The policy is intended to improve road and pedestrian safety by removing flowers, personal items, and decorations once a permanent plaque is installed, typically within 90 days of an incident. The plaques would be small bronze markers mounted on traffic poles, remain in place for up to five years, and then be given to the victim’s family. Several Councillors questioned the need for both the 90-day timeline and the five-year removal limit, noting that grief does not follow a set schedule. City officials said the policy aims to balance compassion with safety and can be adjusted over time. A family member affected by the change criticized the policy as insensitive and argued that the City should prioritize safety upgrades at dangerous intersections rather than regulating memorials.

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