Brandon Minute: Maternity Ward, Pocket Neighbourhood, and Medical School Plans

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

This Week In Brandon:

• This evening, at 7:00 pm, there will be a meeting of City Council. The agenda includes the Solid Waste Collection Services Model, the 2025 Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair to the Brandon Police Board, the Snow Clearing Process, and the 2025 Budget Overview.
  
  
• Brandon is set to receive a 100-megawatt hydro capacity upgrade by 2027, addressing the city's growing energy demands, particularly in its industrial sector. Mayor Jeff Fawcett emphasized the importance of forward planning, as efforts are already underway to secure additional industrial land. Manitoba Hydro's Scott Powell confirmed that the necessary transmission upgrades are on track, and residential service will remain unaffected during construction.
  
  
• Brandon University is working towards establishing a medical school to address the doctor shortage in rural Manitoba. President David Docherty remains hopeful that the school, in partnership with the University of Manitoba's Max Rady College of Medicine, will become a reality. The University has been planning renovations to its Brodie Science Building and constructing a new research complex to accommodate the medical school. While funding and specific costs have yet to be announced, discussions with the provincial government and the University of Manitoba have been ongoing.

Last Week In Brandon:

• The Brandon Regional Health Centre came close to temporarily closing its maternity ward due to a staffing shortage. Prairie Mountain Health initially announced the closure would occur from January 2nd to 3rd, but later confirmed that staffing had been secured to prevent the shutdown. The announcement caused concern and anger among the public, with some expressing fears about the safety of expectant mothers. PMH acknowledged the ongoing challenges in recruitment and retention, with two new OB/GYNs expected to join in 2025. Staffing issues at the maternity ward have been a concern for months, with nurses raising alarms about burnout and high turnover.
  
  
• The Brandon Police Service (BPS) and Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) said they are intensifying efforts to address the region's drug crisis in 2025, focusing on methamphetamine abuse and its deadly mix with toxic substances. In 2024, BPS seized over 128,000 grams of meth and made numerous arrests, reflecting their commitment to tackling drug trafficking and possession. PMH is also actively supporting individuals struggling with substance abuse. Both organizations are working together to provide education, treatment, and support for those affected by addiction, aiming to reduce stigma and help individuals access recovery services.
  
  
• A new housing development called 235 Glen Avenue has been offering affordable homeownership through a collection of small homes under 920 square feet. The development, which consists of 21 houses, is designed to provide an affordable and efficient option for first-time homeowners, including young couples, retirees, and individuals seeking a cost-effective living space. The homes are priced significantly lower than the average home in Brandon, with a 612-square-foot house costing $178,000. Developer Cindy Choy describes the project as a "pocket neighbourhood" aimed at fostering community while maintaining privacy. The development is part of broader efforts to address housing affordability in the city, with potential plans to expand the concept to rural Manitoba.