Brandon Minute: Rezoning Proposal, Pothole Repair, and the Whiteout Hype Tour

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

This Week In Brandon:

• On Tuesday, at 7:00 pm, there will be a meeting of City Council. The agenda includes a public hearing to gather feedback on a few rezoning proposals, solid waste service levels, and 26th Street reconstruction. Council will also vote on several rezoning proposals. (More on an important one below!).
  
  
• Council is set to vote on a rezoning proposal for 526 26th Street to allow for a 28-unit residential development next to the Giant Tiger store. The proposed three-storey building would include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, along with a 22-space parking lot. The property, currently zoned Commercial Arterial, would need to be reclassified as Commercial General for the project to proceed. City staff have recommended conditions for approval, including contributions toward boulevard trees, parks, and the school division. The land, previously used for a Manitoba Hydro transformer station, was cleared for development after its demolition and environmental clearance.
  
  
• City of Brandon crews are actively repairing potholes across the city, with one to three crews working daily depending on conditions. Maintenance manager Travis Woloshen noted that fewer potholes have formed this year due to a slower spring melt and increased snow hauling efforts compared to 2024. Crews are currently using a temporary winter mix to fill holes, with plans to switch to permanent hot mix asphalt in mid-May once the weather allows. Pothole repair priorities mirror snow removal strategies, starting with major roads before moving into residential areas. Residents are encouraged to report potholes online or by calling the City’s 24-hour hotline, which feeds work orders directly to road crews’ tablets.

Last Week In Brandon:

• Mayor Jeff Fawcett delivered Brandon's State of the City address, focusing on collaboration, sustainability, and future growth. He highlighted over $123 million in construction value for 2024, including 300 new residential units, and emphasized Brandon’s national recognition for affordable housing efforts. Addressing public safety, he praised local leadership and advocated for stronger bail reform alongside other Manitoba municipalities. The Mayor also spoke on downtown revitalization and urged Council to support new market housing developments. He celebrated the Grow Brandon initiative and noted the city’s steady population growth, nearing 60,000 residents. Fawcett closed by encouraging civic engagement and reaffirming his commitment to making Brandon a top place to live and work. You can watch the address on the City’s YouTube channel.
  
  
• Manitoba has issued a flood watch for the Assiniboine River from Shellmouth to Brandon due to ongoing spring runoff. While most snowmelt in southern Manitoba has already occurred, warmer temperatures are speeding up runoff in other regions, raising water levels. The Province expects some additional precipitation but doesn't anticipate it will drastically affect current conditions. Authorities are urging residents to avoid waterways and flood zones due to dangerous currents, cold water, and debris. Emergency teams are coordinating with local and Indigenous communities to provide support where needed.
  
  
• Jets fans in Brandon came out in droves to the Whiteout Hype Tour. The event was packed with excitement as fans stocked up on Jets merchandise and showed off their team pride. Mascots Mick E. Moose and Benny added to the fun, taking photos and high-fiving kids and adults alike. From foam shirts to rally towels, gear flew off the shelves as enthusiasm for the upcoming playoffs grew. The tour continues across Manitoba, uniting Jets supporters from every corner of the province.