Brandon Minute: Youth Home, Campus Security, and Photo Radar Advocacy

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

This Week In Brandon:

• This evening, at 6:15 pm, there will be a Special Council Meeting. This meeting will be closed to the public, while Council discusses an item titled “Park Community Centre.” Then, at 7:00 pm, there will be a public meeting of City Council. The agenda includes the 2025 Interim Budget, the 2025 Schedule of Fees, and a discussion about rezoning properties located at 401 College Avenue and 750 5th Street.
  
  
• Mayor Jeff Fawcett is advocating for changes to the Highway Traffic Act that would allow all municipalities in Manitoba to use photo radar for traffic enforcement. Currently, only Winnipeg is permitted to use the technology. Fawcett and other officials argue that photo radar could improve road safety, especially in high-risk areas like busy intersections. The City has already implemented measures like speed limit reductions and infrastructure changes, but photo radar is seen as a necessary addition. The request for photo radar was formally made in 2021, and with a new provincial government, City leaders are hopeful for progress on the issue.
  
  
• Students and faculty at Brandon University are calling for stronger campus security following a recent assault and robbery near the university. A female student was attacked by two men on Louise Street, prompting concerns about safety on campus, especially at night. In response, the University is increasing security presence and planning a safety audit. Faculty and students have been advocating for better security measures for months, citing multiple incidents since June 2023. The University's faculty association and student union are pushing for swift action, including a timely audit and increased security patrols, to help restore a sense of safety.

Last Week In Brandon:

• Councillor Shaun Cameron has raised concerns about the impact of high-risk youth homes on local resources and safety. These provincially funded homes, often located in residential neighborhoods, have increased costs for policing, fire, and EMS services, with one home receiving 150 law enforcement visits in 2022 alone. Cameron criticized the lack of local input in the placement of these homes, as City officials are often not consulted beforehand. Manitoba Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine acknowledged the issues and highlighted efforts to review group home operations and improve policies for children in care. Cameron hopes the Province will develop legislation that allows residents more say in the establishment of these homes.
  
  
• Brandon University said it is facing a $9.6 million deficit. According to the University's President, David Docherty, the deficit stems from a loss of revenue during the pandemic. While the University has received additional funding from the provincial government, Docherty pointed out that past funding did not keep pace with inflation, exacerbating financial strain.
  
  
• Mountain View School Division has shifted its early budget feedback process from a public forum to an online survey due to low attendance at previous events. This change is being trialed for the current year, with the division planning to review it next year. In the new year, a public forum will still be held after an anticipated provincial funding announcement to provide further opportunities for feedback. The budget will be finalized and submitted to the Province by March 31st. You can provide your feedback here, until December 15th.