BSD Statement Regarding Redevelopment of 26th Street Between Victoria Avenue and Park Avenue

The recent announcement and updates regarding the redevelopment of 26th Street have sparked conversation within the community.  Brandon School Division wishes to support the City of Brandon in its planning and has shared feedback from our school communities.  Brandon School Division is respectful of the City of Brandon’s decision-making process, and we appreciate the difficulties in addressing our community’s diverse perspectives.

The school communities most impacted by the redevelopment are J. R. Reid School and Vincent Massey High School.  Brandon School Division has communicated parental concerns and operational considerations to the City and has shared future enrolment projections and the potential impact on traffic in the area of Vincent Massey High School.

The parental concerns and the Division’s operational considerations include:

• potential loss of parking on 26^th Street that will impact parents and delivery vehicles servicing J. R. Reid School
• impact on 25^th Street and College Avenue residential parking and bus loading zone if parking is redirected from 26^th Street to 25^th Street
• traffic implications in the J. R. Reid school zone if 26^th Street is restricted to one lane
• potential need for additional traffic control measures at McDiarmid Drive and McTavish Avenue, as well as McDiarmid Drive and Victoria Avenue, resulting from redirected traffic to Vincent Massey High School due to the restricted access of Balsam Crescent from 26^th Street

Brandon School Division has offered to examine potential changes to the J. R. Reid School parking lot if this would be of assistance to the City.

Brandon School Division values its relationship with the City of Brandon and is committed to supporting the City’s planning.