Brandon City Council has officially approved the 2026 municipal budget, emphasizing continuous improvement in operational processes to foster sustainable growth. This budget reflects a commitment not only to maintaining essential services, but also to strengthening our city and ensuring long-term sustainability and effective service delivery. The 2026 municipal budget includes a tax requirement increase of 7.4%, translating to a 6.7% increase in the municipal portion of the average property owner's tax bill. Major Projects Supporting Sustainable Growth include: $50.3 million for water and wastewater treatment infrastructure, including the ongoing expansion of the Water Treatment Facility $27.1 million for land drainage projects, including the Southeast Drainage Project and the Cemetery Naturalized Stormwater Pond Project $21.5 million for wastewater infrastructure enhancements and preservation, including the Southwest Wastewater Servicing Project and watermain replacement at 1st Street and Victoria Avenue $17.8 million for facilities infrastructure $13.5 million for transportation projects, including two roundabouts at 18th Street North and Braecrest Drive and 26th Street and Maryland Avenue, completion of 26th Street, and a pedestrian corridor at Victoria Avenue and Russell Street Purchase of four transit buses and refurbishment of the remaining transit fleet Additional budget highlights include: The return of weekly recycling collection year‑round Development of a Diversion Depot at the Eastview Landfill A third‑party snow clearing pilot program Crosswalk enhancements and improved accessibility at transit bus stops Improvements to community spaces including community gardens, playgrounds, and dog parks Design work for a future outdoor aquatic facility pool Increased funding for community organizations “This budget ensures Brandon families can count on core municipal services while we invest responsibly in our city’s future,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett. “This year’s budget puts essential services at the forefront by ensuring clean water, safe streets, and a vibrant, accessible community. As the backbone of our city, we’re focused on maintaining and strengthening these vital supports while continuing our plan for financial sustainability that began last year.” “We also extend our appreciation to the Province of Manitoba for their investment in more than $1 million in key infrastructure projects in Brandon, including the Eastview Landfill, Andrews Field, and the Brandon Community Sportsplex, which has helped us keep municipal taxes down,” Fawcett added. “By centering the 2026 budget on core services and reprioritizing infrastructure maintenance and upgrades, City Council is confident that we’re reinforcing Brandon’s future and keeping our city resilient, livable, and thriving.”

Failure to Comply Release Order x3 On January 29th at 9:06 p.m. police were informed that a 37-year-old female was breaching the curfew condition of her Release Order. She was also not residing at her Court approved address, nor did she receive authorization from the Court to move to the new location. She was located, arrested and held for court in the morning on January 30th, 2026. Arrest Warrants In the past 24 hours, two individuals were arrested on outstanding Warrants for Arrest. A 31-year-old male was arrested following a pedestrian stop in the 000 block of 10th Street. He was confirmed to be wanted on an Unendorsed Warrant for Arrest and was taken into custody. He was held for court on the morning of January 30, 2026. A second Warrant for Arrest was executed at the request of the Dauphin RCMP for a 50-year-old male currently in custody at the Brandon Correctional Centre (BCC). The warrant was executed, and the male remained in custody at BCC for court.

Brandon City Council completed the first day of 2026 municipal budget deliberations today, following divisional presentations from Corporate Services, Brandon Police Service, Brandon Fire & Emergency Services, Development Services, and Operational Services. The proposed 2026 municipal budget is focused on maintaining essential services, managing growth, and planning responsibly for the future. Across all divisions, Council heard a consistent emphasis on delivering core services while making targeted investments that support public safety, critical infrastructure, and long‑term sustainability. Through a combination of budget adjustments, surplus allocations, and Council decisions made during several pre-budget special meetings, the previously projected property tax increase of 10.6% has been reduced to a proposed increase of 6.6% in the municipal portion of the property tax bill. For an average single family residential property, the municipal portion of the 2026 property tax bill would be approximately $2,453 annually. Next Steps Council will continue with the formal budget deliberation process tomorrow, Sat, Jan. 31, 2026, starting at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers. Council will deliberate various initiatives and proposed amendments as part of the 2026 budget process. The meeting is open to the public and media to attend in person or to follow online. Residents are encouraged to watch the deliberations live on the City of Brandon’s YouTube channel (@CityofBrandonMB). Westman Communications Group (WCGtv) will also live‑stream the meeting. Clarification Regarding Brandon Sign Due to miscommunication, it was reported that Council would be deliberating a $6‑million Brandon sign. This is incorrect. Council is instead considering a proposal to allocate $350,000 within the capital plan toward a Brandon sign and necessary site preparation. The estimated total project cost is approx. $600,000, with partial funding to come from the Accommodation Tax Reserve, as well as an intention to pursue grant and/or private funding for the remaining portion. Some of the proposed operating enhancements include: Diversion Depot staffing Customer service and accessibility improvements Asset management and infrastructure maintenance Third‑party snow clearing pilot program Grader operator training program Police Digital Evidence Management Unit Business process improvements Procurement initiatives Recruitment and retention initiatives   Some of the key capital projects include: Water Treatment Facility upgrade Southeast Drainage Project – Phase II, including the Naturalized Stormwater Cemetery Pond project Southwest Brandon wastewater servicing project Purchase of transit buses Transit stop accessibility upgrades Transportation network enhancements (new roundabouts at 18th St. N. & Braecrest Dr., and at 26th St. & Maryland Ave.) Active transportation enhancements (crosswalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian corridors) Upgrades to Andrew’s Field changerooms and washrooms Downtown washroom Implementation of police body‑worn cameras Tree planting and naturalization at the Canada Packers Sports Complex Sportsplex parking lot renewal

The Manitoba government is reinvesting an additional $4 million from the sale of U.S. liquor products to the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba and the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, supporting critical services that improve children’s health, well-being and access to care, Premier Wab Kinew and Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard, minister responsible for the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation, announced today. “Manitobans stepped up over the holidays knowing that the proceeds would go to families in need,” said Kinew. “That support is helping put good food in schools for kids and improve care for children who are sick.” Of the $4 million, the Manitoba government will donate $3 million to the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba, in addition to the $30 million invested each year in the universal school nutrition program, which helps ensure children have reliable access to healthy food. “We removed U.S. liquor products from the shelves in response to the tariffs and the attack on our economy,” said Simard. “Instead of destroying these products once they expire, we’re using the sales proceeds to strengthen local communities and benefit Manitoba children. An additional $1 million will go to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba to support pediatric care, equipment and family-centred services that benefit Manitoba’s sickest and most vulnerable children receiving care. “Every day, Manitoba’s school food programs help ensure children and youth can come to school ready to learn with access to nutritious food,” said Clara Birnie, registered dietitian, Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba. “School food programs support long term health and wellbeing. This investment means more healthy food for students and stronger support for families across Manitoba.” “Children’s Hospital Foundation gives gratitude to the Manitoba government for this $1 million of support,” said Stefano Grande, president and CEO, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. “This donation will impact projects aimed to increase safety and improve the path to healing for kids needing Manitoba’s only children’s hospital.” In December 2025, the Manitoba government announced it would donate $2.6 million from the proceeds of U.S. liquor sales to: the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg; Harvest Manitoba; various charities in Brandon, including the Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer Registry and its regional partner organizations; Helping Hands Centre of Brandon; the Boys and Girls Club of Thompson; and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. The Manitoba government will continue to sell the remaining inventory of U.S. liquor products and donate the proceeds to charities across the province, the premier noted.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is “WANTED BY POLICE” Ozzie Mink FOR Breach of Probation x2 / Failure to Attend Court. MINK is a 38-year-old male who failed to comply with a Probation Order this fall and did not report to his probation officer. He also did not appearin court on the agreed upon time. Due to these incidents, a warrant has been issued for his arrest. ******************************* CRIME OF THE WEEK for January 27th, 2026 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Theft Under $5000. On January 14th, 2026, at approximately 10:30 a.m., authorities were notified of a dine and dash at a restaurant in the 500 block of 24th Street. The two men shown in these photos are the suspects. If you have information on this, please contact Crime Stoppers. All tips remain anonymous. ************** If you have information about this or any other crime you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727-TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+your message to CRIMES (274637). Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display. Your call is not recorded and your identity will remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime.