The area with the highest zoning density in the City of Brandon is ready for a makeover after Brandon City Council approved the Downtown Market Housing Incentive Program. This initiative aligns with the Downtown Brandon Secondary Plan's vision to create a vibrant, high-density residential community that accommodates different income levels. The new incentive program aims to accelerate residential growth, using strategies such as tax credits, development charge off-sets, and capital grants to spur more residential development. The Downtown Market Housing Incentive Program incentives differ, depending on the area of the downtown the property is in: • Tax credit for up to 20 years • Development Charges may be offset up to 100 percent • Capital Grants (per dwelling unit) are offered depending on the number of bedrooms The program will help promote new residential development, attract investment, establish market momentum, and improve vibrancy in downtown Brandon. With the enactment of this By-Law, City Council, along with key partners, including the Downtown Wellness and Safety Task Force, Economic Development Brandon, and Brandon Downtown Development Corporation are looking forward to collaborating with the City of Brandon to help make downtown Brandon a dynamic neighbourhood. Mayor Jeff Fawcett said “City Council’s recent decision to create the Downtown Market Housing Incentive is transformative for our city. By approving the Downtown Market Housing Incentive Program, we are enhancing our city’s core together with our key partners that are committed to seeing downtown Brandon flourish.” Reflecting the Mayor’s views, Gerald Cathcart, Director of Economic Development Brandon, emphasized the economic implications: “This program is more than just a housing strategy; it’s a driver for economic growth. It will attract investment, create jobs, and most importantly, build a stronger community.” The Brandon Downtown Development Corporation (BDDC), which has been involved in reviewing financial incentives, welcomed the decision. “The BDDC’s recommendations have been listened to. We’re excited to see the city take concrete steps towards a new downtown market housing program,” stated Emmanuel Ahaneku, Executive Director with BDDC. Applications will be accepted in person at the A.R. McDiarmid Civic Complex, located at 638 Princess Avenue, or online via housingincentive.brandon.ca.

On June 16th at 11:21pm police received a call from Brandon Hospital. A male had been stabbed in the neck with a pencil. A 41 year old female was determined to be responsible and was arrested in the 100 block of 10th Street. She will later be released once sober with a court date of July 15, 2024.

In the evening of June 2nd 2024, a call was received for a stabbing that occurred at business in the zero hundred block of 10th St. The investigation lead to 2 female suspects being identified as the ones responsible. One of the female suspects had previously been located and charged for the offence. On June 14th the second female involved was located and charged for Assault with a Weapon and for Failing to Comply with her Release Order. The 25yr old from Brandon will appear in Court today.

On June 12th at 3:55pm police were informed of a drunk driver at a business off of #1 highway. A witness told police the impaired driver had driven into the building causing minor damage. The driver stumbled around the establishment smelling of alcohol, and became argumentative when asked to prepay for his fuel. The suspect left prior to police arrival. Upon police locating the suspect he tried to speed away but became trapped at a red light between vehicles. An intoxicated 33 year old male was arrested and held in custody for court on June 14th, 2024.

During April and May of 2024, members from the Organized Crime Section of the Brandon Police Service entered into a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act investigation regarding the trafficking of Methamphetamine within the city of Brandon. On June 6th 2024, OCS members were conducting surveillance on the target of the investigation and followed him in his vehicle to Winnipeg. The suspect attended to a location in Winnipeg and was observed to pick up what appeared to be a large quantity of drugs. The suspect then returned towards the city of Brandon and shortly after midnight a traffic stop was initiated approximately 10 kilometers east of Brandon on the Trans-Canada Highway.  The male suspect was taken into custody and arrested without incident. The subsequent search of his vehicle revealed 4 Kilograms of Meth and a small amount of cash. OCS members seized the accused’s vehicle as a conveyance of the drugs as part of this investigation. Meth is commonly purchased at the gram level, and the street value of the Meth seized by the Brandon Police Service is approximately $200,000.00. Brayden Lindsay 26 years of age of Brandon had been charged with Possession for the Purpose of trafficking Methamphetamine and Possession of Proceeds of Crime. The suspect was held in custody pending a Bail hearing and the matter is before the courts.