To ensure growth is paying for growth, the City of Brandon is considering an increase in development cost charges to catch up to actual costs.   Canadian cities of all sizes use development cost charges, which is a contribution developers pay toward growth infrastructure. For example, when building a new neighbourhood, developers pay development charges to cover offsite costs related to growth, such as new or expanded roads and water pipes. Residents are not billed for development cost charges, which are designed to take financial pressure off taxpaying households.   “For generations, Brandon families have been able to count on low taxes, clean water, and strong services,” said Brandon City Manager Ron Bowles. “The City of Brandon’s development cost charges haven’t kept up with actual costs, and it’s time to catch up. When developers pay fair development cost charges, growth pays for growth — which takes tax pressures off households.” Bowles said City Hall has received analysis from expert economists Watson & Associates and engaged with developers about coming increases.  While there are more conversations to be had with industry, City Council is expected to consider the changes in February 2024.  An overview of the proposed changes is available on brandon.ca/permits-applications/development-charges. Enquiries or feedback relating to the draft recommended changes can be sent to LandDevelopment@brandon.ca.    Brandon City Hall is committed to transparent communications and will continue to update the public and media on development cost charges.  

This Holiday Season, members of Brandon Police Service will be conducting Check stops in our community.  We will be targeting individuals who are driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as well as other driving offences. Driving while under the influence of Cannabis or Alcohol is not safe.  If you plan to indulge, make arrangements for a way home without getting behind the wheel.  That could mean staying over at a friend’s house, catching a ride with a designated driver, taking public transit, calling a cab, or using Operation Red Nose.

Shortly after 11:30 pm police were called to a residence on the 400 block of 3rd St for an intoxicated female causing problems.  Upon arrival a 38 year old female was found to be highly intoxicated and belligerent.  While being medically cleared at BRHC she kicked one of the officers.  As a result she was arrested for Assaulting a Peace Officer.  She was lodged at BPS to be released with an Appearance Notice when sober.  She is to appear in court on February 12th.

On December 8, 2023, at 1:00 am, police conducted a traffic stop in the 1700 block of Van Horne.  Police observed drugs within the vehicle and an investigation into the three occupants ensued. One of the occupants, a 23-year-old female, was to abide by a daily curfew and was arrested.  Upon her arrest police found her to be in possession of illicit drugs, including cocaine and meth.  She was lodged at Brandon Police Service and will appear in court today on charges of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Meth, and Fail to Comply with Undertaking. A 36-year-old male was arrested and lodged at Brandon Police Service.  He will appear in court today on charges of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine and Possession of Proceeds of Property obtained by Crime. A 26-year-old female was arrested and later released to appear in court on March 14, 2024, on charges of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine and Possess Proceeds of Crime. Police seized approximately 13 grams of cocaine in total, 5 grams of meth, cash, and drug trafficking paraphernalia.

On June 18, 2023, police received a report of a sexual assault at a residence.  Investigation revealed that the 33-year-old male suspect assaulted the adult female victim in her home while he was a guest there. Police were unable to locate the male, and a warrant for his arrest was issued.