The City of Brandon is taking sustainability actions to help get the city’s finances back on track over the coming years by striking a balance between affordability and sustainability – and calling on other levels of government to cover their fair share. One of City Council’s strategic goals is to look at alternate sources of revenue to help get Brandon’s finances back on track. With that goal in mind, the City contracted a sustainability report by one of Canada’s leading professional services company MNP. This report finds that low taxes and efficient operations are major strengths for Brandon, with Brandon households paying taxes 47% below the average of all cities MNP compared. After many years of low taxes, Brandon needs to adjust its course. MNP found that Brandon’s 2024 increase in municipal taxes could be unreasonably high if the City doesn’t take action to adjust the balance between taxation and its capital commitments. “Mayor Jeff Fawcett is committed to keeping taxes low and continuing to deliver clean water, safe policing, and a livable city. The Mayor has given City Hall clear direction: we’re taking action to keep the 2024 tax rate reasonable. We will avoid the worst-case-scenario in the MNP report by taking a smart, balanced approach to rebuilding Brandon’s finances, and rebuilding the City’s infrastructure. It took us 20 years to get into the tight financial position we’re in now, and it won’t be fixed in one budget,” said Ron Bowles, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer. Bowles said revenues from other partners are a part of the solution. “We are considering increasing developer-paid development cost charges (DCC). We are finding other sources of revenue to take the pressure off property taxes. We are staying efficient and lean, but while City Hall is doing our part, we need other levels of government to do theirs,” said Bowles. “For seven years, the Province of Manitoba froze municipal funding. Our clean water system, snowplows, and other critical infrastructure aged and inflation soared while provincial funding was stagnant. Funding was unfrozen in early 2023, thanks in large part to advocacy from the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, but the province hasn’t made up for what was lost. It’s Brandon’s belief that the province needs to cover its fair share.” Mayor Fawcett said he’s given the City team clear direction to present a budget that’s focused on being balanced and phased in over several years. “Brandon families need and deserve both affordability and sustainability,” said Fawcett. “We are going to work hard to develop other revenue sources and dig deep with our partners at the provincial and federal levels to make sure they are taking on their fair share. Brandon is one of the most livable cities in Canada, and we’re going to make sure it stays that way for generations to come.” Mayor Fawcett and City Council have a stellar track record when it comes to working with the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and industry partners to secure funding for Brandon while taking financial pressure off Brandon ratepayers. That includes wins like over $103 million from the provincial and federal governments for the water treatment plant expansion, almost $11 million from the provincial government for the Keystone Centre, $9 million from the provincial and federal governments for transitional housing, $2.2 million more for policing and safe communities from the provincial government, $2.2 million for paramedics to put Brandon’s third ambulance on the road from the provincial government, and $2 million for a Sobering Assessment Centre from the provincial government. In addition, a naming rights deal for the now Maple Leaf Foods Sports Complex was secured from industries including Maple Leaf Foods and Heritage Co-op.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE”: Danielle Alexandria DAVIS FOR Fraud & Forgery. On April 3, 2023, while working at a Brandon business, Danielle DAVIS wrote and issued herself 14 business cheques in excess of $14,000.00. DAVIS deposited these cheques into her personal bank account.  Danielle Alexandria DAVIS’s whereabouts are unknown at this time, please contact Brandon crime stoppers with any information. ***************** If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this person or anyone else “Wanted by Police” 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. ***************** The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Break & Enter.  On October 28th, 2023, two males broke into a garage located in the 1200 block of 8th street and stole 3 bicycles valued at over $6000.00. The bikes were described as a grey Trek, red and black Rocky Mountain and a women’s style purple Specialized. The thieves rode off on the bikes but not before being captured on video surveillance.

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.