An open house Wednesday, March 20th at the Keystone Centre to unveil Brandon’s 30-year City Plan reportedly turned into an airing of grievances.
The major complaint among the 130 people who attended was how city property taxes are jumping by 9.4% – and how the city wants to expand infrastructure while existing roads and the downtown are still a mess.
Staff also had to debunk a conspiracy theory that expanding bike and walking paths to give people more options, was somehow an attempt to take away vehicles. Also discussed was improving Transit and access to recreation – and meeting future housing needs at several pricing levels for existing and in-coming residents. Brandon has around 2,000 immigrants arriving each year.
The final plan is expected to be presented to city council sometime this spring.
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On Monday, April 8th – the City of Brandon is hosting a public hearing for the 2024 Financial Plan. It’ll take place at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers at City Hall (410 – 9th Street) on the 2nd floor. The City will present its financial plan for the current year, which will include the use of specific purpose reserve funds.
City Council is open to hearing from anyone who wishes to present their views, ask questions, or voice any objections to the proposed financial plan. Here’s how you can take part in the public hearing:
In Person: Attend the public hearing in Council Chambers at City Hall. For those wishing to speak at the public hearing, please register in advance with the City Clerk’s Office by calling 204-729-2296 or email cityclerk@brandon.ca.
Written Submissions: Share your views, questions, or objections in writing. You can email your submissions to cityclerk@brandon.ca or send them by post to the City Clerk’s Office, 410 – 9th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6A2. Ensure to send your written submissions before the deadline, which is 5 p.m. on April 8, 2024.
YouTube Broadcast: The hearing will also be broadcast on the City’s YouTube Channel at City of Brandon MB – YouTube. While this does not allow for active participation, it’s a good way to stay informed about the proceedings.
The 2024 Financial Plan is available on the City’s website at City of Brandon – Finances & Budget. Paper copies may be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 204-729-2296 during regular office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Earlier this year, City Council passed the 2024 budget, which focused on balancing sustainability and affordability. The needs-focused budget includes a 9.4% tax increase of the municipal portion is focused on meeting the needs of the community.
Key improvements and repairs that Brandon residents can expect to see in the 2024 budget include:
-Additional police officers to keep Brandon streets safe
-Expansion of the police cadet program downtown
-More paramedics to put an additional ambulance on the road, making sure help comes quickly when people need it
-An upgraded water treatment plant to keep drinking water safe
-Land drainage improvement to prevent homes and basements from flooding in vulnerable areas
-The next steps on the Maple Leaf Foods Sports Field Complex
-A new ice plant at the Brandon Community Sportsplex, which will mean reopening the rink for hockey, figure, and public skaters
-New buses for Brandon Transit and Brandon Access Transit fleet, making sure people have a safe and reliable ride
-The establishment of a Medical Doctor Recruitment / Retention Program
-New program for lighting on City paths
-New grant program for household drainage improvements
-Establishing a resident home drainage assistance program
