New Brandon industrial park fills major gap

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This article was published 27/05/2025 (303 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The VicEast Industrial Park is set to redefine the economic landscape of Brandon, not only as a city but as a regional hub, Crane Steel Structures president PJ Crane told the Sun.

Located at 1920 Victoria Ave. East, the park is officially open for interested businesses, promising to meet “long-standing demand for serviced industrial land” in the city and the region, he said.

Developed and owned by Crane Steel Structures, a family-owned Brandon-based company, VicEast Industrial Park spans more than 30 acres and will feature 19 fully serviced lots available for purchase. Lot sizes range from approximately half an acre to nearly nine acres, offering flexibility for a variety of industrial and commercial uses.

“This fills a much-needed gap in industrial land within the city of Brandon and the region,” Crane said. “From the location to the utilities, there isn’t a more attractive place to set up or expand a business.”

The city welcomes the development of the new industrial park, as it addresses the shortage of ready-to-develop industrial land, Brandon economic development director Gerald Cathcart said.

“Investors are always looking for choice and options when they’re looking for land,” he told the Sun. “This park expands those options in a way we’ve needed for some time.”

The shortage had previously turned away potential investors. Cathcart recalled a specific case in which an industrial investor abandoned plans to set up in Brandon due to a lack of suitable land. The VicEast development directly addresses such challenges and aims to prevent future missed opportunities.

VicEast Industrial Park is strategically situated with easy access to major transportation corridors, including vital truck routes, making it ideal for businesses reliant on logistics and distribution, Crane said.

The choice of location was not incidental.

“Truck routes and availability to Highway 1A were big factors,” said Crane. “It’s an ideal site for businesses needing efficient transportation access.”

While exact lot pricing has yet to be finalized, Crane confirmed that titles should be completed within a month, with the land ready for construction soon.

Out of the 30-acre parcel, 19 acres are being developed into serviced lots, with infrastructure including sewer and water systems already addressed in partnership with the city.

Brandon serves as a regional hub for more than 190,000 residents across Westman. As the new park enhances local industrial capacity, it is expected to contribute significantly to economic expansion and job creation.

Crane explained that a dependable and skilled workforce — supported by institutions like Assiniboine College, Brandon University and the Manitoba Emergency Services College — is available for organizations to tap. Proximity to major economic drivers such as agriculture, Manitoba’s oilfields and CFB Shilo, with nearly 1,900 military and civilian personnel, further adds to Brandon’s economic vitality.

“Brandon has an incredible reputation as being a business-friendly community,” he said. “We believe VicEast will help shape the future of the community by encouraging both business growth and personal quality of life.”

While the development is privately led, the City of Brandon played a supporting role by contributing municipally held land and facilitating infrastructure. Cathcart said that although there are no direct tax incentives for the developer, the city did support the project by transferring roadways, assisting with planning and offering tax incentives to companies directly.

Started nearly two years ago, the VicEast project reflects a proactive approach to economic development by both private and public actors. Despite early infrastructure challenges, the collaboration between Crane Steel Structures and the city ensured the project remained on track.

“This park gives Brandon the type of serviced industrial land that has been in critically short supply,” said Cathcart. “It’s not only about attracting new business but also helping existing businesses expand.”

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