Brandon sees more than $250M in capital investment in 2025

Brandon recorded more than $250 million in capital investment in 2025, up from the $224 million identified last year.

The city’s economic development director, Gerald Cathcart, told the Sun that despite global uncertainty, trade disruptions and rising cost pressures, the Wheat City was able to attract and retain business activities.

“The city of Brandon has seen a significant number of new projects recently completed, currently under construction and in the planning stages,” Cathcart said in an email. “Economic Development Brandon has identified over $250 million in capital investments for 2025.”

Some key projects include facilities built by Nissan, BMO, Farmers Business Network, United Rentals, Cascadia Metals, Canada Packers and Koch Fertilizer, among others, as well as multiple light-industrial buildings on First Street, 17th Street East and Granite Road, he said.

“The recent collaboration between Teralta and Tokyo Gas will not only benefit the environment but create local jobs, attract new investments and strengthen Brandon’s position as a hub for advanced clean-energy solutions.”

As well, he said, the Brandon Downtown Development Corporation provided grants amounting to $368,000, which have resulted in more than $1.4 million in private-sector investment.

Cathcart said the city’s labour market performed well in 2025, maintaining a participation rate near 70 per cent and an unemployment rate in the mid-six per cent range by fall.

Newcomers contributed to the city’s labour market growth.

Immigration programs like the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot legacy, RCIP, and the Provincial Nominee Program launched in 2025, he said, helped local firms fill critical roles and retain talent, “supporting productivity and business continuity.”

“The goods-producing sector, particularly in manufacturing, food processing and chemicals, is projected to add more than 1,500 jobs by 2031,” he said. “Manufacturing employment increased by roughly 500 jobs between 2019 and 2024, construction employment rose by about 400 and the logistics sector added around 300 jobs.”

These trends, Cathcart said, show Brandon’s appeal for industrial investment and readiness to support workforce growth.

However, the city faced challenges in 2025. Utility capacity constraints, particularly in electrical power, remain a limiting factor for heavy industry in Westman.

Cathcart said that relief is anticipated as Manitoba Hydro works to add significant dispatchable and wind-energy capacity over the next decade, including a supply line under construction from Portage to Brandon.

Water and wastewater limitations persist in certain areas, but he said that Economic Development Brandon works closely with engineering and utilities departments to identify and address site-specific constraints.

Housing affordability also emerged as a pressing concern.

Statistics Canada estimates suggest Brandon’s population grew by about eight per cent between 2022 and 2024, while permits for roughly 700 dwelling units were added, leaving an estimated shortfall of 1,300 units, Cathcart said.

“This shortage has tightened the rental market, increased affordability pressures and affected workforce attraction,” he said. “Trade uncertainty added further stress for businesses.”

Canola, traditionally associated with food oils and biofuels, has the potential to play a growing role in pharmaceuticals, industrial chemistry, and the production of bioplastics and green chemicals, he said.

“Brandon is well positioned to participate in a multi-industry bioeconomy.”

For Brandon Chamber of Commerce president Jennifer Ludwig, the year was dominated by uncertainty.

“If you asked the business community what word they would use to describe 2025, it would be uncertainty,” she said in an email.

“In February, with the introduction of Donald Trump’s initial set of tariffs, business owners found themselves in the unprecedented situation of wondering overnight where and who they could continue to do business with.”

Ludwig said retail businesses had to scramble to secure suppliers that would not push prices higher, while industrial and construction firms had to plan future projects without clarity on material costs.

Despite these challenges, Ludwig said Brandon’s business community is resilient.

“They are a robust group that makes lemonade out of lemons,” she said. “Tariffs encouraged new trade partnerships, reduced inter-provincial barriers and boosted domestic sales.”

Looking ahead to 2026, she said there is a need for continued skilled labour support and infrastructure investment.

“The chamber will continue to advocate with all levels of government on behalf of our members,” she said. “Brandon remains competitive through adequately serviced industrial land, competitive tax rates and strategic, sustainable growth.”

On strategic priorities for 2026, Cathcart said housing and affordability remain central to the city’s economic plan, and the Housing Accelerator Fund, a $6.2-million partnership with the federal government aimed at accelerating housing supply, is key to that.

“The plan includes zoning reforms allowing four units as-of-right in low-density areas, density bonuses for smaller units, a dedicated housing liaison, financial incentives such as tax offsets and capital grants, and prioritization of city-owned lands for affordable housing development,” he said.

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