BDDC to continue revitalization efforts in 2025

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This article was published 03/01/2025 (354 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Brandon Downtown Development Corporation (BDDC) plans to continue advancing efforts to revitalize the Wheat City’s downtown core, spearhead investment and foster local business growth in 2025.

Executive director Emmanuel Ahaneku told the Sun that BDDC disbursed $541,139.61 in grant funding for 91 downtown projects last year.

“The corporation supported 91 downtown projects in the year, which were valued at $2,084,847.23, providing a total of $541,139.61 in grant funding,” he said in an interview on Thursday. “These initiatives were instrumental in strengthening downtown Brandon as a vibrant hub for residents, businesses and visitors.”

In 2023, the corporation also approved targeted funding of $605,248.93 to support 81 downtown projects, reflecting a drop of $64,109.31 in the 2024 benchmark.

Ahaneku attributed the decline primarily to the nature of funding requests received and the eligibility criteria set for projects under specific programs during last year.

“The drop was largely a reflection of the dollar amount requested from applications received from the applicants,” he said. “This was also based on eligibility criteria of the respective projects under the parameters for each of the programs.”

Despite the decline in approved funding, he emphasized the organization’s “record-breaking project support.”

“Significantly, we supported more projects — the highest in the history of the organization — despite the drop in approved funding,” he added. “Interestingly, we saw more dollar investments.”

The absence of the Rent Abatement Program, funded by the Government of Manitoba in 2023 as part of the Brandon Downtown Revitalization Incentive Program (BDRIP), he added, also played a role in the decreased investment, as this program was not part of BDDC’s 2024 initiatives.

BDDC also highlighted its collaborative success in drawing new enterprises to downtown Brandon over the past year.

“We welcomed over 20 businesses and organizations to the downtown from Q4 (fourth quarter) of 2023 to Q4 of 2024,” Ahaneku stated. “The achievement is due to partnerships with groups, such as Brandon Downtown BIZ, the City of Brandon, Westman Immigrant Services and the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, among others.”

BDDC programs, for which the funds were accessed, were divided into three segments — the Commercial Space Improvement Program (CSIP), the Brandon Downtown Business Improvement Program (BDBIP) and the Façade and Storefront Improvement Program (FSIP).

CSIP, he said, emerged as a cornerstone of the BDDC’s efforts. Through this program, $350,238.90 in grant funding was approved for 39 projects, which collectively cost $1,615,229.92. He further explained the initiative allowed businesses to enhance their commercial spaces, making them more appealing to patrons and contributing to the overall attractiveness of downtown Brandon.

BDBIP, Ahaneku explained, handed out $151,375.51 in grants for 45 projects, which were valued at $307,315.85. He added the program has been instrumental in empowering local entrepreneurs, enabling them to expand their operations and maintain the downtown’s competitive edge as a business destination.

FSIP also played a crucial role in enhancing the aesthetics of downtown Brandon.

“Seven projects received $39,525.20 in grants, with a total project cost of $162,301.46. By revitalizing storefronts, this program has helped foster a welcoming environment that reflects community pride and attracts both residents and visitors,” he added.

Ahaneku emphasized that the BDDC’s efforts extend beyond mere numbers.

“Our programs have strengthened businesses and reinforced the collaboration and innovation that define downtown Brandon,” he said. “Every grant, project and investment catalyze growth, engagement, and long-term development.”

The corporation’s accomplishments in 2024, he reiterated, were made possible through partnerships with entities, such as the City of Brandon, the Government of Canada, Brandon Downtown BIZ, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, the Government of Manitoba, local businesses, developers and community members.

These collaborations have been instrumental in transforming downtown Brandon into a destination of choice.

Reflecting on the past year, Ahaneku praised the resilience and creativity of the community and expressed optimism for the future. He encouraged continued collaboration among businesses, developers, and residents to unlock the downtown’s full potential.

“Together, we are transforming downtown into a destination of choice for residents, visitors and investors,” he stated.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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