City says economy is doing well

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This article was published 30/12/2024 (262 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The City of Brandon has identified capital investments worth over $224 million in 2024, including $74 million in commercial and industrial building permits and over $150 million in other identified capital investments.

The city’s economic development director Gerald Cathcart told the Sun that despite the impact of primary agricultural revenues being down 11 per cent, the Wheat City’s economy is performing well.

“Industrial investment has been setting a brisk pace in 2024, commercial and industrial building permits sit at $74 million as of November 30, double the 2023 total of $33 million,” he said in an email. “Beyond building permits, Economic Development has identified over $150 million in other capital investment for 2024.”

Cathcart explained employment growth in the goods-producing sector remains strong, as manufacturing and construction sector employment is expected to grow by 12 per cent and 17 per cent respectively by 2027.

Regarding the key economic challenges, the city faced in 2024, the economic development director said there remains a shortage of skilled workers across many sectors of the economy.

“Brandon actively participated in the Rural and Northern Immigration Program and has recently become a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) partner,” he added. “PNP allows Brandon to make up to 150 community recommendations for permanent residency to skilled workers.”

He explained that the city had hired an Immigration and Workforce Development coordinator to assist employers in sectors like manufacturing, health care, and entrepreneurial opportunities. However, challenges such as limited serviced industrial lots and warehousing spaces remain. However, collaborative efforts with developers have led to plans to bring 23 acres to market by late 2025.

Cathcart highlighted partnerships with organizations like Westman Immigrant Services, Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, Prairie Mountain Health, Brandon University, and Assiniboine College as instrumental in facilitating job placements and skills development.

According to him, the city is making efforts to address affordability issues, including housing and inflation. One of Brandon City Council’s strategic plans, he said, is to address growth challenges while keeping affordability top of mind.

“As the second-largest city in the province, it is important that we work closely together with our provincial and federal partners to ensure that we continue to be a stable and thriving city,” he said. “Some of the initiatives that we have been working on and rolling out include an affordable housing incentive program to support the construction of affordable dwelling units in Brandon.”

This program, he added, offers a capital grant, tax offsetting and development charge offsetting grants, as funds are available. Other initiatives include the Home Buyers Program, as well as the Downtown Market Housing Incentive Program.

Brandon Chamber of Commerce president Lois Ruston reflected on the business community’s resilience in 2024.

She told the Sun that local businesses faced national challenges such as labour disruptions and increased costs, including property taxes and water rates.

“Businesses are still looking for stability post-pandemic, but it feels like issue after issue keeps arising, forcing them to adapt constantly,” Ruston said. “Despite these challenges, businesses demonstrated innovation and adaptability. We saw significant achievements, such as advancements in building construction and agricultural processing technologies developed locally and shared globally.”

Ruston added that some sectors, like construction, experienced mixed impacts in 2024, citing delays in provincial funding but also highlighting local projects like the 18th Street redevelopment as examples of progress.

Meanwhile, the chamber president expressed optimism about Brandon’s business community.

“The struggles businesses face only make them more resilient and innovative,” she added. “Local businesses found opportunities in both domestic and international markets. They can thrive despite ongoing obstacles.”

Regarding specific projects and initiatives, the city plans in 2025 to focus on supporting economic growth and attracting more investments. Cathcart said the industrial base is dynamic and evolving, with opportunities that include warehousing and storage, food ingredients, biofuels and biomaterials manufacturing, hydrogen utilization and metal manufacturing.

“We have identified these opportunities through consultation with local industry, alignment with provincial strategies, alignment with Invest in Canada priorities and engaging with companies that are interested in Brandon as a location,” he added. “Longer term plans to provide water and wastewater for the industrial areas of the city will be explored. EDB will continue to work closely with the provincial economic development team, Invest Canada and Global Affairs Canada.”

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