City ready to do business, officials say

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This article was published 06/01/2025 (255 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As Brandon enters 2025, its investment landscape is brimming with promise across various sectors.

From infrastructure projects and industrial expansions to green energy and downtown revitalization, the city is positioning itself as a prime destination for investors seeking growth and sustainability, the city’s economic development director Gerald Cathcart said.

“I see the immediate potential for local businesses providing services to an industry that may currently be serviced from Winnipeg or Regina,” Cathcart said.

Cathcart pointed to Shreem Instrumentation as an example of a company that has responded to the regional market to great success, and said the city’s chemical and metal fabrication sectors show promise well beyond 2025. Of note is president-elect Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs, as much of Brandon’s exports flow into the United States.

Cathcart explained that another sector in need of investment is warehousing. Despite several builds over the summer of 2024, he said, inventory remains very tight, presenting a lucrative opportunity for investors in logistics and storage facilities.

Brandon’s ongoing infrastructure upgrades, such as enhancements to its water treatment facilities, could unlock opportunities in the food processing industry, which faces sustainability challenges under current conditions, he added.

Other sectors to watch, he added, include food ingredient production, biofuels, and chemical processing. The city’s robust rail infrastructure and workforce have even positioned it as a contender for mineral processing projects.

“Downtown Brandon is experiencing a renaissance, thanks to efforts led by the Brandon Downtown Development Corporation (BDDC),” he said. “In 2024, the BDDC disbursed over $443,000 in grants, spurring more than $1.7 million in private capital investment across 77 projects.”

“Notable developments” include relocations by Dingu Technologies and Carberry Signs to the former Brandon Sun building downtown, as well as the anticipated transformation of the retired Greyhound station by Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation.

Brandon’s green energy ambitions are another focal point for 2025.

Cathcart explained the city is targeting investments in biofuels derived from canola, soy, and biomass, while green hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, and wind energy represent burgeoning opportunities.

“The recently published Manitoba’s Green Economy Opportunities report identified four sectors that may impact Brandon directly: green hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, wind energy and critical minerals value chain,” he added. “Brandon has twice been shortlisted for mineral processing opportunities because of our available workforce and rail infrastructure.”

Brandon Chamber of Commerce president Lois Ruston told the Sun the chamber is set to partner with businesses to foster economic development.

“A key initiative for 2025 is Grow Brandon, a community-driven economic development plan involving the City of Brandon, post-secondary institutions, and provincial and federal partners,” she said. “The initiative will kick off with an economic summit in the first quarter, laying the groundwork for cohesive strategies to attract investment and drive growth.”

Ruston also underscores the importance of leveraging Brandon’s competitive advantages, including its diversified economy and supportive business environment. She highlights the ongoing efforts to address barriers to industrial development, such as ensuring adequate hydro capacity and mitigating challenges from potential U.S. tariffs.

Immigration programs like Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), she said, are creating pathways for newcomers to invest in Brandon. Ruston observed the entrepreneurial energy of immigrant investors who are establishing and acquiring businesses in the city.

“Supporting these newcomers through initiatives like the chamber’s outreach programs will be vital to sustaining economic momentum,” Ruston added.

While the outlook is optimistic, there are challenges to navigate.

The threat of U.S. tariffs, Ruston said, looms over exporters, and businesses must remain vigilant about geopolitical and economic developments.

“But Brandon’s collaborative approach, involving all levels of government and private stakeholders, ensures that proactive measures are in place to address these hurdles,” she added.

For investors, Cathcart said, Brandon in 2025 is committed to fostering a supportive business environment, coupled with its strategic infrastructure and the city’s collaborative initiatives making it a compelling destination for both local and external investors seeking long-term success.

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