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Letters to the Editor

Chris Bird stands on Christie Bay, where he was door knocking at homes in July to collect signatures on a petition opposing a proposed cell tower in the area. (Connor McDowell/The Brandon Sun files)

Letter to the editor — Non-concurrence by council sought for proposed cell tower

4 minute read Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025

Non-concurrence. A word most of us are not familiar with, but one that has become critical in determining whether a telecommunications (cell) tower is installed in our southwest Brandon neighbourhood. Shared Tower Inc., a company that builds cell towers and then leases out the space on the tower, has applied to locate a 35-metre tower at 1009 34th St., adjacent to Elviss Crescent. This site is in a residential area with 31 homes within a radius of 100 metres, and many residents have small children. According to Shared Tower, this tower will house multiple carriers. Once built, this tower can be increased in height by 25 per cent to 43.7 metres without public consultation. No information has been provided as to the number of antennas, receivers and transmitters and other equipment that might be added.

A vote of non-concurrence (non-agreement) by city council would mean the cell tower application would be turned down. We are told that cell tower approval is under federal jurisdiction being Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED). However, when a member of Parliament asked for clarification, he received a written response from ISED clarifying the local government’s responsibilities. Local authorities are empowered and required to take into account both the land use and the public’s concerns to arrive at their decision. Further, ISED notes “If the Land Use Authority indicates to the proponent that it concurs with the proposal … the tower site is approved. This means the council’s vote for non-concurrence is critical to stopping this tower from being built.

Council can, and should, say “no.” Other Canadian municipalities have voted non-concurrence based on public opposition, a cell tower being unsightly and diminishing enjoyment of property, an unsuitable location and health concerns.

Our community is overwhelmingly opposed to this proposed cell tower. The images provided by Shared Tower are blurry and shown from distances of 150 and 220 metres. What about the view from the home that is 20 metres away? There are 31 homes within 100 metres that will have their views affected by this eyesore. The tower is also not compatible with the natural beauty of the walking path many residents enjoy with their children and pets.

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Look beyond headlines before casting vote

3 minute read Preview

Look beyond headlines before casting vote

3 minute read Monday, Aug. 25, 2025

Editor’s Note:

During an election or byelection period, The Brandon Sun only publishes letters from candidates or the parties that they represent if they are taking issue with something that has been reported by this newspaper regarding their election campaign.

— Matt Goerzen, managing editor

As your Manitoba Liberal candidate in Spruce Woods, I want to speak directly to you, the people whose voices truly matter in this byelection.

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Monday, Aug. 25, 2025

Manitoba Liberal candidate Stephen Reid speaks about his education background while answering a question from panellists at last week's debate in Sprucewoods. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun files)
Manitoba Liberal candidate Stephen Reid speaks about his education background while answering a question from panellists at last week's debate in Sprucewoods. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun files)

MP on board with HMCS Brandon effort

2 minute read Preview

MP on board with HMCS Brandon effort

2 minute read Friday, Aug. 15, 2025

I want to thank Deveryn Ross and George Haggerty, Lieutenant CD (Retired), for their columns regarding the HMCS Brandon.

I, too, believe the retirement of HMCS Brandon presents us with an extraordinary opportunity. This ship has proudly carried our city’s name across Canada’s oceans. Bringing her home would not only honour the service of Canadian sailors but also serve as a living tribute to Brandon’s connection to our country’s naval history. Imagine generations of students, families and visitors being able to walk its decks right here in our community.

As the member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, I want the public to know that I fully support this vision — and I have taken steps to help make it a reality. I have already contacted the minister of national defence to express our community’s interest in preserving HMCS Brandon and to explore what it would take to secure the vessel for display in our city. This is just the first step, but I believe it’s worth pursuing with determination.

Yes, the logistics will be challenging. But as Deveryn Ross rightly points out, projects of vision always start with a leap of imagination — and the courage to ask, “Why not?” We owe it to ourselves, and to the history this ship represents, to find out if we can bring HMCS Brandon home where it belongs.

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Friday, Aug. 15, 2025

HMCS Brandon is seen on the Straits of Georgia on Canada’s West Coast during a training exercise with a search-and-rescue helicopter. (The Brandon Sun files)
HMCS Brandon is seen on the Straits of Georgia on Canada’s West Coast during a training exercise with a search-and-rescue helicopter. (The Brandon Sun files)

Support for plan to bring ship here

2 minute read Preview

Support for plan to bring ship here

2 minute read Monday, Aug. 11, 2025

I applaud Deveryn Ross for having the foresight about the future of the HMCS Brandon. I know the task of bringing the city’s namesake naval ship HMCS Brandon to Brandon as a tourist attraction seems a monumental task. I believe it can be done and trucked or railed into our city.

The weight can be reduced by removing the engines and all other unnecessary items.

The ship is made in three parts and welded together. It can be reversed by cutting it apart into the three pieces. When it arrives here at its new permanent site, it can be welded together. As I said, this would be a great tourist attraction and a point of interest for the citizens of Brandon.

I think that the city administration should jump on this by contacting the Department of National Defence to secure the ownership of the ship.

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Monday, Aug. 11, 2025

George Haggerty with Brandon Salutes and Brandon City Councillor and acting Mayor Jason Splett raise the Royal Canadian Navy ensign at city hall last year in honour of the city's namesake ship HMCS Brandon's 25 years of service. Haggerty is speaking out in support of Sun columnist Deveryn Ross' idea to bring the HMCS Brandon to the Wheat City. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun files)
George Haggerty with Brandon Salutes and Brandon City Councillor and acting Mayor Jason Splett raise the Royal Canadian Navy ensign at city hall last year in honour of the city's namesake ship HMCS Brandon's 25 years of service. Haggerty is speaking out in support of Sun columnist Deveryn Ross' idea to bring the HMCS Brandon to the Wheat City. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun files)

Nation-building efforts are there

2 minute read Monday, Aug. 11, 2025

Bob Zimmer of the Winnipeg Sun just wrote: “Nothing has happened. No projects have been announced. No regulatory obstacles have been removed. No ‘nation-building’ list has been made public.”

Shall we take a look?

First, there’s the liquified natural gas (LNG) shipment to Korea.

There’s the passage of the new One Canadian Economy Act. The purpose of this act is to promote free trade and labour mobility by removing federal barriers to the interprovincial movement of goods and provision of services and to the movement of labour within Canada while continuing to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians, their social and economic well-being.

Extend turning lane before it’s too late

2 minute read Preview

Extend turning lane before it’s too late

2 minute read Monday, Jul. 28, 2025

This past weekend, the Waywayseecappo Gas Bar Rodeo was held on Waywayseecappo property off of Highway 10 south of the Brandon Municipal Airport.

They also hosted a Western Canadian Classic Car Show on Saturday.

The traffic count was exceptionally high over the weekend and I personally witnessed the need for a turning and passing lane.

Brandon Municipal Airport has a turning lane and does not have the traffic that the Waywayseecappo Gas Bar has. Not even close.

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Monday, Jul. 28, 2025

A vehicle travelling north on Highway 10 passes the Waywayseecappo Gas Bar on Monday. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)
A vehicle travelling north on Highway 10 passes the Waywayseecappo Gas Bar on Monday. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

Letter to the editor — Spruce Woods deserves representation

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Letter to the editor — Spruce Woods deserves representation

2 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 23, 2025

I am writing to express deep concern over Premier Wab Kinew’s continued delay in calling a byelection for the constituency of Spruce Woods. The seat has been vacant since March, leaving thousands of Manitobans without representation for months. This is unacceptable in any healthy democracy.

As the MLA for Brandon West, I can say with certainty that the delay in calling a byelection has left constituents in Spruce Woods without proper representation and they are feeling the consequences. My office has received and forwarded numerous requests from constituents in Spruce Woods seeking help and direction because they had nowhere else to turn. Their voices are real, and they deserve to be heard.

One Spruce Woods resident recently wrote to the premier, voicing the frustration many feel. They were troubled by Mr. Kinew’s remark that opposition members merely “chirp from the sidelines,” and disheartened by his suggestion that he didn’t want “free rides” in the upcoming byelection. Comments like these not only dismiss the role of elected officials — they diminish the democratic process itself. Every MLA, regardless of party, deserves respect. Democracy is not about dismissing views — it’s about representing people.

Finally, as the government announces funding in Westman, we must remember that this is taxpayer money — much of it coming from the hardworking people of this region. These funds are not gifts; they are a return of what Westman residents have already contributed. They deserve transparency, respect, and a say in how their money is spent.

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Wednesday, Jul. 23, 2025

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew laughs while sparring with a reporter over the vacant Spruce Woods riding seat during a recent press conference. "What's the rush?" Kinew had asked, jokingly, when questioned about calling a byelection. In this letter, Progressive Conservative MLA for Brandon West Wayne Balcaen explains the urgent need for Spruce Woods residents to have representation. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun file)
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew laughs while sparring with a reporter over the vacant Spruce Woods riding seat during a recent press conference.

LETTER: North Cypress-Langford council opposed to R-CUT

4 minute read Preview

LETTER: North Cypress-Langford council opposed to R-CUT

4 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 24, 2025

Re: R-CUT Intersection at Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 5

The Council of the Municipality of North Cypress-Langford would like to express its strong opposition to the proposed Restricted Crossing U-Turn (R-CUT) design at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 5. This concern is not isolated to council alone — a very high percentage of our residents also oppose the R-CUT design for a number of valid and serious reasons.

Farming realitiesOur municipality is home to large-scale agricultural operations, which result in significantly higher volumes of oversized farm equipment and transport trucks than in urban areas. The majority of traffic at the Trans-Canada and Highway 5 intersection flows north and south, not east and west.

Time is money in farming, and even a small delay has a big impact. While the Manitoba Infrastructure (MIT) traffic model suggests a net-zero time loss, these are theoretical results that do not reflect real-world seasonal pressures like seeding and harvest.

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Tuesday, Jun. 24, 2025

Residents of Carberry and area, including farms and nearby communities, take part in a rally on a service road just south of the Trans-Canada Highway at the Highway 5 intersection near Carberry last month to voice their opposition to the province's proposed Restricted Crossing U-Turn (R-CUT) modification for the intersection. The council of the Municipality of North Cypress-Langford is also strongly opposed to an R-CUT intersection at the site of the 2023 crash that killed 17 seniors. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun files)
Residents of Carberry and area, including farms and nearby communities, take part in a rally on a service road just south of the Trans-Canada Highway at the Highway 5 intersection near Carberry last month to voice their opposition to the province’s proposed Restricted Crossing U-Turn (R-CUT) modification for the intersection. The Council of the Municipality of North Cypress-Langford is also strongly opposed to an R-CUT intersection at the site of the 2023 crash that killed 17 seniors. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun files)

SROs foster safer, stronger schools

4 minute read Preview

SROs foster safer, stronger schools

4 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 18, 2025

In recent years, debates over school safety have intensified, especially in the wake of tragic incidents and concerns over the well-being of students. It appears the recent incident at École secondaire Neelin High School has once again raised opinions that question the effectiveness of a School Resource Officer (SRO) program.

The Brandon School Division has long benefited from the SRO program, and prior to that the Adopt a Cop Program. Far from being a symbol of over-policing, SROs play a vital role in making schools safer, building community trust and shaping positive relationships between youth and law enforcement. Officers often provide a supportive role, working with staff and parents in dealing with situations involving students, in an attempt to achieve the best possible outcome before serious problems arise.

First and foremost, the presence of SROs significantly enhances school safety. Their very nearly immediate availability on campus means that in times of crisis — whether it’s a medical emergency, a potential threat or a criminal incident — response times are drastically reduced. This rapid intervention capability can prevent escalation and potentially save lives. When seconds matter, having a trained officer already in the building or very nearby is not just a convenience; it’s a necessity.

But the benefits of SROs extend well beyond emergency response. These officers also serve as mentors and educators, helping students understand the law, resolve conflicts peacefully and make responsible decisions. By engaging with students in a non-enforcement capacity, SROs help break down barriers between youth and police officers — barriers that, if left unaddressed, can grow into mistrust and fear in adulthood. Opinions such as the one printed the The Brandon Sun on Tuesday (Letter: “SROs won’t make our schools safer”) appear to focus on input from the noisy negative. I do not believe it reflects the opinions of the vast majority of Brandonites.

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Wednesday, Jun. 18, 2025

Several Brandon Police Service vehicles sit parked outside École Secondaire Neelin High School on June 10 where one student allegedly attacked another with a sword. Brandon School Division Supt. Mathew Gustafson says the division will set up "Safe School Advisory Committees." (File)
Several Brandon Police Service vehicles sit parked outside École Secondaire Neelin High School on June 10. Brandon Police Service members responded to a serious incident at the school after a student was seriously injured with a weapon. The school was placed in lockdown and students were released to the custody of parents, relatives and guardians. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun files)

Neelin students were well prepared for what happened

2 minute read Preview

Neelin students were well prepared for what happened

2 minute read Saturday, Jun. 14, 2025

Thank you for your editorial on the Neelin stabbing.

I have two children currently at Neelin, and next year it will be three. When I told my children’s grandparents about what happened on Tuesday, one of the first things one of them asked was: “When are they putting in metal detectors?”

I told him I hope never.

Fortunately, my kids didn’t witness Tuesday’s terrifying minutes, but one was initially within earshot. A staff member told her to run, to hide and take shelter in a nearby classroom, so she did. Every time I hear her recount the story to curious friends and family, I am overwhelmed by how well prepared they were.

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Saturday, Jun. 14, 2025

Parents and guardians queue to pick up students from École Secondaire Neelin High School’s gymnasium on Tuesday afternoon after a student there was attacked with a sword.
Parents and guardians queue to pick up students from École Secondaire Neelin High School’s gymnasium on Tuesday afternoon.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR — Another excuse from city

3 minute read Preview

LETTER TO THE EDITOR — Another excuse from city

3 minute read Friday, Jun. 13, 2025

Thank you for highlighting the disappointment and betrayal felt by cyclists after being left out of the 26th Street reconstruction (“Cyclists let down by 26th Street plan,” June 12).

Despite many rounds of consultation, including on larger active-transportation objectives, the city has chosen once again to stick its head in the sand and make no changes to the status quo.

I’ve lost count of the number of excuses I’ve heard from city council and city staff on why bikes and pedestrians can’t be accommodated in this or that project, despite millions of dollars being spent on asphalt, concrete and infrastructure for cars and trucks.

But this latest excuse — the “absence of a thorough and adopted active transportation network study” — is the most disingenuous yet. We don’t have a streetlight strategic plan, yet I see those everywhere.

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Friday, Jun. 13, 2025

Letter writer Grant Hamilton, a co-founder of Bike Brandon, stands on 26th Street just south of Van Horne Avenue on Wednesday. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun files)
Grant Hamilton, a co-founder of Bike Brandon, stands on 26th Street just south of Van Horne Avenue on Wednesday. Hamilton and other cyclists say the City of Brandon missed an opportunity when it excluded bike lanes from its reconstruction plans for 26th Street. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

LETTER TO THE EDITOR — Jackson petition misses the mark

2 minute read Preview

LETTER TO THE EDITOR — Jackson petition misses the mark

2 minute read Friday, Jun. 13, 2025

Re: “Jackson starts petition to end nuisance ballots” (The Brandon Sun, June 10)

“The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights and freedoms set out in it subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.”

“Every citizen of Canada has the right to vote in an election of members of the House of Commons or of a legislative assembly and to be qualified for membership therein.”

— The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, sections 1 and 3, respectively

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Friday, Jun. 13, 2025

Grant Jackson
Grant Jackson

LETTER TO THE EDITOR — Students must learn empathy, compassion

2 minute read Preview

LETTER TO THE EDITOR — Students must learn empathy, compassion

2 minute read Friday, Jun. 13, 2025

It’s high time that teaching empathy and compassion should be part of the curriculum in Manitoba schools.

The Japanese educational system places significant emphasis on empathy and compassion, particularly in the early years of schooling. Instead of focusing on formal exams in the first three years, schools prioritize character development, social skills and emotional intelligence. This includes teaching values like respect, empathy and discipline, aiming to foster responsible and considerate citizens.

The recent stabbing at École secondaire Neelin High School in my hometown of Brandon is unacceptable. Someone isn’t doing their job. It should have never escalated to this point.

School boards must start standing up to parents who make the administration and educators’ lives a living hell. Sounds to me that support is non-existent.

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Friday, Jun. 13, 2025

Chalk messages of support cover the sidewalks outside École Secondaire Neelin High School on Wednesday morning following an attack on a student at the school. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)
More chalk messages of support cover the sidewalks outside École Secondaire Neelin High School on Wednesday morning. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

LETTER TO THE EDITOR — Can you make a positive impact on local government?

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR — Can you make a positive impact on local government?

4 minute read Saturday, Jun. 7, 2025

Now more than ever before, your voice matters.

On deliberations related to infrastructure investment, resource allocation for public schools and the programs they offer, student and community success, and the litany of other matters which are within the governance and decision-making authorities of our local school boards — your voice matters.

For all school boards and municipal councils in Manitoba, October 2024 marked the “halfway point” of their current terms and therefore, the time has come to start thinking about the next election in October of 2026.

It might seem early for the electorate at large, but for incumbents and prospective candidates alike, the wheels should already be turning on the topic of seeking or making nominations.

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Saturday, Jun. 7, 2025

Members of the Brandon School Division board of trustees gather for a regular meeting in April 2023 at their headquarters on Sixth Street. Manitoba School Boards Association president Alan M. Campbell says now is the time to think about recruiting someone to run to be a trustee in the next civic election, or to consider a run yourself. (File)
Members of the Brandon School Division board of trustees gather for a regular meeting in April 2023 at their headquarters on Sixth Street. Manitoba School Boards Association president Alan M. Campbell says now is the time to think about recruiting someone to run to be a trustee in the next civic election, or to consider a run yourself. (File)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR — Bike lane decision brings disappointment

4 minute read Preview

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR — Bike lane decision brings disappointment

4 minute read Friday, Jun. 6, 2025

DEVASTATED BY CITY ABANDONING ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR

Open Letter to Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett and Ward 5 Coun. Greg Hildebrand:

I read in the June 4 Brandon Sun that the planned active transportation corridor has been axed on the 26th Street right of way. As a citizen of the ward and an avid year-round cycle commuter, I need to write to you to express my displeasure and devastation in this decision. Especially during Commuter Challenge Week when the city is working to promote active transportation options, it is very disheartening to see this project be cancelled.

As it stands, the safest places to bike in Brandon are the bike/multi-use pathways that ring the city, and as great as those are, they are less than useful from a commuting standpoint. If you are serious about vision zero, active transportation needs to be considered as part of all street reconstruction projects. Connecting all people (not just drivers) and places they want to go should be a top priority. I understand you have faced significant pushback from people who do not have the foresight to see how great the city could be. Road safety for all users must be a priority. Brandon is an ideal size for cycle commuting, as well as having limited elevation changes.

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Friday, Jun. 6, 2025

Vehicles drive along 26th Street near Park Avenue in Brandon. Reconstruction work on a four-block stretch of the road between Park and Victoria avenues is set to begin next month, but a dedicated bike lane will not be part of the design. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun files)
Vehicles drive along 26th Street near Park Avenue in Brandon. Reconstruction work on a four-block stretch of the road between Park and Victoria avenues is set to begin next month, but a dedicated bike lane will not be part of the design. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun files)

Claims to Turtle Mountain area won’t go unchallenged

4 minute read Saturday, May. 10, 2025

Recently, on April 22, 2025, the Canupawakpa Dakota First Nation (CDFN) filed a statement of claim in the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench claiming exclusive ownership and Aboriginal title over lands in Manitoba. This is just the latest claim. Since Nov. 6, 2023, CDFN, Dakota Tipi First Nation (DTFN), or both have filed nine similar claims with that court.

This series of overlapping claims — a scattered approach — filed by CDFN and DTFN (together the “Dakota”) is like a handful of jelly thrown against the wall with the hope that something will stick. The approach is quite incoherent and without apparent logic, and callously ignores the rights and interests of those who currently live on, and have historically used, the land. Some would suggest this is an abuse of the court’s and other parties’ resources.

The land at issue in the latest April 2025 claim is Turtle Mountain. CDFN states the Dakota has Aboriginal title to this portion of Manitoba. On the contrary, the Dakota have no claim to lands north of the present Canada-U.S. border in today’s Manitoba, including the Turtle Mountain area.

The other recent claims by the Dakota are for southern Manitoba, including Portage la Prairie (Southport) and The Forks in present-day Winnipeg. These three areas at various times were occupied and controlled by the Cree, Assiniboine, Chippewa (aka Anishinaabe, Ojibway, Saulteaux) and the Red River Métis.

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