Brandon MB | Construction

[rrskylar]

http://www.westerninvestor.com/regional/regionalstories/story2.html

[Spocket]

Originally Posted by newflyer

I am assuming that the "us" you are is society ... and the "return" you are refering to is the social services paid for via government profits of siad casinos.

Your agruements would hold more water if these casinos were privately owned, but in Manitoba thats not the case.

As far as the Crystal Casino .. it was a tiny casino on the 7th floor of the Hotel Fort Garry. It could be considered up scale, since it was in the Fort Garry, which was more of a piliot project to see if casino's would work in Manitoba, and yes it failed because rich suburban types didn't want to venture downtown during off hours.

Sure, the government probably makes cash off of these casinos but what are we actually talking about here ? We're talking about money that people want to spend because in the best case scenario, they don't need it. So why do they have to blow it at a casino for the government to get its take ? Seems to me that this money would be re-circulated as disposable income one way or another. Let's say that somebody eschews the casino and buys a television instead...the government still gets its cut of %7. Instead the government sets up places where enough people who already live hand-to-mouth can really hit rock bottom. Those people, no matter how seemingly small their number might be , definitely cost us signifcantly more than they'll ever put back into the government's coffers. Sure, if it wasn't gambling then maybe it would be drugs or booze. The point is ; Why is the government facilitating self-destructive behaviour for , let's say %5 of casino patrons when it could get its cash from all others any other way ? To me this is like saying that "one in twenty people doesn't count...but it's okay, they're just poor and miserable people already anyway." We got along pretty well without casinos before so what changed and what makes them such a great idea now ?

We already know that for a big chunk of the gamblers in this province, it isn't a game. That's why every VLT comes with a pamphlet that lists a hotline to call if gambling is a problem for anybody. The idea being that since every person with a gambling problem is a net drain on the system the government would prefer to invest a a hundred thousand bucks in a hotline than have to pay out $10,000,000 in social programs to deal with the effects of problem gambling.

[newflyer]

While I agree that casinos are not socially beneficial ... the province shows significant financial returns on these facilities, even after paying for gambling treatments. A whole US State was developed off the proceeds of gamling.. and now Manitoba .. Ontario .. Saskatchewan and many other provinces want there piece of the action, as do the natives.

The same arguement could be made for booze ... its not a benefit to society in any way, but still it is demanded by the public and the government is able to make a sizable income off its sale, even while many people abuse this product and require professional help.

The same can also be said for cigerettes and lottery tickets... can't see how people who are on welfare and choose to buy some smokes and lottery tickets are making there lives any better. "Hey dude .. buy your kids some food and clothes.", is what I want to say.

While it would be best that the weakest in society would not be allowed to gamble, smoke or drink .... the fact is you can't penalize all of society for the weakness of a few.. or can you.

I believe in the free rights of the individual, but I will keep these wise arguements in mind the next time I'm in Vegas gambling in billion dollar casions and having a great time.

When the new Brandon Casino opens, I am sure it will be filled mostly by middle income residents from the city. The fact the city desided to not benefit from realized property taxes and the chance to draw more people to an area like the Keystone Centre or downtown, is little more that blind idealism that Brandon can be an island.

[Spocket]

^I understand your point and to some extent I agree with you. Like you , I don't believe in the nanny state either but that doesn't mean I like the idea of the government facilitating the ruin of people for revenue. Booze and smokes are taxed to the hilt and the logic is the same ... the government figures that it spends more dealing with the consequences of the abuse of those products than it gets in revenue from their sale. Any casino on the outskirts of Brandon would be little more than a pariah.

One more thing though : Vegas doesn't make its money off the locals. If you blow your life savings at the Mirage , Vegas doesn't have to pay to keep you clothed and fed. You fly home and it becomes the problem of whatever local government you call your own. Of course, the local government might not give you anything and if that's the case , that's when ideas like robbing a bank start to sound good. It's never "revenue neutral" when an individual hits the bottom and turns to desperate measures to stay alive.

[newflyer]

Yes ... it is very true that Vegas has become a tourist mecca and the many monster hotel casinos stand as evidance, but have no doubt that there are thousands of locals who live, breath and sleep the Vegas lifestyle... to extreme levels.

Endless amounts of gambling, mega latenight clubs, legalized sex trade ... and the 24 hr non-stop lifestyle, which is Las Vegas, is more than only a tourist attraction. It is the life blood of the city, which has earned the title of Sin City and is consumed by many locals to excess. Vegas was one of the fastest growing city's in the US.. and it is the Vegas lifestyle which was drawing them in.

[Wpg_Guy]

Brandon’s Seeds to grow into senior housing
By: Abiola Odutola
Wednesday, May. 13, 2026


Abiola Odutola / The Brandon Sun

Paul Souque, president of Blackbird Housing Inc., stands in front of the McKenzie Seeds building in downtown Brandon. Blackbird Housing purchased the historic building with plans to develop about 130 residential suites, medical and wellness-related commercial spaces, and amenities such as a rooftop deck. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)

BRANDON — The transformation of McKenzie Seeds into seniors housing is a step closer now that the sale of the long vacant downtown building to Blackbird Housing Inc. has been finalized.

“We acquired the property from Brandon Fresh Farm about three months ago for $3.25 million,” president Paul Souque said. “Attainable senior living is our goal.”

The proposed development includes about 130 residential suites, medical and wellness-related commercial spaces and amenities such as a 10,000-square-foot rooftop deck. Developers are exploring partnerships with senior housing operators who could lease and operate portions of the facility once construction has been completed.

Souque said the $20-million project is fully funded through the company’s partnerships and does not require public money.

The project centres on converting the historic industrial property into an “adaptive reuse housing project” focused on affordable and technology-driven senior living, he said.

Construction Association of Rural Manitoba executive director Shawn Wood said increased residential development downtown would benefit the city.

“The more population we have downtown, the safer people feel,” Wood said. “It’s good convenience, supporting local businesses.”

Brandon architect and downtown resident Michael Cox, who worked on repairs to the building in 1981, welcomed the prospect of renewed activity downtown.

“Any kind of development that brings more people living and working downtown is great for the city,” Cox told the Sun. “If it happens there, that’s a bonus.”

Cox recalled that the building was fully operational during his work on the property in the early 1980s, when McKenzie Seeds still operated its seed packaging and distribution business.

“I’m excited about it, not as an architect, but as somebody who lives downtown,” Cox said. “That would be fantastic.”

Souque couldn’t reveal the timeline for the development.

“We’re definitely starting construction activities this year, although a completion timeline has not yet been established,” he said. “The laser scanning next week is a major step.”

The redevelopment will rely heavily on advanced construction and engineering technology. Beginning next week, crews are expected to start high-resolution 3D-laser scanning of the building to create a “digital twin” of the structure accurate to within millimetres.

“The scans will allow engineers and designers to map the building’s layout and structural components digitally,” Souque said. “This lets us maximize efficiencies, test layouts and identify any issues before fabrication starts.”

The company plans to use prefabricated wall systems and modular construction methods to reduce construction time and lower costs. Souque said the technology could cut electrical rough-in work by up to 70 per cent while reducing on-site labour waste.

Blackbird Housing is partnering with Calgary-based Fotonara, which Souque described as the parent technology company behind the project.

Adam Morand, chief executive officer of Fotonara — a Canadian engineering and real estate technology firm — also serves as president of Brandon Fresh Farm. According to the company, Fotonara has partnered with Edmonton-based Energy Saving Products Ltd. to incorporate high-velocity small-duct HVAC systems into the redevelopment.

Suites would feature health-monitoring sensors capable of detecting falls, monitoring heart rates and assisting caregivers while maintaining resident privacy through localized data systems, Souque said.

“The building would also incorporate high-efficiency HVAC systems and prefabricated cellular light-weight concrete wall panels designed to improve fire resistance, soundproofing and energy efficiency.”

Souque said engineering assessments indicate the structure remains sound.

“These buildings have been here for decades,” he said. “They were built incredibly well initially.”

Souque said the idea for the project emerged from both the ongoing housing shortage and his own family’s experience navigating senior care.

“My father, in particular, struggled to find suitable care,” he said. “Whether you could afford it or not, it’s a real tough battle.”


Tim Smith / The Brandon Sun

— Brandon Sun

[Wpg_Guy]

Hermanos steakhouse expands brand to Brandon
By: Abiola Odutola
Tuesday, May. 5, 2026


Riley and Juliana Bernier are launching a new restaurant, Hermanos Firehall, in the old firehall on Princess Avenue in Brandon. (Tim Smith / The Brandon Sun)

BRANDON — Hermanos South American Steakhouse is preparing to open its first location outside Winnipeg — in the historic Brandon central fire station — next month.

Plans include a full steakhouse and lounge, a cigar lounge in the building’s hayloft and a 50-seat comedy club in the basement.

The expansion marks a significant milestone for the nearly two-decade-old restaurant brand, known for its South American-inspired cuisine and roots in the Exchange District.

Hermanos co-founder Noel Bernier said the move into Brandon reflects both growth ambitions and a careful search for the right fit.

“After nearly 20 years of success in a difficult market, we were looking for a new place to grow and fully express our brand,” Bernier said. “Brandon checked all the boxes.

“We’re a downtown brand that thrives in historic buildings,” he added. “The firehall (built in 1911) allows us to stay true to that identity while becoming part of a city that’s clearly on the move.”

Leading day-to-day operations will be Bernier’s son, Riley Bernier, who will serve as operational executive chef and co-owner alongside his wife, Juliana. The family plans to relocate to Brandon permanently.

The restaurant is expected to employ between 50 and 70 staff once fully operational, with hiring already underway.

“The steakhouse itself will seat roughly 130 guests, with an additional 40-seat patio and a smaller lounge space upstairs,” Noel Bernier said. “Though licensed for larger capacities, the design allows flexibility for both daily dining and occasional large-scale events.”

Despite that flexibility, Bernier said the business will remain focused on its core identity: “We’re not event-driven, we’re a steakhouse first.”

The restaurant and lounge are targeting a mid-June opening; the comedy venue is expected to launch in the fall.

— Brandon Sun

[harls]

The steakhouse in the fire station looks so cool.. It sucks that they left the Ashdown warehouse behind, though.

[Wpg_Guy]

Trans Canada breaks ground for craft brewery
By: Alex Lambert
Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026


Will Lisson, president of Trans Canada Brewing Co., stands at the future site of the Winnipeg brewery’s Brandon location on Middleton Avenue just west of First Street North after a ground-breaking ceremony for the brewery on Wednesday. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

Trans Canada Brewing Co. hopes to open its new Brandon location as early as this December, the company’s president said.

Staff and dignitaries held a sod-turning event at the future site of the craft brewery, taproom and restaurant at 105 Middleton Ave., just off the Trans-Canada Highway.

“This has been in the works now for well over a year, and to finally break ground today is a pretty exciting opportunity for us. It’s going to be a good one,” Will Lisson said in an interview after the event.

Construction will cost upwards of $3 million and will be carried out by Crane Steel Structures, he said.

“It’s a big swing, but one we’re pretty excited about making.”

The company currently has one location in southwest Winnipeg, which first opened in 2017.

“We really want to be a household name in brewing in all of Manitoba, not just Winnipeg,” Lisson said.

“Brandon’s such a great beer-loving city. We can’t wait to be here.”

Lisson said the design concept for Brandon will be very similar to the Winnipeg operation. At more than 7,000 square feet, it will have room for somewhere between 120 to 150 people, including a 40- to 50-person function room. It will also include a small retail store and a production facility.

The production facility will brew all of its beer varieties on site, while the store will sell some varieties of beer that it doesn’t sell in third-party liquor stores.

“It’s a bit of a smaller production facility than our Kenaston (Boulevard) location is, but we still will have more than enough ample opportunity here to produce all the beer that’s going to be consumed here on site,” Lisson said.

He envisions between 16 and 20 taps of beer flowing on any night of the week, with “everything that you’re drinking here in the glass to be fresh coming out of those tanks right here.”

The new location will create about 30 jobs, he said, which will be a mix of full- and part-time positions.

He said the location of the restaurant on the highway is perfect for traffic, while still being a destination for Brandonites.

“It’s a big investment in both the infrastructure and the community here, and really trying to bring our best foot forward,” Lisson said.

“We think if we can bring our recipe of great beer, great pizza and just really great service and hospitality and experience, we think it’ll be worth the trip.”

Lisson said with a bit of luck and good fortune on the construction side, the Brandon location could be open at the end of the year.

The company had initially planned to open the facility this spring. But Lisson said with it being their first expansion, they “may have been shooting a little bit high” and there were delays with the original developer and pre-construction work.

Gerald Cathcart, the city’s director of economic development, said the city is excited to have Trans Canada Brewing choose Brandon and settle in a high-profile part of town.

“New investments, new jobs, part-time and full-time jobs are always important to a community. I’m sure the community is looking forward to tasting not only the craft beer, but the wonderful menu that Trans Canada has available,” Cathcart said.

He said new business is always welcome in Brandon, and especially so when it comes to Trans Canada’s track record in Winnipeg.


Wayne Balcaen (third from left), MLA for Brandon West, and Colleen Robbins (second from right), MLA for Spruce Woods, take part in the ground breaking for Trans Canada Brewing’s future location on Middleton Avenue in Brandon along with representatives from the company and Crane Steel Structures on Wednesday. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

The Brandon Sun

[Wpg_Guy]

High-tech rockets coming to CFB Shilo
Local Journalism Initiative
By: Connor McDowell
Saturday, May. 23, 2026


CFB Shilo will be the primary operation centre of 26 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) weapons, a six-barrelled rocket launcher mounted on an army truck. (The Associated Press files)

BRANDON — The Canadian Armed Forces has chosen to operate newly procured rocket technology at CFB Shilo.

The Department of National Defence said Friday the military base east of Brandon will be the primary operation centre of 26 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System weapons, six-barrelled rocket launchers that are mounted on an army truck.

The rockets will be “leveraged” by CFB Shilo’s existing 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery to start, but will “establish the foundation for the eventual formation of a new unit, the 9th Rocket Regiment, RCA,” wrote Andrée-Anne Poulin, media relations for the DND, in an email

The systems, manufactured by U.S.-based Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, are expected to be delivered in 2029 along with related technology.

“There will be several support platforms and support equipment included with the delivery,” Poulin said. “These include logistics vehicles, command posts, command and control systems, training ammunition, and maintenance equipment.”

The weapon procurement is part of a fulfillment of Canada’s 2024 defence policy that enables the army to deter threats and maintain a range advantage against adversaries, Poulin said.

The rocket system “was identified as the only solution meeting all of Canada’s operational and technical requirements” to equip Canada with land-based, long-range strike capabilities to over match adversaries, she said.

The manufacturer says the technology enables “shoot-and-scoot” warfare, allowing soldiers to position, fire and relocate in minutes, “dramatically” reducing adversaries’ ability to locate and target the system, and enhancing survivability in high-threat environments.

The 1RCHA regiment at CFB Shilo currently uses M777 Howitzers, a ground-based artillery weapon that is towed behind army trucks to its desired location before being deployed. The regiment will continue to be equipped with M777 Howitzers after the new rocket unit is formed.

CFB Shilo brass recently informed nearby municipalities to prepare for growth.

The base was pegged for roughly 180 new homes earlier this year in a development that is expected to cost $84 million. Officials at DND were not yet able to say how upcoming changes will impact the number of personnel at the base.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced in March that Canada met its NATO spending goal of two per cent of GDP — a benchmark that the country had not met since the 1980s during the Cold War.


CFB will be the primary operation centre of 26 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System weapons, a six-barrelled rocket launcher mounted on an army truck. (Lockheed Martin)

— Brandon Sun

[bomberjet]

Getting serious over there.

[pspeid]

Those upgrades at Shilo are great for Brandon and Manitoba as a whole.

Years ago Shilo used to be a training area for NATO tank divisions. German troops would regularly come through the airport on their way to training. Does anyone know if it is still used for this or will Shilo become a rocket systems training area?

[FactaNV]

Originally Posted by pspeid

Those upgrades at Shilo are great for Brandon and Manitoba as a whole.

Years ago Shilo used to be a training area for NATO tank divisions. German troops would regularly come through the airport on their way to training. Does anyone know if it is still used for this or will Shilo become a rocket systems training area?

We train there all the time. Its a multiuse training base. There are artillery changes but also conventipnal ranges and large maneouvre areas. The Germans packed up years ago but its still extensively used by the RCHA, 2PPCLI and all the reserve units in Manitoba/Sask.

[WayneShuster]

Originally Posted by FactaNV

We train there all the time. Its a multiuse training base. There are artillery changes but also conventipnal ranges and large maneouvre areas. The Germans packed up years ago but its still extensively used by the RCHA, 2PPCLI and all the reserve units in Manitoba/Sask.

I do wonder, with all the new investment regarding defence in Canada, if the return of NATO allies training in Canada will recommence at some point in time and help us get re-integrated with the Europeans once again.

[FactaNV]

No need. The trainign areas are busy enough as is and sound like theyre about to get far far busier. Now if only we could get some of this shiny new kit in the reserves...our shit is clapped out haha.

[WayneShuster]

I have a friend who just completed his BMQ, and oh the stories he's telling me. He has big plans for himself in the military. I'm excited to watch his journey progress.

[FactaNV]

Best of luck to him. Joining up young was one of the best choices I made in my life and set me up for success later on.

[WayneShuster]

Originally Posted by FactaNV

Best of luck to him. Joining up young was one of the best choices I made in my life and set me up for success later on.

I'll take this off-line as this getting off topic haha

[kattiff]

I guess some kind of 70-80 unit residential building is being built in Brandon on Pacific Ave…?

[Wpg_Guy]

Originally Posted by kattiff

I guess some kind of 70-80 unit residential building is being built in Brandon on Pacific Ave…?

Groundbreaking Marks the Start of New Market Housing Development in Downtown Brandon
By City of Brandon
-
Jul 22, 2026



Brandon, MB - Representatives from the City of Brandon, Keller Group, Sneath Keller Development, as well as project and community partners gathered today to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new residential market housing development in downtown Brandon at 1200 Pacific Ave.

The project is the first project to break ground utilizing funding from the City of Brandon's Downtown Market Housing Incentive Program (DMHIP), which is supported by the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), a Government of Canada initiative delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). This development will contribute to Brandon's growing housing inventory while supporting downtown revitalization efforts.

Through this development, the City will provide CMHC housing accelerator funded incentives of approximately $936,000 in construction milestone payments and offset eligible development charges estimated at over $230,000. In addition, the City will provide a grant that will offset 20-years of incremental municipal property taxes generated by the development. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

“Our government is committed to helping communities tackle local housing priorities. Through the Housing Accelerator Fund, we are providing incentives to local governments to remove barriers to housing supply and accelerate the creation of new homes. I’m thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of 1200 Pacific Avenue that will bring much-needed units to the community," said Kevin Lamoureux, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.

“This project represents the type of partnership and investment needed to address housing needs in our community,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett. “Through collaboration between the federal and municipal governments and the private sector, we are helping create more housing options while strengthening Brandon's downtown. This development demonstrates how targeted incentives and strong partnerships can turn housing goals into real projects that benefit our community for years to come.”

"This project is a great example of what can happen when organizations come together around a shared vision for downtown," said Amanda Dupuis, Community Housing and Wellness Programmer with the City of Brandon. "We're excited to work alongside the many businesses, organizations, and community leaders helping make downtown Brandon an even more vibrant place to live, work, and build community."

“We are excited to start on this development, which will bring 72 new rental homes to Brandon, including 36 one-bedroom, 18 two-bedroom, and 18 three-bedroom units to help meet the needs of individuals, couples, and families,” said Evan Keller, Keller Group. “The support available through the DMHIP has helped make this development possible. We are proud to be investing in Brandon's downtown and contributing to the community's long-term housing supply.”

“Since moving to Brandon in 2013, we are proud to have played a significant role in the revitalization of Brandon's historic downtown,” said Robyn Sneath, CEO, Sneath Group. “Some notable past projects include the redevelopment of the historic Bass Building, the Chrest Fraser Block (SKIN Clinics), and Prairie Lofts. The Eddy is their first new construction we have undertaken in Brandon's downtown. After using 1200 Pacific as a parking lot and storage warehouse for the past decade, we are excited about redeveloping it into residential units together with the Keller Group."

City of Brandon