Brandon MB | Developments & Discussions

[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 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵 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 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵 is a problem for anybody. The idea being that since every person with a 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵 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 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵.

[newflyer]

While I agree that casinos are not socially beneficial ... the province shows significant financial returns on these facilities, even after paying for 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵 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 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵, 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 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵 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 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵, mega latenight clubs, legalized 🞵🞵🞵 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.

[Arcticwolf33]

Is Brandon going to continue to lag behind or is the city going to step up?

A 30 year plan to me is not good enough I think. It would've been nice to see images of what is planned.

If Calgary and Edmonton can hold their own in Alberta.
What's wrong with this picture of Brandon not taking it to the next level?
You think they would want to draw big developers to draft up plans to give the city a much needed boost it needs.
Building 25 story apartments, condos, office buildings would help attract people to want to work and live there. Just having 1 Superstore, 1 Walmart, 1 Giant Tiger is not going to cut it. I don't remember if Brandon has a mall still.

Brandon has a ton of potential of turning into something special, but at the pace they're going.
It will never happen. In due time, Brandon will be wanting to move the train tracks as well.

I wonder if Brandon has fixed the issue from having another flood. I know it's something they don't need and no one needs to hear about.

https://winnipegsun.com/news/battle-lines-being-drawn-in-brandon-over-15-minute-city-plan

[FactaNV]

You're backwards here. The city needs jobs before they can develop and build. They need to grow the local economy to support people coming to the city, only then can they build fancy towers, amenities and offices.

[blueandgoldguy]

Who started these silly "15 minute cities will restrict our freedom" conspiracy theories? Russian Bots? Alex Jones?

[BlackDog204]

Originally Posted by Arcticwolf33

Is Brandon going to continue to lag behind or is the city going to step up?

A 30 year plan to me is not good enough I think. It would've been nice to see images of what is planned.

If Calgary and Edmonton can hold their own in Alberta.
What's wrong with this picture of Brandon not taking it to the next level?
You think they would want to draw big developers to draft up plans to give the city a much needed boost it needs.
Building 25 story apartments, condos, office buildings would help attract people to want to work and live there. Just having 1 Superstore, 1 Walmart, 1 Giant Tiger is not going to cut it. I don't remember if Brandon has a mall still.

Brandon has a ton of potential of turning into something special, but at the pace they're going.
It will never happen. In due time, Brandon will be wanting to move the train tracks as well.

I wonder if Brandon has fixed the issue from having another flood. I know it's something they don't need and no one needs to hear about.

https://winnipegsun.com/news/battle-lines-being-drawn-in-brandon-over-15-minute-city-plan

This is just not realistic.

Brandon is a small city with 50,000 people. Right now, it can be argued that Winnipeg should not be compared to Calgary or Edmonton, since Calgary is on pace to double the population of Winnipeg in 10 years, with Edmonton not too far behind.

Brandon will never be populated enough to build 25 story buildings. Red Deer and Lethbridge now have nearly twice the population of Brandon, and the largest building on Red Deer is 9-10 stories, IIRC. Even Saskatoon does not have a 25 story building (their largest building is 18 stories), and it's 6 times the population of Brandon.

[wags_in_the_peg]

1 family controls (estimate) 80% construction in Brandon. They have their finger (and both hands) in apartments, condo, commercial & land development. also own WHL franchise, minor hockey "elite" academy, hockey rinks, etc.

[Arcticwolf33]

Originally Posted by FactaNV

You're backwards here. The city needs jobs before they can develop and build. They need to grow the local economy to support people coming to the city, only then can they build fancy towers, amenities and offices.

Sorry for how it sounded. I know Brandon and Winnipeg equally is not the same as Calgary and Edmonton.

I just believe their 30yr vision is a bit off. A 50yr vision would sound a lot better with an idea of what the city could look like. If they follow Saskatoon's model. Everything will be fine.

[VANRIDERFAN]

Brandon used to have a very vibrant downtown, but then the Brandon Shoppers Mall was created on the south end of the city and the downtown slowly started to die. The final bullet came from the idiocy of the flood plain development at the north end.

I have no idea how the downtown could be revitalized but railing against the 15 minute city is helping nobody.

[EdwardTH]

Originally Posted by blueandgoldguy

Who started these silly "15 minute cities will restrict our freedom" conspiracy theories? Russian Bots? Alex Jones?

It seems like after things went back to normal after covid, and it turned out to not be a conspiracy to turn us all into lizard people or whatever, the conspiracy nuts needed something new to feel persecuted about and the youtube grifters that pander to them needed something new to keep their views up. So along came the whole "gov't wants to lock you up in districts" thing, probably egged on by russian interference.

[harls]

Originally Posted by VANRIDERFAN

Brandon used to have a very vibrant downtown, but then the Brandon Shoppers Mall was created on the south end of the city and the downtown slowly started to die. The final bullet came from the idiocy of the flood plain development at the north end.

I have no idea how the downtown could be revitalized but railing against the 15 minute city is helping nobody.

Yeah, I lived there for a few years back in the late 90s. Downtown just seems hollowed out now.

Good memories of the Double Decker tavern and that movie theater that showed Titanic for like a year.

edit - The Strand -

1959



2005




2015


https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/2087


Now replaced by a parking lot:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/GPFhuTCbz1YUG1Tp6

[VANRIDERFAN]

^^
������
The Strand in Brandon. The Galaxy in Killarney. Great memories and all gone.
Actually the destruction of Killarney’s Main Street is even more depressing.

[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 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵 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