2026 Municipal Budget Deliberations Recap - Day 1

Brandon, MB - Brandon City Council completed the first day of 2026 municipal budget deliberations today, following divisional presentations from Corporate Services, Brandon Police Service, Brandon Fire & Emergency Services, Development Services, and Operational Services.

The proposed 2026 municipal budget is focused on maintaining essential services, managing growth, and planning responsibly for the future. Across all divisions, Council heard a consistent emphasis on delivering core services while making targeted investments that support public safety, critical infrastructure, and long‑term sustainability.

Through a combination of budget adjustments, surplus allocations, and Council decisions made during several pre-budget special meetings, the previously projected property tax increase of 10.6% has been reduced to a proposed increase of 6.6% in the municipal portion of the property tax bill. For an average single family residential property, the municipal portion of the 2026 property tax bill would be approximately $2,453 annually.

Next Steps

Council will continue with the formal budget deliberation process tomorrow, Sat, Jan. 31, 2026, starting at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers. Council will deliberate various initiatives and proposed amendments as part of the 2026 budget process.

The meeting is open to the public and media to attend in person or to follow online. Residents are encouraged to watch the deliberations live on the City of Brandon’s YouTube channel (@CityofBrandonMB). Westman Communications Group (WCGtv) will also live‑stream the meeting.

Clarification Regarding Brandon Sign

Due to miscommunication, it was reported that Council would be deliberating a $6‑million Brandon sign. This is incorrect. Council is instead considering a proposal to allocate $350,000 within the capital plan toward a Brandon sign and necessary site preparation. The estimated total project cost is approx. $600,000, with partial funding to come from the Accommodation Tax Reserve, as well as an intention to pursue grant and/or private funding for the remaining portion.

Some of the proposed operating enhancements include:

• Diversion Depot staffing
• Customer service and accessibility improvements
• Asset management and infrastructure maintenance
• Third‑party snow clearing pilot program
• Grader operator training program
• Police Digital Evidence Management Unit
• Business process improvements
• Procurement initiatives
• Recruitment and retention initiatives

Some of the key capital projects include:

• Water Treatment Facility upgrade
• Southeast Drainage Project – Phase II, including the Naturalized Stormwater Cemetery Pond project
• Southwest Brandon wastewater servicing project
• Purchase of transit buses
• Transit stop accessibility upgrades
• Transportation network enhancements (new roundabouts at 18th St. N. & Braecrest Dr., and at 26th St. & Maryland Ave.)
• Active transportation enhancements (crosswalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian corridors)
• Upgrades to Andrew’s Field changerooms and washrooms
• Downtown washroom
• Implementation of police body‑worn cameras
• Tree planting and naturalization at the Canada Packers Sports Complex
• Sportsplex parking lot renewal