Brandon City Council Approves 2026 Budget Focused on Sustainable Growth and Core Services

Brandon, MB — Brandon City Council has officially approved the 2026 municipal budget, emphasizing continuous improvement in operational processes to foster sustainable growth. This budget reflects a commitment not only to maintaining essential services, but also to strengthening our city and ensuring long-term sustainability and effective service delivery.

The 2026 municipal budget includes a tax requirement increase of 7.4%, translating to a 6.7% increase in the municipal portion of the average property owner's tax bill.

Major Projects Supporting Sustainable Growth include:

·       $50.3 million for water and wastewater treatment infrastructure, including the ongoing expansion of the Water Treatment Facility

·       $27.1 million for land drainage projects, including the Southeast Drainage Project and the Cemetery Naturalized Stormwater Pond Project

·       $21.5 million for wastewater infrastructure enhancements and preservation, including the Southwest Wastewater Servicing Project and watermain replacement at 1st Street and Victoria Avenue

·       $17.8 million for facilities infrastructure

·       $13.5 million for transportation projects, including two roundabouts at 18th Street North and Braecrest Drive and 26th Street and Maryland Avenue, completion of 26th Street, and a pedestrian corridor at Victoria Avenue and Russell Street

·       Purchase of four transit buses and refurbishment of the remaining transit fleet

Additional budget highlights include:

·       The return of weekly recycling collection year‑round

·       Development of a Diversion Depot at the Eastview Landfill

·       A third‑party snow clearing pilot program

·       Crosswalk enhancements and improved accessibility at transit bus stops

·       Improvements to community spaces including community gardens, playgrounds, and dog parks

·       Design work for a future outdoor aquatic facility pool

·       Increased funding for community organizations

“This budget ensures Brandon families can count on core municipal services while we invest responsibly in our city’s future,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett. “This year’s budget puts essential services at the forefront by ensuring clean water, safe streets, and a vibrant, accessible community. As the backbone of our city, we’re focused on maintaining and strengthening these vital supports while continuing our plan for financial sustainability that began last year.”

“We also extend our appreciation to the Province of Manitoba for their investment in more than $1 million in key infrastructure projects in Brandon, including the Eastview Landfill, Andrews Field, and the Brandon Community Sportsplex, which has helped us keep municipal taxes down,” Fawcett added. “By centering the 2026 budget on core services and reprioritizing infrastructure maintenance and upgrades, City Council is confident that we’re reinforcing Brandon’s future and keeping our city resilient, livable, and thriving.”