OCTOBER 26, 2024 • WESTMAN BUSINESS • THE BRANDON SUN
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Brandon’s economy shows resiliency and growth
Partnerships with Manitoba and In- vest in Canada facilitated a visit from a Korean battery component manu- facturer as part of a Canadian site se- lection process. This effort positioned Brandon favourably, although the com- pany subsequently shifted its North American investment plans in the elec-
BY GERALD CATHCART A s we reflect on the past year, Brandon’s econom- ic landscape has witnessed significant growth and de- velopment across various sectors. Economic Develop- ment Brandon (EDB) has led initiatives aimed at fostering business retention, attracting new investments, and en- hancing the city’s workforce. Industrial and Commercial Expansion: In 2024, Brandon experienced a nota- ble surge in commercial and industrial development. The city issued commer- cial and industrial building permits that exceeded the previous year’s total by $11 million by mid-year, indicat- ing robust growth in construction and investment. Industrial equipment in- vestments have also been substantial, trending at ten times the building per- mit values, significantly boosting the local economy. One standout project is Cascadia Metals’ ambitious expansion, injecting over $25 million into Brandon’s econo- my with a 125,000 square foot facility. This expansion not only strengthens the metals manufacturing sector but also enhanced efficiencies for regional metal shops. Addressing Brandon’s near zero per cent warehouse vacancy rate, efforts are underway to develop much-needed light industrial spaces on First Street North, 14th Street East, and 17th Street East. National real estate companies have indicated the tight market neg- atively influences their clients from taking a closer look at Brandon. EDB is also anticipating additional serviced industrial lots to be added to the land inventory by 2025. Strategic Partnerships and Foreign Investment: EDB engaged actively with strategic partners such as the Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation (RMED), Invest in Canada, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, Office of the Trade Commissioner, and Manitoba Eco- nomic Development Industry Trade and Natural Resources. These collab- orations highlighted Brandon’s invest- ment potential in sectors such as food ingredients, biofuels, and biomaterials.
tric vehicle sector. Green Economy:
Brandon is actively pursuing larger investment opportunities in the green economy, focusing on biofuels derived from canola, soy, and biomass. Green hydrogen is also emerging as a prom- ising source of sustainable fuel in the region. Workforce Development: EDB completed four years of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pi- lot (RNIP), recommending over 400 community placements across vari- ous sectors, including services, trades, technology, and healthcare. Collabora- tions with organizations like Westman Immigrant Services, Brandon Neigh- bourhood Renewal Corporation, Prai- rie Mountain Health, Brandon Univer- sity, and Assiniboine College have been instrumental in facilitating job place- ments and skills development to meet the city’s evolving workforce needs. For next year EDB will be joining the Provincial Nominee Program, further broadening the community’s oppor- tunities to recruit skilled international employees and offer an entrepreneur- ial immigration stream. Downtown Revitalization: The Brandon Downtown Develop- ment Corporation (BDDC) has made significant strides in revitalizing Bran- don’s city core in 2024. Through its grant programs, the BDDC has dis- bursed a total of $443,179.52, catalyz- ing a remarkable $1,719,033.72 in pri- vate capital investment, supporting seventy-seven (77) downtown projects in the process. This collaboration be- tween public and private stakeholders is fostering a vibrant environment for both business growth and community engagement, positioning downtown Brandon as a hub for economic and so- cial development. Notable downtown developments included Dingu Technologies and Car- berry Signs relocating to the historic Brandon Sun building, private sec- tor-led initiatives like indoor pickleball courts, recently announced Brandon Minor Injury Clinic and the redevelop- ment of the retired Greyhound station by Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation.
The water tower at Rideau Park towers over Brandon’s east end on a day in autumn. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)
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Guy Pounder Sales Consultant
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