Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett delivered his 2026 State of the City address on Thursday, outlining a year of strong growth, major investments, and new opportunities shaping the city’s future. Speaking to business and community leaders at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Fawcett described Brandon as a rapidly growing prairie centre that is expanding its role in Manitoba’s and Canada’s economic landscape.
Fawcett said Brandon’s momentum is being driven by a focus on economic development, workforce readiness, and long‑term infrastructure planning. He noted that the city continues to strengthen its position as a regional hub, contributing to both provincial and national prosperity.
A key theme of the address was collaboration. Over the past four years, the mayor has championed partnerships across government, education, Indigenous leadership, and local organizations. Central to that effort is Grow Brandon, a first‑of‑its‑kind community‑driven economic development model designed to align priorities and accelerate investment. Fawcett said the initiative is already helping position Brandon for sustained growth.
One of the most significant opportunities ahead, he added, is the expansion underway at CFB Shilo. With the potential for thousands of new military personnel to arrive in the coming years, the city is working closely with base leadership and community partners to prepare for increased housing needs, workforce demand, and service delivery. Fawcett emphasized the value military families bring to the community, saying the goal is to make Brandon one of the best places in Canada for them to settle.
Public safety and core services were also highlighted. Recent investments include enhanced policing resources, mental‑health crisis response teams, in‑house paramedics at detention facilities, and preparations for the rollout of body‑worn cameras in 2026.
Housing remains a major focus as well. More than 400 new units have been added recently, supported by approximately $150 million in construction activity this year. Private‑sector confidence continues to rise, with record building‑permit values and hundreds of millions of dollars invested in commercial, industrial, and residential development since 2020.
Fawcett closed his address by encouraging business and community leaders to embrace the opportunities ahead, saying Brandon is becoming the vibrant, mid‑sized city residents envision. He stressed the importance of confronting challenges directly and building a strong foundation for future generations.
The full State of the City address will be available on the City of Brandon’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/cityofbrandonmb
