A City of Brandon media release states the “City administration will be presenting a “Paying for Growth” session to City Council on January 10, 2023, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall (410 – 9th Street) to provide an overview, the financial implications, and options to pay for growth in our community. This special meeting will focus on the Southwest Brandon Wastewater Servicing Project. Although not a public discussion, members of the public are welcome to attend to observe and gain more information on the topic.
The “Paying for Growth” session is the second in a series of four events aimed at improving an understanding of how, where, and when we grow our community. The first event, “Planning for Growth” was held on December 12, 2022. Following this second event, a public open house will take place Tuesday, January 17 from 5 – 7 p.m. in the City Hall Foyer where the public is invited to review both Planning and Paying for Growth topics. Finally, on Monday, January 23 at 5:30 p.m., a public hearing will take place in Council Chambers at City Hall on the Borrowing By-law No. 7338 where members of the public can state their opinions.
The City of Brandon is planning for population growth to be 63,000 to 65,000 people within 30 years. The City is planning for much of that growth to occur within the south growth area, including lands within the city to accommodate 30-year growth and potential lands for future urban growth to the south of the city to accommodate 50-year growth.
The City has approved multiple land use and infrastructure plans within the south growth area and developers have proceeded with more detailed planning and in some instances have started construction. Almost all the land within the south growth area has servicing limitations. In order for the City to continue growing as planned, new infrastructure must be constructed, including roadways, trails, pipes, pumps, ponds, and parks.
Developers are responsible for constructing on-site infrastructure within the boundaries of new neighbourhoods. The City is generally responsible for construction of off-site infrastructure outside the boundaries of new neighbourhoods. Through the Development Charges By-law No. 7175 passed in 2019, the City collects development charges from developers to contribute to the construction of off-site infrastructure. As the Development Charges By-law is new and there are insufficient funds saved to cover the cost of growth infrastructure (e.g., southwest wastewater servicing project), borrowing is required.
The Southwest Brandon Wastewater Servicing Project is the initial off-site infrastructure project required to continue developing residential and commercial uses in the south growth area. The total cost of the project is estimated at $30 million (Schedule A). Borrowing By-law No. 7338, if approved by Council, would provide authorization for the City to borrow up to $30 million. Since Borrowing By-law No. 7338 was created, the total project is estimated to be $35 million inclusive of two lift stations, associated forcemains, and gravity mains. The final $5 million will be funded by another means other than the noted borrowing.”
Further details on this project can be found at City of Brandon – Southwest Brandon Wastewater Servicing Project. (Related links can be found below)
