Discussions

I’m surprised there is no thread on this yet. The MB Boundary Commission is set to review the boundaries every ten years. Well this is the 10th year! The changes affect Brandon big time.  
 
Currently the entire city is divided into Brandon East & Brandon West, but under these changes this will be no more. The proposed changes splits our city at the river and at 18th Street. The report says, “To accommodate growth in the City of Brandon, the Commission has used the Assiniboine River as a northern boundary. Brandon East (+2.76%) and Brandon West (-5.58%) will be divided by 18th Street. Areas north of the Assiniboine River will be part of the Spruce Woods electoral division. This change recognizes current populations and allows for continued projected growth.”  
 
So with this proposed change we will see everyone North of the river i:ncluded in a completely different electoral district (Spruce Woods) with the rural areas to the East of Brandon.  
 
Personally, while this better reflects the population, it further divides our city. While Winnipeg has so many boundaries and voices at the table our city will be further split. The needs of those people living North of the river are not the same as those living rurally or in smaller communities like Carberry. I just don’t think this is a good idea.  
 
Sources:  
1. www.boundariescommission.mb.ca/wp-content/uploads/edbc-interim-report-2018-en.pdf  
2. www.google.ca/amp/s/globalnews.ca/news/4217503/manitoba-boundaries-commission-proposes-changes-to-all-57-ridings-adding-one-to-winnipeg/amp/  
3. www.brandonsun.com/local/proposed-changes-to-provincial-electoral-map-put-north-hill-in-spruce-woods-constituency-483104483.html

Although the population numbers equal all areas, roughly 21,000 to 23,500, it totally ignores the natural and economic boundaries that people actually created, by their shopping, doctoring, and recreational activities. Our community will now be lumped in with our Westerly neighbours, cutting out a vast number of people to the East that come to our community in droves. We have more "In common" interests with the communitees East of us, thus splitting the political will to develope future growth.

Feels like a raw deal to everyone living north of the river. Totally different sets of issues rural vs urban and wonder why they didn't include the area in Brandon-West.

I haven't seen anything substantial from any political party stating they are concerned or care about any of us north of the river regarding the changes to the boundaries. So thanks for that. When it was first announced I expected a lot of discussion/uproar. Nothing. The parties don't care so I won't care either when it comes to throwing my support around.  
 
Edited by Hackeda, 2018-08-14 12:31:15

I think the days of Brandon East vs west are long gone and should be left in the dust bin. Politically the balance has changed and now with our diversity we should concentrate on communities. East end, Waverly,south end or brook wood when it comes to internal city matters. Rural vs Urban. The north will continue to grow and certainly the river is a good natural split. The urban rural issue up north is far more easily managed than A Brandon Souris federal type thing. No one in between had issues that seemed to cause grief. It certainly will be interesting this coming election.  
 
Edited by Doug, 2018-08-14 13:29:34

Give it time, when the committee meets again in 10 years Brandon will be big enough to have three ridings.

live in Brandon, pay Brandon taxes and should be considered to be in Brandon east to vote. Leave it be!

There is a public hearing in Brandon (Victoria Inn) on Sept. 13. If you are unhappy about the proposed changes you can voice your concerns.  
 
http://www.boundariescommission.mb.ca/public_hearings/