Discussions

Brandon was the only city in Western Canada to have a Central Steam Heating system. It was established by the Electric Light and Power Company and worked very successfully. It enabled merchants and manufacturers to heat their premises at a low cost, while relieving them of all trouble in maintaining furnaces and electrical systems, which greatly reduced the risk of fire. The exhaust steam from the Power Plant on Tenth Street was piped into businesses to heat them, and thus by disposing of waste steam at a profit, the Electric Light and Power Company was able to produce electric power cheaply, and could come to favourable terms with large manufacturers. The capacity of this Power Plant was great enough to allow for the development of a number of important industries, and also against Mayoralty wishes, Aldermen approved of a contract with the Brandon Electric Light Company to supply Tramcar power at two cents per kilowatt-hour. By 1920 this second source of power was expanded, and it was taken over by Canada Gas and Electric Corporation of Brandon in 1921. This Company was formed with the consolidation of the Brandon Electric Light Company Ltd, and the Brandon Gas and Power Company, the latter was established by Cyrus Eaton of the Abott-Eaton Company. The Manitoba Power Commission took over this company in 1931. Electric Power was also brought to Brandon from the Little Saskatchewan River about eight miles away. By 1920, this generating plant was closed. The Canada Gas & Electric Corporation of Brandon dismantled it after the purchase of the company in 1924. The steam heating system at first was confined to the business section of the city, but later it was extended to the residential districts. The Prince Edward Hotel of the Canadian Northern Railway used steam from the central steam heating system for heating purposes as well as cooking and washing. Later the Manitoba Power Commission operated the Generating Station, and on September 13th, 1957 the chimney exploded killing two employees, Mr. Thomas Tawse, and Mr. Fred Morden, it also hospitalised six others.  
 
Source: Brandon Sun Archives. Daly House Archives.