The City of Brandon, Manitoba, is asking people to review and comment on the proposed 2026 city budget. This public review is a chance for homeowners and businesses to see how the city plans to spend money on priorities such as emergency services, transit and road repairs.
The preliminary plan explores a possible double-digit property tax increase to help pay for essential services and rising costs. According to CBC News, the city is trying to balance these costs against what taxpayers can afford. A city-commissioned MNP report — summarized in a Brandon Sun opinion column — warned of more than $100 million in backlogged repair work on local infrastructure.
Residents can submit their feedback online through the Participate Brandon portal on the City of Brandon website or by visiting City Hall in person. The City of Brandon will also host an informal “Coffee with Council” event on January 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., where people can speak directly with local leaders in the City Hall foyer.
In past years, final tax increases have been lower than initial proposals after council deliberations that considered public feedback and other factors. For example, Q Country 91.5FM reported that the 2025 tax hike was passed at 6.9 per cent after an original proposed increase of about 11.7 per cent. City council will hold its final budget meetings on January 30 and January 31, 2026, to set the final rates for the year.
