Province Allocates $854K for Brandon School Division Projects

The Manitoba government has issued a promissory note valued at $854,100 to the Brandon School Division to fund critical infrastructure projects across four different school sites. This announcement was made by Superintendent Mathew Gustafson, who emphasized the importance of the funding in addressing ongoing facility upgrades throughout the district.

The financial support will cover partial costs for several significant initiatives. These include the installation of a modular classroom at Meadows School, roof replacement at Kirkcaldy Heights School, crawlspace remediation at École secondaire Neelin High School, and the acquisition of land in southwest Brandon for a future K-8 school. The promissory note structure allows for reimbursement in stages as the projects progress.

“This authorization allows us to proceed, with the province reimbursing us at different stages,” Gustafson explained. “The modular classroom at Meadows School represents the largest share of the note, while the land purchase involves smaller amounts linked to additional project support.”

The need for such funding is underscored by a report last year indicating that school divisions across Manitoba face severe infrastructure challenges, with an estimated collective cost running into the hundreds of millions. The Brandon School Division is home to some of the oldest schools in the province, many of which require urgent repairs to vital systems, including roofs, boilers, and HVAC units.

The planned K-8 school in southwest Brandon is part of a broader strategy to address growth and capacity pressures in the area. Rezoning for the site was approved earlier this summer, paving the way for the construction of a school that is designed to accommodate up to 1,000 students, with an anticipated opening in the 2027-28 school year.

Gustafson detailed the allocation of the promissory note, noting that the modular classroom project will account for more than $525,000 of the funding. Approximately $143,000 is designated for the roof project at Kirkcaldy Heights, while around $167,000 is allocated for crawlspace remediation at Neelin. About $18,600 has been earmarked for the land purchase in southwest Brandon.

“A lot of these amounts cover early-stage expenses like design and tendering,” Gustafson stated, indicating that several projects are still in the planning phases. While the provincial commitment helps address immediate concerns, he highlighted that the division’s infrastructure needs remain extensive.

“We’re very appreciative of the number of projects funded by the province,” Gustafson said. “But we still have a significant number of roofs, boilers, and other systems like brickwork, wastewater pipes, and emergency lighting that need attention. Some projects will take multiple years to complete, and as our buildings age, new issues will continue to emerge.”

The ongoing maintenance of aging facilities poses challenges for the Brandon School Division, as it must balance immediate needs with future growth. Gustafson explained that when submitting requests to the province, the division prioritizes its most urgent needs across various areas.

“It’s important to understand that our total capital requirements are substantial and will take years to address,” he added. “Emergencies can also arise, which means plans have to adapt.”

To better inform future funding requests, the division plans to reassess the condition of its major building systems this fall, including boilers, HVAC units, and roofing. The results of this assessment will help shape the next round of requests to the provincial government.

“We want to make sure our priorities reflect the most urgent needs,” Gustafson concluded. “While we anticipate new issues will arise as our buildings age, our primary focus remains on ensuring that our facilities are safe and functional for all students.”