You won't believe what's coming to Winnipeg
Morning from the Wheat City — here's what's driving Brandon today.
I saw something on the wire this morning that really got me thinking, and frankly, a bit frustrated. They're converting a former protein-processing plant just outside Winnipeg into an AI data centre. Bell Canada is behind it, taking over what used to be Merit Functional Foods in the CentrePort industrial park. Now, don't get me wrong, AI and tech are important, but when I see an industrial building, especially one meant for food processing, getting repurposed like that so close to the provincial capital, it makes you wonder about the bigger picture for places like Brandon.
### The Big Picture for Westman
You know Brandon's got a $2.9 billion economy. We're a city that grows wheat, yes, but also processes food, manufactures, and moves goods. We've got the space, the workforce (that Maple Leaf Foods plant isn't running itself), and the logistical advantages. When a major industrial facility near Winnipeg shifts from protein processing to data processing, it highlights a potential missed opportunity for Westman. We're constantly working to attract and retain these kinds of industrial anchors.
* **Industrial Land:** We have prime industrial land available, from the Corral Centre area to the land near Behlen Industries. * **Workforce:** Our immigrant population is growing, providing a ready and willing workforce for manufacturing and processing. * **Connectivity:** Brandon is a hub for rail and road, crucial for any large-scale industrial operation.
This isn't just about wishing every project came our way, but about recognizing where the province's economic development focus is landing. Brandon is projected to hit 80,000 people by 2040; we need that industrial backbone to keep pace with our growth, especially as housing development struggles to keep up with demand. We're a city with a future, and that future needs jobs that keep our economy diversified beyond just the agricultural sector.
That's the buzz from 18th Street.
The team on the morning show is digging into this, you should hear their take live at mornings.live.