Politics · Canada · 2 hrs ago
Brandon seeks a way to deal with long-vacant downtown buildings
Brandon’s vacant McKenzie Seeds building looms over downtown in Manitoba’s second-largest city.
The seven-storey former seed company headquarters has been empty since the 1980s, despite several unsuccessful attempts to redevelop it.
The derelict property is a safety risk, with damaged windows and a deteriorating roof; vacant buildings can also face fire, collapse and contamination hazards.
People without housing may enter abandoned buildings to find shelter, and fires can start accidentally.
Brandon has limited power to act when owners pay taxes, while some of the largest vacant properties are held by numbered companies based outside Manitoba.
Mayor Jeff Fawcett has pressed the province for help, and city safety staff say they may have to consider more drastic steps by next year if no solution is found.
Brandon is seeking ways to address long-vacant and derelict buildings in its downtown.
The former McKenzie Seeds building, vacant since the 1980s, is a prominent example.
Several housing and commercial proposals to redevelop the building have failed.
Mayor Jeff Fawcett has pressed Manitoba’s provincial government for help.
City officials say the building is a safety concern and a blight, while warning that they may consider more drastic steps if no solution is found.
- Who
- Brandon officials, including Mayor Jeff Fawcett, are seeking a way to address derelict buildings.
- What
- The city is trying to deal with long-vacant downtown buildings, including the former McKenzie Seeds building.
- When
- The building has been vacant since the 1980s. A redevelopment proposal was promoted as recently as the summer before the article was published.
- Where
- Brandon, Manitoba.
- Why
- Derelict buildings are an eyesore and can pose safety hazards, including fire and structural risks.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The former McKenzie Seeds building has been vacant.
Housing projects and commercial ventures have tried, without success, to revitalize or redevelop the building.
A commercial venture to redevelop the building was touted, but no proposal has succeeded.
- McKenzie Seeds building
- 120,000 square feet
- Building height
- Seven storeys
- Vacant since
- The 1980s
- Location
- Brandon, Manitoba
- Mayor
- Jeff Fawcett
What people are saying
I will admit it’s a blight on our city. It’s an issue we have to keep coming back to
Because it’s still one of our tallest buildings and it’s located so centrally that you can see it from quite afar, it’s certainly a sad sight
So, if someone who is homeless comes in there and wants to keep warm, they’re not an arsonist, but that’s usually how fires there can start
Sources
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