The beginnings of the groundwork for a multi-million dollar development that has generated a significant amount of local interest look to be underway this week on Gambler First Nation land off of Brandon’s 18th Street North.
Crews could be seen on Wednesday removing the many trees and bushes on-site where future construction of Gambler First Nation Business Park would take place, an initial step that would be required to develop the site in accordance with plans announced last year.
It could not be confirmed by the time of this posting when full-scale development may start on the land nor what may be planned as part of any initial construction. Last spring it was stated in an announcement alongside a groundbreaking ceremony on the land that the commercial development when complete was to include a gas station, convenience store, commercial rental units, office complex, medical centre, as well as a hotel and entertainment centre. Some local dialogue ensued at that time around the possibility for a gaming centre at the site. Billboard signage on display advertising leasing opportunities at the location focuses on the gas bar, office, retail, restaurant and hotel.
The 7.57 acre section of land located to the Northeast of the intersection of 18th Street North and Clare Avenue was officially given reserve status by the federal government as per a June 22 letter published on Gambler’s website. Since that time little outward change in the area could be noted save for a Fall City of Brandon project that saw water main installation beneath Clare Avenue that would serve current and future city properties as well as presumably the Gambler development.
Water main installation at Clare Ave in October
Ground breaking ceremony at the site in May 2019
A Land Designation referendum was being held this week of Gambler First Nation members, the results of which I was unable to obtain as of the time of this post on Friday morning. As part of verbiage posted on the First Nation’s website in January regarding the referendum, it’s said that Gambler council “expect that the designation of the Brandon Reserve Lands will promote and provide for the revenue base needed to overcome obstacles to social and governance development, while moving toward self-reliance.”