My name is Brian Branch, and I’m running in Ward 1 for Moncton City Council in the May 11 municipal election. I believe that together, we can design a great future and a great city.
I’m a fully bilingual graphic designer and creative director with 35 years of experience turning problems and challenges into clear, practical solutions. I’ve lived in Moncton since the mid-1990s. I’m the father of two young adults, which keeps me closely connected to what different generations need from a growing city: safe streets, affordable housing, reliable services, and neighbourhoods that feel welcoming and complete.
Throughout my career, and as business owner for almost 30 years, my work has been about listening carefully, understanding real needs, balancing budgets and timelines, and delivering results. That same mindset – clarity, accountability, and follow-through – is what I want to bring to City Council as Ward 1 councillor.
I believe a city is something we shape with purpose. Designing a better city means focusing on everyday lived experience: safer streets for everyone, strong core services, healthy and connected neighbourhoods, and growth that’s thoughtful rather than chaotic. It also means communicating clearly and consistently, so residents understand what’s being decided, why it matters, and how we’re measuring progress.
I also recognize that issues like housing affordability and community safety are real concerns for many people. I don’t believe in fear-based messaging or simple answers to complicated problems. As councillor, my approach will be to take concerns seriously, focus on what the city can influence directly, work collaboratively, supporting partners who share responsibility, and measure outcomes so we can adjust when something isn’t working. My promise is steady leadership and representation: listen first, make evidence-informed decisions, and deliver practical improvements people can see and feel in their daily lives.
My career has taught me that design is about making things work for people, and that every problem has a solution. A city should do the same for its people.
Community Involvement
I’ve been actively involved in community and environmental initiatives in Moncton since the late 90s.
Environment
I was closely involved in the restoration of the Petitcodiac River for two decades – once considered one of Canada’s most endangered rivers – as an active member of the Petitcodiac Riverkeeper. Among many projects, I supported the organization’s successful efforts to remove the abandoned Humphrey Brook dam in Lewisville, and most notably the removal of the Petitcodiac Causeway, built in the 60s.
Cycling advocacy
For many years, I’ve been involved with Moncton’s bicycle co-op La Bikery and currently serve as Chair of the Board of Directors, we support access to affordable cycling, skill-building, and sustainable transportation. I’m also a founding member of the Active Transportation Coalition of Moncton, advocating for safer streets, better walking and cycling infrastructure, and people-first mobility network.
Heritage
A couple years ago, I was appointed to serve on the City of Moncton Heritage Conservation Board, where I sit as vice-Chair. The Board exists to advise the City of Moncton on matters of built heritage, research and document local heritage architecture, and promote Moncton’s history through its historic buildings and places. It also helps administer and apply the City’s Heritage Conservation By-law (Z-1116) and supports programs that encourage preservation, such as heritage plaques/awards, Heritage Week and heritage grant programs.
Creative
On the creative side, I serve on the board of Creative Union, helping strengthen Moncton’s creative sector by bringing designers, artists, and creatives together under one umbrella, creating a member-based space where people can connect, collaborate, and support one another and hopefully shape a better World through design.