Unfortunately, in today’s world, we’re all too familiar with the word scam. As defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary it’s “a fraudulent or deceptive act or operation”. Sadly, this is something that we have been hearing about more and more in the rental world. In the city of Brandon, there are hundreds of rental options available. Some are managed by property management companies and some are managed by private individuals or unlicensed property managers. There are many local investors and small business owners that are doing a great job of self-managing their properties, however, it only takes a few bad apples to spoil the bunch. A new trend that has surfaced recently is rental scams. A rental scam is when someone advertises an apartment for rent that either doesn’t exist or the person who is promoting the property is not the true property manager/landlord. The con artist will go to great lengths to appear legitimate. Their end goal is to collect your personal information (identify theft), get a deposit of funds or both. As Vionell Holdings is a licensed property management company, we have procedures that we follow to qualify our tenants. We are looking for renters who are financially qualified, responsible, and respectable. Of course, we get the occasional tenant that is perhaps not ideal, but we at least made the effort to find good neighbours for our existing tenants. As we continue to hunt for ideal tenants, as a renter or potential renter you should be on the hunt for an ideal property manager. As we screen renters, you should screen the property manager to ensure you don’t fall prey to a rental scam. Some things to watch out for, include: Look for ads that are posted by a reputable, preferably licensed, property management company. These companies are legitimate and are required to follow guidelines that protect not only them but you as well. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Under market rent? No application processing? No credit checks or screening? Is the landlord eager to request a deposit before obtaining information from you? Perhaps, a little too convenient, don’t you think? Remember these imposters may not even want your personal information and are just out to get a quick deposit. They’ll often create a sense of urgency to encourage you to send them money without thinking it through. NEVER send a security deposit to hold a unit via e-transfer if you do not know the property management company or the landlord. It also wouldn’t be advised to put down a deposit on a unit that you haven’t physically been in. As well, do not send a deposit even if the landlord has ensured you that it is refundable. Ask for references from past or current tenants. If a property manager is legitimate, this shouldn’t be a problem. If they hesitate or are not able to provide any, it is likely that you should continue your search for a different property. Use Google maps as a tool to ensure the property exists, especially if you’re not all that familiar with Brandon. If you are able to, it’s a good idea to drive by the property. However, keep in mind that just because it exists does not mean the person advertising the property owns it or is responsible for it. Never provide personal information in response to an ad. Contact the person or company that published the ad by telephone and ask to view the property. Provide your name and contact information (telephone number or email), but nothing more. There is no need to provide any other personal information in order to view a property. If you do find a property that you feel ready to commit to, do not give out your social insurance number. A standard application does not require this, nor is it required for screening and credit checks. When apartment hunting, visits the websites of property management companies. They will have vacancies posted that you can safely assess. If you find a property that suits your needs schedule a time to view the property in person with the property manager or leasing agent.   Vionell Holdings Partnership (VHP) provides rental housing and property management for an array of residential and commercial customers, including Condominium Management. VHP currently has nearly 4,000 units under management in Manitoba. VHP has committed to constructing 128 multi-family residential units in Portage la Prairie. The first 32 units are open and available for occupancy. For more information please visit www.vhproperties.ca

Weather and hill conditions permitting, the Valley View Tubing Hill opens for the season Friday, December 27th for public sledding. For those looking looking for an affordable way to have fun and get active this winter then this is the place for you. Located 5 miles south of MacGregor, Manitoba on Road 59W (Rosehill Road) and 1 mile west on Rd 60N, the tubing hill offers visitors a fully groomed hill, tow rope system, outdoor warm-up area with fire pit, and a chalet building with bathrooms, wood stove, tables, and canteen. In addition to public sledding, the facility is also available for private rentals.  Check out their web site for rental rates, hours of operation, or for more information on the facility.

A winter sleigh ride is a wonderful way to take in the sights and sounds of winter. It’s also a perfect way to enjoy this winter wonderland during family outings, wedding parties, staff parties, and holidays. Our Lil Barnyard, located approximately 20 minutes from Brandon, offers 40 minute sleigh rides along a beautiful trail through a peaceful snow covered bush on the south side of the Brandon Hills. They also have available a fire-pit area for you to gather around with your group or family. They can accommodate either large (15), or small groups, and are currently accepting bookings most evenings and weekends. To book a ride please contact them at 204-728-3645 or email jenn.neufeld@yahoo.ca. Pricing: $10 per person (minimum $100 fee) $5 per child, 5 and under $20 per 1/2 hour use of the fire-pit

Zoo Lights Festival opened yesterday at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg (2595 Roblin Boulevard). The 32-day winter lights festival is an ideal place to "experience a spectacular display featuring thousands of light installations to bring to life a magically illuminated fictional Manitoban winter town: Polar Town". Zoo Lights Festival is more then just lights. The event also features interactive experiences and warm-up areas, visits from Santa, fire pits, nightly entertainment, a Third + Bird market, live music, and great food. Zoo Lights Festival is a ticketed evening event. The after-hours festival runs between November 30, 2019 and January 5, 2020. For additional information, visit the Zoo Lights Festival website at www.assiniboinepark.ca/zoo-lights-festival.

Joel runs the Brandon Men’s Soccer League and is an avid beer hockey league player in the Wendy’s Winter Hockey League. He is your local Purolator driver as well as an overall good guy. BDNMB.CA felt it is time for Joel Snyder to give us his 20 answers to our 20 questions What should everyone try at least once in their life: Double chocolate chip frap at Starbucks …..game changer You didn’t want to take over the family business, Brandon Ave Electric, was there a reason: My life is not electricity  People you enjoy following on Twitter: @biznasty Last 3 items on your credit card statement: Michael Hill – Sobeys – Cell Phone Quote you live by: DDFC – we do what we want How many hours per day screen time: 2 hours Secret skill: Used to be a kickboxer Who did you vote for and why: I didn’t vote How do you feel about being our youngest person we have asked to do 20 questions: I don’t feel too young Will your WWHL team make the finals this year: NO – we are the oldest team in the league Favorite song: Kiss from a rose: Seal Go to local watering hole: Decker or Tavern Favorite 3 TV shows: The Wire – Ballers – Seinfeld Pickles or Olives: Pickles but not sweet ones Do you know my dogs names: Pepsi and Curlin (that’s impressive) Beckham or Ronaldo and why: Ronaldo ….. Beckham was good Ever have a crush on a school teacher: Student teacher in grade 5 Better hockey player you or your dad: Vern is Do you wear underwear more than one day: Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do If you had a fire what would be the first thing you would take before you left your house: Pets – once in the night the alarm went off ( false one ) and I leaped up and ran through the house and left my GF sleeping on the couch …. She wasn’t happy.