When it comes to the housing market, we often hear the terms buyer’s market or what might be referred to as the opposite, which is a seller’s market. A buyer’s market is one where the number of houses for sale is plentiful, which keeps the prices down; a seller’s market means there are few houses on the market so the prices tend to be higher. For the past two to three years, Brandon has been in a buyers’ market when it comes to the residential real estate market. Houses were on the market longer than expected and prices have adjusted to the point where they are starting to move again. While the buyer’s/seller’s market is often referencing the purchase of homes, the same principles in market fluctuation also affect the rental market. Vacancy rates for apartments have increased fairly significantly in the last five years. In 2015, the vacancy rate for rentals was 2.5 per cent, it is estimated that by the end of this year the rates will have climbed to 9.8 per cent. In general, this will provide more options for renters when they are looking for accommodations and much of what we’re seeing in the market is based on inflation. The average rental rates have been growing slower than the rate of inflation. This means that if you have a cost of living increase at your work, tied to inflation, you are gaining ground on the rental market in Brandon. *Estimated data based through October 2019 What does this trend mean for renters? If you check the advertisements for apartments on the market, most landlords are offering incentives to fill the vacancies that they have. Some of these incentives include discounted rent on a one-year lease, one month free on a year lease, referral programs offering an incentive to entice your friends or colleagues to rent as well. The opportunity to extend your lease at the current rate (or an even lower rate) for committing to another year. Those looking for an apartment have plenty to choose from. If the market is close to a 10 per cent vacancy rate, you can take your time and select a place that not only fits your budget but has the amenities you’re looking for. As of today, Vionell Holdings has nearly 20 two-bedroom units available for immediate possession for less than $960 per month. The median income in Brandon is $56,694, therefore the affordable rent for the market is defined as $969. This means that not only is there an abundance of available rentals in Brandon, but there are many that fit within the affordable housing criteria as defined by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.   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 64 units will be ready for occupancy in the coming months. For more information please visit www.vhproperties.ca.

DJ Red (Jared Weir) has been rocking parties in and around Brandon and the Westman area for more than 19 years. Starting out working for Expressions Entertainment, he cut his teeth doing socials, school dances and wedding receptions. Jared also works for Westman Communications Group as a Tier II, Technical Service Representative. Fast food guilty pleasure: Beef tacos from Taco Time Last three people you followed on Twitter: Chris D' Elia (@chrisdelia), Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) and @AwwwwCats. Career highlight to date: Opening for 2 of my DJ heroes, Skratch Bastid and Grandtheft, or DJing in Churchill (twice) Smallest crowd you ever had to DJ for and the largest crowd as well: I once played at a social where there were less than 20 people in attendance, bride and groom included. Not certain on largest but probably either Sun Of A Beach or Jump City. What movie had the greatest ending: Seven What is on your perennial to-do-list: Loads more traveling. I want to DJ overseas.   What can you not miss on TV: I mostly watch HBO shows. Lately I've been watching the show Barry with Bill Hader How did you make your first dollar: Delivering the Barrie Advance newspaper when I lived in CFB Borden. If you were a cartoon character, what character would you be:  That's a tough one. Maybe a combination of Donatello and Raphael from the old Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon. Can you name three people you would like to throw a dinner party for: Prince, David Bowie, and Tom Petty Most used app on your phone:  Close tie between Instagram, SnapChat, and the Reddit app Can you describe one experience that changed your life: I saw Jack Layton speak at a student leadership conference in Ottawa and it changed the way I looked at Canadian politics and our electoral system What was the first album, or piece of music that you remember buying for yourself: I'm not exactly sure but it would be either Pearl Jam - Ten or Coolio - It Takes A Thief What is one of the most requested songs, at a gig, that you never want to hear again: Currently it's Old Town Road but Call Me Maybe really hurts my ears too. Jennifer Aniston or Jennifer Lawrence, which actress has had the better career: I'm going to have to go with J Law.  She has more range and an Oscar under her belt as well. You've got one day for adventure, what local-ish gem are you going to: Riding Mountain National Park Favourite YouTube channel: The Hydraulic Press channel. It's 2am and the party is winding down, what song do you play to get everyone going again: depends on the setting I guess, but Jump Around by House of Pain or Let Me Clear My Throat by DJ Kool could likely rile them up again. An object you still own from your childhood: A miniature Canada Post box that my Poppa gave me. Least favourite holiday: I don't really have least favourite holiday to be honest, but there's a lot of Christmas music that I really dislike.

Santa will be making his annual visit to the Wheat City during the Brandon Santa Parade which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 16th @ 6:00pm.  A variety of floats will be on-hand along the parade route which covers several blocks around Rosser and Princess Avenues.  All float entries will be considered for several different judging categories including Best Parade Theme,  Best Decorated Vehicle and People's Choice.  Some of last year's winners include Westman Dreams for Kids for Best Parade Theme and the RCA Museum/CFB Shilo for Best Decorated Vehicle. Parade spectators are encouraged to being a non perishable food item in support of Canada Post and their food drive.

Rodman is the owner/operator of Peak Performance & Athletics in Brandon. Peak Performance & Athletics is high-class training facility featuring 2 squash courts, weight room, boxing team, group training, hot tub, and a steam/dry sauna. Members have 24/7 access. He is also an athlete (boxer), trainer, father, coach and property manager. Nickname: Roddy, Bats, Batman Childhood celebrity crush: Paris Hilton :) Favorite All-Time Wheat King: Randy Ponte, Jordan Tootoo (the bash bro’s!) A film you’d watch again tonight: water boy, Southpaw What movie title best describes your life: Goodwill Hunting, Your dream golfing foursome includes yourself and these three people: Charles Barkley, Wayne Gretzky, Post Malone How would you describe yourself in 3 words: hardworking, problem solver, athletic Cheat day, what's your fast-food guilty pleasure: poutine or pizza (maybe both) What's your go-to song to get pumped up before a fight: Ambition (by meek mills, wale) You've got friends visiting Brandon for the first time, where are you taking them: To the boxing event November 9th Best piece of advice you gave been given: keep your hands up. What accomplishment in your career are you most proud of to date: my gym, (Peak Performance) Most famous person you have met: Roger Mayweather, Evander Holyfield, Virgil Hill, Mike Ferland, Walter Gretzky, Clara Hughes, What’s the last adventure you went on: Mexico Who do you follow on Social Media: Mostly gyms, and other fitness influencers Favorite Disney character: Donald Duck What do you do on your days off: days off? Jk usually catch up on paperwork, or hangout with family and friends What did you learn from your biggest failure: keep trying, don’t quit Would you rather have an AC/DC or a Metallica song stuck in your head: Metallica all day!! What is your greatest strength as a boxer: my strength is my biggest strength :)

BRANDON, MB – October 10, 2019 – the City of Brandon has proclaimed October 20th to 26th as “Toastmasters Week” in Brandon. This is all in support of District 64 Toastmasters’ “Toastmasters Week” to be celebrated throughout their jurisdiction from October 20 to October 26. During this week Toastmaster Clubs will be hosting open houses, themed meetings, guest nights, and anniversary celebrations, to be capped off with a gathering of representative members at a Toastmasters Leadership Institute to be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This is the District’s 60th year of service to nearly 100 clubs throughout Manitoba. Last week the Government of Manitoba, Ministry of Education and Training, declared October 20 to 26th as “Toastmasters Week in Manitoba.” Events, news and proclamations are being promoted at this website: https://www.toastmastersweek.com/ Brandon is home to 5 Toastmasters Clubs. Of particular interest this year the SKY-HY Club of Brandon is celebrating 60 years having been among some of the earliest clubs to form in the 1950s. Summit Toastmasters meets Thursdays at 7 am at the Rotary Villas at Crocus Gardens Private Dining Room. SKY-HY Club meets Tuesdays at 6:30 pm at the University of Brandon Clark Hall Room 104 20/20 Club meets Tuesdays at 4:30 pm at Rotary Villas Unit A. Core Communicators meets every second week (the 2nd and 4th Thursday) every month at 12 noon at Studio 78 29 10th street. BLT meets Thursdays at 12 noon at the A.R.McDiarmid Building - Kavanagh Room District 64 Toastmasters – manages the 101 clubs with a total of 1,400 members of Manitoba, North Western Ontario and North Western Minnesota and this year is celebrating 60 years of service. Their mission is to build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. Toastmasters International - is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., the organization's membership exceeds 357,000 in more than 16,600 clubs in 143 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter. (submitted)