Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon’s Community Services Department is pleased to advise the public that the outdoor skating oval located immediately west of the Parks Complex on McGregor Avenue will officially open for the winter season on as of 4 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, December 22nd.  Hours of operation at the oval will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. through the course of the winter season, weather-permitting. The oval is developed each year by Community Services staff and provides for warming shacks, portable washroom facilities, flood lighting, ambient music, and fire pits to cook on or warm up around. In addition, the Manitoba Hydro Power Smart Waterfall of Lights is also lit until 11 p.m. each evening so the public can skate around the oval and take in the brilliant, festive displays. The public should note that while use of the skating oval is FREE, it is unsupervised, with no sticks, pucks or pets allowed on the ice surface. The public is encouraged to park in designated areas on McGregor Avenue or Hilton Avenue, as NO public vehicles are allowed in the direct area of the Power Smart Waterfall of Lights display or the skating oval. For more information on public winter activities provided by the City of Brandon’s Community Services Department, call 204-729-2148.

With a new year approaching, many of us take the time to review our financial goals and investment opportunities. If you’re looking to make changes to your investment portfolio why not consider an investment in rental property? Rental properties have proven to be a stable investment option in the Brandon area and are a good addition to your portfolio that may already include investments in Registered Retirement Savings Plans or a Tax-Free Savings Accounts. There are a number of advantages and benefits to investing in rental properties. In terms of dollars and cents, you receive a monthly cash flow, which is secure and predictable as long as the rental property is occupied. As well, you pay less tax as certain expenses such as mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, property management, capital cost allowance (depreciation) and utility bills, as all of these items are allowable expenses for tax purposes. In addition, if you have losses for tax purposes on your rental property, you can deduct it from other sources of income. From a community economic point-of-view, an investment in rental properties means that you are contributing indirectly to the economy through job creation (construction jobs, maintenance, etc.) and are having a positive impact on the community by creating much needed housing options. These socially responsible actions go a long way! As you look to the future and other advantages, you quickly learn that you are earning equity in the property as you pay down the mortgage. This equity that you build in the investment will allow you to sell the property or borrow against it to purchase more real estate or invest elsewhere. As well, with the cost of construction increasing each year, the value of your property will increase as well. This is generally based on cash flow generated at market rental rates. If you are at all concerned with the day-to-day challenges of dealing with rental properties, one of the best options is to enter a contract with a licensed property manager. For a small fee, a property manager will take care of screening tenants, showing the units, scheduling move in or move out appointments or maintenance, collecting rent and handling after hours complaints or emergencies. The end result is that you end up with a great, stress-free investment with all the benefits. To find out more about investing in rental property real estate, contact a local property manager or real estate agent.

A small collection of photos of Christmas light displays in Brandon.  Photos courtesy of Shae Hedley and Cesha Hedley.

Brandon Tourism is pleased to announce that the Brandon Tourist Greeter program celebrates its 30th anniversary this year! What began with just a handful of members visiting campgrounds in 1988, has flourished into a dynamic and busy program with over 40 active volunteers! This unique volunteer based program is one-of-a-kind in North America, sending local Tourist Greeters to special events throughout the city - such as Royal Manitoba Winter Fair and the Arabian Horse Show – where the Greeters distribute Brandon Visitor’s Guides, city maps and hospitality packages that include community event listings, coupons to local businesses, and much more! The Greeters also continue to work a very busy summer schedule visiting our local campgrounds to hand out hospitality packages and welcome the campers to our community! Sponsored by Brandon Tourism/ Brandon Riverbank Inc. this program plays a key role in the promotion of the city and is a definite asset to the community.

On Sunday, February 4th 2018, the 10th annual Westman Wedding Expo will take place at Brandon’s Keystone Centre.  Featuring a trade show style display from 11 am to 4 pm, a live fashion show at 3:00, and a grand prize of $25,000, organizers are expecting a huge turnout to this year’s event. Celebrating 10 years in 2018, the Westman Wedding Expo is joint collaboration between three local businesses involved in the wedding industry.  Bryan Podworrney from Expressions Entertainment is the original partner and has seen the expo grow exponentially in the last decade. “The first year we hosted 37 vendors and had around 130 brides.  This year we’ll be close to 100 exhibitors and we anticipate 800+ people through the door.” He laughs as he says “so its safe to say we’ve grown a little bit”. Featuring a wide range of exhibitors, brides and their guests will have the opportunity to meet wedding professionals face to face as they gather information and make plans for their special day. Everything from wedding day transportation to custom signage will be on display from over 90 exhibitors.  Podworrney says “it’s a one stop-shop for everything a couple needs for their wedding. Its also a chance to showcase the talent that is located in Westman. Everything you need for your wedding is available locally.” Britt Lawson Corbett from Muse Boutique & Bridal Studio is the fashion show producer. “The fashion show is such a fun part of the day, and everyone looks forward to it every year. We showcase the latest in bridal, bridesmaid, and formal ladies wear fashion. This year we’re excited to include some mens wear, as well as intimate apparel from other local retailers. “ When this year’s fashion show comes to a close, the expo grand prize will be given away to one lucky bride.  With a value of $25,000, Katrina Sigurdson of Party Professionals is confident the Ultimate Wedding Giveaway will be a major event draw. “It’s a chance to win a wedding beyond your dreams, and work with the some of the most talented wedding industry professionals in the province!” This colossal prize features all of the staples wedding needs: Décor, music, venue, make-up, and more. Early bird price tickets are now available for $12 from wetsmanweddingexpo.com.