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.

The Kinette Club of Brandon will be holding their 11th annual Westman's Got Talent at the Prairie Firehouse. There are 2 shows on November 6 & 7 (November 6 is under 18, and November 7 is over 18). Proceeds from the Under 18 show will go to the Kinette Scholarship Program, and proceeds from the 18+ show to be donated to the Women's Resource Centre. Tickets are only $25 for the diner and the show and they can be purchased at Phillips Insurance, the Brandon Shoppers Mall, or by emailing kinetteclubofbrandon@gmail.com. If you have a talent to share, you can pick up entry forms at Phillips Insurance or at the Brandon's Shopper Mall. A link to the Facebook event page can be found here.

CB Casinos & More offers casino themed events for Christmas parties, weddings, corporate events, staff parties, fundraisers, stags/stagettes and more. The Brandon based company set up the games including the accessories (play money, cards, chips, dealer shoes, tickets, etc) at the venue. They can also supply the dealers for your event, or you can provide your own. When supplying your own dealers, the company can provide a pit boss to quickly train your dealers and over see the event. Parties can be booked for anywhere from 10 to 350 people.  CB Casinos & More will be starting their 12th year in business next month and they travel outside of Brandon (approximately within a 200 km. radius). Their inventory of games include Black Jack Tables, Roulette Tables, Craps Table, Texas Holdem Tables, Slot Machines. Crown & Anchor, and a Baccarat Table. CB Casinos & More can also provide unique games such as golf challenge, deer shooting, pig racing, horse racing, color cube game, and much more! You can contact CB Casinos through email at bcox@wcgwave.ca or 204-761-6759 to get a quote. Their Facebook page can be found here.

With its arsenal of costumes, props, and special effects, Snake Oil will be hitting the stage at The 40 in a concert you won't wanna miss. Their high energy show often includes the music of Kiss, Van Halen, Journey, Def Leppard, ACDC, Cheap Trick, Heart, Joan Jett, Queen, and more. "They not only look like the rock stars they portray, but they use their own natural voices to perfectly impersonate the singing and speaking voices and stage mannerisms of these rock icons." Tickets go on-sale tomorrow (Oct 25th) starting at 10am! When: November 30, 2019 Where: The 40, Doors 9pm, show starts 10:30pm Tickets: Advance Tickets are $20+GST in person through the bartender (cash only) or the front desk of the Travelodge