Congratulations to Ron Hedley, former CEO of Fusion Credit Union, on receiving the order of Merit from Manitoba Credit Unions.  The Manitoba Credit Union Order of Merit recognizes individuals who demonstrate a significant commitment to the credit union system at the local, provincial, national and international levels.  “I’ve had the privilege of working with Ron for eight years at the board level, and I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving to receive the Order of Merit,” says Richard Dereniwski, Board Chair of Fusion Credit Union.  “Ron’s energy and innovative ideas were a catalyst for so many initiatives within Fusion and our communities.  He truly embodies the spirit of this award.”  Those selected to the Order of Merit have made tangible contributions to the development and operations of credit unions and have demonstrated leadership in the philosophy of people helping people.  During Ron’s tenure at Fusion, he was instrumental in promoting environmental sustainability initiatives including loans for solar panel projects and promoting Dauphin’s first ‘net zero’ home.  He carried the same philosophy to the wider credit union system by volunteering on several boards and committees at the provincial level.  “It was such an honour to receive this award,” says Hedley.  I accepted it on behalf of all the terrific people I had the good fortune to work with.  All of the staff, management teams, and Boards were such a large part of the successes and the happiness of my career.  It was because of all of them that I enjoyed the first day and the last day of my 40 years.”  After a memorable 40-year career, Fusion Credit Union said good-bye to Ron when he retired on June 1, 2020.  “Ron’s tenure at Fusion resulted in impressive accolades for the credit union, including being recognized as one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and introducing the Full Circle Fund to support community groups and projects,” comments Dereniwski.  “Ron leaves behind a legacy of innovation, creativity and collaboration.  He lived by the philosophy of “people helping people” and our communities have thrived under his leadership.”  Darwin Johns, CEO of Fusion Credit Union, explains how Ron’s leadership and vision paved the way for Fusion to successfully move into the future.  “Fusion has a strong history of engaging in public service and contributing to the credit union system, a foundation built by Ron,” comments Johns.  “He demonstrated the benefits of working together to make a difference, not only in our local communities, but also at a provincial level.  At Fusion we are building on this foundation and continuing to embed the philosophy into our culture.  As a result, our employees see considerable opportunities and benefits to supporting important projects in our communities.” 

As part of the Manitoba government’s ongoing commitment to provide affordable and accessible child-care services for Manitoba families, the province is investing an additional $600,000 in the expansion of the child-care centre at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Brandon’s Y Downtown Early Learning Centre, Premier Heather Stefanson and Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko announced here today. “Our government continues to be a national leader in providing affordable child-care services, which is critical to ensuring Manitobans can participate in the workforce, support their family and play an active role in the growth of our communities and economy,” said Stefanson. “This expansion project will double the number of spaces at the Y Downtown and ensure families in the Brandon area have access to high-quality child care in their community.” In July 2022, the Manitoba government announced $600,000 for the project through the Early Learning and Child Care Building Fund, which provides recipients with capital grant funding for child-care centre development projects, the premier noted, adding this investment doubles that commitment and brings total government investment in the project to $1.2 million. Recently, the Manitoba government increased the contribution under the building fund to 60 per cent from 40 per cent of total eligible project construction costs supporting its commitment to create 23,000 child-care spaces by 2025-26. Under annual provincial funding, eligible capital projects will receive capital funding up to a maximum of $1.2 million. “This change will enable more spaces to be developed and improve access to licensed early learning and child-care programs for all children, regardless of where they live,” said Ewasko. “Working with our federal and sector partners, we remain committed to strengthening the system and ensuring affordable, accessible child care is available for Manitoba families.” The Y Downtown’s child-care capacity will double to 96 from 48 spaces once the project is complete, creating 12 new infant spaces and 36 preschool spaces, helping more families in need of child-care services. The expansion of the Y Downtown’s child-care facility is part of a larger project underway at the YMCA of Brandon. In addition to increasing accessibility to child-care spaces, the project features initiatives that will enhance community services, especially for youth, seniors and families. These initiatives include increasing space for supportive programming and creating two outdoor play areas. The centre expansion is expected to open in November 2023, the premier noted. “The YMCA of Brandon appreciates the continued investment by the Manitoba government to address the significant need for child-care spaces in Brandon and throughout Manitoba,” said Lon Cullen, chief executive officer, YMCA of Brandon. “Every additional space means that more families will have access to quality care. With the opening of Y Downtown in the fall, parents from over 40 families will be able to work, contributing to the economy of our region, knowing their children will be well cared for.” While the Y Brandon project is funded by the province, the Manitoba government has partnered with the federal government to invest in a number of significant investments in child care as part of the Canada-Manitoba Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement and the extended Canada-Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, both launched in 2022. Child-care investments under this partnership include: almost $37 million to support wage equity for early learning and child-care staff; $6.6 million to help recruit and retain staff by providing a one-time retroactive wage supplement for the lowest-paid child-care assistants and early childhood educators; more than $1 million for a child-care pilot project in Winnipeg that will help newcomers find reliable child care and maintain employment; more than $4 million to reimburse tuition of early childhood educator students by up to $5,000 per school year; more than $1 million to support a community-based capital project to create 40 new child-care spaces at a new centre in Oakville; and up to $70 million in capital funding for new child-care facilities, creating more than 1,200 new, regulated non-profit child-care spaces with a focus on rural and First Nations communities. To learn more about the Early Learning and Child Care Building Fund at: https://gov.mb.ca/education/childcare/resources/building_fund.html. For more information on early learning and child care in Manitoba, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/education/childcare/.

The City of Brandon Finance Department is now accepting property tax prepayment for 2023 property taxes. 2023 property taxes are due by Friday, June 30, 2023 at 5 p.m. Property owners can receive a discount on property tax prepayments up to the amount of their 2022 property taxes. However, if the property tax roll is in arrears, any previous tax amount owing must be paid in full prior to any prepayment. For monies received January to May, the following discounts will be given each month: Month Discount Applied January 1.00% February 0.85% March 0.65% April 0.50% May 0.25% Another option for property owners at no additional cost is where taxes may be paid monthly or by automatic bank withdrawal using the Tax Installment Plan (TIP). Prepayment discounts or late payment penalties do not apply while enrolled in the plan. Apply online at Property and/or Water Account Change Form. For the full list of payment options, please visit City of Brandon - Payment Options. For information on Property Taxes & Assessments, please visit City of Brandon - Property Taxes & Assessments. (City of Brandon PSA)

The City of Brandon is releasing the 2023 proposed municipal budget. Brandon City Council will deliberate the 2023 proposed budget as prepared by City administration on Friday, January 27, 2023, and Saturday, January 28, 2023. Deliberations will be held in the City of Brandon Council Chamber on the 2nd floor of Brandon City Hall and are open to the public and media to observe. The deliberations will also be livestreamed via the City of Brandon YouTube channel. The 2023 proposed budget will require an extra $3,660,235 in municipal taxes levied. The proposed combined general and utility budgets are $127.8 million. The proposed capital plan is $138.9 million, which includes $39.7 million in Federal and Provincial grant funding. Major projects from the proposed capital budget includes: $41.7 million for the water treatment facility expansion $25.7 million for land drainage improvements, including the Southeast Drainage Project $19.7 million for new wastewater sewers, including the Southwest Lift Station Project* $13.7 million for the multi-year construction of the Outdoor Sports Field Complex In addition to multi-year projects, some of the projects being proposed in 2023 include: $1.7 million Eastview Landfill Cell Design & Construction $900,000 for the detailed design of the conceptual cultural hub at the Library/Arts building** $200,000 for the conceptual detail design of the Sportsplex Arena $200,000 for the southwest trail loop paving project $75,000 for the transit route planning study, which will include rapid transit options Other notable projects of the proposed operating budget include equipment for preventative maintenance of overland drainage, a new community garden, three new police positions, and the completion of the City Plan. 2023 will also see the adoption of the City’s Climate Action Plan and the start of its many recommendations. All proposed budget documents can be viewed on the City of Brandon website at brandon.ca/budget/proposed-2023-budget. City Council welcomes comments or feedback on the proposed 2023 budget, which can be sent via email to budget@brandon.ca. City of Brandon PSA

“CRIME STOPPERS WANTED” for: January 13th, 2023 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE” Chelsea AZURE (35 years old) FOR Breach of Probation. Chelsea AZURE was sentenced to three (3) years supervised Probation. Azure breached her probation by failing to report to her Probations Officer in the month of December, 2022.  A warrant for his arrest has been issued.  ***************** If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this person or anyone else “Wanted by Police” you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727-TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+your message to CRIMES (274637).  Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display.  Your call is not recorded and your identity will remain anonymous.  Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime. CRIME OF THE WEEK for January 13th, 2023 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Theft Under $5000.  On January 3rd, 2023, at approximately 8:50pm, 3 females and a 2 male suspects entered a business in the 800 block of 18th Street North.  Once inside, the suspects stole numerous tools including a Husky air compressor and Dewalt tool set and fled the store prior to police arrival. Three suspects were captured on video surveillance and photos of the suspect are attached to this release.