Brandon Fire & Emergency Services is donating the following medical supplies and emergency response items to the front lines in Ukraine: 22 Firefighting Helmets 5 Scoop Stretchers 5 Long Back Boards 2 Kendrick Extrication Devices 1 Trauma Bag 1 Sager Traction Splint 1 Stair Chair One of the local organizers and volunteers is a City of Brandon employee, Oleksandr Holovan. In his spare time, Holovan is coordinating the delivery of these items to Winnipeg, where along with other donations, they will be shipped out via a container to the front lines in Ukraine. “We are honoured to be able to partner with other local organizations to support the people of Ukraine,” notes Brandon Fire & Emergency Services Chief Scott McDonald. “These items will be used to assist those most affected by the war in Ukraine.” “I am very appreciative of all of the support that we have received from the City of Brandon,” notes Holovan. “I have close family members back home in Ukraine, and know that all of our efforts will help Ukraine resist Russian aggression.” On March 2nd, 2022, the City released a statement that Mayor & Council stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and on March 5th, the City raised the Ukrainian flag at City Hall for 4 days and 4 nights as part of showing our solidarity and support for Ukraine. For those looking for ways to get involved, please visit  manitoba4ukraine.ca.

City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services is offering free wood chip mulch for pickup. The mulch pile is located east of the City’s Parks Complex (2020 McGregor Avenue). Residents and businesses are invited to pick up as much mulch as they can use. Please note that the mulch has not been cleaned, so there may be debris in the mulch. The mulch is available on a first come, first served basis while quantities last. When arriving at the Parks Complex, please enter via 20th Street North and then exit via 19th Street North. City staff WILL NOT provide any assistance with loading the mulch. Delivery is NOT available for this free mulch. Those interested in purchasing soil amendment may contact the Eastview Landfill by calling 204-729-2281. Soil amendment per tonne is calculated as per the City of Brandon Landfill Fee Schedule. (City of Brandon PSA)

Long-time Brandon resident/business owner and a City Council member for about 20 years, Jeff Fawcett was the first candidate to throw his hat into the Mayoral race to replace Rick Crest. So in true BDNMB.CA fashion, let’s try to get to know Jeff a little bit better and have a few laughs along the way. Can you let down your hair. Not as far as I used too, I just had it cut. Should the Winnipeg Jets look for a new coach at the end of the year.: I have a lot of faith in Crocus Plains Gradute Kevin Cheveldayoff to make good hockey decisions for the Jets. He may have a few to make. Top 3 local places to eat There are lots of great local restaurants but the three I probably find myself in most often would be Blue Hills Bakery, Alberts Bistro, and every Friday with a few friends at Joe Beevers. Worst part about owing a business: It’s generally pretty positive, particularly with such good staff and clients. However, I have been in business long enough that it predates cell phones, they were a game changer. Both a blessing and a curse. Were you surprised when Rick Crest elected decided not to run for mayor again: No. Have you attended Food Truck Warz in the past, if so what is your guilty pleasure: I have, the Jode and I will share from different trucks. Probably two many guilty pleasures as we tend to order from multiple trucks. Does Brandon need more traffic circles: The traffic circles we have work quite well and it is likely we will see more recommended. What is your legacy that you will leave behind on Brandon: Hopefully as a community builder. However, that will be for others to decide. Are you a boxing or UFC guy: Boxing, I still like watching the big fights. I don't really follow it much any more. In 1996 I did go to watch the first Tyson v Holyfield fight live in Vegas. Very entertaining, Tyson was knocked out in the tenth round. What is Brandon famous for and this has to be short and sweet: When I travel around the Country it is either agricultural or the Wheat Kings. (Hence the Wheat City). Do you still wear a mask: I haven’t had COVID and wonder if I’m asymptomatic, so out of consideration of others I will often wear it in and out of a store in case I’m spreading it unintentionally. I can take care of myself, but I do feel some responsibility to others as well. If you look at the bands coming to Rockin’ the Fields in Minnedosa who would you be excited about: They have a super lineup this year, and it’s great to have live music back. I have to admit I don’t really listen to any of those bands anymore but Streetheart, Chilliwack, Honeymoon Suite, and Loverboy certainly did have heavy rotation between my cassettes and LP’s. Would you feel it is safe to say that Brandon is an “old boys club” or not so: I feel it would be safe to say every city/town has a perceived “old boys club”. It is usually just the first names on the community fundraising request list. I know of some business women in the last few years that meet and support one another regularly, and for my two cents, if you want to get sh!t done, that’s the group to tap into. Do you own Bitcoin: No. Two favorite websites: Substack.com and chapters.indigo.ca (the Jode says I have a book buying problem). Will Biden repeat in 2024: I would never bet anything on U.S. politics. However, I do think it’s unlikely Joe Biden will run in 2024 (no bets!). What does Brandon have an abundance of and a lack of: We have an abundance of excellent outdoor greenspace and walking paths, we should promote them more. We lack large scale recreation facilities, particularly indoor. MAC or PC (don’t let me down on this one): MAC at home, PC at the office. How many people do you expect that will run for Mayor: It would be good to have quality debate. I hope we could see as many as four? Save the best for last …….if we have a Wing eating contest at Food Truck Warz can we count on your to participate.: Yes, wing eating is one of my strengths.

The City of Brandon is partnering with the Central Assiniboine Watershed District (CAWD) to launch the second year of a three-year Residential Rain Garden Pilot Program. This year the program is seeking up to twelve (12) single family dwelling residential properties to install a rain garden in their yard this summer. A rain garden is a type of green infrastructure landscape that collects stormwater (rain and melted snow) that runs off your grass and impervious surfaces, such as rooftops and driveways. Rain gardens are designed to have a shallow depression that has deep, loose soil so that it absorbs and naturally filters stormwater. Although water is collected in rain gardens, they are not a breeding habitat for mosquitoes. Rain gardens are aesthetically pleasing with minimal maintenance requirements. A rain garden can also: reduce the amount of water that enters the local storm sewer network reduce flooding, mitigate drainage issues, and prevent stream banks from eroding restore and recharge our groundwater system replicating the natural hydrological cycle attract birds, butterflies, pollinators, and other beneficial insects, such as mosquito-consuming dragonflies reduce the number of pollutants that run from urban areas straight into our waterways “I am extremely happy with the success of the program and interest from applicants received in the inaugural year,” notes City Councillor Barry Cullen. “I look forward to the continued opportunity this partnership has created to assist Brandon residents in integrating green infrastructure into their yards.” “We are thrilled to build off of the momentum year one provided, and we are excited to launch year two of this pilot program with the City of Brandon,” notes Neil Zalluski, Manager of Central Assiniboine Watershed District. “The City is the largest urban center that is a member of a watershed district. When observing the demand for rain gardens on urban properties, CAWD has decided to expand their program to all our municipal members. We are always willing to work with our members and we hope that the program inspires residents to mitigate overland flooding on their property while adding curb appeal.” Basic eligibility requirements for the program include: you must be a resident of Brandon and the rain garden must be installed on a property you own within the city of Brandon rain garden must be in a low-lying location rain garden must be installed at least three metres away from the foundation of your house you must be able to redirect a downspout from your roof to the rain garden area proposed rain garden location must be clear of any trees or underground services Interested residents should apply online at Residential Rain Garden Pilot Program 2022. Once approved, a staff member from CAWD will contact the homeowner to assist with the design and installation of the rain garden. There is a limited amount of funding available. Eligible applicants will be assessed on a first come, first-served basis. For more information about the program and eligibility, please visit brandon.ca/rain-garden. (City of Brandon PSA)

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure advises the Pacific Avenue loop under Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 10 (18th Street) and Pacific Avenue west of 15th Street to 18th Street will be closed to all traffic starting at 6 a.m. on Monday, April 4 due to ongoing construction. A signed detour is in place and motorists are advised to use Rosser and Princess avenues as alternate connections to and from 18th Street. This will be a long-term closure until approximately December 2022. The project involves the construction of a new four-lane bridge with a separate pedestrian and active transportation bridge. The design will also include new on and off ramps to connect 18th Street with Pacific Avenue, new pathways, sidewalk and pavement upgrades. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and patience during construction. More information about the new Daly Overpass on PTH 10 in Brandon can be found at:  www.gov.mb.ca/mit/wms/structures/daly_overpass/index.html. Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure will update impacts to traffic through the Manitoba 511 information system at www.manitoba511.ca/en/index.html. (Province of MB Release)