Brandon, MB – After two days of budget deliberations, Brandon City Council has approved an $83.6 million-dollar operating budget, a reduction of $1,931,000 from the proposed budget, representing a municipal tax decrease of 1% for 2021.  This works out to a savings of $19 dollars for an average residential property assessed at $270,000 from that of 2020’s municipal property tax levels.  Council debated several amendments with all areas of municipal spending being carefully considered for either augmented financial support or spending reductions. While the hallmark of this budget may be a 1% decrease in taxes, Council was also able to initiate numerous enhancements to the budget that will be of benefit to our residents. A few examples include: ·         Doubled the back lane dust control budget ·         An allocation to create a sump pump or back water valve assistance program ·         Funds to help deal with residents whose homes have lead pipe services ·         Additional funds in sidewalk reconstruction ·         $200,000 toward back lane maintenance ·         Several public education programs toward environmental initiatives, including rain barrels and rain gardens were added ·         Additional funds for Transit to provide Sunday hours of operation on statutory holidays ·         Additional funding toward Brandon’s community centres ·         One of the most significant items of the day was the approval for administration to commence the first phase of a major new outdoor field complex located at 1st & Veterans way, which may incur a future funding debenture of up to $6 million. “Of the seven budgets I’ve chaired as Mayor, I believe Council and Administration can be most proud of this one,” noted Mayor Chrest. “In a very trying year, Council felt it was most important this year to help residents and businesses across the board by minimizing tax increases. We dug in and found a path to not only deliver a 1% tax decrease; we also proudly enhanced many day-to-day services for the betterment of our community.” “I’m very proud of how Administration and Council worked collaboratively to deliver an excellent budget result,” noted Acting City Manager Dean Hammond. “This budget will free up resources for Administration to work on some exciting new initiatives, while providing for some tax relief to all Brandon property owners.” The Council approved budget will now proceed to public hearing stage, a date for which will be determined in the spring.(City of Brandon PSA)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media release At approx. 10:00 PM Thursday, officers were called to a residence in Brandon for a report of an assault.  During a dispute, a 26-year-old Brandon male had bitten the tip of a female’s finger off.  The suspect exited his room in an aggressive manner approaching the officers holding a guitar as a weapon.  The officer deployed his Taser which aided in gaining control of the suspect.  The suspect was taken into custody and held until sober.  He will be released from custody with a court date of April 22, charged with assault cause bodily harm.  

A somewhat typical story I often hear is that people have a hard time leaving Brandon and if they do they seem to return...kind of like the new marketing sell line for the city “ Brandon Brings You Back”. 27 year old Tia Smith (pictured above-L) from Brandon took a huge leap of faith several years ago and moved to Vancouver to study Interior Design.  Tia has always been on the cutting edge and now has the ability to use her skills in Vancouver and abroad.When did you leave Brandon and why did you choose Vancouver? I left Brandon in 2012 and moved to Vancouver to get my Bachelor of Interior Design. I had always been a fan of the west coast growing up so after graduating high school I selected a school here to pursue my career as a designer. Let’s talk about Jute Design. First of all why that name, and is this your business or do you have partners? My business partner, Jill Propoerzi and I started Jute Design & Management in 2016 when we saw an opportunity to create a design-build firm here in Vancouver. Offering both these services allows us to provide a cohesive package with seamless execution. We find that having one point of contact benefits our clients and has aided in our success. Our business model led us to choosing the name Jute. Jute is composed of multiple different natural fibers, once combined they create a strong, versatile material.   When you click on your website the list of services you offer is very impressive and one would assume that Vancouver is a competitive market in your industry. Do you find this to be true?  Yes, Vancouver's design industry is relatively competitive - We believe that the key is to find your niche and build strong relationships within it. There are plenty of very talented firms in Vancouver, and we are excited to be a part of the growing industry here.  Does your age give you an advantage when bidding on jobs and projects? Vancouver has a lot of young entrepreneurs and professionals who we believe see the value in working together. The design and construction industry is still very male dominated, and with our female team we strive to break boundaries, hire more female trades and continue to make a name for ourselves here.  On your social media I notice some very cool, trendy couches etc. Are you able to source those products and then ship them anywhere? Yes we can. We love to keep updated on the local and global trends for furniture and lighting. We have a team with extensive experience in furniture and textile selection and are always excited when we can show off our knowledge.  For anyone that is looking to hire you what is the best way to contact your firm? You can reach us through our website www.jutedesign.ca or send us an email info@jutedesign.ca

Police are asking for the assistance of the public in locating 13 year old Kylynn Kasto. Kylynn has been reported missing by her care providers. She was last seen on January 19th. She is described as Caucasian, 5’ 3”, 110lbs, brown eyes, dark brown hair. She was last seen wearing grey sweat pants, black hoodie, blue/red/white plaid jacket, black/white sneakers. She has been known to frequent the downtown area. If you know the whereabouts of Kylynn Kasto please contact the Brandon Police Service. Photo: Brandon Police Service

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On January 27, 2021 at approximately 12:45 pm, police responded to a report of a male in the 2000 block of Park Ave with a knife behaving in a strange manner. Police located and arrested the male who was found to be under the influence of illicit drugs. He was lodged at Brandon Police Service until sober and then released to appear in court on April 26, 2021 on a charge of Possess Weapon.