Brandon, MB – Parks & Recreation Services is seeking the public’s feedback on the future of Park Community Centre.  With major renovations needed to bring the aging facility up to code, administration is engaging with the public to better understand how residents use this facility and what is important to them, now and into the future. The City of Brandon adopted the Recreation and Community Facilities Master Plan in 2019, which explored community centres in depth and made key recommendations such as the consolidation of some facilities, the renewal of others and increased support from the City of Brandon.  These recommendations, paired with the state of repair of Park Community Centre, bring about a need for community discussion. An online survey has been launched seeking feedback on how Park Community Centre and other recreation facilities are used and viewed in the community, and if these facilities need to change or be updated for future needs.  Also explored is the proposed hub model and its efficiency in serving the community.  The survey will remain available on the City of Brandon website until November 12. The public will also have a chance to further engage in conversation on November 5 by registering for one of two webinar sessions, or attending an open house.  Webinars run from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., and those who wish to attend are asked to register in advance, using the contact information below.  The open house will take place at Park Community Centre from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in a come-and-go format, with no advance registration required.  COVID-19 regulations will be in effect. Following review of all input, it is anticipated that information will be presented to Brandon City Council for consideration as they plan for the future. The City of Brandon encourages all members of the public, whether they utilize Park Community Centre or not, to complete the survey and attend engagement opportunities on November 5 to ensure that any recommendations made to Brandon City Council reflect community needs. Individuals wishing to receive a paper copy of the survey, register for a webinar or make general inquiries can reach Parks & Recreation Services at 204-729-2257 or recreation@brandon.ca. (City of Brandon PSA)  

Since it’s inception in June of 2020, Everyone Eats, a collaboration between the John Howard Society, Brandon University and the Food Matters Manitoba, has served over 6,000 meals to residents (over 1,100 were paid for by others in the community) of western Manitoba. “Everyone Eats is a pay what you can meal program,” says Ross Robinson, Executive Director of the John Howard Society. “We kicked the program off as a result of Covid-19 to make sure that those that needed it were getting a healthy, nutritious meal, delivered to their home if necessary.” It costs Everyone Eats Brandon approximately $8 to produce a meal but if someone needs a free meal to get by, it’s no problem. If another customer chooses to pay a little extra for their meal, they are helping to purchase a meal for their neighbour. Everyone Eats Brandon delivers meals every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but the group has recently embarked the monumental task of using their program to fill the void caused by the cancellation of the Westman & Area Traditional Christmas Dinner, held annually at the Victoria Inn. “When we learned that there wasn’t going to be a Westman Traditional Christmas Dinner, we knew that we had to do something. It’s a valued event in our community and it makes a huge impact. Since we already have the infrastructure in place to deliver meals, it was a natural fit,” says Robinson. On a single day over Thanksgiving weekend, Everyone Eats served 300 meals, only a fraction of the amount that they expect to deliver on December 25. In past years the Westman Traditional Christmas Dinner would serve over 3150 meals and Everyone Eats intends to be able to have the same capacity, that will be either picked up or delivered. To achieve their goal, they’re going to need help with financial support, volunteers and everything in between. “We believe that Everyone Eats Brandon is more than just a hot meal. It’s a way for people to give and receive anonymously in our community, while sending a message to others that no matter what they are going through, there are people that care and want the best for the residents of this area.” offered Robinson. If you’d like more information about Everyone Eats Brandon head to everyoneeatsbrandon.ca and if you’re able to volunteer or contribute please email everyoneeatsbrandon@gmail.com.

Wheat City Appliance Repair, a division of Wheat City Electric, is now offering appliance repair services (all makes and models) to customers all over southwestern Manitoba.  Clients can now book an appointment to repair a dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, washing machine, or dryer simply by calling/texting them at 204-761-5131 or via email. Owner Marty Kauk told bdnmb.ca they decided to get into the appliance repair business as it mirrored some of the work they were presently doing. "Appliance repair falls into the same line of work that we do now with Wheat City Electric and in the past when I've needed an appliance repaired we've had to wait 2 weeks say on average so I felt there was some need for another company in town offering this service". Marty added the company did hire one additional staff member who is experienced in appliance repair. Wheat City Appliance Repair will offer both an in-house or drop off service. They will come to you, you can drop anything off at their building (1523 Russell St,) and they can repair it there. Additionally, they can sell you appliance parts if you're wanting to tackle the repair yourself. "If the call is an emergency, we can usually fit something in within a day or so and usual lead time is 2-3 days" stated Marty. If you've bought new appliances from an appliance store/furniture store and the delivery is scheduled for 2 weeks down the road, they can pick up your appliances and install them into your place, removing your old ones in the process. Or, if you've bought from a company like Costco and they deliver to the curb, Wheat City Appliance Repair can move them all inside and install them for you.

he Manitoba government is increasing the fine amounts for those who fail to comply with public health and emergency orders, Premier Brian Pallister announced today. “The recent surge in COVID-19 cases in our province is concerning, which is why our government is taking further action to protect Manitobans,” said Pallister. “Along with stronger public health orders, these new and substantially higher fines are an additional tool to help keep Manitobans safe.” Amendments have been made to the Preset Fines and Offence Descriptions Regulation that establish new fine amounts for failure to comply with public health and emergency orders. For individuals, the fine was previously $486 and will now rise to $1,296. This will be the second highest such fine level in Canada. For corporations, the fine was previously $2,542 and will now rise to $5,000. In addition to higher fines, the Manitoba government will continue to increase enforcement of the public health orders across the province. Agencies with the authority to enforce these orders include the RCMP and other police agencies, the Health Protection Unit, Manitoba Conservation and Climate, Workplace Safety and Health, and the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority. The Manitoba government is also working to amend existing provincial regulations to enable municipal bylaw enforcement officers to enforce public health and emergency orders. Larger fines and increased enforcement of public health orders are the latest measure undertaken by the Manitoba government to combat COVID-19 in the province. In recent weeks, a number of proactive measures have also been taken including more than doubling testing capacity, signing an agreement to substantially increase contact tracing and partnering with Red River College to rapidly train additional staff to work on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19. “The fight against COVID is a team effort that requires all hands on deck and I know Manitobans are ready to do their part,” said Pallister. “By following the fundamentals and complying with our public health orders, we can protect each other and reduce the risk of COVID-19.” As of Oct. 12, 134 tickets for failing to comply with Manitoba’s public health and emergency orders had been filed with the Provincial Offences Court. The new fine levels come into effect today. A copy of the most recent orders under the Public Health Act is available on the Manitoba government website at https://manitoba.ca/asset_library/en/proactive/2020_2021/orders-soe-capital-10192020.pdf (Province of Manitoba Release)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At approximately noon, a 26-year-old male was arrested for possession of stolen property when he was observed in the 300 block of Park Avenue on a stolen bicycle. His arrest led to members of the major crime unit obtaining and executing a search warrant at his residence on 5 Street. Numerous bicycles and parts as well as a number of tools that had been reported stolen were seized during the execution of the warrant. The male, from Brandon was charged with possession of property obtained by crime and was released for court in December