Brandon University’s Fall Term will see instruction that is mostly delivered online, as we continue to take precautions to ensure the health and safety of our whole community. While Covid-19 trends in Manitoba look promising, BU is taking a cautious and prudent approach that is in line with provincial phased reopening plans. We will limit in-person instruction to where it is necessary, and avoid potential mid-term disruption from any resurgence of infection or second wave of cases.   Planning now for a mostly online Fall Term gives certainty to students, faculty and staff, and allows for the best possible learning experience to be developed. An online term also brings parity to students who cannot travel to Brandon, for those with continuing responsibilities at home, and for those with health considerations. A limited number of classes, labs, studios, or practicums may need to be held in-person. These exceptions, when known, will be posted in the online registration guide. Much work remains to be done to plan for the Fall, and the university has created several administrative and academic working groups to develop recommendations, in consultation with representatives from all areas of campus, for Senate and the President’s Administrative Council. Detailed plans for the Fall Term will continue to be developed through June and will be shared in early July. Faculty should begin discussions with their chairs and deans about their course plans, and the resources they will need. Faculty and staff have shown tremendous resilience and creativity over the past few months, as have students, as we responded together to the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic. We know this is a challenging time and are committed to supporting you in the months to come. The university campus remains open for faculty and staff, as well as for students who have arrangements with their dean to access needed campus facilities. Phase Two reopening includes the possibility for limited in-person instruction over the summer. Employees should continue to work from home, where possible. This fall, we expect most services, including student services like advising and educational library services will continue to be offered largely online. Residence and Food Services we expect to be open, although capacities may be limited. Return of more people to campus will be determined based on public health guidance and campus modifications, and will be communicated as early as possible. As always, our commitment remains providing the highest quality educational experience and the safest environment for all. (Brandon University News)

Brandon, MB – Thanks to additional funding support from the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation by way of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the City of Brandon is pleased to offer its Homebuyer Assistance Program for a third consecutive year. The Homebuyer Assistance Program, developed and administered by the City of Brandon’s Economic Development Department, provides successful applicants with forgivable homebuyer financial assistance.  Under the program, a total of four (4) successful applicants can receive funding equal to a 10% down payment on the purchase of an eligible home and a portion of associated closing costs by way of a 10-year earned forgivable loan, to a maximum of $26,500 per applicant, while sixteen (16) successful applicants can receive funding equal to a 5% down payment on the purchase of an eligible home and a portion of associated closing costs, to a maximum of $14,000 per applicant. All Homebuyer Assistance Program information, including eligibility requirements, application forms and the application process, can be found at http://www.economicdevelopmentbrandon.com/housing-programs. “The Brandon Homebuyers Assistance Program includes comprehensive evaluation criteria and a three-phase approval process to ensure we are putting the funding we’ve been provided to the best use possible,” notes City of Brandon Director of Economic Development Sandy Trudel. “Among the program’s important eligibility criteria are requirements of a total household income that does not exceed $75,592, the family unit must have at least one dependent child, and that the home purchase price cannot exceed $250,000.” Since its launch in the 2018, the program has aided in the transition of 33 successful applicant families to homeownership. “Since the program’s inception, those who have had a hand in its creation and delivery are extremely pleased with its success,” adds Trudel. “Not only has the program been life changing for successful applicants, it has freed up always-in-demand rental units and created positive spin-offs in the local economy by generating business for housing inspectors, realtors, survey companies, lending institutions, solicitors, the construction industry and interpreters.” Applications for the current intake must be received at the Economic Development Brandon office (Main Floor, Brandon City Hall, 410-9th Street, R7A 6A2) by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30th, 2020. For further information or assistance with submitting an application, individuals may phone 204-729-2132 or email econdev@brandon.ca. Additional intake periods will be entirely dependant on available funding. (City of Brandon Media Release)  

On Monday afternoon Brandon Fire & Emergency Services responded to a property just west of 42nd Street for hundreds of hay bales on fire. Strong winds were blowing smoke and embers towards homes in the Waverly area, which was cause for concern for firefighters. At the time of writing, the fire is still ongoing, however it appears that things are more under control than they were before. The property appears to be a dairy farm. It is not clear whether this started as a controlled burn, or an accidental fire.

The Manitoba 4-H Council Board of Directors and Staff would like to congratulate our 2020 Scholarship Recipients.  We also want to wish our Graduates the best of luck as they transition into their future education plan, however that may occur. 2020 4-H Scholarship Winners Manitoba 4-H Council – 10 @ $1000.00 Jenna Beaumont              South Parkland Judah Chepil                     Eastman Amy Ericson                      Southwest Jaylin Hill                           Southwest Toni Koshowski                   North Parkland Lauren McEvoy                   Southwest Halee Piasta                       Red River Hanna Popp                        South Parkland Hayden Remillard                Southwest Avery Smart                       Southwest York Benimaru Foundation – 1 @ $1,000.00 Joryn Buchanan                                Pembina Western Producer – 1 @ $1,000.00 Tyler Didyk                          Red River Bayer CropScience – 1 @ $1000.00 Foster Tolton     South Parkland Lois Thompson-Hudon Memorial Scholarship – 1 @ $1,000.00 Lauren McKee                   South Parkland Manitoba Pork Council – 1 @ $1,000.00 Cade Cruickshanks          Red River (Future Leaders Club) John and Ona Schellenberg Bursary – 4 @ $2000.00 Oksana Iwanchysko        North Parkland Shavaughn Jochum         Red River (Future Leaders Club) Jada Ricard                     Pembina Victoria Walker                Eastman (submitted)

Brandon emergency services responded to the intersection of Richmond Ave East and Highway 110 for a two vehicle crash on Friday afternoon. A car and an SUV collided in the intersection, which ended up blocking traffic. Fluids were leaking from at least one of the vehicles, which required sand to be used to soak up the spill. Airbags also deployed in at least one of the vehicles. Traffic in most directions was either slowed or stopped completely which caused a backlog of traffic, including numerous transport trucks. One vehicle was taken away on a flatbed tow truck, while the other was able to be moved to the shoulder. No injuries occurred.