BRANDON, September 27, 2018 - University Ward candidate Shaun Cameron has called for a safer crosswalk to be installed at the corner of McDiarmid Drive and Victoria Avenue. “As a resident of the ward, I’m committed to listening to the needs of my neighbours. This crossing is something that has been brought to my attention by a number of residents while on the doorstep, and I feel the time is right to look at increasing the safety here.”   The corner, which is an intersection of both a provincial and municipal road has become an increasing concern to residents who live close by. With its proximity to Vincent Massey High School, Valleyview Centennial School, and multiple high-traffic retail and food establishments the corner continues to be a challenge for residents and motorists alike.   “Area residents have shared with me that they often don’t feel safe crossing at this corner. I know personally, it is a challenge due to the grade of the road coming into the corner, and the fact that some of the highest traffic times, such as early mornings, include drivers driving into the sunrise. I think having a lighted crosswalk or a traffic control device would be a great first step to ensuring we can avoid an accident.” One such resident is Marion Conley. Conley, who lives near the intersection shared that there is a “lack of judgement when it comes to safety at that corner. As a resident of the area I cannot understand why there isn’t better traffic control at the intersection.” Cameron shared that he has taken the opportunity to reach out to the Minister of Infrastructure for the Province of Manitoba Ron Schuler, and is hopeful that his concerns will garner a response. “I’m hoping that we can take this as an opportunity to have further dialogue on this important concern. As a parent of two young children who are active in the neighbourhood, I feel that their safety, as well as others throughout our community is of the utmost importance,” he shared. “I have visited with many residents who have expressed the need, so it is incumbent on me to listen and, where possible, seek a solution.” Cameron shared that he has been meeting and visiting with residents of the University ward since May of this year when he announced his intentions to vie for city council. The announcement came following long-time councillor Jeff Harwood sharing he would not be seeking re-election. “I truly enjoy being active in our community,” Cameron said. “I see this as an extension of the work we have undertaken at our local community centre and I want to continue to build for the future of our community, with safety being one of those key pillars. I hope that I’m able to continue this work following the election.” Cameron welcomed residents to check out his website for further information on platform items and other useful information about the election. Visit cameronforuniversity.ca for more info.

BRANDON – A generous $50,000 donation has given Brandon University (BU) another big reason to celebrate as it marks its 50th year as a chartered university. Brandon University alumnus and current Board of Governors member Kerry Auriat is partnering with National Bank Financial – Wealth Management, to make a $50,000 commitment to BU’s Healthy Living Centre (HLC). In recognition of this gift, the front desk at the HLC will be named the Auriat Family Reception Desk. “This is an opportunity to support an institution that has done so much for my family, as well as countless people across Canada,” Auriat said. “I am very proud to call myself a BU alumnus. I appreciate the important role BU plays in our community.” The renaming and new signage were unveiled today at a reception in the main lobby of the HLC. Opened in 2013, the HLC houses fitness and wellness facilities enjoyed by BU students, faculty and staff as well as members of the community. In addition to serving as the home of the Brandon University Bobcats athletic teams and the Department of Physical Education, the HLC features publicly accessible gymnasiums, a fitness centre, an indoor walking track, and a sports medicine clinic providing athletic therapy and physiotherapy. Other amenities include a large outdoor greenspace, classrooms and the High Performance Centre, which offers training for elite athletes through a partnership with Sport Manitoba. The HLC hosts sporting events from youth levels to national championships and is the site of many community and cultural activities. “We encourage everyone to make use of and enjoy our campus, and the Healthy Living Centre is the venue where many people are introduced to BU, whether they are watching a Bobcats game, attending Mini University, celebrating the accomplishments of their family and friends at Convocation or the All Nations Pow Wow, or working out,” said Dr. Steve Robinson, Interim President at BU. “The HLC is a facility used by everyone, from children to seniors, and on most visits their first stop and first taste of BU hospitality come at the Auriat Family Reception Desk, so we are extremely grateful to Kerry and to National Bank Financial – Wealth Management for their considerable support of Brandon University and this important community attraction.” Born and raised in Brandon, Auriat has a long association with BU, first as a student, later as a sessional instructor, and now in his second stint as a member of the Board of Governors. He is a Vice-President at National Bank Financial – Wealth Management, one of the largest wealth management firms in Canada, with more than 100 points of service across the nation. “National Bank Financial – Wealth Management is deeply committed to supporting the communities where our clients and our employees live and work,” said Jennifer Schafer, Regional Vice-President of National Bank Financial. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Auriat family in their generous commitment toward the Healthy Living Centre at Brandon University, who, in turn, have a mandate to promote a healthy, strong and more engaged community.” Brandon University has spent the past year marking the 50-year anniversary of its chartering as a university. The festivities will culminate with Homecoming, from Oct. 11-14, as members of the first class to graduate with BU degrees celebrate their 50-year reunion. The milestone year has been highlighted by a number of notable acts of philanthropy, including an anonymous gift of $50,000, and a pledge of $50,000 made by members of BU’s President’s Administrative Council.  

Source:  Brandon Police Service Media Release During the recent weeks, as children return to school, the Brandon Police Service in Partnership with Manitoba Public Insurance, undertook a selective traffic enforcement program (STEP) targeting speeding and high risk driving in school zones. Thirteen STEP’s were conducted along with regular enforcement efforts from the beginning of the school year. As of Friday September 21st, approximately 119 tickets had been issued, with 70 of those being for speeding in reduced speed zones. Unregistered/uninsured vehicles and unlicensed drivers were also identified with those offences accounting for another 24 tickets. Nineteen various other offences under the Highway Traffic Act were ticketed. School zones enforcement will continue throughout the school year in an effort to keep our children safe.

The RCA Museum at CFB Shilo is a proud recipient of the Award of Excellence from the Association of Manitoba Museums for their exhibit series on the Canadian experience throughout WWI. The RCA Museum’s series of temporary exhibits were recognized for eloquently and thoroughly presenting the impact of the First World War.   As visitors went through each exhibit over the past four years, they have learned about the events of this devastating and transformative conflict. Visitors have experienced the impact on the men who fought, examined the impacts on science, medicine, and even the arts, as well as discovering how that war changed the way we live our lives today.   The award was formally presented at a ceremony in Steinbach, MB September 21, 2018.   Quick Facts   * As many as 7,000 men and women from Manitoba lost their lives in WW1. * There were several other organizations involved with the exhibits, including Brandon University, The Daly House Museum, The Costume Museum of Canada, the Transcona Historical Museum, the Mennonite Heritage Village and the Brandon Mental Health Centre Museum. * The final exhibit in this series, 1918: The Last 100 Days will be on exhibit until December 14, 2018. * The RCA Museum is open Monday to Friday 10-4 through the winter. Associated Links www.rcamuseum.com www.museumsmanitoba.com/en/awards-program

Source:  Brandon Police Service Media Release The Brandon Police Service Traffic Unit and Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement continue to partner to conduct commercial vehicle safety inspections in an ongoing effort to keep the motoring public safe. In the past few weeks, two joint enforcement efforts saw 44 vehicles inspected, including one tonne trucks, club vans, straight trucks, tractor units and trailers. Of those 44 inspections, 11 units were placed out of service, 18 failed the inspection but remained in service pending minor repairs and 15 vehicles passed the inspection and received the safety decal. Defects and violations included inadequate or no load securement, inadequate brakes and other equipment defects including tires, light suspension and exhaust. Along with the inspections, Police Service members issued 18 tickets to the vehicle owners and or operators.