The Manitoba government has lifted the annual liquor ban in provincial campgrounds this May long weekend, Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires announced today. “We know Manitobans love to get out and enjoy the great outdoors whenever possible, so we want to make this change and allow adults the opportunity to responsibly enjoy their experience at our provincial parks,” Squires said. The province will ensure alcohol-free camping is available all season at a number of provincial campsites, Squires noted, with special family-friendly, liquor-free camping bays at Birds Hill and Grand Beach provincial parks. Most provincial campgrounds opened on May 11, but the May long weekend signals the start of the camping season for many people.  Following a number of incidents in provincial parks directly attributed to alcohol, the province implemented a liquor ban during the May long weekend in six of the busiest provincial campgrounds in 1995.  Due to the significant reduction in alcohol-related offences since this restriction was put in place, the department is lifting the long-standing May long weekend liquor ban in provincial campgrounds. Another important change for campers and tourists to be aware of this year is the confirmed presence of the emerald ash borer and the designation of Winnipeg as a federally regulated area.  This means firewood cannot be moved out of Winnipeg, and anyone caught transporting firewood could be fined/charged up to $1,300 for individuals or $15,000 for businesses. Boaters and watercraft users are reminded to do their part in preventing the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species.  Before leaving any body of water, take the proper steps to: clean and remove any visible aquatic plants, invasive species or mud from the watercraft, trailer and all water-related equipment; drain all water from the motor, bilge, bait bucket, and any compartments before leaving the shore; remove all drain plugs before transporting watercraft over land; dry all water-related equipment and any hard-to-drain compartments that have contacted the water with a dry towel or sponge before placing it into another water body; and dispose of all bait used in a control zone water body in the trash prior to leaving the shore. For more information on invasive species, visit www.gov.mb.ca/stopthespread.

Brandon University is exploring private developer options for an ambitious downtown development that could combine new student residences with seniors housing, a commercial component and academic spaces like a black box theatre. At a meeting on Saturday, May 12, the Brandon University Board of Governors unanimously approved a motion resolving that BU invite discussions with private developers and that feasible proposals be presented to the board by the end of the year. The university has brought together seven properties downtown into a parcel for possible development that is nearly 70,000 square feet, covering the entire vacant southern half of the block at Princess Avenue. The properties have been assembled thanks to agreements with the City of Brandon, Renaissance Brandon, Landmark Cinemas and private landowners. More information about the initiative is available online at BrandonU.ca/Downtown. Private developers or development agencies that are interested in the possibilities presented by this transformative project are invited to enter into discussions with Brandon University at Downtown@BrandonU.ca.

Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon is pleased launch the Brandon Homebuyers Assistance Program to assist qualified renters in the community transition into home ownership. The program is the first of its kind offered by the City of Brandon, and builds on the importance of partnerships in its efforts to improve the community’s affordable housing landscape. Thanks to funding support from The Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation, the City of Brandon has developed a program by which successful applicants can receive funding equal to a 5% down payment on the purchase of a home and a portion of associated closing costs by way of a 10-year earned forgivable loan, to a maximum of $14,000 per applicant. This one-time program is to be administered by the City of Brandon’s Economic Development Department with assistance from the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation’s Affordable Housing Programs Coordinator. All Homebuyer Assistance Program   information, including eligibility requirements and the application process, can be found at http://www.economicdevelopmentbrandon.com/housing-programs. City of Brandon Director of Economic Development Sandy Trudel says the goal of the program is to remove the entry barrier for up to 10 local applicants who are motivated to transition out of the rental housing cycle and into that of long-term home ownership. “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 Trudel. “Among the program’s important criteria are requirements of a gross family income that does not exceed $75,592, and that the home purchase price does not exceed $250,000, so we are really targeting those first-time homebuyers who might not have otherwise been able to enter into the home ownership market.” Trudel adds that the Homebuyers Assistance Program augments other recent affordable home ownership programs the City of Brandon has participated in with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Habitat For Humanity, projects for which municipally-owned land was donated. “The strength of the City of Brandon’s Affordable Housing Strategy has always relied on community partnerships and shared responsibility, and our Homebuyers Assistance Program is certainly an example of leveraging our partnerships with the Province of Manitoba and the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation to make home ownership a reality for some very deserving members of our community,” added Brandon Mayor Rick Chrest. “We know that the solution to affordable housing is not found in any one funding model, but rather in a variety of models, and the City of Brandon is pleased to be able to offer this program as an option for those in our community.” The Brandon Homebuyer Assistance Program’s initial intake period runs from May 14th, 2018 to June 15th, 2018, with additional intake periods being entirely dependant on what (if any) funding remains after the initial allocation of funds. Applications must be received at the Economic Development Brandon office (Main Floor, Brandon City Hall, 410-9th Street, R7A 6A2) by 4 p.m. on Friday, June 15th. For further information or assistance with submitting an application, individuals may phone 204-729-2412 or email housingcoordinator@bnrc.ca.

BRANDON, MB – The Keystone Centre and Westoba Credit Union are proud to bring the Wheat City Whiteout Viewing Party to Westoba Place for Games 3 and 4 of the Western Conference Series between the Winnipeg Jets and the Las Vegas Golden Nights. Tickets for both of these Viewing Party events are only $5.00*. Your ticket includes admission to the Westoba Family Skate prior to the event. *(Subject to online and phone order fees if purchased over the phone or online). Game 3 – May 16th, 2018 Winnipeg Jets vs. Las Vegas Golden Knights – Viewing Party Westoba Family Skate 5pm – 7pm Pre-Game – 7pm Game time – 8pm Game 4 – May 18th, 2018 Winnipeg Jets vs. Las Vegas Golden Knights – Viewing Party Westoba Family Skate 5pm – 6pm Pre-Game – 6pm Game time – 7pm “Our community was asking for this event and it fit,” said Jeff Schumacher, General Manager, Keystone Centre. “There are a lot of ties to both teams in this city and region and the series will be exciting for us all to watch together in our arena.” “You can see the support for the Winnipeg Jets all over our community,” says Jim Rediger, Chief Executive Officer of Westoba Credit Union. “Hosting a family skate and viewing party is a great way to bring people together to build excitement and cheer the Jets on!” Tickets for the Wheat City Whiteout are available at the Keystone Centre Box Office, online at tickets.keystonecentre.com or by phone at (204) 726-3555. The Keytone Centre would like to thank its media partners for their support of this event; Brandon Sun, Bob FM, 101.1 FM The Farm, Q Country, Star 94.7 FM, ebrandon.ca, BDNMB.CA.

At about 2:00 this afternoon, Brandon Fire and Emergency Services and Brandon Police Service responded to the south side of Victoria Landing for a fully involved shed fire, with fire spreading rapidly to Victoria Landing. As fire crews arrived, wind was blowing smoke and fire towards Victoria Landing, which caught the southeast corner of the 4-story retirement residence on fire. Fire crews went to work immediately in order to prevent more fire from spreading to the building. A vehicle that was parked in close proximity to the shed was fully engulfed in flames as well. A fire hydrant connection was set up to provide crews with the water that they needed to fight this intense fire. Propane tanks were seen/reported to be in the shed which was cause for concern, but no explosions occurred. Firefighter/paramedics successfully brought the fire under control within half an hour. Nobody was injured during this fire.  Photos by Liam Pattison Photography.