Brandon University Press Release The Strand Theatre sign and marquee will be among the heritage elements of the former theatre that are salvaged by Brandon University. Brandon University is taking steps to preserve the heritage of the former Strand Theatre in downtown Brandon, with the doomed building set to come down by the end of March. “The iconic Strand sign is in great shape and I am eager to see how our plans for downtown will reinterpret it in an entirely new context,” said Brandon University Interim President Steve Robinson. “I imagine it will be quite compelling to see the sign all lit it up again alongside the classic movie marquee.” Along with the Strand sign and the marquee sign, BU will be removing and preserving many of the vintage wood joists from the structure. “There are so many options for reusing the wood from these joists,” Robinson said. “We knew we couldn’t let them go to waste.” Brandon University has partnered with the Brandon Sun to store the signage and salvaged wood. “Our deep roots in the city make this a natural fit,” said Brandon Sun publisher Jim Mihaly. “We have chronicled the evolution of both Brandon University and the Strand Theatre from inception through today, and we are pleased to step in and play a part in this exciting development for downtown.” Salvage of the historic elements from the former Strand theatre building begins as early as March 1, with demolition of the remaining structure immediately afterward. Brandon University has engaged Total Demolition to demolish the structure and also to evacuate and demolish the vacant basement underneath the old Brown Block property immediately to the south. Full backfilling and cleanup of the property could extend into late April. Staging and preparatory work is nearly complete. To protect public safety during the demolition, both lanes of 10th Street will be closed to vehicles between Rosser Avenue and Princess Avenue, as will the southern portion of the laneway between 9th and 10th Streets. No parking will be permitted on the 100-block of 10th Street until the street is re-opened, however vehicles will be able to access and use the parking lot at the corner of 10th Street and Rosser Avenue throughout. . People will still be able to visit 10th Street businesses by foot, with full pedestrian access along the west side of 10th Street from Rosser to Princess, as well as partial access on the east side of 10th Street from Rosser Avenue to the start of the current Strand structure. The street is expected to close as early as Thursday, March 1, and will reopen as early as March 30. Demolition of the decaying former theatre will open up the final piece in the large parcel of land that Brandon University has assembled for downtown development. Pre-development for the downtown initiative is wrapping up. It is planned to be largely residential, with up to 250 units, ideally a mix of student residences and seniors housing. Other components of the development being considered are retail or commercial spaces, academic and learning areas, and arts and cultural venues, including potentially a gallery space and a convertible theatre space. For more information on Brandon University’s transformational downtown development, visit BrandonU.ca/Downtown.

Today marks the official retirement of PSD Blue. His last working day was December 16th 2017 after assisting with the operational transition of PSD Storm. Blue began his career with the Brandon Police Service in September of 2010 after completing training at the RCMP Police Dog Services Training Center with his handler CST Mike Kulchyski. For seven years, Blue and CST Kulchyski partnered together patrolling the streets of Brandon. Blue and CST Kulchyski attended many calls for service assisting in tracking and apprehending suspects as well as searching for evidence. Blue and CST Kulchyski were also part of the Tactical Response Unit and deployed in all high risk tactical situations that occurred during their K-9 career. Blue is adjusting to retirement and continues to live with CST Kulchyski and his family. Blue is healthy and maintains an energetic lifestyle. He misses not going to work with his partner of seven years and instead of tracking criminals and searching for evidence, he now spends a great deal of time going for runs with Kulchyski and searching for his ball. CST Kulchyski is now assigned to a Patrol Unit and thoroughly enjoyed his time as a K-9 Officer. “I really enjoyed my time working with Blue. We enjoyed a great partnership, training and learning together. We had an opportunity to meet with and train with several great handlers form across the Country over the years and developed relationships that I will enjoy for the remainder of my Policing career”. Blue will turn 9 years old on April 25th. The Brandon Police Service would like to congratulate CST Kulchyski and PSD Blue on a successful K-9 career. Thank-you for all your hard work and diligent service to the Brandon Police Service and citizens of Brando

Video captured late this evening, following the snow storm, of some guys having fun in the Keystone Centre's parking lot.  Video by Darryl "Nightcrawler' Wolski.  

Public Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Brandon Police Board will be held: Date: Friday, June 15, 2018 Time: 12:00 noon Location: City Council Chambers, Civic Administration Building 410 – 9TH Street, Brandon, MB Members of the public are invited to attend all meetings of the municipal police board, unless the meeting or a portion thereof qualifies as needing to be held in private. The Brandon Police Board shall move into a private meeting when the following topics will be discussed: - matters involving public security - sensitive financial information - personal information

After declaring 2017 one of the safest years for road fatalities in 35 years, Manitoba Public Insurance reported today that a total of nine fatalities were reported last month, making February 2018 the second worst February for road deaths in two decades. When added to the four deaths recorded in January, the total number of road fatalities in the first two months of 2018 is nearly three times higher than in the same period last year and twice as high as the preceding five year average. “The number of fatalities on Manitoba roadways last month should be a wake-up call to all drivers, particularly with several weeks of winter weather and road conditions still ahead of us,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development and Communications, CAO, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Winter driving can be a challenge for the best of drivers but when combined with high-risk driving behaviours, the outcomes can be tragic.” Although the full analysis of February fatal crashes is still in progress, preliminary data shows almost half of these crashes involved impaired driving and nearly two in three involved not wearing seatbelts. In two thirds of the crashes, speed is also suspected as a contributing factor, including driving too fast for road and weather conditions. “As we focus on making 2018 a safer year for collisions on Manitoba roadways, it is essential that all drivers take personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of other road users,” said Keith. “Together we need to change the conversation about traffic safety and create a culture where even one fatality or serious injury is considered one too many. And that change needs to start now.” Safety tips that could save a life 1. Have a plan before you head out for an evening of partying – especially if you expect to be drinking or consuming drugs. Hire a cab, or vehicle for hire, or have a designated driver selected beforehand. 2. If you must text or answer the phone, pull your vehicle over to a safe area. Texting while driving takes your eyes off the road and significantly increases the chance of being involved in a collision. 3. Never get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking or consuming drugs. It could be the last thing you do. 4. Speed kills. Be aware of the posted speed limit and drive to road and weather conditions. 5. Buckle up – every time. Whether you’re a driver or passenger, and no matter how short your trip is. It takes one second and could very well save your life. 6. With another winter storm predicted to hit Manitoba this coming weekend, all motorists are encouraged to drive defensively, leave plenty of room between vehicles, keep windshields clear and drive to conditions. Road closures due to weather should also be observed as they are intended to keep road users safe.