Brandon, MB – Following two days of vigorous discussion and debate, Brandon City Council has approved the final municipal budget of its mandate. This year’s $83.2 million dollar operating budget is representative of a municipal tax increase of 0.42%, which means the typical residential property used in the City’s standard calculations (40 years old, 1,200 square feet, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, and assessed at approximately $254,500) will see an increase in municipal taxes of $8 over 2017 levels. In speaking to the approved budget, Brandon Mayor Rick Chrest referenced it as the best overall result for Brandon’s ratepayers at the cost of a very modest municipal tax increase. “I am extremely pleased with this budget, not only for the end result -  which shook out at approximately one-third the rate of inflation - but for the way that everyone worked on the budget and the respectful, collegial way that they dealt with each other during the process,” Chrest said. “That’s kind of a hallmark of this Council and I am extremely proud of them.” Several dozen additions and deletions to the budget were brought forward by councillors and debated in detail throughout the process, with some of the more significant changes approved being: An additional $500,000 in capital funding for the Keystone Centre, to be funded through the Accommodation Tax Reserve; An additional $200,000 in funding for this year’s road paving and milling program; $30,000 in new funding for a “Downtown Ambassador” pilot program, $10,000 in new funding to enhance downtown heritage lighting, and $50,000 in additional funding to support the efforts of the Brandon Downtown Development Corporation; $25,000 in grant funding to assist Brandon Riverbank Inc. in pursing installation of an electric car charging station at the Riverbank Discovery Centre, along with $20,000 in additional funding for the City of Brandon’s Environmental Initiatives Program; An additional $100,000 in funding to assist in addressing building deficiencies at Brandon’s community centres; Additional grant funding support for the Brandon General Museum & Archives Inc., the Westman Multicultural Festival, Simplot Millennium Park, and the Brandon Bear Clan; An additional $100,000 in reserve funding allocation for a future soccer facility; A slight reduction of Sunday transit service hours of operation, along with tighter parameters placed on which statutory holidays will include the provision of transit service; Removal of funding earmarked for participation in the National Communities in Bloom Evaluation (Judged) Program; Reduction of funding to the Summer Lights Music Program (summer concert series and one-day festival); A reduction in the snow clearing and removal budget to reflect the season’s minimal snowfall. “The overall funding level approved still allows for growth and allows administration to achieve some of the goals that Council had set for us in its Strategic Plan, all while looking for innovative, new opportunities,” concluded Brandon City Manager/CAO Rod Sage. “With this budget, Council pushed us to adapt and look for efficiencies to ensure we can provide quality service to the community while being respectful and financially prudent.” The Council-approved budget will now proceed to public hearing stage, a date for which will be determined in the spring.

Brandon Police Service Media Release Impaired Driver Arrested Overnight Just prior to 3:00 AM a 55-year old male was stopped in the 1200 Block of 13th Street by police.  He displayed the usual signs of intoxication and provided samples of his breath of more than two (2) times the legal limit.  He will appear in court on January 22 to be charged with impaired driving. Brandon Man Arrested for Assault A 31-year old man was arrested for domestic assault after he allegedly struck his partner.  The female victim did not require any medical attention.  The man will appear in court on February 15th to be charged with domestic assault.  

Brandon Police Service Media Release On Wednesday morning, an employee of a business in the 900 Block of Douglas Street reported the business had been broken into between 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday. The suspect(s) gained entry by prying open the rear door. Money was stolen from within the business and a 2008 GMC Sierra truck with Manitoba Licence plate CFN 663 was also stolen. Police investigation continues.

Brandon Police Service Media Release At approximately 2:00 a.m., a taxi driver reported that a female pulled a knife on him in the 600 Block of McDiarmid Drive and he is running away from her. The male taxi driver further reported that the female threatened to kill him. Officers attended, spoke to the victim and learned that the female hired the cab and became belligerent and aggressive when the cab driver refused to to buy fast food for the suspect. The victim further reported that when the suspect could not catch him she returned to the cab and cut some wiring inside the taxicab. While searching for the suspect, Police observed a different taxicab leaving the area. A traffic stop was conducted with the female suspect located inside the vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody and a search of the female recovered the knife. The 20-year-old female was arrested for Assault with a Weapon, Mischief to Property, Carry a Concealed Weapon and Breach of a Court Order.  She was lodged at the Brandon Correctional Center and is scheduled to appear in Court on Wednesday. The victim did not sustain any physical injuries because of this incident.

BRANDON, Man. (January 17, 2018)— Assiniboine Community College’s Alumni Association has just announced the four recipients of this year’s alumni awards to be presented at the seventh annual Alumni Advancement Dinner in Brandon on March 8, 2018.  This year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award is Wade Barnes. The award is presented annually to a graduate of the college who has distinguished themselves in both their chosen profession and their community.  As one of the foremost agronomists in North America, Barnes is a pioneer in the Precision Agriculture movement. Raised as a grower in rural Manitoba, he combined his love for agriculture, technology and business and studied the Agribusiness program at Assiniboine. He now serves as President & CEO of Farmers Edge, having grown the company into the preeminent provider of precision agriculture platform and independent data management solutions for growers worldwide.  Beny Mwenda will receive the Community Service Award, which recognizes a graduate of the college who has positively impacted the quality of people’s lives through the service of others. Throughout his career, Mwenda has had a deep commitment to education, training and rural community development in his country and has coordinated and secured funding for many training projects for rural Tanzanians, which increased their agricultural and entrepreneurial skills and therefore their ability to thrive in their local communities. Whitney Roberts is this year’s recipient of the One to Watch Award, which honours a graduate who is 30 years of age or younger at the time of nomination and has made exceptional achievements and significant contributions to his or her profession and community. Originally from Deloraine, Man., Whitney attended Assiniboine’s Business Administration program and graduated with a Marketing specialization in 2007. After living for a short while in Western Canada, Roberts and her husband moved back to Manitoba in 2016, where she opened Tour Indoor Cycling, a boutique indoor cycling studio.  The Excellence in Teaching Award honours a faculty member for extraordinary contributions to teaching and the student experience. Hotel and Restaurant Management instructor Kyle Zalluski is the recipient of this year’s award. Originally from Neepawa, Man., Zalluski moved to Brandon to attend the college’s Hospitality Tourism Administration program. In 2004, he started his career at Assiniboine Community College as an instructor. Early on in his career, Kyle coordinated the college’s inaugural Wine & Food Festival, which began as a small event held in a classroom that is now a premiere event at the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts. As well, each year he trains and guides students through the rigorous processes and etiquette required for the highly anticipated Grey Owl restaurant. Award recipients will be formally recognized at the alumni Advancement Dinner on Thursday, March 8, 2018, at the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts, North Hill Campus. Those interested in event details, sponsorship information, or tickets may contact Lisa Huston, Alumni Relations Coordinator at 204.725.8700 ext 7124.