Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon’s Planning, Property & Buildings Department and Brandon’s Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee are pleased to update the community that Phase 1 of the rehabilitation of the iconic stone fence running along the 100-Block of 17th Street is nearing completion. The structure – a rare example of stone fence construction still standing in Brandon – has borne a Municipal Heritage Site designation since 2003. The original fence was constructed in the early 1900’s and encompassed a single estate prior to post-Second World War development. Now, what remains of the structure straddles several private and public property lines along the north, east, and south borders of the block, but is owned and maintained by the City of Brandon. Led by the City of Brandon’s Planning, Property & Buildings Department and Brandon’s Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee, repair work began last summer on portions of the fence that were cracked and significantly leaning, specifically an eight-metre section of fence located at the rear of 143 – 18th Street. Brandon City Council approved $25,000 in funding in its 2017 budget to allow for the rehabilitation, while a further $10,000 in funding was secured through the Province of Manitoba’s Designated Heritage Buildings Grant Program. City of Brandon Heritage Community Planner Andrew Mok says the majority of Phase 1 work was completed last November by project contractor Stiles Masonry, with some minor site work still to be done in the spring. “We’re very pleased to report that Phase 1 of this important project has been substantially completed and has come in under budget, and all those involved would like to express thanks to Brandon City Council and the Government of Manitoba for the funding the project has received,” notes Mok. “With Phase 1 almost at completion, we now look forward the next step in the rehabilitation and preservation process of this unique structural component of Brandon’s history.” Mok adds that funding is currently being sought for Phase 2 of the project to occur in 2018, which would see the rehabilitation of an 11-metre section of the fence located at the northeast corner of the property at 147 – 18th Street. A number of trees have already been removed from the immediate area surrounding this section in preparation for this work; however, the area is currently fenced off to maintain public safety. A full history of the stone fence can be found on the Heritage Brandon website at http://heritagebrandon.ca/municipal/stone-fence.

The City of Brandon’s Streets & Roads Section would like to advise the public that an overnight parking ban will be implemented along Princess Avenue and Rosser Avenue, from 18th Street to 1st Street, both tonight and tomorrow night. This is to allow for crews to remove snow piles from areas adjacent to parking meters. As per the City of Brandon Traffic By-law, overnight parking along these routes (12 a.m. to 8 a.m.) is prohibited if a snow plowing/removal notice has been issued by the City of Brandon. Vehicles that remain parked along signed snow routes during an identified snow-clearing event risk being ticketed and/or towed at the owner's expense. More information on City of Brandon seasonal Snow Routes and associated parking bans can be found at http://www.brandon.ca/snow-routes

Major Grant for Production Suite Funding at Keystone Thanks to Brandon Area Community Foundation BRANDON, MB (January 2, 2018) – The Brandon Area Community Foundation have granted the Keystone Centre $117,000 to fund necessary upgrades to their Production Suite, responsible for the graphic and video capabilities on the Main Arena scoreclock. The Production Suite is located off the Main Concourse of the Keystone Centre. It houses a variety of technical equipment including those that were upgraded through this project: character generator, media software, production switcher, headsets and additional digital equipment. The Production Suite sends a signal to the video screen on the scoreclock in the Main Arena. These images enhance the show – be it on the ice, in the show ring or on stage, in the Main Arena. “This is a major project with a hefty price tag,” said Jeff Schumacher, general manager, Keystone Centre. “The Production Suite upgrades have been on our Capital Plan for a number of years and were pushed back until the point of being emergent. And then we had Brandon Area Community Foundation step up to fund the entire first phase of the project. It’s incredible! It means the equipment is upgraded and usable and our funds go even further thanks to their generosity.” This grant came as part of the Brandon Area Community Foundation’s Community Grants. “We are happy to be able to fund equipment that is such a vital part of the public’s experience at the Keystone Centre,” said Bev Cumming, Board Chair, Brandon Area Community Foundation. In the past five years, the Brandon Area Community Foundation have contributed to three major projects at the Keystone Centre: New Bleachers for the Kinsmen and Enns Brothers Arenas, Canada 150 Turf in City Square, Custom Local Artwork for our Meeting Rooms and the Production Suite Project for the Main Arena Scoreclock. The upgrades are already in place and in use within the Production Suite.

Taxation changes coming into effect in 2018 will benefit thousands of Manitobans and businesses across the province, Finance Minister Cameron Friesen announced today. “Our government is focused on ensuring the tax environment here is competitive and affordable for everyone,” said Friesen.  “We will continue to provide tax relief for Manitoba families and businesses in 2018 as we work toward fixing the finances and securing the sustainability of our services today and into the future.” Indexing personal income tax brackets and the basic personal amount to inflation is estimated to remove an additional 1,700 Manitobans from the tax rolls and save residents over $17 million in 2018, the minister noted.  The basic personal amount for 2018 will be $9,382, he said. Friesen confirmed that in 2017, indexing removed 2,100 individuals and saved Manitobans approximately $21 million.  By 2020, an estimated 11,100 individuals will have been removed from the tax rolls and Manitobans will have cumulatively saved $113 million, he added. To support growth and investment in the economy, Budget 2017 extended the Manufacturing Investment, Mineral Exploration and Book Publishing tax credits. In addition, as a red tape reduction initiative, under The Insurance Corporations Tax Act, corporations will only be required to pay taxes when filing an annual return and will be able to do so more efficiently using the on-line tax filing system. For more information, visit www.manitoba.ca/budget2017/index.html.

Brandon Boxing Day Storm Photos 2016  A collection of photos from the big Boxing Day storm that hit the city as submitted by our readers. Complete final roster of trucks for Food Truck Warz  Eighteen trucks participated in the first ever event, this was the preview of what the different trucks would be offering. 3. Multiple vehicles damaged on Fotheringham Dr  Series of photos of multiple vehicles being damaged in a collision on Fotheringham Drive. 4. Moose goes for a stroll in Brandon's west end   A  moose decided to take an early morning stroll in Brandon’s West end. 5. Food Truck Warz ready to take Brandon by storm  The first time any information was released to the public regarding Food Truck Warz. 6. Brandon's premier indoor play facility to open shortly  Brothers, Doug and Darcy Willey complete renovations and prepare to open their kids themed play facility on Park Avenue. 7.  Accident on Kirkcaldy Drive  User submitted photos of a multiple vehicle accident on Kirkcaldy Dr. 8.  Local restaurant to close doors  5 Guys Burgers & Fries in Brandon was shutting down their Brandon operation. 9. Boston Bruins Alumni team to play charity hockey game in Shilo  The big bad Bruins were coming to the area and hockey fans were anxious to see who was on the roster. 10.  Car crashes through window of Brandon business  A Ford SUV crashed through the store front window of the Phillips Insurance Agency on 1st Street.