Brandon, Manitoba – Len Isleifson, MLA for Brandon East and Reg Helwer, MLA for Brandon West, today jointly announced that the Manitoba Government is investing in local education infrastructure renewal projects in both Brandon constituencies. “Our Progressive Conservative government understands the importance of safe and healthy places for Manitoba students,” said MLA Isleifson. “These projects, which include necessary health and safety-related upgrades, will help ensure the children of Brandon will have a positive learning environment.” “The Manitoba Government is investing a total of $53.7 million in education infrastructure renewal projects across the province,” said Helwer. “This province-wide investment includes six (6) in Brandon.” The local schools that are receiving upgrades are: ·         George Fitton (Roof Replacement) ·         Green Acres (Heating system and unit ventilator replacement) ·         King George (Roof replacement) ·         Earl Oxford (Grooming Room) ·         Meadows (Foundation waterproofing at boiler room) ·         Waverly Park (Roof Replacement) This investment of $53.7 million is part of planned capital spending of over $92.4 million in 2017-18 for public school infrastructure projects across the province. The projects will be completed within a timeframe of six to 24 months following the award of tenders and start of construction.

Halloween is still nine weeks away, but that doesn’t mean that work hasn’t begun to prep for the ghoulish event. In fact, it seems at though the folks at Halloween Alley, pictured above, are busy setting up shop at this year’s pop-up location at 1240-18th Street.  They are hoping for a September 1st opening.  This will be their 4th season in Brandon. Hours: Monday - Saturday 9:30 am -9:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Holidays 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Each year they collect used costumes so everyone can celebrate Halloween.  This year the YWCA Westman Women's Shelter will be the recipient of all donated costumes.  Residents in the West end of the city are no longer faced with a detour as the Traffic Circle at 34th Street and Willowdale Crescent recently reopened. It was closed at the end of June for complete reconstruction, using concrete versus asphalt. It’s looking mighty fine! If you haven’t been to the Shoppers Mall lately, you’ll be in for a bit of surprise. Construction is well underway at the Southwest corner of 18th Street and Richmond Avenue for freestanding restaurants that will complement existing interior food services that are part of the mall community.  ’Tis the season! A construction crew works today along the 400 block of 21st Street in the University Ward. Kudos to all the crews who’ve been working long hours this summer to get projects done in and around the city.

Larry Maguire, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris hosted a marijuana town hall on Bill’s C-45 & C-46 at the West End Community Centre in Brandon today. Approximately 120 community members attended the meeting where information regarding the legislation was presented by Drew Ostash. Open forum discussion of aspects and particulars of the legislation shared views from the public that there was a need for further education, concerns of the complexities to enforce the legislation, and the practicality of some of the limitations that are currently set within the Bills. There was a general feeling of support and progressiveness in the room of marijuana use both medicinally and recreationally. This was the first town hall of five that are planned in the upcoming days across the riding.

Larry Maguire, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souirs, will be holding a series of town hall meetings in the area looking for the public to come share their views on the governments plan to legalize recreational marijuana. The format will be designed so everyone will have the opportunity to share their views and information. From these series of meeting he is not only hoping to hear from the public but also the RCMP, BPS, and individuals from both the local education and medical communities. The first meeting takes place in Brandon on Sunday, August the 20th inside the West End Community Centre. The meeting gets underway at 7:00 pm. Subsequent gatherings will be held in Holland, Killarney, Deloraine, & Virden.

An announcement was made yesterday that a new arrangement had been reached to extend the contact for the Canadian Arabian and Half-Arabian Horse show for another 5-year period. The event is held annually inside Brandon's Keystone Centre. The show has been held in Brandon for the past 7-years and attracts participants from every corner of North America. The economic boost to the community is said to be approximately 4.5 million each year.  The agreement also includes an option for an additional 2-year extension.