The Manitoba government has issued a request for proposals (RFP) from qualified organizations interested in creating home ownership opportunities for low- to moderate-income families, Families Minister Scott Fielding announced today. “Our government believes in finding ways to make it easier for more Manitobans to become homeowners,” said Fielding. “Owning a home can provide a sense of safety, security and pride for families.” Manitoba Housing has allocated $1 million for two RFPs as part of its affordable home ownership development programs. The first seeks projects to provide capital funding for new construction, renovating existing homes and conversions. The second focuses on homebuyer assistance, which could include funding for down payment and closing costs. Eligible RFP applicants include municipalities, private and public or municipal non-profit housing corporations, housing co-operatives and private developers. Projects must focus on homeowners whose total household income is at or below $71,255.  Homes must contain two or more bedrooms, either as detached, semi-detached, duplex or attached units. Manitoba Housing is able to provide a one-time fully-forgivable loan and will waive repayment if selected terms and conditions are met. Loans may be provided on a per-unit basis and the amount of the loan will be determined based on the project details. The maximum amount of financial assistance available through both RFPs is $70,000 per unit. The province will use a competitive process to select the most appropriate and cost-effective proposals. Intake is now open, with a deadline of 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 6. The RFP documents and related information are available online at www.gov.mb.ca/housing/progs/rfp-homeownership-2.html.

After more than three years at the helm, Jackie Nichol has decided to leave her post at Brandon First, which leaves the organization searching for a new Executive Director. Brandon First is non-profit organization that started in 2003 by local community members who were so passionate about event tourism that they formed a group to focus entirely on bringing events to Brandon. The goal of the organization is to promote Brandon as a host city and to work with event organizers to ensure their events are as successful as possible. Data and research has shown that event tourism has a positive impact on the economy and community pride. Nichol has largely been the face of the organization, proactively promoting the City of Brandon as a host city, highlighting the venues and resources that we have here. She said that the decision to accept a new position at Brandon University is bittersweet. “Brandon First is my passion and is very near and dear to my heart. I come from an events background, so it has been a hard decision for me, but one that I was poised to make at this point in time for me professionally,” said Nichol. “I loved what I do here and I love what the organization stands for and I work with an amazing group of people. The volunteer board is set to do some great things in the foreseeable future and they are very committed to continuing the momentum that we have right now. Brandon First is in a great position, so we don’t want to lose any of that.” The group currently operates under a 12-member board of directors and is supported by the City of Brandon, Travel Manitoba and over 50 stakeholders. For more information on bringing an event to Brandon or upcoming events, visit: http://www.brandonfirst.com.

Brandon Police Service Media Release At 11:04 p.m., an employee of a business in the 500 Block of 1st Street reported being Robbed by a male with a handgun. The male suspect was wearing a dark colored hooded sweater with the hood pulled up, a mask covering his face, blue gloves and blue jeans. The suspect pointed the handgun at the employee and left the business with a cash drawer. Police attended and located the cash drawer outside of the business. The suspect was last seen fleeing on foot south from the business. Police conducted extensive patrols of the area, which met with negative results. The investigation continues.

The governments of Canada and Manitoba recognize that strategic investments in public infrastructure are vital to building dynamic, healthy communities, fostering economic development and building the foundation for middle-class job creation. The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Eileen Clarke, Minister of Indigenous and Municipal Relations, today announced funding for 42 infrastructure projects in 37 communities under the federal government’s Small Communities Fund. The Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba are each contributing over $10 million toward the estimated $34.6 million in total project costs. Among the wide-ranging projects receiving funding under this program are airport maintenance and shed replacement for the City of Brandon, important roadwork as part of the City of Selkirk’s Downtown Renewal Strategy, and the purchase of a generator to transform the Rural Municipality of East St. Paul’s arena into a fully equipped evacuation centre. This work, along with the many other projects receiving funding, will improve key municipal services for residents, help generate economic activity and boost regional development. “The benefits from today’s announcement will not stop at local borders. High quality public infrastructure is an essential part of the fabric that makes up not only communities, but entire regions all across Manitoba.  The AMM appreciates the opportunity to work together to prioritize the projects that will help our municipalities grow and thrive in today’s economy.” Chris Goertzen, President, Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities. The $1-billion Small Communities Fund supports priority public infrastructure projects in communities across the country with less than 100,000 residents. The Small Communities Fund allocation for Manitoba is $46.7 million.

Brandon – The Brandon Police Service is working with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (Canadian Centre) to help keep kids safe by offering free online child sexual abuse awareness training to individuals who are completing criminal record checks in order to work or volunteer with children. Child sexual abuse is a much bigger problem than many people realize. In July 2017, Statistics Canada reported a 30% increase in sexual violations against children in one year[a]. One in 10 children will be sexually abused before they turn 18[b], and in the majority of cases, the victims know their offenders[c]. “The Brandon Police Service is proud to partner with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection on this very important initiative.” Said Ian Grant, Chief of Police, Brandon Police Service. “We are proud to be the first Police Service in Canada to offer this training to people interested in getting a criminal record check completed. Our youth are our future and we need to work together using a variety of means to help keep them safe and free from victimization”. The training is part of the Canadian Centre’s Commit to Kids program, which helps child-serving organizations create safe environments for children. This online training is essential for those working with children in a volunteer or professional capacity. “Brandon is the first police service in Canada to offer the training to people who are getting criminal record checks and we are very proud to work with them,” said Noni Classen, Director of Education at the Canadian Centre. “Criminal record checks are a great first step, but there is so much more that can be done. This training is an important part of learning how to play a key role in helping keep our kids safe.” Since the Canadian Centre launched this online training last summer, more than 6,000 people across the country have completed it. Through this professional development opportunity participants will learn about the importance of professional boundaries, child disclosure and reporting – building their capacity to help keep kids safe. In the time it takes to watch a movie, participants will learn information that could protect a child from abuse.