Courtesy:  Brandon University News Release Brandon University (BU) has acquired a significant location downtown: the former Strand Theatre property. “This is the perfect time for us to take advantage of this fortuitous opportunity,” said BU President Gervan Fearon. “Our University’s Academic Plan speaks to community engagement and being a catalyst for community growth and development. This property will help us to further meet student needs, to broaden our academic programming engagement with the community, and to play a role in the revitalization of the downtown core.” The new acquisition is on the 100-block of 10th Street in downtown Brandon and BU has taken possession of it from Landmark Cinemas for the price of $1. “Landmark Cinemas has been outstanding to work with throughout this process, and we are very pleased that they share our vision for education and development in Brandon’s core,” Fearon said. “My partner, Neil Campbell, Landmark’s President and CEO and a Brandon University alumnus from 1973, and myself are exceptionally pleased to have worked with Brandon University to find a solution for the property that works for everyone,” said Brian McIntosh, Executive Chairman of Landmark Cinemas. “Landmark Cinemas has been entertaining the movie-goers of Brandon and district since the 1970s and in a small way this is our opportunity to give-back to the community which has supported Landmark so well for so many years. We will watch, with great interest, what new plans Brandon University has in store for this site and we wish the University and the City much success with their future downtown Brandon plans.” Adding a nearby downtown element to BU’s visible and central Brandon location on 18th Street will provide significant future opportunities for the university as well as the city. “Brandon University is moving to expand our role in community-based research as well as co-op and experiential education,” said Dr. Steve Robinson, BU’s Vice President, Academic and Provost. “A presence downtown can allow us to strengthen these links, forge new ones, and provide a full spectrum of study and research opportunities.” The new location will also provide the university community with new and better access to civic amenities. “Students know that life doesn’t start and end at the campus limits. Whether it’s working a part-time job, finding a coffee shop to study or write a paper, or socializing in the evening, downtown Brandon offers a lot for us,” said Brandon University Students’ Union President Nick Brown. “We’re excited to see the plans as they develop, and happy to work with faculty and administration to find the best use for this needed space. We already have some ideas, such as student residences and student family housing, which would be ideal given the location right across from Princess Park and recreational facilities.” Over the coming months, Brandon University will work with the university community, the City of Brandon, Renaissance Brandon and other partners to refine plans for the future use of the property through innovative partnerships and prudent fiscal management. “There is a resurgence of optimism and development in downtown Brandon, and to have Brandon University playing a significant role underscores this sense of excitement for the future of our city,” said Brandon Mayor Rick Chrest. “BU continues to be an excellent partner with the City of Brandon, and I look forward to welcoming them downtown.” The 100-block of 10th Street is among the most historic and central in Brandon. Recent nearby development has included office and retail space, upper-storey residential, a well-used skateboard park. “It is incredibly exciting that Brandon University has made a decision to place roots in the heart of our city,” said Elisabeth Saftiuk, executive director of Renaissance Brandon. “A university presence in the city’s core will bring dynamic change to downtown Brandon. Brandon University can catalyze the mixed-use development that is critical for downtown revitalization. This is a perfect fit that brings new people, new amenities, and new life to downtown Brandon.” Brandon University is further reviewing the results of an engineering assessment that was done on the building. A Campus Master Plan process is also currently underway. Anticipated for completion in mid-2017, the Campus Master Plan will look at potential directions for facility development and space usage at BU. Acquiring this downtown properly now means it is able to be fully incorporated into the planning process, advancing Brandon University’s priority to be a community-engaged institution. “We know public projects must demonstrate a strong value proposition. The combination of growth at Brandon University with development in downtown Brandon provides outstanding value and benefits for the city and the entire community,” said Derrick Stewart, chair of the BU Board of Governors. “This will be transformative for all — for the university community, the city and the southwestern Manitoba region. We are working to make Brandon a preferred destination for post-secondary education.”

A 36-year old Carberry man has been arrested on a charge of Assault and Breach of Probation following a drinking party in Brandon on Saturday afternoon. Police say that on Saturday afternoon they attended an apartment in the 600 block of McDiarmind Drive following a complaint of an assault. It was discovered that the apartment dweller, a female, had 2 persons over to her home and she had asked them to leave. She started to escort the male out on the door and which point police say the man took offense to this and pushed the homeowner back and punched her in the nose resulting in a bloody nose. The suspect was arrested and kept in custody at BCC until sober for his release on Sunday morning. His female companion, was also intoxicated and causing problems and was arrested on Breach of Peace and was also held in custody till sober. The victim was treated at the hospital and released. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});    

The Westman Traditional Christmas Diner is looking for volunteers for this years dinner at the Victoria Inn. They would love to have as many helpers as possible to help make sure no one goes without a meal on Christmas. Now in it's 32 year the event has grown from just 30 meals in it's first year to last year delivering 2200 meals to shut-ins, and serving another 2300 meals to those who attended the dinner. Here's just some of the dates and duties they are looking to fill. Dec 21st and 22nd to prepare turkeys @ 4pm 22nd and 23rd to carve turkeys. @ 8 am Peeling potatoes and making stuffing and wrapping presents on the 23rd. @ 1 pm They also require volunteers on the 25th starting early at 7am to 8pm for cleanup. Please email or call with the information below: christmasdinner@wcgwave.ca 204-728-7987

Press Release YWCA Brandon Keeping Spirits Bright Fundraiser and Awareness Campaign for the 2016 Holiday Season Brandon, Canada – December 1st 2016 – The YWCA Brandon announces their Keeping Spirits Bright Campaign for the holiday season. Please help us spread the word about “Keeping Spirits Bright” this holiday season. Each year the YWCA Brandon Westman Women’s Shelter provides support and shelter to an average of 500 women and children who are fleeing family or domestic violence situations. When violence happens victims and their children will leave, often with no time to pack a bag or gather personal possessions. Help us to bring a little joy and cheer to families during this holiday season and light up our Tree of Safety – because we provide a safe place for women and children! As of the end of November the YWCA Westman Women’s Shelter provided over 4,000 nights to women, men and children who were victims of domestic violence. Our goal is to raise $5,250, this represents $10 for every woman and child who spent a night in our shelter in the past year. With each donation, our tree in the front yard at YWCA Meredith Place at 148- 11th Street, will light up a little more, with purple lights – purple lights for domestic violence. Donate through our webpage- ywcabrandon.com. or ywcabrandon on facebook or by mail at 148-11th Street, Brandon, Mb R7A 4J4, to support our  Keeping Spirits Bright Campaign during this holiday season. For more information please Contact BJ Kirouac & Lorna French Fund Development & Marketing Officers YWCA Brandon 204-571-3680 Email: ywca2@wcgwave.ca

(L-R) Colleen Sheryl McIvor & Luisa Noyemi Alvarenga Written by RCMP Release AMBER ALERT: Portage RCMP issue Amber Alert for Luisa Noyemi Alvarenga. On December 2, 2016, at approximately 11:00 am, Luisa Noyemi Alvarenga, 8, was taken from her Portage la Prairie, Manitoba residence by her biological mother, Colleen Sheryl McIvor, 43. Luisa is described as aboriginal, 4’ tall and 60 pounds. She has black, medium-length hair. She was wearing a purple winter coat, black boots and jeans. They are traveling in a stolen black 2012 Chevrolet Sierra pickup truck with Manitoba license plate FPB 968. It is believed they could be in Long Plain First Nation, Manitoba. Police are very concerned for Luisa’s immediate well-being. Anyone who has seen Luisa Alvarenga and her mother Colleen McIvor, or who knows of their whereabouts, please contact 911 or your local emergency number.