On the first really warm day of spring, dozens of trained volunteers fanned out through city streets, alleys and places that I wouldn’t want to be in after dark. It was the second Point-in-Time (PiT) Homelessness Count, which provides a snapshot of the number of homeless people in the Wheat City. Now it might come as a surprise to many residents — those who don’t often stray from their pretty neighborhoods in the outlying areas of the city — that there is a real homeless problem here. I sure didn’t believe it when I moved back to Brandon in 2004. In fact, in my weekly column in the Brandon Sun, I bluntly dismissed those groups who were trying to get the word out that there were homeless people. All they were doing was trying to raise the profile of the growing problem in order to get some help. But I had just moved here from Winnipeg. I had been a journalist there for years and saw what a real homeless problem looked like. It was in your face, it was on street corners. It was a blight on the downtown. There were aggressive panhandlers which kept people away from businesses, with some of them closing as a result. So to prove I was right, I even assigned reporters to search out homeless people. They found a couple of folks camping out near the Eighth Street Bridge. But they said they were from neighbouring communities, just partying as the weather was warm. They found no ‘real’ homeless people. I felt my position had been justified. My dismissive attitude towards homeless advocates — especially Youth for Christ — in my column eventually resulted in a standoff of sorts in the fall of 2011. A group of homeless people, or those in shelters, led by some mental health workers, demanded a meeting with me. I invited them to the Sun’s offices on Rosser Avenue and met with a dozen or so people who wanted to tell me their stories. I made coffee for them. I wasn’t feeling very comfortable at the start of the meeting. I was wearing my managing editor’s uniform of freshly dry cleaned shirt, tie and dress pants. The people around the table were wearing worn clothes. They didn’t remove their coats. Them seemed to enjoy the warmth. The group looked tired, some to the point of nodding off in the warm boardroom But after an hour, my eyes were opened. I learned that there are several different categories of being homeless. Some were couch surfing with friends. Some used shelters. Some did live on the street, but in such hard-to-find places, they went unnoticed. They couldn’t find work. And they certainly couldn’t find a decent place to live. Sadly, several of the people in the photo accompanying this piece have passed away. That haunts me. But after that 2011 meeting, I wanted to further investigate the issue and asked to meet with someone in an emergency shelter. I spent a half-hour with a woman who spilled out her painful story about a medical issue that led to drug dependency. That led to a loss of employment and increased drug use. Then a loss of shelter. She was clean and sober when we talked, but she only had a few more days to be sheltered in the small, spartan room before she had to return to the streets. She wasn’t sure what she was going to do. From then on, I changed my attitude towards the issue of affordable housing, homelessness, and mental health issues. It’s a hard thing to admit when you’re wrong. It’s even harder when you’re doing so in a mainstream newspaper read by tens of thousands of people. But I was heartened when this Letter to the Editor arrived. “O'Connor to be Commended for his Compassion” James O’Connor, managing editor of the Brandon Sun, is to be commended for his article on the homeless in Brandon (Editor’s Notebook, Oct. 22). The article was written with compassion and understanding of the conditions in which some of our citizens live. It takes a lot of courage to write about a situation which most of us would prefer to ignore and about which one has some preconceived notions. It takes even more courage to change one’s opinion, as Mr. O’Connor has done publicly, when presented with information contrary to one’s beliefs. CHESTER LETKEMAN Brandon Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition Oct. 27, 2011 Now let’s get back to that beautiful day in Princess Park last Wednesday. The PiT Count, funded by the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy, provides various agencies with a snapshot of sheltered and unsheltered homeless people in the community. The data helps to guide programs and services in the city and allows those organizations to measure progress towards the ultimate goal of ending homelessness in Brandon. The first PiT Count in Brandon was done on Jan. 21, 2015. The data collected revealed that 117 people were found to be homeless and nearly half of the respondents (47 per cent) were under the age of 30 on the day of the count. Those 117 were a mix of sheltered and unsheltered. Many who were “sheltered” were in emergency shelters who were a few days from being homeless. “In Manitoba, it’s seasonal,” said Mark Anderson, PiT project coordinator, pictured in this column with Brandon Police Service Chief Ian Grant. “In the summer, they could be under a bridge, in a park, behind a warehouse. In winter they are stacking up wherever they can find shelter. “There is also another category — episodic homelessness. They might couch surf for a week, or two weeks, but then that all goes to pieces, then they are on the street for a couple of days  until the find somebody else to bunk with.” He mentioned one fellow, dressed quite nicely, who was living in his vehicle. I asked Anderson what he thought is the root cause of homelessness. He said it can be economic, the high cost of living, low vacancy rates, the high cost of rent. It can be mental or physical health related. “With a large part of the (homeless) population … there is a significant prevalence of trauma. Historical background trauma. People who have gone through hard things in life,” Anderson said. “That leads to disassociation, they have to disconnect to cope. Then chemical dependencies can kick in.” Getting homeless people off the streets and into some form of housing is the key. The No. 1 factor in Brandon’s homelessness is the lack of affordable housing, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Brandon chapter. “A couple of groups work with folks who (could be) reasonably good tenants,” Anderson said, noting another stage called transitional housing can be had for four months to a year. “And the day they move in, the goal is to have them move out with a job and some stability in their lives.” This year’s survey featured a new element called The PiT Stop. Anderson said a community event would provide a great forum to celebrate together as well as draw people together to assist in conducting surveys. The project was hosted by Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, he said. The PiT Stop, which attracted a large crowd, featured local talent on stage, and wellness opportunities for people who don’t always have those types of chances. Wellness opportunities were prioritized towards homeless individuals first. Services offered included: Free hair cuts and styling; manicures; vision reviews; and heart health. Food sponsors included: Wolf’s Den; Robins Donuts; Wildflower Cafe; Prairie Firehouse; Sabor Latino; Blue Moon Water; Komfort Kitchen; Subway; and Forbidden Flavours. I spoke with BPS Chief Grant, who was walking around, chatting with people. “Homelessness is a concern right across the entire country,” he told me. “Our role is evolving, from patrol and enforcement to working with the community resources to try and get shelter for people who are homeless. “During the winter, we work with Samaritan Health for the Safe and Warm Shelter program. For those who would benefit from a good night’s sleep indoors rather than outside. “In the summer months, it’s a little more difficult because there isn’t the Safe and Warm program. But our members are becoming more and more aware of the different agencies involved who are trying to address the issue of homelessness. “We try to channel people in that direction, we can’t force people, but we can say ‘Here’s a resource you might want to take advantage of.’ “Housing is the key.” (The full report of the 2016 Point-in-Time (PiT) Homelessness Count will be available in six weeks at iMatter-bdn.ca. You can also follow the project on Twitter: @iMatterbdn and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrandonPiTCount.)

Let's talk Toronto. It won't be much longer now, before Westjet starts flying directly from our airport, (YBR) to Toronto (YYZ).  I think that it's wise to book this route early, for two reasons. Firstly, with the vast number of connections to cities around the world that you can make from Toronto, I think our connector flight will be in high demand.  The second reason is to prove to Westjet that this is an in-demand flight. If the planes are full and people are using this service, then we might hold onto it past the trial period. If Toronto flights continue through this winter, there is an incredible number of hot destinations we can conveniently fly to.  Think about it, if you could fly from Brandon and be in Jamaica 7 hours later, wouldn't you do it? Yes, yes, I would. (Yes, now vacation packages almost anywhere are available from Brandon!) Just imagine NOT having to drive to Winnipeg in a blizzard and pay $100 to park at the Winnipeg airport. It would be a new found independence for Westman residents. So, act now and pave the way for winter freedom.  The first bargain I see, is a return fare, taxes included at $359. Leaving July 6th, returning July 12th. That's just YBR to YYZ. Big city bargain! I couldn't find a route schedule off Westjet.com but by my observations, your direct Brandon to Toronto flights just leave Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.  

The Brandon Sun, Westman Communications Group and the Brandon Chamber of Commerce invite you to attend the MLA Candidates’ Debate on the issues facing Brandon in the upcoming provincial election on Thurs April 14th. The debate will be broadcast live from the Keystone Centre Amphitheatre on WCG-TV and CKLQ Radio.  Kerry Auriat will serve as moderator. The panel will consist of:  Brandon Sun Chief Political Reporter Jillian Austin; CKLQ STAR FM News Director Clay Young; Brandon University Associate Professor - Department of Political Science, Dr. Kell Saunders; and a Brandon Chamber of Commerce representative. Brandon Sun Editor Matt Goerzen will co-ordinate questions from the audience. EVENT DETAILS: Name:             2016 MLA Candidate Debates Date:               Thursday, April 14, 2016  Time:               6:00 PM - 9:00 PM CDT                          6:00 pm Brandon West debate                          7:35 pm Brandon East debate Location:         Keystone Centre Amphitheatre, 1175 - 18th Street

Is there any doubt that Manitoba is a beautiful and friendly place to live?  We have beauty and tranquility right outside our doorstep: lush green rolling hills, big skies on long summer days, cozy communities full of friendly people, and gorgeous seasons rich with diverse colors and activities.  Even when the weather seems to be a bit confused (like it has been lately), we have much of interest to be thankful for! Then what could be more perfect than to view this diverse beauty through the eyes of real Manitobans - our friends and neighbors that live and work right here in rural Manitoba.  The Our Manitoba Photo Contest has provided a unique opportunity to do just that. This photo contest was created out of the true spirit of partnership.  Since its inception, Sunrise Credit Union, Keywest Photo image by design inc, and The Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba have come together to create a great experience for hobbyists and enthusiasts of photography.  Sunrise Credit Union facilitates an easy-to-use online submission for digital images, Keywest Photo image by design inc. produces archival canvas prints as prizes for top winners of the contest (14 in all), and a gala reception is held at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba where the winning canvas prints are proudly displayed for several weeks.  The top winners, which are chosen in a public vote, are also featured in a calendar for the following year. The first Our Manitoba Photo Contest was held in 2013, and since then over 900 photos have been submitted online with over 400 people attending the grand unveiling at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba.  This year, submissions for the contest will be accepted up until April 21st. It all begins with a photograph.  It could be of geese on a river, or a beautiful sunset at harvest, or children playing in the water in the spring, a field of fresh flowers, or a frost-covered tree in winter.  The smallest everyday occurrence, while seemingly ordinary, contains a moment of clarity and beauty.   As people, we all have the potential of being uniquely creative, of seeing and communicating our world in interesting and different ways.  And as residents of Manitoba, we have incredible subject matter that we can bring to life!   To take a glimpse into our Manitoba and see this year’s contest entries so far, visit the following link: http://www.sunrisecu.mb.ca/photo-contest-entry/ Do you have a beautiful image that personifies Manitoba?  Visit here to learn more and submit to the contest! http://www.sunrisecu.mb.ca/photo-contest/

Brandon’s city council, led by Mayor Rick Chrest, has again cleaned up a mess left by its predecessors by voting almost unanimously to tear down the outdated and downright dangerous Eighth Street Bridge. It wasn’t an easy decision. But council made the correct move at its regular April 4 meeting. As I wrote in my April 3 column, given the costs involved to repair or replace the largely neighbourhood bridge for vehicular traffic, the only prudent decision was to tear the 82-year-old structure down. I think my views on onside with the vast majority of Brandon taxpayers. To recap, Patrick Pulak, the city’s director of engineering services and water resources, stated in his report to council since the bridge was been closed last July there haven’t been any traffic problems. States Pulak: “By all appearances, the citizens have adjusted accordingly with little or no impact to traffic in the area, and service is certainly within acceptable levels.” I’ve included a table of the options council had to choose from. To replace the bridge with a new one for vehicles would place an onerous burden on the city’s finances and would result in some pretty serious tax increases for everyone — including those living in the North End which the bridge serviced. It would also require expropriation and demolition of several homes and businesses on both sides of the CP Rail yards (which is five tracks wide at that site). Doing some temporary repairs would be throwing good money after bad. That would be the type of decision made by previous administrations. The bridge will come down. Then the city’s administration is to engage CP Rail, the Province of Manitoba, and the Government of Canada as potential funding partners to explore options for an active transportation/pedestrian connection in the vicinity of Eighth Street to serve as a continued north-south corridor for the City of Brandon. Now that’s going to be something that taxpayers should press council on during next year’s budget debate, as there are currently no funds for that project. And it has to be built sooner than later both to serve the folks of the North End (also called The Flats) and to to serve as a key link in the city’s north/south active transportation corridor. Not to mention, that it really is just a matter of time before a trespasser making a short-cut over what will be fenced-off CP Rail tracks will be injured or killed. I was at the council meeting, where there were maybe 25 concerned people in the gallery who wanted a stay of execution for the overpass. Former Rosser Ward city councillor Corey Roberts had previously presented council with a 2,300-signature petition calling for a new vehicular bridge. Hmm. And of the couple of dozen people who showed up for what was billed as a “rally,” only one took the opportunity during Community Question Period to speak in favour of repairing or replacing the bridge. I’ve included a photo of many of the bridge proponents, taken just after the 9-1 vote to demolish the bridge was made. Once the Daly Overpass on 18th Street is rebuilt into a four-lane bridge, access into the North End will be even easier than it is now. It has been reported that the two-year Daly project will begin  after the current replacement of the First Street Bridge is complete. Pulak told council “it would be overkill to have a third bridge between First and 18th streets.” By the way, who or what will the new First Street bridges be named after? I recall few people knew the 18th Street railway bridge was actually named the Daly Overpass until I assigned a reporter to look into it years ago when I was at the Brandon Sun. Then signs were posted, post haste. But I digress. I think it would be also be overkill if I wrote any more about the  issue. But I was struck by the passionate and sincere comments made by many councillors before the vote. Coun. Kris Desjarlais (Rosser) served his constituents well by arguing for remediation of the current bridge at least until the Daly Overpass is rebuilt. Then re-examine the issue at that time. He was the only dissenting vote. Said Desjarlais: “This has been far and away I think the most challenging decision we’ve had to make as city council. I think the city and residents need to know how much time and effort went into this. It has not been a willy-nilly decision. I’m worried and I think it could be a mistake not to rehabilitate that bridge for vehicular traffic for the next three to five years for vehicles not knowing what type of congestion could have on 18th Street during the time it’s getting rebuilt. I think we’re rolling the dice. I think this council could end up regretting this decision in a big way. Coun. Jeff Fawcett (Assiniboine): “The deterioration of that bridge is ramping up so fast, even with rehabilitation, it might not make it through. We’ve had so many discussions on it and so much information … I hope the public and those who are here understand it’s been diligently looked at. I do think we want to make sure that neighbourhood feels as included as we believe they are in the city.” Coun. Jeff Harwood (University): “I know the residents of Brandon are not going to want to shoulder $35 million for (a new) bridge. We’re going to take flak for this, but this is why we’re sitting here. There are times where we have to make a difficult decision.” Coun. Lonnie Patterson (South Centre): “About the rehab option …  I don’t buy for a second that a rehabilitation will only cost $1.3 million. Moving forward with an active transportation way is fine for the future of the city.” Coun. Shawn Berry (Linden Lanes): “This is not an easy decision for any of us. We’ve asked 100 questions and received 100 answers. I just don’t have a good feeling in my gut on what this bridge would cost is we tried to rehabilitate it. This bridge debate has gone on for long enough.” Coun. Barry Cullen (Victoria): “I know that Councillor Desjarlais has been put in a terrible position, being that this is in his ward. And I do feel for the people who went across that bridge, I was one of them for 25 years twice a day.” Coun. Jan Chaboyer (Green Acres): “I think (now) we will be even more aware of what’s happening to the people of the North End and we are going to enhance your neighbourhood even more. We are going to ensure when we make this new … corridor that we will do so with enhancements that are acceptable to the people over there.” Mayor Chrest: “In the year and a half that I have been mayor, I know there has not been another file or another issue that has occupied more of my time. Frankly, trying to find a magic bullet on this issue … there is no easy answer. Bricks and mortar is one thing, but it really comes down to people, and I think this council has all demonstrated (the impact of this decision on) … the people of the North End. But we also have to be mindful of the people of the entire city and their ability to shoulder financial expenses.”