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.”

17 WING WINNIPEG, Man – 435 Transport and Rescue (T&R) Squadron will conduct night exercises in the vicinity of the Shilo Range between April 11 and 14 from 8:00 p.m. to one o’clock in the morning. (The Shilo Range is located Southeast of Canadian Forces Base Shilo and west of Highway 238.) The training exercise is part of 435 Squadron’s ongoing training for search and rescue (SAR) crews. The exercise will involve the dropping illumination flares as well as smoke markers for the purpose of targets on the ground or in the water. These illumination flares aid the crews in searching at nighttime and identifying places where they can safely drop lifesaving equipment or deploy search and rescue technicians (SAR Techs) to help persons in need. Residents and visitors to the area can also expect to hear the sound of the Hercules flying overhead as well as the “popping” of the flares when they are ignited. Search and rescue is a 24 hour-a-day, seven day-a-week responsibility for 435 Squadron. One aircraft is permanently assigned to SAR stand-by duty and is equipped to aid people, aircraft or vessels in distress. When they are not called upon to help in cases of an aeronautical emergency, search and rescue crews train regularly to maintain the skills necessary to conduct search and rescue missions throughout Canada. 435 Squadron, operating out of 17 Wing Winnipeg, Man., and 424 (T&R) Squadron, operating out of 8 Wing Trenton, Ont., provide primary SAR response for the Trenton Search and Rescue Region, the largest in Canada, which extends from Quebec City to the British Columbia/Alberta border, and from the Canada/United States border to the North Pole. Associated Links http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/17-wing/index.page http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/17-wing/435-squadron.page http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/aircraft-current/cc-130.page http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/search-rescue.page  If anyone should find a spent flare or other ordinance, please contact local police services immediately. Do not approach or attempt to remove these objects yourself.

Obviously last year was a big enough of a hit to do it again or let it ride so to speak as the second annual Vintage Vegas night has been set for Friday, April 22nd at Imperial Ballroom of the Vic Inn. We recently spoke with Gail Janz (Foundation Assistant) to get an update on how things are going as they approach the big night of the event. Janz says they would like to surpass the 200 mark for this edition of the event, "Last year the event was well received with 175 tickets sold and 165 attending the event. All told I believe everyone had a great time and with over $10,000 in prizes last year many went away winners! We would love to see 250 join us this year and encourage everyone to get your tickets soon!" Janz says the committee really stepped up to add some flair and provide the true classic Vegas experience, "Some of the committee members dressed up in the Vintage Vegas era apparell. We also had appearances by Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Liza Minnelli, and a few gangsters for security! There were lots more costumes by those in attendance and we look forward to that again for this year!" Speaking of creating the true "Vegas" experience, you can't pull that off without gambling and Janz says they've got just the right operation to pull that off, "C&B Casinos & Entertainment is back again with all the fixins of Vegas style casino – slot machines, craps table, roulette, poker, horse races, pig races, golf simulator and more!" Tickets are $40.00 and that entitles you to a great night of fun that includes, "Your ticket provides you with $500 play money when you come in and 5 tickets for the casino bucket draw – prizes you can win from winnings earned. Our decorating committee has some fabulous ideas this year and you should feel like you are in Vegas! Expressions Entertainment will be providing the Vintage Vegas beats of the 50’s and 60’s – sure to have you dancing in the casino!" Janz says there will be more entertainment announced soon and we'll have that update here at www.BDNMB.ca as soon as they dot the i's and cross the T's. Also included in the ticket price is a chance to win 2 return flights anywhere WestJet flies. (some restrictions apply)!  This was one of the big features for last year's event and for those wondering where the winners ended up flying to Janz says they definitely got their ticket price worth and them some, "I believe one of our winners last year went to Ireland and the other to Hawaii. By the way – we have 2 sets of 2 flights again this year - so another set will be available to win during the event as well. We have over $12,000 in prizes!" Funds raised go to the BRHC and this year Janz says they will be "raising funds to cover the cost of a “Jaundice Meter” for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) which costs over $7500. With this meter – all babies that need to be tested for jaundice will not have to endure those dreaded needle pokes. So that is our goal this year, but will be happy to raise more!" To help raise extra funds the BRHC and Vintage Vegas committee have put the call out to local businesses to pitch in according to Janz, "We would be happy to accept any and all support in the way of prizes, ticket purchases and advertising. Again call the office and we will have a volunteer pick up any prizes, and put tickets aside for all those who can’t get in to get them." Janz says they'd like to send out special thanks to their sponsors for their support, "WE have had great support with sponsors – Glen Kirkland, Homelife Realty, Brandon Sun, CKLQ/StarFM, Expressions Entertainment, Jenkins, WCG and Herbal Magic as major sponsors of this event." Folks can get tickets at the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation Office located in the hospital, by calling the office 204-578-4227 or email info@brhcfoundation.ca

  One of the low points of the local provincial election campaign to date came at the 27-minute point into a debate earlier this week in the food court at the downtown Town Centre. “I think we just heard the code for ‘you’re going to be cut’,” Brandon East NDP incumbent Drew Caldwell stated. “A ‘comprehensive government review of wasteful spending’ which we’ve heard up here a few times from the two Conservative candidates … the NRC is not in their wheelhouse whatsoever. This is a program that is in grave jeopardy pf being cancelled with a change in government — there’s no ifs ands or buts.” Caldwell then went into default Dipper mode and brought up similar programs that had funding cut way back in the 1990s under the last Tory government. He failed to mention the Tories’ fiscally prudent administration was suffering massive slashes to transfer payments from the federal Liberal government of the day. I was a bit shocked to see Caldwell — who at the time of the Legislature’s dissolution in March was minister of municipal government — engage in such bottom-feeding fear mongering in front of debate hosts Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, which administers the province’s Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. There is simply no evidence that the Tories will make any such cuts to the fund. Said Brandon West incumbent Tory Reg Helwer: “The only thing we’re going to cut is the PST back to 7%. We’ll empower those on the front-line and protect those services.” Said Brandon East Tory candidate Len Isleifson: “We’re going to cut NDP waste and we’re going to take the savings and re-direct it back into programs. We are committed to reducing poverty and we’re going to do that by creating partnerships.” Caldwell shares political and social DNA with many on the board and staff of the BNRC and also with most the 50 or so folks in the audience that day. They trust and respect him. He has wrangled a lot of cash from the provincial treasury for many programs that have helped improve the city’s core. But a lot of that cash would have flowed under any party in power during the money-flush early 2000s. So for this veteran politician, who also once served the inner-city Rosser Ward on city council, to say a Tory government would destroy an organization that supports that community is beyond the pale. But the polls show Caldwell and his party are in serious trouble in this election and we could well see the Tories take over on April 19. Caldwell is nervous. While he personally is well-liked, he wears the millstone of both his fractured party and his unwavering support of Canada’s most unpopular premier, Greg Selinger,  around his neck. So his nervousness is manifesting into aggression and anger. And he’s starting to say things he should give a second thought to. The bulk of the debate was fairly predictable talking points from most of the candidates. The Tories talked about reviewing the NDP government’s books, cutting waste and creating jobs. The NDPers, including Brandon West candidate Linda Ross, boasted about their social programming efforts. The Liberals — and by that I mean Brandon East’s Vanessa Hamilton, a former short-term city councillor — spoke about gradually balancing the budget in five to six years, without risking programs. Blooper-prone parachute Brandon West Liberal candidate Billy Moore has clearly been told to shut up by his party. He offered little of substance during the session. The BNRC is one of those non-profit organizations that works tirelessly to make Brandon a better place to live for all by helping those less fortunate or simply struggling a bit in the central area of the city to create safe, attractive and inviting neighbourhoods. That’s just a very abbreviated synopsis of what BNRC does. So where does the organization get its money for all that good work? Through a partnership arrangement by the Province of Manitoba and the City of Brandon. It also receives some federal cash for The Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness. Isleifson has credentials that show is also has a real recognition of the needs of Brandon’s central neighbourhoods. He has volunteered with the United Way for 13 years and co-chaired the City of Brandon Poverty Committee. “We have one child, in every 3.5. living in poverty and that’s unacceptable in any place,” said the former city councillor and deputy mayor. “My commitment, if elected, is to … reduce poverty — and not just reduce it to where it is acceptable because it’s unacceptable — but to eliminate it altogether.” Helwer said his party wants everyone to succeed. “Ideally we’d like to give everyone a hand-up out of poverty and we can do this by reducing the PST, lowering the minimum personal exemption and indexing the personal tax brackets,” he said. “All of this will allow Manitobans to keep more of their hard-earned money and choose how to spend it themselves, rather having the Selinger government taking it from them. “We need more jobs and more economic opportunity.” It was fascinating to watch Caldwell sneer at Helwer with such an intense scorn on his face it was almost creepy. And those two have known each other since their time at Brandon University. It was really noticeable when Helwer mentioned a couple of recent NDP contract scandals and how the money wasted in those and other mismanagement could fund agencies such as the BNRC for years. “All the questions the candidates will be asked today will be about making the lives of Manitobans better and taking care of all members of the Brandon community,” BNRC general manager Carly Gasparini said at the opening of the debate. “The BNRC wants to change how we talk about homelessness and poverty in the community. Having our leaders being part of that conversation is vital to that success.” But not by scaring the bejeezus out of people, Mr. Caldwell. For more information on the BNRC, visit: bnrc.ca