At the request of Brandon City Council, the province’s Public Utilities Board (PUB) will come to Brandon to hold a public hearing on proposed water and wastewater increases. All Brandon residents are invited to participate on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Brandon’s City Hall Foyer (410 – 9th Street) from 6 to 8 p.m.  “This City Council wants Brandon families and businesses to make important decisions like this together. Everyone should have a chance to be heard,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett. The City of Brandon has an application before the PUB which would see rates double over three years. To continue to have an effective water and sewer system, the City of Brandon must collect for many years of deficit operations, as defined by unique accounting formulas, as well as fund proper operations and appropriate capital upgrades. The city must tackle a revenue shortfall in budgeted water and wastewater revenues which will continue to grow beyond $1.35 million in the final quarter of 2023. City Council was concerned with miscommunication and delays on this rate review in July but has since received clarification. Councillor Luebke says, "After reviewing the information provided by Administration and being given a comprehensive explanation, I have a better understanding of where communication went sideways. I feel confident on the matter going forward". City Hall has worked effectively with the provincial and federal governments to secure investments and keep Brandon’s costs down, but the City must expand and upgrade the water treatment plant to meet provincial standards and continue to deliver clean water to existing households. “Families have always been able to count on Brandon’s water systems. We want to keep it that way. You should always be able to trust that the water that comes from your tap at home is clean and safe,” said Fawcett. “But we also know that inflation has put pressure on everyone. So, before we move ahead, City Council has unanimously voted to ask the PUB to come to Brandon and hear directly from the people affected. I’m listening, and I’m asking the PUB to listen, too.”

On August 5, 2023 at 3:10am, police were dispatched to attend a theft that had just occurred at a convenience store located in the 800 block of 1st Street.  Police learned that a male had stolen a quantity of cigarettes and fled.  At 5:22am, police located the suspect at a convenience store located at 5 Willowdale Crescent.  The 29 year old male was arrested for the theft, as well as for failing to comply with his probation, as he was bound by conditions not to attend 5 Willowdale Crescent.  The male was conveyed and lodged at the Brandon Police Station where he was later released with a future court date.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is “WANTED BY POLICE”: Chance SCHMIDT FOR Break Enter & Assault, Fail to Attend Court. On August 22nd, 2022, SCHMIDT committed a break and enter to a residence in the City Of Brandon. Once inside the residence, SCHMIDT assaulted a female and fled prior to police arrival. SCHMIDT was subsequently arrested and charged, however; has failed to attend court and has breached many conditions on his release order. Chance SCHMIDT’s whereabouts are unknown at this time, please contact Brandon Crime Stoppers with any information. ***************** The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Mischief to Property. On July 5th, 2023, an unknown male was captured on video surveillance defacing with graffiti a lamp post in the 400 block of 9th street. The males photo and video surveillance are attached to this release. If you have information about this or any other crime you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727-TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+your message to CRIMES (274637). Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display. Your call is not recorded and your identity will remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime.

The City of Brandon is pleased to announce that applications for the Brandon Homebuyer Assistance Program are being accepted until Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 5 p.m. Funding for this program is provided by the Manitoba Government. For many first-time homeowners, one of the most difficult tasks is saving enough money for the down payment. Imagine if you could apply for a forgivable loan of up to almost $30,000. The Brandon Homebuyer Assistance Program helps those who are eligible to become homeowners by providing funding equal to a 10% down payment and a portion of the associated closing costs by way of a forgivable loan. The maximum forgivable loan for an approved applicant is $29,250 over a 5-year period. HOW TO APPLY: Check the eligibility requirements at brandon.ca/home-buyers-program. Get a mortgage pre-approval, with the assumption that you will have a 10% down payment without a guarantor or co-signor from a National Housing Act approved lender. Schedule an in-person consultation with us by calling 204-729-2120, or email housingandwellness@brandon.ca.  Let us know if you need interpretation or accessible services when scheduling your appointment with us. Fill out and submit your application package by Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 5 p.m. If your application is approved, then you can go purchase a house! Check out this YouTube video for a summary of the process.

The Province of Manitoba has announced a groundbreaking $4 million investment in support of the John Howard Society of Brandon’s transformative housing project. “The 24-unit transitional housing facility will provide a bridge to permanent housing, offering the necessary time and support needed to rebuild lives,” remarks Ross Robinson, Executive Director of John Howard Society of Brandon. “This crucial investment marks a pivotal turning point in our community as we address the pressing issue of homelessness and endeavour to provide essential support and resources to individuals transitioning out of correctional facilities or facing housing challenges.” Transitional housing plays a vital role in addressing the complex needs of individuals involved in the justice system, ensuring their successful reintegration into society. Antoinette Gravel-Oulette from Brandon and Area Overdose Awareness emphasizes the significance of this initiative. “The transitional house fills a much-needed gap in Brandon. John Howard Society has partnered with and sought community input from many different agencies. There is a large number of people that have left correctional institutions and within two weeks, have died due to toxic drugs. This project will save lives, which is what we all want to achieve.” Allison C. who has experienced the positive impact of transitional housing firsthand, shares her story: “ I entered transitional housing after losing my job and apartment due to illness. It connected me to support services like employment, education training, and health services. I was able to take time to recover and go back to school. I now work full-time in health care, supporting myself and giving back to my community. Transitional housing changed my life!” This crucial project not only provides shelter but also offers comprehensive support services, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to the community. Megan McKenzie, Research and Project Development Coordinator at Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, highlights the project’s importance in addressing chronic homelessness and supporting vulnerable populations, especially Indigenous individuals impacted by historical trauma and systemic racism. Megan shares,“The transitional housing project will provide a safe place for our unhoused community members to stabilize and receive the support they need before moving out into their own homes.” With the Province’s $4 million contribution, combined with the previous $5 million federal support, the project now stands at a total funding of $9 million. Ross Robinson, Executive Director expresses gratitude for the Province’s visionary support and commitment. Ross shares, “We extend our deepest gratitude to the Province of Manitoba for their generous investment, bringing us closer to our goal of providing a comprehensive solution to homelessness in our community.” Despite this significant funding, there is still a need to secure an additional $1 million to fully realize the construction of the facility. To raise the remaining funds, John Howard Society will be hosting “Crossing the Line,” a hilarious evening featuring a comedy roast with Mayor Jeff Fawcett. This event promises to bring the community together while providing an opportunity for individuals and businesses to contribute to this essential cause. Learn more and show your support by visiting www.crossingtheline.ca