News Release For Immediate Release - Results from the 2016 Point-in-Time (PiT) Homelessness Count in Brandon, which took place on April 13, revealed that the number of homeless in our city has increased from the original count held in January 2015. Surveys showed that 146 people in Brandon were found to be homeless; 28 of whom were unsheltered and 118 sheltered. In 2015, the number of people determined to be homeless was 117. The Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (BNRC) organized the count, along with a number of local organizations. Project Coordinator, Mark Anderson said that while the number has increased, part of the reason for this could be because of an improved process and other factors. “With having the first count under our belt, we had the experience to improve our methodology. As well, there was increased community awareness prior to the event and there were additional partners involved, so in short we had more organizations involved and more volunteers out on the streets conducting surveys,” said Anderson. “However, it is important to note that all homeless counts are inherently undercounts. I’ve used the analogy before, but it is much like an iceberg. We only observe what’s visible. Like in many other communities across Canada, what we know to be true here in Brandon is that many homeless people are hidden so the number could even be higher.” In addition to the 146 surveyed adults, 35 children and dependants were present and another 25 adults declined to be surveyed, but were identified as being homeless (80 per cent of whom were known to service providers). Thirty-eight per cent of the surveyed respondents were under the age of 30, which means that Brandon is nearly twice the national average for youth. Nearly half of all respondents have been homeless for more than a year, however the vast majority indicated that they would prefer permanent housing. The PiT Count, funded by the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy, provides various agencies with data to help understand the magnitude and complexity of homelessness in our community, with the ultimate goal of reducing the number of homelessness.  "In Brandon's Five Year Community Plan, researching and utilizing accurate data to drive program delivery was identified as a priority. The Point-in-Time Count collects vital local data that will allow the BNRC and our community partners to deliver meaningful and targeted programs and services. Continued data collection is not only important for understanding what homelessness looks like in our community, but also for evaluating the programs and services being made available,” said BNRC General Manager, Carly Gasparini.  For more on the PiT Count, visit: www.imatter-bdn.ca Contact: Mark Anderson, Project Coordinator Email: info@iMatter-bdn.ca Call: 204.720.2846 Twitter: @iMatterbdn Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrandonPiTCount Brandon PIT Count Summary 2016

I was on my way to Carberry when I found this magnificent sight. I took a "not actually a road" road, and I could tell on account of the grass growing in the middle of the "not a road's" tracks. And 1 skunk. The skunk ran out of the ditch I was in shortly after I did. I felt so lucky right then and there. A beautiful old barn with a stormy sky, and NOT getting sprayed by a skunk. 

Residents of the North Hill in Brandon, MB will shortly have a new dining option as Boston Pizza plans to open a second location here in the Wheat City. Construction is expected to start in two weeks.  The new location will be located directly behind the McDonalds on Middleton Ave and will quickly become a popular destination for guests of the area hotels as well travelers heading east or west along the Trans-Canada highway.   (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});  

Brandon MB – Brandon has a rich history in the automotive Industry.  To reflect this, the BGMA is pleased to announce the official grand opening of its newest exhibit, “Carstruck: Brandon’s Automotive History”.  The BGMA along with our sponsor, Murray Auto Centre is proud to present a complete history of the automotive sector in Brandon.  The display is made possible by the support of the Murray Auto Centre, which has been a part of Brandon and Westman automotive sector since 1926.  BGMA Board member Tyson Tame commented that “The BGMA as a board felt it was important to highlight the vast history within the automotive sector in Brandon.  There have been many Economic Spinoffs from automotive retailing in Brandon.  Jobs have been created, and it has affected so many lives in Westman”.  The grand opening will be held on Saturday, June 11th, at 1pm at the Museum, 19 – 9th Street.  The display will run from June 11th, 2016 until September. The BGMA officially opened its doors in July of 2011.  Recent popular exhibits at the museum were the History of the Flats, and Brandon: Built on Agriculture. BRANDON GENERAL MUSEUM & ARCHIVES: NEW EXHIBIT OPENING: BGMA Presents: CARSTRUCK: Brandon’s Automotive History Saturday, June 11th, 2016, 1pm Brandon General Museum & Archives 19 – 9th Street, Brandon  MB For more information contact Hillary Campbell at 204-717-1514, or email at bgmainfo@wcgwave.ca.

If you are a business owner, the challenge of finding employees with the required skillset is one thing – once you find them, keeping them is even more of a challenge. What is important to an employee is feeling that they are valued enough to have their employer invest in protecting them should an illness or disability happen to them.  As a business leader, you can ensure your valued employees have the needed protection for themselves and their families with a group benefits plan. Did you know that these plans: Are available to companies with as few as 3 employees? Cost about 3–6% of annual payroll? Are fully tax-deductible? Offer diverse coverage for your employees and their dependants? Are able to pay an employee who is unable to work due to injury or illness? A financial professional can help you grow your business by attracting and retaining the best.