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News for December 24th
How to tell if someone is having a Stroke
I received an e-mail a while back telling me how to identify whether someone may be having a stroke. Please review the following
link: Stroke and Call 911 if you believe someone is having a stroke.
Surveillance Cameras
In response to Councillor Paterson’s enquiry regarding his research on video monitoring of high crime areas and whether or not a
written report which outlined the Brandon Police Services thoughts on same could be provided, I have attached a link to a memo from
Chief Atkinson on his findings. Eventhough it is noted that cameras are used in various cities in Canada and widespread in the U.K. it
is the Chief's recommendation at this time not to pursue them. Please click on the link
Surveillance Cameras Memo to view the entire document.
Eastern Access Route
In response to an enquiry about the eastern access route from Councillor Black, the mayor reported that the project was included in
the November 20th Provincial Government Speech from the Throne. The government indicated that surveying and land acquisition had been
completed in 2007 and the commitment is to begin construction in the fall of 2008.
Public Washrooms Downtown
In response to Councillor Black’s enquiry regarding public washrooms, please accept the following. Until approximately 1989, the City
operated a public washroom facility located on 9th Street south of Rosser Avenue. According to the Treasury Department, the
cleaning cost for this facility was $12,000 at that time. From my understanding the reason that the facility was closed was
due to the vandalism, theft, inappropriate behaviour and loitering issues that were becoming a problem. It was felt at that time
that in order to continue to operate the facility it was going to require an attendant to be on site during the hours of operation,
which would have increased the cost of operation significantly.
In conducting a survey of downtown, we were able to determine that there are public washrooms available for general use
in the following buildings; City Hall, Provincial Building, Fire Department, The Town Centre, Greyhound Bus Lines and a number
of the restaurants in the downtown area indicated that they would also allow use of their facilities.
In conducting a search for municipal bylaws that would require a business to provide public washrooms or to allow access to
work place facilities, we were not able to locate a single municipality that has such a bylaw. If it is Council’s wish to
consider such a bylaw, we would need to seek some legal advice on what, if any liability the City would have related to damage
if we in fact directed the activities of these businesses.>
The cost of providing public washrooms would include the property / capital costs of developing a site, the maintenance and
cleaning of the facility, some level of attendant supervision, etc. It is anticipated that the annual cost could be
approximately $120,000 not including property and capital costs.
January Events
Please click on the link January Events to see what is happening in January.
Sanitation
No REFUSE COLLECTION CALENDARS will be sent out for 2008. The Sanitation Department is in the process of implementing a new refuse
collection system and changes to the current five day cycle will occur.
Schedules are available on request as well as on the City’s website www.brandon.ca. However as the new collection system is
implemented, these schedules will become redundant.
Please remember the Eastview Landfill Site is operating the following Winter Hours:
Monday to Friday 8 am to 5:45 pm
Saturday 8 am to 4:45 pm
Closed Sundays & Stats
Eco Center Hours:
Monday to Saturday 9 am to noon & 1 pm to 4 pm
Christmas Day - December 25, 2007 CLOSED
Boxing Day - December 26, 2007 OPEN - 8 am to 4:45 pm
!!!Please remember to recycle Christmas wrap, cardboard and plastics. Have a safe and happy holiday season.
Handi-Transit
The Handi-Transit Advisory Committee continues to grow as we work through developing policies and procedures that will assist us in
managing the Handi-Transit Service as efficiently and effectively as possible. The Advisory group has grown considerably over the past
12 months, increasing from 10 members at the beginning of 2007 to 18 active members, including related agencies as of our
last meeting.
At our December meeting, the Committee approved policy and process recommendations that have been developed related to the
operations of the Handi system. In addition to developing these procedures, the application process and related forms have
been revised and approved in principle by the committee as well. The committee is now reviewing a draft of a Handi-Transit
Rider's Guide that clients will receive when they've been approved for Handi Service. Also being reviewed is a revised
informational brochure and a new wallet card that will have basic contact information for Handi clients so they can keep it
with them when out.
The Advisory group plans to approve the Rider's Guide, wallet card and informational brochure at our January meeting.
Going forward, we are also planning to have a community consultation, to discuss with the public the recommendations
presented by the Handi Advisory Group.
World Vision
World Vision works with Community Leaders to develop a fair system for distributing gift catalogue items. Beneficiaries are
chosen on the basis of need.Constable Andrea Cooke organized a fund raising effort with Police Service Staff to raise funds to purchase animals for a
community. This assistance will help meet critical needs in the areas where World Vision works.
A total of $415.00 was raised and the family will now have the funds to purchase the following animals:
* Four Hens.
* Two Roosters.
* Two Rabbits.
* Three Piglets.
* One Sheep.
These animals will assist this family in being self sufficient for 2008 and beyond.
Building Permit MILESTONE
We have reached a milestone with regard to building permits and plumbing permits. In both areas we have issued more permits than any
previous year. As of December 12, 2007, we have issued 1,007 building permits and 567 plumbing permits.
Issued permits of interest:
* 25-26th Street - six 4-plexes
* 937 Rosser Ave - exterior renovation (former Don Gardner space)
* 6355 Richmond Ave East - livestock holding expansion
* 2000 Highland - addition to Albert’s Bistro
* 601-18th Street - strip mall
New Hires and Promotions
#2007-065—Mechanic 2, Fleet Maintenance
Ward Anderson is the successful candidate for this position.
Ward started on Dec. 17, 2007.
#2007-086—Transit Dispatcher
Marty Farthing is the successful candidate for this position.
Marty will start on Dec. 31, 2007.
Retirees
Jeff Templeton is retiring from his position as Transit Operator. Jeff started with the City June 19, 1989. His last day will
be January 08, 2008.
City Property Sold
The following is a listing of all City owned land sold in 2006 by HomeLife Home Professional Realty Inc. for your information:
* 136 Princess Avenue - $27,500.00
* 1421 Rosser Avenue - $160,000.00
* 1400 Fernwood Avenue $155,500.00
* 1405 Fernwood Avenue $120,875.00
* 25 Laurel Bay - $11,712.42
* 26 Laurel Bay - $11,712.42
* 27 Laurel Bay - $11,712.42
* 28 Laurel Bay - $11,712.42
* 29 Laurel Bay - $11,712.42
* 30 Laurel Bay - $11,712.42
* 32 Laurel Bay - $11,712.42
* 34 Laurel Bay - $11,712.42
* 35 Laurel Bay - $11,712.41
* 37 Laurel Bay - $11,712.41
* 39 Laurel Bay - $11,712.41
* 40 Laurel Bay - $11,712.41
* 132 Industrial Drive - $102,130.00
* 120, 124, 128, 135 Industrial Drive - $170,000.00
TOTAL - $876,554.00
We annually target land sale revenue at the expense level for the Property Department. In 2007, our projected revenue
requirement was $350,493. The exceptional level of land sales for 2007 is another indication of the construction activity
within the City.
Update from Fire
Deputy Bell and Deputy Romanik attended a Grand Valley Mutual Aid meeting on Wednesday, December 12th. Other organizations who attend
these meetings include departments from Shilo, Souris, Carberry, Wawanesa, Canexus, MB Hydro, the OFC (Office of the Fire Commissioner)
and Koch.
Deputy Bell attended the Manitoba Emergency Services Graduation at the Westman Centennial Auditorium.
The department has finished scheduling for the 2008 Flex hours training.
Update from HR
This week our department held a Strategic Planning session where we identified the priorities we will be focusing on in the
upcoming year. These include safety, benefits, employee attraction and retention and succession planning, to name a few. We reviewed
our goals for 2007 and celebrated our successes, such as the increased focus on employee safety supported by the establishment of the
Safety & Health Coordinator position, our varied improvements to the payroll processes, and most recently the implementation of our
Supervisor Toolkit training program. We will share more information on this initiative in a future update.
We also conducted an emergency preparedness exercise to determine how we would fare in the event that City Hall, and all of its
records were lost. We did quite well and were able to maintain our capability for recruitment and payroll for the immediate
needs, given some assistance from Information Technology and the bank. With our exercise scenario in mind, we are going to revisit
our business continuity plan to address any necessary changes.
Update from Police
Chief Atkinson and Inspectors Bryson and Grant traveled to Winnipeg on Monday, December 10th, 2007 to attend the Swearing In Ceremony
of Chief of Police Keith McCaskill.
The Brandon Police Service Volunteer Luncheon was held on Wednesday, December 12th, 2007 at the Lady of the Lake. Thank you to all
our Volunteers for their dedicated work.
The Police Service has adopted two families through the Adopt a Family Program sponsored by the Salvation Army. This wonderful
program is geared at providing less fortunate families with food hampers and gifts for children to make their Christmas’s a
little brighter. Thank you to all who contributed!
Brandon's Rental Market
Brandon’s rental market remains tight. In fall 2007, Brandon’s vacancy rate dropped to 0.2%. Despite the addition of
over 1,100 rental units in the past 10 years, Brandon’s vacancy rate continues to be the lowest in the province.
The Province of Manitoba has committed to constructing new Manitoba Housing Authority (MHA) units in Brandon
provided the City of Brandon is able to contribute land for the projects. The Economic Development office is
researching land possibilities with the hopes of having recommendations for Council’s consideration in early 2008.
Pursuing the relocation of chronically vacant Manitoba Housing units found throughout Manitoba to Brandon was a
recommendation contained within the Affordable Housing plan adopted in April 2007. Due diligence has been completed,
and MHA has indicated at this time they do not support the relocation of units within the MHA rural portfolio from one
community to another. The organization is committed to working with the communities that have chronically vacant units
to find alternate uses for these units in order to support the community and protect the existing tax base. MHA has
agreed in the future should they have housing units that are chronically vacant and it’s deemed financially feasible
financially to relocate the units, they will contact the City of Brandon to partner on the endeavor.
WCB Premiums
The City will receive a 21% decrease in WCB premiums for 2008. This is due to WCB achieving "strong funding" which lowered the
average assessment rates not only for our organization but for other municipalities as well. While this is a major reduction, it
basically only returns the City to the position we held prior to the 24% increase we experienced in 2005.
New Offices for Human Resources in City Hall
The new offices for Human Resources are to be completed near the end of the week of December 17, 2007. Due to the Christmas season,
Human Resources hopes to be completely moved the first week of January, 2008. Our new offices will be located on the west side of
City Hall on the main floor, right beside Brandon Neighborhood Renewal.
Human Resource Congratulations
Congratulations to HR Generalist Sandra Wallace on achieving her Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) Designation. The CHRP is a
National Designation under the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations (CCHRA). By achieving the CHRP designation, HR Professionals
indicate they have a thorough understanding of the profession's body of knowledge in Canada, which is encompassed in the eight Required
Professional Capabilities (RPCs). The RPCs are based on the core capabilities of the HR profession and HR policies and practices
used in Canada.
Congratulations also to HR Generalist Donna Harrowen on passing the CHRP National Knowledge Exam which is the first of the two
exams required to attain the CHRP designation.
News for December 10th
Public Utility Board Hearing
On December 4, 2007, the Public Utilities Board conducted the hearing with respect to the City's request to increase water and
wastewater rates. Following the City's presentation of the request, and clarification of several items in the request, two
members of the public made comments with respect to the application. The first was Phil Hall of the Brentwood Mobile Home
Park discussing the impacts on his business resulting from the collapsing of the rate structure to one rate per unit. The
other was Jason Marchand of the Brandon Regional Health Authority who commented on the impact on the BRHA budget and their
lack of opportunities to further reduce consumption since they had already done a lot in that area. There were no written
submissions other than the BRHA letter previously directed to the City. Only the Brandon Sun covered the proceedings.
It is expected the City will receive the Board's order in January at which time second and third reading of the rate
bylaw will be required. The implementation of the rate changes will be as of the first of the month following third
reading of the bylaw. Consumptions will be prorated for customers whose billing periods overlap the cutoff for the
new rates. Stuffers will be created advising of the new rates as well as notices placed in the City Page of the Sun.
In the Board's opening comments, the Chairman commented on the industry change to rate structures that promote conservation
and also fully endorsed the trend to totally self sufficient (no reliance on tax dollars) utilities. These were the
strongest public Board comments I have heard relative to these issues at any of the City's most recent application hearings.
Maple Leaf New Employees
As part of the 2nd shift ramp up at Maple Leaf Foods Brandon plant, staff has begun to secure rental accommodations for the
foreign workers that will begin to arrive in late February 2008. The length of time required to secure rental accommodations
in advance of the worker’s arrival is calculated by Maple Leaf Foods using a model that takes into account current and
historical vacancy rates and changes to the overall housing stock. When securing rental accommodations, Maple Leaf Foods
covers the cost of renting the units in advance of the worker’s arrival, the first month’s rent plus utilities as well as
the damage deposit.
A group of approximately 50 foreign workers from Mauritius will arrive during the last week of February 2008. Mauritius
is an island nation off the coast of the African continent in the southwest Indian Ocean, about 900 kilometers east of
Madagascar. The workers that will be arriving have strong French and functional English language capabilities. Approximately
3 weeks after their arrival, three groups of 50 – 60 Columbians will arrive every other week.
Fire & Emergency Services Update
Due to the heavy snowfall Brandon Fire and Emergency Services has responded to a high volume of motor vehicle accidents and
cardiac arrests. Remember to drive carefully and take proper precautions when shoveling.
Brandon Fire and Emergency Services signed a new Medical Director Agreement with Dr. Norman for 2008.
The Water Rescue team took part in practical training at the Assiniboine River on December 6th.
Training Officer Hemstad took part in practical training for a CPR instructor’s course in Winnipeg on December
5th. He will then be qualified as a certified CPR instructor.
After School Lighthouse Program
Beginning next week, New Era School will be participating in the Lighthouses After School Program. Fortunately, we have been
able to secure two new Activity Leaders to help out with this youth initiative. Students of New Era School will be able to
attend on Fridays from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. If you have any questions regarding this program, please call Cora Lee Baker at 729-2282.
Human Rights Day - December 10th, 2007
Through the financial support of Brandon Neighborhood Renewal, the City of Brandon is pleased to collaborate with
Brandon’s Inaugural Human Rights Day being held on Monday, December 10th, 2007 at King George School. Beginning at 9:00 a.m.,
Mayor Burgess will bring greetings on behalf of the City followed by a presentation by Canada World Youth to the students of
King George School. Teacher will then lead students in break out sessions to discuss Human Rights.
December 10th, 1948, was the day on which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed by member nations
of the United Nations in New York. A Canadian, John Humphrey, was the prime author of the Declaration. The members
of the UN hoped that the horrors of the recent ended war could be avoided if a universal code of human rights governed
the behavior of individuals and countries.
The United Nations states that human rights are “those rights which are inherent in our nature & without which
we cannot live as human beings.” A right is something to which all people are entitled, such as the right to vote, the
right to an education or the right to express views freely.
Human rights include two broad categories: Civil and political rights, such as people’s right to fair & equal treatment,
to justice and political freedom and to protection from abuses of power. Social, economic and cultural rights, such as the
right to an adequate standard of living, to freedom from hunger and to health and education. There are 30 Human Rights.
We are proud to support the Canadian Museum of Human Rights “Shine” Pin campaign. For further information on the Shine
Pin campaign visit the Canadian Museum of Human Rights web site at www.canadianmuseumforhumanrights.com
Sportsplex
Sunday, December 16th will be our Swim & Skate with Santa Day, with skating from 12 Noon – 12:50 p.m. and Swimming from
1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. For those who bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Christmas Cheer Board will receive a BE OUR
GUEST coupon. There will be games & prizes and special treats from the canteen.
The following are the dates and times the Sportsplex will be open over the Christmas season:
Monday, December 24th Closed
Tuesday, December 25th Closed
Wednesday, December 26th Closed
Thursday, December 27th 12 Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, December 28th 12 Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 29th 12 Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 30th 12 Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Monday, December 31st- Closed
Tuesday, January 1st 12 Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 2nd Regular Hours
News for December 3rd
Update from the Mayor
I attended two exciting and positive grand openings this week, both of which enhance Brandon’s downtown area.
Van Bi Lee opened six new affordable housing units at the corner of 2nd St. and Princess Ave. on Wednesday,
November 28th. This is an excellent example of initiative shown to develop infill housing, using no
government assistance and only involving City Council to the extent of requiring a variance to alter
the number of parking spaces.
BDO Dunwoody held its grand opening on Thursday, November 29th, in the newly renovated 10th St.
Emporium. The utilization and promotion of the Renaissance Brandon ByLaw is evident in the success
of this move and stands to serve as an excellent example of assistance available for the betterment of Brandon’s downtown.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
E911 has entered into negotiations with the Tantalum Mining Company (Pinawa area) to provide services to the mine.
Taxi Safety Audit
The City of Brandon conducted the fifth semi-annual Taxi Safety Audit in conjunction with MPI – Vehicle Inspection,
Brandon Police Service and Licensing Administration on November 6, 7 & 8, 2007. This audit showed considerable
improvement over past audits.
Eighteen vehicles were put up on the hoist for a full mechanical inspection with the following results:
- 7 passed
- 11 vehicles had minor repairs required but were drivable and were required to be repaired within 7 days. Since the
audit, all vehicles except one has been re-inspected and certified safe.
A total of 68 vehicles were inspected visually which resulted in one Provincial Offence Notice being issued
(compared to 20 last time), and four By-Law Compliance Tickets issued (equivalent to last year). Tickets were
issued for defects that the driver should have been aware of such as:
- late for inspection,
- no fire extinguisher,
- no spare tire,
- front signal light,
Semi-annual Safety Audits will continue until we are convinced that the taxi companies are maintaining their
fleet in a manner that is safe for public conveyance. These Safety Audits are conducted in addition to the
Taxi By-Law #6781 requirement that vehicles obtain safety certificates semi-annually.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Economic Development office is exploring the concept of a regional relocation marketing strategy with approximately
15 southwest Manitoba communities. Participating communities have defined Alberta residents as a potential market
with an initial emphasis on the attraction of young families and early retirees. As part of the background research,
participating communities are surveying new residents to gain a better understanding of what motivates individuals or
families to relocate to Manitoba, specifically in the southwest region. The survey has been personalized for Brandon
residents and can be found at www.brandon.ca/relocation. Please encourage any residents who have relocated to Brandon
in the past few years to complete the survey.
Fire and Emergency Services Update
Fire Prevention Officer MacKay attended a Fire Safety Research for Better Building Design seminar in Winnipeg on
Wednesday, November 28th. It was hosted by the National Research Council at the Convention Centre in Winnipeg.
Brandon Fire and Emergency Services Tech (Elevated Rope Rescue) Rescue team participated in two days of
practical training at Manitoba Emergency Services College.
Training Officer Hemstad attended a CPR Instructor Training Certification Course in Winnipeg.
Training Officer Ferguson participated in a table talk exercise at Prax-Air on Wednesday, November
28th. The purpose of the exercise was to discuss response to Prax-Air in the event of an anhydrous ammonia leak.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S WINTER FESTIVAL
The Lieutenant Governor’s Winter Festival will be held on January 31, February 1 & 2, 2008. The festival this year
will be host to 13 pavilions in various halls located around the community. We are sad to announce that the Polish
Pavilion will not be in the festival this year due to a lack of volunteers. Hopefully they will be back again next
year. As well, the Salvadoran group are reorganizing and will also step back this year but are planning to participate
next year. On a more positive note we have confirmed that there will be a new Chinese Pavilion to be located at the
Town Centre in addition to the other 12 pavilions. The Opening Ceremonies will be hosted by the Métis Pavilion which
will be located at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Hopefully the weather will cooperate this year and we
can attract many people from the region to the festival.
METHANE GAS
Integrated Gas Recovery Services from Niagara Falls were in Brandon to do a site visit at the Eastview Landfill
Site. They wanted to get a first hand view of the site and to meet with city administration to discuss the
recovery of methane gas from the landfill. While in town they had discussions with different industry groups that
may be interested in the use of the methane as an alternate fuel source as well as for the Green House Gas credits
that may become available. They will return in the spring to oversee the installation of 3 additional wells and 6
probes to confirm the quality and quantity of methane gas present at the site.
SPORTSPLEX
The Sportsplex Manager attended the Lifesaving Society 2007 Rescue and Honour Awards service and reception in
Winnipeg on November 27th, 2007. The event was hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba at Government
House in Winnipeg. Carla Richardson of the City of Brandon was recognized with a certificate of thanks for
her years of service with the Lifesaving Society.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
The City of Brandon in partnership with the Brandon YMCA has applied for the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund
(MRIF). This joint application highlighted the recreation benefits that this project will deliver to the citizens of
Brandon. This application will optimistically result in funding that is important for the development of the City of
Brandon/Brandon YMCA Joint Recreation Facility.
AFTER SCHOOL LIGHTHOUSE PROGRAM
Community Services has applied for an additional $12,000 Manitoba Justice Lighthouses grant. We will once again be
partnering our efforts with Youth for Christ and the Brandon Friendship Centre. If successful, this grant money
will be used for programs beyond what is already being funded by Lighthouses. Some of the proposed programs
include offering more after school programs for youth, implementing a new student leadership program and adding
after school programs for families.
December Events
Click on the following link to view the events and activities planned in Brandon in December.
December Events
Softball Diamonds
This is in response to Councillor Blight’s enquiry regarding if an update could be provided on the softball diamonds.
Councillor Blight noted that later in the meeting, an item would be discussed with respect to acquisition of land for the
construction of softball diamonds. Councillor Blight advised that there were many upcoming events that could be hosted in
Brandon if facilities permitted and he enquired if meetings were being held with the various user groups to determine events
of interest.
There was consultation with all the ball groups during the development of the Recreation Master Plan. During these
discussions it was very clear that there was a need for ongoing meetings to ensure this and all recreational needs in
our community are being addressed. Our commitment to the various groups is to be involved as a stakeholder and facilitate
discussions between the various groups to review options and opportunities, including events of interest.
We currently are in the process of scheduling meetings with the Softball group and the Senior Men's Baseball
League that plays at Kinsmen Stadium.
We have also had discussions with the ball groups with regards to establishing a centralized booking system
where a booking fee would be established for all diamonds to allow for collected funds to be channeled back into a
reserve for the future maintenance and upgrades to facilities.
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