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News for June 29th
Update from the Mayor
On Wednesday, June 24, 2009, I attended a Brandon Real Estate Board Meeting which involved discussion surrounding the Quality of Life Program, education funding, affordable housing initiatives, capital gains, Home Buyers Plan, and other issues relevant to real estate affecting Brandon and surrounding area.
I attended a Brandon Salutes meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, where George Haggerty was recognized for his contributions as Chairperson of the Brandon Salutes Committee and the Military Relations Committee over the last three years. At this time, the group was pleased to welcome Steve Morrison as the incoming chairperson of both these committees.
On Thursday, June 25, 2009, I attended a 2PPCLI Change of Command Reception and Ceremony at Shilo.
I attended a Press Conference on Friday, June 26, 2009, in honor of the Riverbank Discovery Centre celebrating their 10th anniversary.
Update from city Manager
I attended a workshop on Best Practices in Governance Effectiveness and Succession hosted by MNP this week. The workshop was well attended and the content very relevant.
Records Management Seminar
On June 11, 2009 Sheila Carlisle and Donna Shadlock from the Records Office attended an Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA) seminar entitled “Metadata and Taxonomies: Discover the Passion.” The seminar was presented by Denise Bruno, a Records and Information Audit/Compliance Officer with the Regional Municipality of York in Ontario.
The seminar provided a basic introduction to records management taxonomies, which are essentially complex records classification systems. Another seminar topic was metadata, which is basically data about electronic data (such as when a record was created, by who, etc.). The content presented at the seminar will be useful when implementing the Records and Information Strategic Plan, particularly when dealing with electronic records.
General Insurance Program
The City participates in the Municipal General Insurance Program which is operated by the Association of Manitoba Municipalities. As a member of this pool, the City is eligible for rebates however our rebate history based on claims experience has been nil each year beginning in 2006. Again, the City will not be receiving a rebate cheque for 2009.
For the past four years, claims have exceeded the amount of the self-insured loss pool, with excessive losses in 2005 and 2007, which have depleted the loss pool. However, the 2008-2009 policy year is looking favourable and, should this continue, we may earn a rebate next year.
MPI Fleet Program
The City has received a rebate cheque in the amount of $19,772.24. The rebate is a reflection of the City’s claims history and we have been fortunate to receive a rebate for the past several years.
Manitoba Public Insurance has advised that the City’s fleet had a loss-to-premium ratio during the last term of 60%, an increase of 34% over the previous year and an increase in total losses in the amount of $74,673.45.
Some of our more costly losses can be attributed to rear-enders on 18th Street, emergency vehicles proceeding through intersections on a red light during an emergency with lights and sirens activated, a vandalism incident and a couple of transit accidents.
Should our projected loss experience ever exceed 79%, we may be subject to a surcharge rather than receiving a rebate. Department Heads have been notified and will be passing on this information to employees and reminding them of the importance of defensive driving. I am pleased to report that since we have had a good start to this year; our current loss ratio is 13%.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Thursday, June 25th, Linda Poole attended a progress meeting for the new Firehall at the construction site of 19th and Maple Avenue. Until the completion of the building these meetings will be held bi-weekly with contractors of Bird Construction.
WATER/WASTEWATER
Water Treatment Plant – The water treatment facility contains three process plants under one roof, each of these plants performs the same function and are comprised of similar equipment. In 2006 we were able to increase the capacity of plant no 2 by 50% and recently construction work has been completed on plant no 1 which increased its capacity by 50%. The net result is an overall water treatment facility capacity increase of 25%.
The work was accomplished by updating process equipment in the existing concrete structure resulting in a relatively low cost. Total cost for both upgrades was in the order of 2.5 million dollars vs. 25 to 30 million dollars for replacement treatment plants. The increased capacity will satisfy water demand for the next 15 years.
ENGINEERING
We recently received an enquiry from CTV News in Winnipeg concerning traffic circles. The City of Winnipeg is expected to implement their first traffic circle this year. The reporter (who was previously a Brandon reporter) knew of our traffic circles and wanted our comments. In doing some research for the issue, we came across a copy of our announcement about the opening of our first traffic circle at 34th and Willowdale. The date was Monday, September 18, 2000. As we approach the 9th anniversary of the use of this traffic control device, we can report that they are effective traffic control features, they enhance our city environment and are generally well received by the motoring public.
Construction Update
1700 Block of 9th Street – the intersection of 9th Street and Aberdeen Ave. will be closed beginning Monday June 29th for approximately 1 week to do the final part of the new sewer main. After that, there are still some private services to be done and then restoration work, which will take approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
500 Block of 14th Street – is scheduled to begin total reconstruction of the street on Monday, June 29th.
Van Horne Ave. from 1st to 3rd Street – total reconstruction of this block is continuing. Will start renewing the manholes on Friday (June 26th) and will continue backfilling with pit run and other materials. Will be closed for approximately 6 more weeks.
PLANNING & BUILDING
The Planning Department has been working as a member of the steering committee for the 2009 Planning Conference to be held in Brandon on October 28, 29 and 30th at the Keystone Centre.
Keynote speakers include:
Gerald Hodge from the School of Urban and Regional Planning, Queen’s University and author of “Geography of Aging”.
Harry Harker – Town Manager, High River, Alberta “The Real Cost of Community Services”.
Wayne Caldwell – Associate Professor, University of Guelph, “Multifunctionality – a Review of Stewardship Models for Protecting Land”.
Three streams of knowledge building and professional development – Urban Change, Rural Change and Environmental Change – will rally around the conference theme “Unchartered Territory – Planning for Change in Uncertain Times”.
Mark your calendars and plan on attending this year’s Manitoba Planning Conference.
Silvestri Capital, one of the partners in the Castle Ridge Estates condominium project www.castleridgeestates.ca located on 1st Street North, just south of Centre Avenue has purchased the parcel of land directly north of their project. Historically this parcel of land has contained dilapidated buildings and the grounds were not regularly maintained. Through a partnership with Teen Challenge, the existing buildings are being demolished with salvageable materials being utilized by Teen Challenge. Once the buildings are removed, the grounds will be cleaned up resulting in a notable visual improvement to one of the Brandon’s main entrance points. The land owners have not yet decided how to develop this parcel of land but are exploring items such as additional housing and commercial space. They welcome your thoughts on suitable uses for this land. Suggestions can be forwarded to the Economic Development Officer at s.trudel@brandon.ca or 729-2131
Congratulations Healthy Brandon!
Manitoba Takes Home National Award for Health Care Innovation
Manitoba’s Chronic Disease Prevention Initiative (CDPI), a partnership between communities across the province and the health-care system, has received a Tommy Douglas Celebration of Medicare Award in the general disease management category. The award was presented on June 4, 2009 in Toronto. The award-winning initiative, developed in partnership with the Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance of Canada, supports communities as they develop programs to address the chronic disease risk factors that affect their community including reducing tobacco use, encouraging healthy eating and promoting healthy living. Healthy Brandon, a member of the Community Strategic Plan, leads this initiative in our community and is a constant source of creative programs that advance one of the core strategic directives of the CSP.
SPORTSPLEX
The City of Brandon has been selected as one of twenty-four communities that have been asked to participate in ParticipACTION’s national advertising campaign. They are going to be travelling to 32 communities across Canada and getting people to share their stories on how they have added movement into their lives. The goal is to use these stories to effect positive change in the lives of other Canadians. This event will be held at Kin Park on 3rd St. & Aberdeen Avenue on Monday, July 27th from 12N-3pm. Every one is encouraged to attend.
The Sportsplex is running 4 Sport Clinics for kids 5yrs-12yrs. The Clinics being offered are Golf, Water Skiing, Waterpolo and Ultimate Frisbee. These clinics will run between June 30-July 3rd.
News for June 22nd
Update from the Mayor
The 72nd Annual Conference of FCM (Federation of Canadian Municipalities) was held in Whistler, BC from June 5 – June 8, 2009, at which Councillors Jeff Harwood, Ken Fitzpatrick and myself participated. This was one of the most well-attended FCM conferences that I have attended over the years.
I enjoyed the annual City of Brandon Staff BBQ on Thursday, June 11th. Thanks to the efforts of the Water Treatment Plant and various staff members serving the food, this delicious Employee Appreciation lunch was enjoyed by all. Proceeds went to “Water for People”.
I attended the Assiniboine Community College Graduation Ceremonies at the Keystone Centre on Thursday afternoon, June 11, 2009, where more than 600 students from 33 programs graduated. This also included 114 fourth-level apprenticeship graduates.
On Friday, June 12, 2009, I was pleased to attend the official ground-breaking ceremony for the new Fire Hall at 19th & Maple.
Doors Open Brandon Heritage Tours
Doors Open Brandon this year will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday July 18th and Sunday July 19th, 2009. This two day event is a great way for visitors from all over Western Manitoba to get an “up close” look at some of the historic gems of our City! The Doors Open concept creates the opportunity for heritage buffs to view historic structures from inside, as the owners of these buildings graciously open their personal residences and businesses to invite the public in – and the tour is free! This is a great opportunity to showcase the terrific stock of architectural styles still present in Brandon and to foster an understanding of Brandon’s heritage and the important role it plays in maintaining the character and quality of life in our community.
To date, the following properties will be participating:
1) Brandon Armories - 1116 Victoria Avenue (Stop in for free donuts and coffee.)
2) Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum - McGill Field (Sunday will include a special 100 Year Flight event)
3) Former Shillinglaw Residence- 302 Russell Street (Sunday only)
4) Moreland Manor - 1340 Louise Avenue
5) St. Augustine of Canterbury Church - 327 4th Street (Saturday Only)
6) Victorian Cottage – 241 16th Street (Saturday only - Exterior Garden Tour)
7) Fraser Block - 1031 Rosser (Saturday Only)
8) Knowles-Douglas Student Union Center - 270 18th Street
9) Stone Fence - 1700 Block of 17th Street
10) Daly House Museum - 122 18th Street
11) Brandon Provincial Courthouse – 1104 Princess Avenue (Sunday Only)
Stay tuned for further information as additional locations are confirmed!
Economical Development Update
Braden Pilling, Downtown Development Specialist with Renaissance Brandon, has started a downtown forum on ebrandon.ca to develop a communication channel with the residents of Brandon. Braden will be the moderator of the forum and has implemented some guidelines for public postings. The intent of the forum is to allow residents an opportunity to share in and potentially influence the shaping of downtown.
The forum is intended to brainstorm ideas and identify obstacles and concerns. The objective is to keep the discussion moving in a pro-active and positive direction. The forum can be found via the link that appears below.
http://www.ebrandon.ca/messagethread.aspx?message_id=176658&cat_id=285
Fire & Emergency Services Update
Deputy Romanik and Deputy Bell participated in a Labour Law Review seminar that dealt with Progressive Discipline for Supervisors and Stewards on June 18th in Winnipeg.
Chief Dane attended a Citizens on Patrol meeting on June 17th at City Hall.
Rental Vacancy Rate
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation released the Spring 2009 Rental Market Report on June 10th, 2009. The report indicates that Brandon’s vacancy rate shrunk to 0.1%, positioning Brandon as having the lowest average vacancy rate in the province. Additional information regarding vacancy rates for particular unit sizes as well as rental rates can be found on the Economic Development Brandon website via the enclosed link, by scrolling down to the Rental Market reports section http://www.econdev.brandon.ca/main.nsf/Pages+By+ID/661
Century Flight
100 years of flight will be celebrated in Brandon this July. The Cross Canada Century Flight will bring over 90 planes and 300 pilots and crew to Brandon for 2 days. The flight is being filmed for 2 documentaries and tracked by national media. The Brandon celebrations will take place at the airport on July 19th and 21st. Specific details of the event are still in the planning process, more information can be found on the links below:
For more information on the Brandon Event visit: www.brandon.ca/centuryflight
For more information on the Cross Canada Century Flight visit: http://www.johnlovelace.com/more/extended/Cross_Canada_Century_Flight.html
The organizing committee will be looking for planning assistance in the near future, if you are interested in helping or receiving more information, or know someone who is, please contact Erin Brown at Brandon First. 729-2156 or erin@brandonfirst.com.
Brandon Police Association Working Agreement
The current Working Agreement between the City of Brandon and the Brandon Police Association was signed at a luncheon held Wednesday, June 17, 2009. This Working Agreement is in effect for the term March 1, 2008 to February 28, 2010 and covers all Sworn Police Officers, By-law Enforcement Officers, and the Non-Sworn Support Staff.
Canada Day Celebrations
The Canada Day Celebrations will be held on July 1st at the Riverbank Discovery Centre from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm – with the fireworks taking place at dusk. Through a one-time increase in the funding received from the Federal Government, we are pleased to announce some exciting new additions and enhancements to the day’s events which will support the other planned activities.
* The fireworks display will receive an additional $5,000 bringing the cost of the display up to $14,000.
* Increased children’s activities. This year’s programming for the children’s activities will include:
* Two large bouncers from Birthday Bouncer,
* Additional face painting people, and
* South Western Manitoba’s Largest Sand Box. Activities at “Rockin the Box” which will include live music from the band Small Rooms. It will be a BYOJ (bring your own juice) event!
* Seniors Concert – at Eleanor Kidd Gardens
* Increased cultural performances on the stage – all under a large hex tent!
* Birthday cookies
* Increased Canada Day Celebration merchandise
* The organizers are also working to mitigate as much as possible the spreading of germs by providing hand sanitation stations.
We are also pleased to announce the Barbarian’s Rugby Club will once again be providing the ambassador service, security, and parking attendants.
The City of Brandon works in partnership with the Brandon Riverbank Inc. by providing gift in kind services such as police, fire, and sanitation services.
A full schedule of the days activities will be available within the next two weeks.
Brandon In Bloom Spring Planting
You may have noticed that “Brandon is In Bloom”. The City of Brandon Parks Department has been working very diligently at preparing the beds for planting, as well as hanging baskets and planting medians and public spaces with flowers/greenery that has been nurtured in our own greenhouse by City staff.
More than fifty volunteers came out and worked long and hard along side City staff planting flowers at Eleanor Kidd Gardens, Stanley Park, Sportsplex, Princess Park, Rideau Park, Coronation Park and the Discovery Centre. Volunteers included students from Crocus Plains School, Brandon Garden Club, Westman Gardeners, MTS group, BRMHA, Brandon Welcome, Eastern Star as well as many individual citizens. At least two volunteers took personal vacation time to show their community pride and volunteer for the spring planting program.
To our many volunteers and dedicated Parks staff, thank you for your part in helping “Brandon Come Into Bloom”.
Next Movie Under the Stars
Mark your Calendars! We will be holding another drive-in Movie Under the Stars event at the Riverbank Discovery Centre on August 28. The movie will be the Disney hit Bedtime Stories staring Adam Sandler.
Youth Plan Consultation
Community Services has started the Youth Plan consultation process and met with the three Brandon High Schools to gain input on what the youth in our community want. We spoke to over 300 students over a four day period and asked them what are some of the challenges that youth face on a day-to-day basis as well as what they would like to see in the community. We gained some valuable information and had an overwhelming response. The data is currently being compiled and will be displayed on our Facebook page by the end of the week.
Some standard questions have been placed on our Facebook page and will be changed frequently. As the process moves along, the questions will get more specific. We are offering a free iPod touch to Brandon High School students if they participate on our discussion page. To check us out, log-on to Facebook and search City of Brandon. We currently have 38 fans and counting!
Police Services Update
Chief Atkinson attended the Drug and Alcohol Coalition Meeting on Wednesday, June 17th 2009.
The COPPS Annual General Meeting was held during the evening of June 17th.
Inspector Corley attended a one day conference in Winnipeg on progressive discipline in the workplace.
News for June 1st
Update from the Mayor
On Wednesday evening, May 27, 2009, I presented the Community Service Award at the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps 55th Annual Review and Awards Presentation.
On Friday afternoon, May 29, 2009, I attended an unveiling ceremony of the sculpture "Prairie Reflections" which was added to the Kevin and Els Kavanagh Courtyard Sculpture Garden at Brandon University. The new sculpture is a gift to the university from President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Louis P. Visentin. It will represent a lasting memento of his time in Brandon.
Heritage Coordinator
Kim Longstreet has submitted her resignation as the Heritage Coordinator for the Brandon Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee effective June 5, 2009. Kim started with the Brandon MHAC in June of 2008 and was responsible for coordinating and implementing the programming plans and policies of the Brandon MHAC as part of the City of Brandon’s overall heritage conservation management plan. She will be taking a position as the Development Officer at Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba. We wish Kim well in her future endeavors.
Film at the Keystone
Filming of Keep Your Head Up – The Don Cherry Story is scheduled for June 14 – 18th, 2009 at the Keystone Centre. Filming will result in approximately 425 room nights in Brandon. Hotel, food, and construction expenditures from the film crew is anticipated to be approximately $75,000. The film crew will also be looking to hire between 6-12 production assistants for the week they are in Brandon. Several hundred extras will be required for June 14th. Logistics around finding the extras is still being finalized with additional information expected after June 1st. Additional information will be available at www.thedoncherrystory.com or by calling
784-8173. Casting has already visited Brandon to secure the required hockey players for filming.
Filming for the four hour CBC mini series would not have been possible without the willingness of the Keystone Centre and their construction firm T.L. Penner Construction out of Kola, Manitoba to work around filming. Doing so required significant flexibility from both organizations as well as a willingness to accept the risk associated with hosting an event that impacts construction schedules. Our sincere thanks goes out to both organizations.
Fire & Emergency Services Update
Chief Dane attended the South Centre Ward Meeting on May 27th at the Central Community Center to update the ward residents on the progress of the new Fire Hall.
Neighborhood Sweep
Despite the weather being a little cool and damp, the Neighbourhood Sweep was a great success. We had the largest number of volunteers yet come out to work alongside city staff and clean up the community.
By 9:00 am on Wednesday, May 20th city vehicles and staff were set up at Coronation Park working full force. Streets & Utilities, Parks, Fire, Police, By-Law, Sanitation and Community Services diligently worked together cleaning, trimming and removing excess garbage for the beautification of the area.
As part of the Neighbourhood Sweep, the Water and Sewer Department cleaned sewer mains in the catchment area. The Streets Department deployed 8 employees and 8 pieces of equipment to clean streets. Seven employees, 2 tandem trucks and 1 loader were dispatched into the lanes for back lane cleanup. There were 14 loads of refuse taken to the landfill. The total weight was 8970 kg’s or 19,734 lbs (almost 10 tons).
The Fire Department graciously barbequed hamburgers and hot dogs served in conjunction with the Neighbourhood Sweep. By-law Enforcement did a surveillance of the community to identify by-law infractions and potential safety risks.
Parks Department spent the day trimming trees, mowing grass and preparing playgrounds for the summer season. That afternoon we were privileged with a visit from the BU Early Years Daycare. Three daycare workers and 15-16 pre-school children were interested in learning the process of a community sweep. Rod Paterson from our Parks Department was working in the area and took the time to demonstrate how the big aerial bucket truck was used to trim tall trees. Thanks Rod, your demonstration was intriguing not only to the children but many others who were watching.
A big thank you to His Worship the Mayor, the City Manager, all the participating departments, volunteers and staff who contributed to the success of the event.
Hazardous Waste Day
Household Hazardous Waste day was held at the Civic Works Complex 900 Richmond Avenue East on Saturday, May 23 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. We were able to put through 486 vehicles, which included 1 pedal bike and once again, there were many first time residents at the event. We were able to capture approximately 36283 liters of liquid and 2650 kg’s of solid HHW from entering the landfill as well as numerous car batteries and propane tanks. In addition there was 440 kg’s E-waste collected. We would like to thank The Brandon Rotary Club and the Brandon Air Cadets for their help. Special thanks to all the environmentally friendly people of Brandon for their support at the Household Hazardous Waste Day on May 23.
Water Main Cleaning Program
In order to maintain the quality of water, the City of Brandon will conduct a water main cleaning program. The program will run from May 19th, 2009 until November 13th, 2009.
Frequently asked questions regarding the cleaning program:
1. How will I know when you are cleaning the water mains on my street?
- besides advertising we will be placing signs at either end of your street the day prior to flushing that states: “WATER MAIN FLUSHING”
2. What time are you flushing?
- from 8:00am until 4:00pm MONDAY to FRIDAY
3. Can I use my water when you are clearing the water mains on my street?
- Please do not use your water or flush your toilet when we are cleaning the water mains on your street.
4. If I happen to draw discolored water while the City is flushing, what do I do?
- allow your taps to run until the discolored water becomes clear.
If you experience discoloured water after 2-3 hours, please call 729-2285 between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. After hours service will forward to a call centre.
The first area to be cleaned:
May 19th – June 26th, 2009
- From Richmond Ave. to Pacific Ave. between 1st and 26th Streets.
Please watch the paper for additional information regarding your area.
Police Services Update
On Wednesday, May 27th 2009 the Police Service hosted our Annual Awards Ceremony at the Training Centre. Eighteen Members and one Civilian Employee received Awards and Medals including Favourable Notices, Exemplary Service, Commendations and Twenty Year Exemplary Service Medals.
Congratulations to all the recipients and thank you for your hard work and dedication.
Chief Atkinson attended the RCACC Awards Presentation on May 27th 2009 at the Brandon Armoury. This year’s Top Cadet was Warrant Officer Colin Gwyer. Chief Atkinson was pleased to attend and present the trophy recognizing the Top Cadet.
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