Monday was our second formal meeting of council.
We began with a presentation by a group looking to host the 2021 World Clydesdale Show in Brandon. Welcoming Cal Martin and Marly Cooke to the chamber, they presented their wish to receive some funding through the accommodation tax reserve. A total of $75,000 was approved later in the meeting. The City of Brandon will now enter into a contract with the group to prepare to host the event. For more information on the World Clydesdale Show visit the link. This is another opportunity to hopefully further our reach as a recognized host city.
Council received an update on the current operations of the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (BNRC). Carly Gaspirini shared with members of council some of the current initiatives underway at the BNRC, and some of the challenges they face as a result of reduced provincial funding opportunities.
Another item with Downtown Brandon significance was the Encroachment Incentive Program. The incentive program will see downtown business find an easier route bureaucratically to enhance the front of their space with more abilities for patios, awnings, signage and the like. I did ask during the discussion whether there was a feeling enhancements to the spaces could potentially limit mobility challenged members of the community, but was ensured it would still meet current guidelines for sidewalk access.
Under the Enquiries portion of the agenda I was able to ask a question about the current status of the Valleyview Recreation Hub. City Manager Rod Sage shared with council that the building will be ready for occupancy on December 21, 2018. At that time members of the community centre board will begin the work of flooding the rink in hopes to have it ready early in the new year. This is of course weather dependent.
There were two rezoning requests including passing of Bylaw No. 7217 which rezones 1015-13th street from RLD (Residential Low Density) to a Commercial Neighbourhood Zone. Also part of the zoning portion saw first readings of two more bylaws
Another item that did come forward of significance city wide was the first reading of the 2019 Fee Schedule.This will undoubtedly provide for some debate as it reaches second and third reading. The bylaw deals with fees for user groups and individuals at city run facilities (for a backgrounder on this follow the link). There are a number of fees that will see modest to moderate growth over the next year. I welcome you to take a read and forward any concerns you may have with the new structure my way.
Last but most certainly note least I was able to share well wishes for the Vincent Massey Vikings football team, including their head coach Mike Steeves. Mike was the recipient of the WHSFL Division 1 Coach of the Year. This was the first time the Vikings competed in WHSFL Division 1 play, making the playoffs after a successful 4-3 season. The team lived up to their mantra this year of “Pride, Effort, Teamwork, Commitment, Perseverance, and Character”. Congratulations to all involved. You can see the well wishes at the 57:10 mark of the video below.
And last of the last! If you could provide feedback on what is important to you when it comes to recreation it would be greatly appreciated. This helps the City of Brandon shape the development of their new recreation plan. Follow the link to provide your feedback.
That was the long and the short of our second meeting. As his worship shared, 2 of 88 in the books.
Video of the meeting can be found below:
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