Brandon Minute: Parent Concerns, Beer Partnerships, and the Campus Speed Limit

Brandon Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Brandon politics

This Week In Brandon:

• There will be a Council meeting today at 7:00 pm. Council will receive a presentation from the Brandon General Museum & Archives, look to rezone part of a property located at 2637 & 2641 Princess Avenue from a Residential Low Density Zone to a Residential Moderate Density Zone, and discuss reducing speed through the Brandon University campus. (More on that last point below!).
  
  
• The City of Brandon's engineering department is recommending a speed limit reduction around the Brandon University campus, especially near the Healthy Living Centre. The speed limit change would affect Lorne Avenue from 18th to 20th Street and the 200–300 blocks of 20th Street, with plans to monitor traffic behaviour to evaluate the need for further reductions in surrounding areas. Council is expected to discuss the proposal today, with potential implementation as early as November 5th.
  
  
• The Rotary Club of Brandon #1344 is inviting applications for its Adventures in Agriculture program, which allows one student from the Westman Region to attend the Canadian Western Agribition Livestock Show and Sale in Regina at the end of November. This opportunity is open to Grade 11 and 12 students across Westman and includes tours of agriculture-based industries, informational sessions with industry professionals, and insights into environmental issues and food sustainability. The application deadline is November 5th, and the Rotary Club will cover registration costs and provide billeting with a club member during the event.

Last Week In Brandon:

• At a recent meeting of the Brandon School Division’s Board of Trustees, parents from J.R. Reid School voiced their concerns about the upcoming rebuild of 26th Street and its potential impact on student safety. They highlighted issues such as increased traffic volume, crosswalk safety, and inadequate drop-off conditions. The proposed plans for the street include various options for active transportation, which may lead to changes in traffic patterns, and the removal of on-street parking. City officials, including Mayor Jeff Fawcett, acknowledged the concerns and indicated plans for further consultation and safety reviews before finalizing the design proposal.
  
  
• The Keystone Centre has renewed its partnership with Molson Coors, extending its contract as the official beer supplier until 2027, while also welcoming Farmery Estate Brewing to offer craft beer selections. This collaboration aims to enhance the overall experience for patrons by providing a variety of quality beverages at events. Molson Coors will supply a range of products, including beer, malt beverages, ciders, and ready-to-drink cocktails, with the company's district sales manager expressing excitement about the synergy between their brands and the venue. Meanwhile, Farmery Estate Brewing, known for its locally sourced ingredients, will provide hard iced teas, caesars, and a limited selection of craft beers, adding a local flair to the events.
  
  
• The newly established Breast Cancer Cell and Molecular Research Laboratory at Brandon University has expanded to accommodate 12 trainees. This cutting-edge facility, supported by $2.5 million in grants, focuses on understanding how cancer cells adapt to low-oxygen conditions and glucose deprivation. Students are investigating mechanisms behind drug resistance in aggressive breast cancer cells, and the lab's goal is to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.