Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 507
Westman and area
6/7/2017 at 8:08 AM
are great places to live. I really am pleased with what Mr. Chrest and the council have done. They are keeping taxes low, and still keeping growth going. I know a lot of people want upgrades. I get it. Everyone always wants everything. The problem is that upgrades cost money. Increase in spending requires increase in taxes. I doubt anyone who complains about lack of progress wouldn't also complain about increases in taxes, or road closures during construction.
I for one, love Brandon. Where everyone else is complaining about how we don't have the newest toys, I see the unlimited growth we have experienced as a city. Population is growing higher than anyone else's. Businesses are growing( despite what some people think, but name brand and stores like that aren't always better. Don't get me wrong. Growth is great and we welcome it. But try shopping with local businesses and supporting local owners first).
I see the positive movement we are making as a COMMUNITY. Samaritan House is growing, and still working hard to supply and help to those who need it. We have a great cultural experience going on Downtown with local vendors and arists. Downtown Brandon has lots of local "mom and pop" shops, with great food and entertainment.
Big Brothers and Sisters has experienced a few unfortunate setbacks this year, but I have seen some positive work being done by the community to help support it( thanks Cando!), and their vital children's programs.
There are some hard working locals, including Mr Larry Maguire who are also fighting tooth and nail to keep Candian Blood Services here in Brandon as well. I am very confident in what people are doing to make Brandon an amazing place to live.
The Riverbank project is seeing some great progress,with a lot of people working hard to develop some new additions that should be ready this year, that will truly represent the wonderful spirit of Westman. And despite what some people and their outlook is, I am very confident that our city, working alongside our provincial leaders, have done an amazing job ensuring the long term success of the Riverbank area with all of the work on the dikes and drainage areas.
My wife and I have been running the Grim Acres Scare Away Cancer Halloween yard haunt display for about seven years now. We have seen some amazing things happening in this city. Positive, strong willed people who are always willing to help with our project. Last year, Simard Industrial donated all of the wood we needed for our project. All of it! You know who does something like that? People who have an amazing heart, a passion for helping people,and seeing something grow, that's who! Like all not-for-profit charity events, we still have a lot of needs this year. We are confident that someone will always be willing to help out.And that is my point here: our growth isn't dependant on our infrastructure. Our growth is dependant on our ability to help each other out. By making sure we all succeed.
On Oct 1st of this year, from 1-4 pm in the Manitoba Room of the Keystone Centre out Grim Acres Scare Away Cancer project will involve a kickoff event called Be A Superhero in the Fight Against Cancer World Record Attempt Event( we are trying to break the current world record for most people dressed as superheros in one area) that we hope will put Westman on the map. Not just on the map locally. Not just in Canada. Globally. And not just to recognize our project. We want the world to see the amazing ability, integrity, strength, support, unity, and growth this community has.
You see, our greatest asset isn't our buildings, our roads, our infrastructure.
Our greatest asset as individuals is the value that we put INTO our people and our community.
I, for one, am Westman proud. And always will be.
Edited by Mr.BDS, 2017-06-07 08:28:51