Innovative & Creative (Transit)

 I had the opportunity to speak at the Brandon University Students' Union Council Candidate Forum on Wednesday night at Harvest Hall on the BU Campus.
 Thanks to current BUSU president Justin Shannon and BUSU for organizing the event which, unfortunately, was not well attended.
 Originally, I had hoped to deliver most of this messaging at the forum, but thought it prudent to put this out in a more open forum for all residents of South Centre (and the City of Brandon) to see.
 One of the things I believe we need to be is innovative and creative in our approach to the future, particularly when it comes to tackling some of the issues facing our community.
 I've noticed several times during the municipal campaign that some candidates are good at pointing out problems, but aren't quite as good at providing possible ideas that might help resolve those problems.
 For example, the cash freeze from the provincial government on transit funding during the last budget process led to a $230,000 shortfall for the City of Brandon, which led to the decision to alter a couple of routes and the eliminate or cut back on the service available on Sunday's and statutory holidays.
 In a perfect world, I think we'd all like to see that service restored, but I think I'm safe to say  the province isn't going to restore their funding to the previous level (in other words, 'lobby the provincial government for more funding isn't a viable solution, in my opinion), and I'd have a tough time increasing property taxes to specifically go to the Brandon Transit system.
 So, we left with looking into other solutions.
 The Car Share program being discussed at a workshop this Saturday at the Cultural Resource Centre in Brandon is one creative idea that may help people secure viable transportation in our city.

 A RideShare or RideMatching program, which is already being advocated by GoManitoba, is another possible alternative.
 The CarShare, RideShare and/or RideMatching programs could also be part of the solution to replace the Greyhound bus service, which will cease it's operations in Manitoba soon.
 Talking with a local owner of a bus company in Brandon recently, he doesn't feel there's a way for a private business to make money on a province-wide bus service.
 However, I can't help but wonder if a 'casino-style' bus trip from Brandon to Winnipeg and back would be viable. In that scenario, you basically pick and drop all passengers off at one place at one time, but maybe it's two high-traffic places in Winnipeg (Health Sciences Centre & Polo Park?) and someplace adjacent to the TransCanada Highway on the North Hill in Brandon.
 I would also look at whether we're maximizing our advertising and marketing revenues in Brandon Transit, and by that I mean could we be selling more advertising space to local businesses on our buses, shelters, etc.
 What about partnering with the Brandon School Division on a UPass for High School students (credit to Stephen Montague for that idea)?
 Or a year-round pass for frequent users at a set price?
 I can't tell you all those ideas are viable, but they might be something looking into.
 Here's some more notes for you...

• Government of Manitoba announced details of the RAMM clinic in Brandon earlier today. It'll be located at the 7th Street Access Centre (more information here). It's a start, but there's still a lot more work to do to address addiction in our community. I proposed last night at the BUSU Forum that the City look into organization an Addiction and Mental Health Committee, similar to the Poverty Committee, which could include members of City Council and representation from organizations who deal with those issues on a regular basis.
• Also at the BUSU Forum last night, I expanded on my idea for replacing the closed South End Community Centre to include a possible partnership with the Brandon School Division for something that could also be beneficial to Neelin High School (which is ride across the street).  South Centre does not include a city-maintained Park so making sure the area is maintained as green space is important, though I recognize there may be some challenges in creating a recreational hub at the location due to the underground reservoir there.
• What would you think about a City-Wide recreational hub? Community Centre aren't generally part of the new developments that are occurring in our city, so is it possible to create an area for those citizens to enjoy their family time? Perhaps a bigger version of the Valleyview Recreational Hub is something to discuss, including an attractive outdoor pool and waterpark.
• If you haven't seen the CTV Winnipeg coverage of the election in Brandon that aired this past Monday, you can access it here.
• Final chance to 'grill' the candidates is the Brandon Chamber of Commerce Open House on Monday (October 22) from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Clarion Hotel & Suites.
• Advance polls are open today (October 18th) from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday (October 20) from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Main Foyer at City Hall.