Brandon, Manitoba
Welcome to Brandon
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Orientation Sessions
May 3 – Welcome to Brandon May 10 –Children & Family May 17 – Health May 24 – Justice / Legal
June 7 – Welcome to Brandon June 14 –Children & Family June 21 – Health June 28 – Justice / Legal
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Welcome to Brandon
• Westman Immigrant Services • Transportation • Shopping • Housing • Recreation
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba Westman Immigrant Services • Provides FREE settlement integration services for immigrants whether they are new to Brandon or have been here for many years • A liaison and resource for the community at large regarding issues that concern immigrants. •Our services are offered to all Permanent Residents. This includes all naturalized Canadians, landed immigrants, refugees and Provincial Nominee approved individuals living in the Brandon area. www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Westman Immigrant Services How Immigrants Come To Brandon
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Westman Immigrant Services
Services Offered: • English as an Additional Language Classes (also called EAL Classes) • Settlement Services • Employment services • Settlement Partner Program
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Westman Immigrant Services English as an Additional Language Classes (also called EAL Classes) We offer English classes at all levels where there is demand, from Basic English to Advanced
Mornings 9:00 to 12 noon Evenings 7:00 to 9:00 pm
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba Westman Immigrant Services - Settlement Services • Information about life in Canada and Brandon • Information about health care, education, banking, the law, and other subjects • Help to find a doctor, dentist, lawyer or other service providers • Help to fill out forms • Help to get English translations certified and notarized • Help with family sponsorship • Help to contact government departments such as Immigration • Support, information, and assistance concerning immigration issues • A place to go for help when you don’t know where to go - For refugees, help to set up repayment of their immigration loan - For refugees, help with the One Year Window Opportunity
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Westman Immigrant Services Employment services
•Job search assistance •Resume writing assistance •Job interview preparation •Career information, planning and guidance •Assistance in having professional and educational credentials recognized in Canada
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Westman Immigrant Services Settlement Partner Program Westman Immigrant Services has a volunteer program where a Canadian is matched with a newcomer for friendship and support for a three month period. Some of the things a volunteer •Provide friendship and support can do for the immigrant are: •Practice English with •Meet weekly on a regular basis newcomers •Acquaint newcomers with the •Volunteer tutors assist English community resources learners who are unable to attend classes, such as a mother with a new baby. www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba Location Brandon is located in the center of Manitoba 2 major Highways - which are the main paved roads of travel for long distances run through Brandon Hwy # 10 – North and South Hwy # 1 – called the TransCanada Highway – runs East and West. Winnipeg is our closest big city, it is 2 hours East Winnipeg Airport – all major and international flights.
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba Transportation There are several methods used to get around Brandon • Walking & Biking • Driving • Transit – City Bus & Handi Transit • Taxi • Air Service – Airports & Shuttle • Emergency - Ambulance
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba Walking & Biking •There are many sidewalks and biking paths throughout Brandon. •Bikes are also allowed to travel on the road with motor vehicles – must be on the far right side. •When driving a bicycle on the road you must obey the regular traffic laws and travel in one bicycle formation. Must have lights & reflectors when traveling at night •It is a good idea to lock your bicycle •Maps are available at the Riverbank Discovery Centre. #1 – 545 Conservation Drive Phone: 729-2141 www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Driving To drive a vehicle in Brandon you need to have a valid drivers license and your vehicle must be registered & insured. Many driver licenses from other countries are recognized in Canada. Contact Manitoba Driver & Vehicle Licensing for additional information. 602 - 1st Street R7A 6K5 1-800-665-2410 www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba Transit – City Bus • Brandon offers regular bus service • Maps – Routes & Stops Maps are available at the Transit Centre on 8th Street & Rosser Avenue or at the Riverbank Discovery Centre on Conservation Drive. • Where to Stand Sometimes one bus stop has several different busses stop there. You need to stand by the road when you see your bus approach to ensure that the bus driver will stop for you.
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba Transit – City Bus Hours •Busses run Monday to Saturday usually every 30 minutes, but the schedules vary by route and by day. •There is no service on Sundays •Schedule times may vary due to road conditions •Sometimes you may be required to get on a second bus to reach your destination, to do this you need to ask for a transfer when you get on the first bus. This allows you to get on the second bus without payment
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba Transit – City Bus You must pay to use the City bus. Cash – You can pay with cash each time your get on the bus. You must have exact amount – no change can be issued. Tickets – Can be purchased in books of 10 rides. Bus Pass – A monthly Bus Pass can be purchased for unlimited rides in that month. Passes and Tickets can be purchased at the Transit Centre, Safeway, Shoppers Mall, Maple Leaf and various other locations, call 729-2300 for details. www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba Transit – City Bus Transit – City Bus Rates Riding the Bus Rates vary depending on your age •No pets Under 5 years - FREE •No Smoking 5 – 18 years - $1.50 •No Eating or Drinking 18 – 64 years - $2.00 •Elderly / Handicapped and Infirm have preferred seating 65 years and Over - $1.50 •Enter at the front of the bus and exit through the rear door •When you know that the stop where you wish to get off is next, pull the cord along the side of the bus to notify the driver that they need to stop •Strollers & Large items have rules that vary by the size of the bus www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba Taxi There are several Taxi companies in Brandon. Getting Service: - Flag a Taxi – if you see a Taxi you can wave at it and try and get the attention of the driver to stop and pick you up. - Call for Service – you can look up the phone number of a Taxi company in the phone book and make an appointment for a driver to pick you up. - Some businesses have direct phone lines to specific companies www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Taxi -The money you pay for a taxi ride includes a "starting fee" plus a fee for each km the taxi travels. - Each Taxi has a meter inside that will display the amount you are required to pay and it will increase as you drive. The price is not negotiable. - It is also customary but not mandatory to leave a tip for the driver – approximately 10 – 15% of the total price of the fare.
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba Shopping There are many great places to shop in Brandon • Shoppers Mall – 18th Street South • Corral Centre – 18th Street North • Town Centre – Rosser Avenue • Downtown Boutiques and Smaller Shops •Many more throughout the city •Prices on groceries and other items vary between different stores. •Exchanges and refund policies depend on the store – usually personal garments cannot be returned. www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba Shopping • Currency The Canadian Currency is dollars Coins = 1, 5, 10 and 25 cents Loonie = $1 Coin Twoonie = $2 Coin $5 and above are bills Many stores also accept credit cards and debit cards in addition to cash.
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Shopping • Taxes Some items available for purchase will have taxes added when you go to pay. Not all items have taxes, thus when you pay for your item the final price may be different than what is on the label General Sales Tax (GST) – 6% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) – 7%
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Shopping • Security Some stores may not allow you to carry personal bags into the store, they may ask you to leave your bag in a designated area or they may ask to put a tie or tape on your bag to ensure that is stays closed This is to prevent stealing and everyone must comply with the rules of the store.
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba Shopping • Carts Many stores provide you with a shopping cart. Some stores require that you put a coin (25cent or Loonie) into the cart to be able to use it – when you return the cart, you will get your coin back • Bags Most stores provide bags for your purchased goods, some stores allow you to bring your own and some stores require that you pay for the bags provided (Superstore) www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Phone Books - Books that are published in Manitoba for various locations that list numbers for businesses and individuals. -Most phone books have a Yellow Pages section which lists businesses by the type of service they provide. - Phone books are usually free and can be picked up at any MTS store.
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
HOUSING
1. RENTAL 2. SUBSIDIZED HOUSING 3. HOME OWNERSHIP 4. EMERGENCY SHELTER
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
RENTAL HOUSING
Before renting a place, you should know: •The rent and due date. •What utilities the rent includes •Convenience of the location •Requirements of moving out
Source: Residential Tenancy Brandon – Facts About Renting www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba RENTAL HOUSING - Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants
Landlords Tenants •Make the unit ready for the tenant to •Pay the rent on time move in •Keep the unit clean •Provide a written receipt •Get permission from the Landlord •Maintain the unit in proper condition to redecorate the unit •Repair the unit if needed •Be responsible for safety and others •Make sure the essential services are in place •Give attention to the landlord’s rules (number of occupants, pets) •Allow a tenant to enjoy the use of the unit •Notify the landlord any needed repairs •Resolve any problem or complains
Source: Residential Tenancy Brandon – Facts About Renting www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
RENTAL HOUSING Tenancy Agreement A tenancy agreement is a contract between a landlord and a tenant when a tenant lives in a rental unit. (Written and signed) Security Deposit The security deposit protects the landlord if the tenant: •Does not pay the rent •Leaves without notice •Causes damage; or •Does not clean up properly when they leave •The amount of the security deposit is half of the first month’s rent. •Damage deposit is returned with some interest when you move if there is no damage Source: Residential Tenancy Brandon – Facts About Renting www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
RENTAL HOUSING Condition Report •It is a detailed description of the condition of a rental unit when the tenant moves in and out. •Both the landlord and tenant should inspect together.
Rent Increases A landlord can legally increase the rent once every 12 months.
Source: Residential Tenancy Brandon – Facts About Renting www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba RENTAL HOUSING Repairs •A landlord must make sure a rental unit meets standards of safety and comfort •Tenants must repair damage they cause Privacy A landlord should give a tenant at least 24 hours before they go into the unit. •A landlord may enter without notice if there is an emergency, if the tenant agrees or is moving.
Source: Residential Tenancy Brandon – Facts About Renting www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
RENTAL HOUSING RENTAL HOUSING How to Find a Place Moving • Search the classified advertisements Tenants: must give one full rental in local newspapers; payment period’s notice. •Ask an immigrant-serving organization Landlords: can give a tenant a in your area for advice; notice to move out before their lease is up if the tenant is •Ask friends and family already living in causing a problem. the area for advice; Online Rental Listings •Look for "Vacancy" or "For Rent" signs on houses and apartment buildings; www.homesforstudents.com •Check bulletin boards in grocery www.places4rent.com stores, health clinics and community www.och101.com/brandonu centers; and www.roomiematch.com www.ebrandon.ca •Ask for advice at your place of www.brandon4rent.ca worship. www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
SUBSIDIZED HOUSING HOME OWNERSHIP
• Mortgage or Loans from Banks, The MB Housing Authority provides: credit unions and other institutions •Housing for individuals with low income. • Contact a Real Estate Agent for more information. (www.breb.mb.ca) •Shelter Allowance for family renters – a benefit to families with dependent children who are required to spend a large portion of their income on rent.
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
EMERGENCY SHELTER
•Provincial Employment & Income Assistance (726–6438) •Salvation Army (727–6271) •Westman Recovery (726–4609) •Westman Women’s Shelter (571–3680)
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
RECREATION There are a variety of recreation and entertainment options in Brandon – some are FREE and some are at a cost. Key Recreation Centres: 1. The YMCA 2. Canada Games Sportsplex 3. Riverbank Discovery Centre 4. Keystone Centre
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
YMCA - 231-8th Street •Family focused centre •Variety of pool and gym programs (pre-school, youth and adult) ($) •Outdoor swimming pools in the summer - June, July & August ($) •Summer Day Camps - July & August ($) •Paddling Pools in the summer (free) •After school programs ($) •Childcare ($) •Membership Options - subsidized (membership assistance) ($)
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Canada Games Sportsplex 30 Knowlton Drive
•Pool ($) •Skating Arena ($) •Raquet Ball and Squash Courts ($) •Various programs and learning opportunities ($) •Membership Options ($)
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Riverbank Discovery Centre #1-545 Conservation Drive
•Interpretive program (free) •Workshops ($) •Trails (free) •Equipment rental ($)
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba Brandon Public Library 710 Rosser Avenue, Unit 1 • Library cards – free with a piece of ID that shows your Brandon address (license, MHSC, hydro bill) •Access to books, magazines, movies and computers •Reading programs •Storytelling for children •Most items can be signed out and returned by a specific due date. •You may need to pay for any damage to Library items www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Outdoor Activities: •City Parks – playgrounds, tennis, basketball courts, paddling pools, BBQ (free) •Bike & Walking trail system (free) •Miniature Golf & Golf Courses ($)
Indoor Activities: •Various gyms and workout places across city ($) •Swimming pools ($) •Bowling ($) •Billiards ($) www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba Sport Organizations •Interest (gardening, wilderness) •Sports (soccer, running, baseball) •Children, Youth and Adult Programs •Program fees may be required •The Brandon Community Contact Book has many listings Athletic Teams Brandon Wheat Kings (hockey) •Brandon Bobcats (basketball, volleyball) •Local high school teams and club teams www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba Events & Entertainment: •Music in the Parks (free) •Annual Fairs ($) •Canada Day Celebration (July 1) (free) •Brandon Folk Festival (July 27-29) ($) •Many more events…watch local listings… •Clubs, live music •Westman Centennial Auditorium (concerts, theatre) ($) •Keystone Centre (concerts, sports) ($) •Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba •Museums www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Visit the following websites and view their Event Calendars to find out what is happening in Brandon:
www.tourism.brandon.com www.brandon.ca www.brandon.com www.ebrandon.ca
www.econdev.brandon.ca www.wesls.com Brandon, Manitoba
Questions & Resources
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