Testimonials

“I arrived from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) five years ago, to assume the role of Vice-President Academic at Assiniboine Community College. Two years ago, I accepted the President’s job without reservation, due in large part to the opportunities afforded me by this vibrant community. Brandon has much to offer – an active arts community, a college and a university as well as all the amenities you would expect in a city approaching fifty thousand people. But most importantly, Brandon is a community where one can raise a family in a safe, friendly environment, enjoy great recreational facilities and become involved as a volunteer in many of our great charities and non-profit organizations.

My friends back in Ontario are shocked that my commute to work is only 5 minutes, and that I fill my gas tank about once a month. When they visit and stay with Lise and I, they are surprised at the low housing prices and proximity to our magnificent Riding Mountain National Park. Brandon truly is a great place. Come join us!”
D. Joel Ward
President & C.E.O.
Assiniboine Community College

“For many, the choice of where to live is rife with compromises, wants versus needs and expectations versus aspirations. That need not be the case. As a product of a large Canadian city, I could have followed the path of many of my contemporaries. That generally meant that I would have ended up in one congested urban centre or another. I am happier, now more than ever, that I went my own way. With each early visit to Brandon, I became more intrigued with its incredible sense of community - that personal feeling of belonging without ever having lived there. Brandon embraced me without reservation and I returned the favour.

In the twenty-five years that have passed, Brandon gave my wife and I a fantastic environment in which to raise my family. Time that would be squandered on commuting in other cities, I am able to devote to taking part in my sons' activities. Brandon has rewarded sound business practices and continues to provide no end of opportunity. With urban amenities at my fingertips and the vast rural expanse out my back door, I can't think of a better combination.”
Say no to compromise. Make Brandon your home.
Marlow Kirton
Managing Partner
Town Centre

“We moved to Brandon in January of 2005 working with Maple Leaf Foods. The community provides an excellent environment in which to raise our children with many things to do. Our youngest has received piano teaching at a level that would have not been achievable in our previous community as an example. The business community is very supportive of each other and maintains a Brandon first perspective. Although businesses can’t do this all the time I know based on my experience in Brandon that a local supplier will always be included in an opportunity for business. The business community is very supportive of local social support agencies, which is a great thing to see.

When I first moved to Brandon and Maple Leaf announced the 2nd shift expansion and with that the need to recruit internationally to staff the facility, I heard from a lot of people that Brandon would not be ready for this. That the “locals” are not ready for change and will not accept this change. Since then I have seen nothing but the opposite. This community has worked diligently to support the influx of immigrants. Many people have volunteered their time for settlement support, ESL support, and social support. Change is always tough and Brandon should be proud of how they have handled this.”
Leo Collins
Plant Manager
Maple Leaf Fresh Foods Inc.

“What I love about living in Westman .................there are a lot of things and if I can sum them all up it is about opportunity and balance.

Our economy has a lot of opportunity in a variety of areas so you can earn enough to take advantage of all the opportunities the world has to offer without having to put up with the craziness that living in a larger center brings. Our central location makes it pretty easy to get to where you want to go pretty quickly.

Our geography and climate gives us 4 distinct seasons and the amazing variety of outdoor experiences that come with those 4 seasons. There are almost always a variety of outdoor activities that we can enjoy. It is also an affordable 4 seasons as the cost of golf, skiing and just about anything else keeps these activities within pretty much anyone’s reach.

The people of Westman have a friendly and supportive nature to them. When someone really needs help most times it is close at hand.

We can all make more money and accumulate more wealth in more active economies.........but for me it’s not worth the price. For my family and our family values, the quality of life and opportunity to do what we want to makes Westman a great place to live and raise a family.”
Jeff Cristall, CA, CBV
MANAGING PARTNER, WESTERN MANITOBA
Meyers Norris Penny

“Brandon is one of those communities that if you ever have the opportunity to live in, it will leave a permanent and lasting imprint on your sole.

The entire time, I lived away from Brandon I found myself looking for an opportunity that would allow me to return. It wasn’t just about returning to family and friends, but about living in a community that was so full of potential, but at the same time was so understated in its abilities and capacity. One of the principles that I live by is; “always under promise and over deliver” and Brandon does exactly that. Time and time again, as a community we have taken on challenges that many would have thought too difficult for a city our size and have exceeded everyone expectations (including our own). Brandon is a community of “siblings” and while at times we don’t always get long, when it comes time to shine we certainly know how to come together and get down to business.

In my career, I have lived and worked in large cities and while there are times when you may miss certain amenities and attractions, there is certainly no way that I would give up what Brandon offers in return. It is the friendliness of the people, the feeling of community, the diversity of culture, the beautiful scenery, the feeling of being safe, the convenience and ease of living life and ability to get involved in making a difference.

I have had the opportunity to manage a manufacturing company in the community, to experience the inner working of municipal government through a management role with the City and now to build a company that will provide services to the rest of the country. There is no other place that I would choose to be, and I am truly honored to call Brandon my home.”
Cathy Snelgrove, CET, CIM, MBA
Partner
Siere Solutions