Brandon, Manitoba. Welcome to Brandon

Transcription

1 Welcome to Brandon

2 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

3 Welcome to Brandon Westman Immigrant Services Transportation Shopping Housing Recreation

4 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. Brandon, Manitoba

5 Westman Immigrant Services How Immigrants Come To Brandon

6 Westman Immigrant Services Services Offered: English as an Additional Language Classes (also called EAL Classes) Settlement Services Employment services Settlement Partner Program

7 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

8 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

9 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

10 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 can do for the immigrant are: Meet weekly on a regular basis Acquaint newcomers with the community resources Provide friendship and support Practice English with newcomers Volunteer tutors assist English learners who are unable to attend classes, such as a mother with a new baby.

11 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.

12 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 Brandon, Manitoba

13 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:

14 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 st Street R7A 6K

15 Transit City Bus Brandon offers regular bus service Maps Routes & Stops Maps are available at the Transit Centre on 8 th 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.

16 Hours Transit City Bus 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 Brandon, Manitoba

17 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 for details.

18 Transit City Bus Transit City Bus Rates Rates vary depending on your age Under 5 years - FREE 5 18 years - $ years - $ years and Over - $1.50 Riding the Bus No pets No Smoking No Eating or Drinking Elderly / Handicapped and Infirm have preferred seating 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

19 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

20 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.

21 Shopping There are many great places to shop in Brandon Shoppers Mall 18 th Street South Corral Centre 18 th 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.

22 Currency Shopping 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.

23 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%

24 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.

25 Carts Shopping 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)

26 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.

27 HOUSING 1. RENTAL 2. SUBSIDIZED HOUSING 3. HOME OWNERSHIP 4. EMERGENCY SHELTER

28 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

29 RENTAL HOUSING - Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants Landlords Make the unit ready for the tenant to move in Provide a written receipt Maintain the unit in proper condition Repair the unit if needed Make sure the essential services are in place Allow a tenant to enjoy the use of the unit Resolve any problem or complains Tenants Pay the rent on time Keep the unit clean Get permission from the Landlord to redecorate the unit Be responsible for safety and others Give attention to the landlord s rules (number of occupants, pets) Notify the landlord any needed repairs Source: Residential Tenancy Brandon Facts About Renting

30 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

31 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

32 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. Brandon, Manitoba Source: Residential Tenancy Brandon Facts About Renting

33 RENTAL HOUSING How to Find a Place Search the classified advertisements in local newspapers; Ask an immigrant-serving organization in your area for advice; Ask friends and family already living in the area for advice; Look for "Vacancy" or "For Rent" signs on houses and apartment buildings; Check bulletin boards in grocery stores, health clinics and community centers; and Ask for advice at your place of worship. RENTAL HOUSING Moving Tenants: must give one full rental payment period s notice. Landlords: can give a tenant a notice to move out before their lease is up if the tenant is causing a problem. Online Rental Listings

34 SUBSIDIZED HOUSING The MB Housing Authority provides: Housing for individuals with low income. 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. HOME OWNERSHIP Mortgage or Loans from Banks, credit unions and other institutions Contact a Real Estate Agent for more information. (

35 EMERGENCY SHELTER Provincial Employment & Income Assistance ( ) Salvation Army ( ) Westman Recovery ( ) Westman Women s Shelter ( )

36 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

37 YMCA th 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 ($) Membership Options - subsidized (membership assistance) ($)

38 Canada Games Sportsplex 30 Knowlton Drive Brandon, Manitoba Pool ($) Skating Arena ($) Raquet Ball and Squash Courts ($) Various programs and learning opportunities ($) Membership Options ($)

39 Riverbank Discovery Centre #1-545 Conservation Drive Interpretive program (free) Workshops ($) Trails (free) Equipment rental ($)

40 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 Brandon, Manitoba

41 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 ($)

42 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 Brandon, Manitoba

43 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

44 Visit the following websites and view their Event Calendars to find out what is happening in Brandon:

45 Questions & Resources