Mark Your Calendars for October

Brandon Sun, October 8, 2006 - David McConkey

October features a number of events that remind us of sustainability issues. There are opportunities for insight, information, and involvement.

International Walk to School Week, October 2 - 6, 2006. Last year, in 36 countries, more than three million children, parents, and others in the community participated. “It’s the week,” explains its website, “when children, parents, and schools take part in a world wide event to celebrate the environment, their health, and the many benefits of walking.”

Walk to School Week is part of a larger effort to promote “Active and Safe Routes to School.” More information is available from the provincial co-ordinator, Resource Conservation Manitoba.

Manitoba in Motion, Thursday, October 5, 2006. During the same week, is this provincial government strategy encouraging physical activity. Brandon is one of the communities participating.

The provincial “in motion” website has information for children, adults, schools, workplaces, and local communities. There are even grants available. Check out: Manitobainmotion.ca. (Follow the links to the Brandon or other Westman community information.)

If you or your community missed out on these events this year, why not plan ahead now for next year?

Household Hazardous Waste Day, Saturday, October 14, 2006. Westman householders - this is your chance to dispose of these wastes safely, and at no charge. The event is courtesy of the Rotary Club and the City of Brandon, with funding from Manitoba Conservation. It takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the City of Brandon Civic Services Complex, 900 Richmond Avenue East. (For more information, call the City at 729-2285.)

Waste Reduction Week, October 16 – 22, 2006. This is an annual cross-Canada event, co-ordinated in our province by Resource Conservation Manitoba (see website address earlier). Support has been pledged from Manitoba Conservation, Manitoba Hydro, and the City of Winnipeg, among others. The very informative website has numerous resources for involving communities, businesses, and schools.

Election Day, Wednesday, October 25, 2006. Wherever you live in Westman, don’t forget to vote. There will be elections for Mayors / Reeves, Municipal Councillors, and School Board Trustees. Many important sustainability issues are decided around Municipal and School Board tables.

In Brandon, this will be an interesting day, with contests for Mayor, nine of the 10 wards, and for School Board. Hopefully the turnout will be higher than normal, which can be even less than one-half. Voters can also vote in advance, or at mobile stations in some health care facilities, or by mail.

The Internet is playing an increasing role in elections. The City of Brandon has much good information about both Municipal and School Board elections on its website at Brandon.ca. (Questions? You can email the City from the website. Or you can phone 729-2210.)

Check out “Candidate Profiles” on the website to learn more about the individuals running. Almost all of the candidates have email addresses for a convenient way to send them questions. A few candidates even have their own websites.

There is a lot going on in October, in addition to Thanksgiving and Halloween. Have a good month, everybody.