Brandon is not getting WestJet service at this time. Were you really surprised? Maybe the powers that be can lobby for regular rail passenger service. After all, it was the railway that helped develop Brandon and, in some areas, train travel is very strong.

On the bright side of not getting regular air service:

• No residential neighbourhoods will be in the flight path, so we won’t hear complaints about loud low-flying planes.

• We won’t hear complaints about increased traffic in the airport area.

• The area will be safe from “objects” falling from the plane.

• We won’t have to hear complaints from visitors about how our airport doesn’t look like Winnipeg’s.
• We can still have quality time with family and friends as we drive to Winnipeg, or other centres, to catch a flight.

About 3,600 homes in Brandon could have lead problems because of old water pipes. Health officials say that levels are safe and it’s not an emergent issue. City Hall says that getting the lead out will cost about 27 million dollars. Perhaps Renaissance Brandon or another City-funded group can provide subsidies for water filters for homes affected. If we can tie up money for a couple of years for a theatre project, why not for homeowners? What do you think would have a bigger impact on residents?

After all, it’s not buildings that make a neighbourhood – it’s people.

On the subject of old pipes, if lead pipes were okay to use a couple of generations ago before the health risks were discovered, who’s to say the pipes we now use and are supposedly okay may not also cause health problems a couple of generations from now?

Is there a municipal bylaw in your community that prevents you from digging a well and using it as your main source of water?  At least you’ll know what you’re getting and you won’t have to pay a municipal water bill.

Have you gotten your T-4 slip from your employer? If you’re like me, you look at the line that tells you how much money you made and think to yourself, “Where the %^&* did that money go?”

Have you ever watched the Antiques Roadshow and wondered, “Gee, the only old thing I have is grandma. I wonder how much she’s worth.”

Aren’t grandparents supposed to tell embarrassing stories about their kids to their grandkids? Those stories are priceless, as are those photos they can show the grandkids.

Everything old will eventually be new again. Don’t throw away anything. 10 -15, maybe 20, years from now it could be back in demand (unless you are referring to an ex-partner.)

Thought for the week: We can’t get on a plane, we can’t get on a train and the price of gas can be a pain (in the wallet.)  Does anyone know where someone can buy a Red River cart?