Stephen Harper Visits Brandon

News | admin | March 19, 2010 at 7:04 pm

At 1:00 pm Stephen Harper came to Brandon to announce funding for the new BU gym that’s too be built next year. He made his speech inside the BU gym and then one and a half hours later he was quickly ushered out and took a photo with a family and a few children. (the video can be seen on itvbrandon)

For those waiting outside, including myself, Adam (from Ebrandon), Tyler Glen from the radio and about 50 other students who were waiting outside for up to two hours the best part was that 60 second window where we were ushered into a side by the Brandon Police and were allowed to see the first Prime Minister to visit Brandon in over a decade.

After the photo op, he turned, smiled and gave the crowd a wave and entered his Cadillac. Needless to say it was an exciting day.

He announced funding for the new BU gym as follows:

• $5.31 million from the Government of Canada

• $5.31 million from the Province of Manitoba

• $6.3 million from Brandon University

• $1.88 million from the City of Brandon

The Healthy Living Center is expected to be completed in September of 2012, with construction beginning in May of 2011. The building will house a walking/running path, a fitness center and will be energy efficient by using recycled and renewable materials.