Westman This Week
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Professionals to Know in WESTMAN
brandonsun.com
Appraisal industry is under pressure
BY ABIOLA ODUTOLA
costing them more in property tax- es? A: Property taxes are tied to as- sessed values, which are based on assessment dates — currently 2023. One common mistake is not check- ing the assessment details. Assessors often rely on dated inspections or statistical models, and that may not reflect the property accurately. Own- ers should review their assessments, compare with similar properties, and raise questions if something looks off. Being proactive can help prevent being overtaxed. Q: From your experience, are there trends or changes that could shape the appraisal industry in the coming years? A: Absolutely. The industry is under pressure with workload and quality concerns. Technology has changed things — computerized valuation models can produce quick results, but they’re only as good as the data fed into them. Judgment still lies with the appraiser. Some firms may focus on speed, but at Roland Weir we emphasize detail and objectivi- ty, which is especially important for complex or legal appraisals. Overall, the industry continues to adapt, but quality remains the priority. Q: Finally, is there anything you’d like to add? A: I think it’s an interesting and important industry. The demand for work is high, and timeframes are always challenging, but that’s true across many professions today. With technology and changing business environments, we’re all adapting. For us, the goal remains to provide accurate, high-quality service.
data to work with and build a data- base over time. In smaller or more remote communities, demand and supply vary more, and comparable sales can be harder to find. The pro- cess is the same, but it takes a dif- ferent kind of skill and analysis de- pending on the market. Q: What can homeowners or property owners do to prepare ahead of time and make the ap- praisal process smoother? A: Having information ready helps. A survey certificate, proper- ty tax statements, or records of im- provements done to the home are useful. In larger centres like Bran- don, a lot of that information is available online, but in smaller mu- nicipalities, it can be trickier. During inspections, appraisers usually ask questions about the history of the property, renovations, or outbuild- ings. The more accurate information an owner can provide, the smoother the process goes. Q: Are there ways property own- ers can reduce costs in the apprais- al process? A: On the residential side, fees are fairly standard and mainly depend on the type of report required. Le- gal appraisals, for example, require more detail and therefore cost more. For farms and commercial prop- erties, detailed records — such as income and expense statements — are often needed. Providing this in- formation upfront helps streamline the process and prevents additional work later, which can save time and money. Q: What mistakes do homeown- ers often make that could end up
Interview with Pat Weir, Roland Weir Appraisal Associates Q: Can you walk me through how Roland Weir Appraisal Associates operates and the role your firm plays in property appraisals across the region? A: Our business has been around for quite a while. It began in Minne- dosa back in the late ’70s and early ’80s, and over time, we’ve acquired practices in Brandon. We provide residential, farm, recreational, com- mercial, and agricultural appraisals across a wide area of Manitoba and parts of Saskatchewan. Q: Many people say property ap- praisals are complex. What makes them difficult, and how can the pro- cess be made easier? A: Appraisals do require a good deal of knowledge. The key is re- search — first by inspecting the property and gathering details about its characteristics and location, and then by analyzing the market. We compare recent sales, consider in- come potential, and weigh demand and supply in the area. Using differ- ent approaches, we narrow down to a well-supported estimate of value. It’s detailed work, but that’s what makes it reliable. Q: What challenges do you en- counter when appraising proper- ties in urban versus rural areas? A: The biggest difference is the market itself. In Brandon, for exam- ple, the market is very active — res- idential, commercial, and even farm properties — so we have plenty of
Pat Weir, owner of Roland Wier Appraisal Associates, looks over building plans in his office on 26th Street on Sept. 11. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)
Outdoor cooking a staple of life in Canada
pantry the following morning. An outdoor sink also makes it easier to rinse vegetables before cooking them over an open flame. • Garden bar: Grilling can be a rewarding but lonely undertaking. Grills often are set away from outdoor dining tables so guests can comfortably converse and eat without being drowned out by the sizzle of the grill or over- whelmed by smoke that can come pouring out when opening the grill lid. A garden bar that’s adjacent to the grill can provide a gath- ering space for guests and ensure cooks aren’t spending the duration of a get-together going it alone. Outdoor cooking is wildly popular, and might prove even more so when incorpo- rating various convenient features into an ex- terior living space.
gather supplies for cooking. A slightly larger outdoor refrigerator also can be used to store the food that will be cooked on the grill, afford- ing cooks more time to spend outdoors. • Outdoor pantry: An outdoor living space that incorporates a pantry to store dishes and tools of the barbecuing trade, like spatulas and tongs, can make grill sessions easier for cooks. When planning a new outdoor living space, a pantry can be incorporated into the design. If augmenting an existing space, standalone pantries can provide similar functionality as built-in alternatives. • Outdoor sink: All those utensils and cook- ing instruments will ultimately need to be washed. An outdoor sink ensures utensils and tools can be washed and dried outside, saving hosts the trouble of carrying items in at the end of the night only to return them to the outdoor
with a few simple upgrades to an outdoor liv- ing space. • Natural gas grill: Natural gas grills are de- signed to be connected with a home’s natural gas line. That can make it more convenient to grill, particularly for people who grill often and do not want to deal with charcoal and pro- pane tanks that require routine trips to a gro- cery store or other retailer to resupply. With a natural gas grill, cooks can fire up the grill at any time just like they would when using a gas stove indoors. • Refrigerator: Incorporating a refrigerator into an outdoor living space can make out- door cooking more convenient. Depending on the size of the appliance, an outdoor refriger- ator can store condiments and sauces, saving cooks the trouble of walking back and forth between indoor and outdoor living spaces to
Various things come to mind when ponder- ing outdoor entertaining. Outdoor living spaces run the gamut from expansive oases with a pool, hot tub and room to lounge, to smaller areas with some seating that allows hosts and guests to enjoy some fresh air. One common theme in most outdoor living spaces, regardless of their size, is an area to cook, typically over an open flame. Grilling is wildly popular. According to the grilling experts at Traeger, roughly 128 million households across the United States owned a grill in 2020. Grills are similarly popular in Can- ada, where a 2023 poll from Ipsos-Reid found that 78 per cent of Canadians own a grill. Outdoor cooking is a staple of life in the U.S. and Canada, and this popular means to meal preparation can be made even more enjoyable
» Metro
Grilling remains wildly popular in Canada and the U.S. (Metro)
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FINANCIAL SERVICES
CODY POWELL Fusion Credit Union Q Tell us about your professional background and experience. A I started in the Credit Union system way back in 2010, starting in a branch in downtown Brandon on the front line. By early 2013 I took on an Ag/Comm Lending role in Souris, MB and haven’t looked back since. I have covered multiple regions across Manitoba assisting with both Agriculture and Commercial lending. From 2021 through to 2023 I worked with a charter bank here in Brandon in a similar role, and in May of 2023 I found my way back to the CU system with Fusion Credit Union! With the knowledge and experience I have gained in my various roles in the Financial Industry it has allowed me a multitude of opportunities to work with local businesses and farmers to start, grow or expand their respective business’s.
Commercial Relationship Manager ABL Relationship Manager Fusion Credit Union
Q What inspired you to get into your chosen profession? A I have always had an interest in math, and “crunching” numbers and that lead me to work in sales roles at a few different electronic stores here in Brandon and found very quickly that I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people and being someone, they can rely on for advice for transactions (big or small). After a few years in sales, I knew I wanted to learn more about the financial world and more specifically the lending side, which is what started off my career path! Also, I would be lying if I said the “bankers’ hours” of 9-5 Monday to Friday didn’t intrigue me as a 21-year-old haha. Q What is your specialty? What makes you unique? A In my current role I have a heavy presence in the commercial real estate development sector, from infrastructure & development to acquisitions & expansions. My “specialty” would be hard to narrow down as I work with all sorts of members and scenarios daily. What makes me unique, I like to think that its my creativity and patience I bring to transactions as commercial lending is not “cookie- cutter” by any means and often takes that creativity and patience to find the right solution for all parties involved. In my experience I have been fortunate enough work in numerous small and large communities across Manitoba and see all sorts of deals come across my desk. I take pride in knowing that we will exhaust all options to find the right product/service for each transaction. Q Why should customers use your service? A My role is to assist my members with achieving their financial aspirations for their business or farm. Whether that be by simply providing advice or direction, referrals to programs or partners, or completing their purchase/expansion from start to finish. I will be there each step of the way to ensure the transaction can go as smooth as possible. Q Do you have an upcoming event or milestone you want people to know about? A October 2025 will mark 15 years for me in the financial services industry, and in May 2026 it will be 3 years with Fusion CU, time flies by when your having fun! Q What about your company makes you proud? A Fusion’s dedication to the communities we serve is what initially drew me to the company, their reputation has always been stellar as not only a CU, but as an employer as well. Fusion truly listens to our membership and is proud to support numerous charities and events in all our communities. This mentality is shown from the top down and instills pride and confidence in our staff. The continuous focus and development in our products & services ensures that we can not only continue to confidently represent our brand to the public, but also know we can stand with all our market competition.
A 2023 meta-analysis found excessive screen exposure may contribute to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. (Metro) Researchers believe screen time may lead to ADHD
with ADHD. The analysis found that children exposed to more than two hours of screen time each day had significantly higher rates of ADHD than youngsters whose daily screen time was limited to two hours or less. Researchers behind the analysis ultimate- ly concluded reducing children’s screen time could prevent the occurrence of ADHD. » Metro
A 2023 meta-analysis published in the jour- nal Reviews on Environmental Health found that excessive screen exposure may be a sig- nificant contributor to the development of at- tention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The report analyzed nine studies that ex- amined more than 81,000 children, includ- ing nearly 29,000 who had been diagnosed
Cell 204-390-4586 Office 204-571-3876 Fax 204-571-3859 Cody.Powell@fusioncu.com
BRUGGER Wealth Management 60 Years of Trusted Financial Planning
• Dennis Brugger started the tradition in 1965 – a proud family legacy of guiding families in financial planning • 60 years of experience helping family businesses and farms transition seamlessly to the next generation • Estate and tax planning strategies designed to preserve legacies and minimize tax • Professional portfolio management for high-net-worth investors, partnering with some of Canada’s top performing premiere portfolio managers • A customized, client-centered approach tailored to every unique financial journey • The tradition continues with the third generation – Cameron Brugger and Aidan Piwniuk – joining the team • Our dedicated team: Lead Planner Kirk Brugger, Planner Ramona Wagner, and Office Administrator & Reception Kayla Fisher • Our commitment endures – building and maintaining strong client relationships that secure and grow wealth across generations
Scan the QR code to learn more about securing your family’s financial future.
kirk@bruggerwealth.ca | 204-571-5300 Unit A 2800 Victoria Avenue, Brandon, MB, R7B 3X1
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Study: reading can save your life
Centum Mortgage Choice MORTGAGES
Alica Fulford
Avid readers may feel there’s noth- ing better than diving into a good book, but that book might be even more beneficial than they realize, particularly for older book lovers. A 2016 study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine noted that reading books can pro- mote empathy, social perception and emotional intelligence, nota- ble benefits that researchers found contributed to a survival advantage. Researchers behind the study noted book readers experienced a 20 per cent reduction in risk of mor- tality over a 12-year followup peri- od than non-book readers. Equally notable among the researchers’ findings was older individuals who read books enjoyed this survival ad- vantage regardless of their gender, overall health, socioeconomic sta- tus, or education levels. » Metro
A 2016 study indicates the many advantages of reading. (Metro)
Q Tell us about your professional background and experience. A This is my 10th year working as a broker and I’ve been fortunate to have been with Centum Mortgage for my whole career. I’ve always been interested in real estate, and becoming a broker gave me a different viewpoint on helping someone find a new home. I’ve worked in customer service in Brandon and the surrounding areas since I was a teen, and I love that I can continue to do so, and see my clients and business partners on a regular basis. Q Why should customers use your service? A Working with a broker gives you access to many different lenders and programs, and whether you’re a first time homebuyer or a seasoned shopper on your third rental property I have options that will fit your budget. I’m happy to work around your schedule to make the process as stress-free as possible, and best of all, my services come at no cost to you—I’m here to guide you every step of the way, on your time, without any added expenses. Q What about your company makes or has made you the most proud A Our office is a part of an award-winning Canada wide corporation, has been locally owned and operated for over 20 years, and we are proud to continue to serve our communities.
RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL APPRAISERS BARRY CUSITAR P.APP , CRA PAT WEIR P.APP, AACI, B A ROLAND WEIR APPRAISAL ASSOCIATES
Q: What inspired you to get into your chosen profession? A: We were in related businesses requiring professional appraisal services and found a need for expanded services in the region, which was a natural fit for assisting our existing and a wide range of new clients. Q: What is your speciality? What makes your services unique? A: We are an independent, professional appraisal practice with our Associates certified and accredited in the valuation profession with a long history of serving the western Manitoba region.
Q: When should clients use your service? A: Our firm and associates provide professional residential, farm, commercial, recreational and special use real estate appraisals to assist clients with their financial, family, future and business planning. Q: What about your company makes or has made you the most proud? A: Our history and involvement in assisting Manitobans with many of life’s most important decisions regarding real estate.
(204) 573-4859
centummortgagechoice.com
1015 – 26th Street, Brandon
204-727-7100
www.rolandweir.ca
MEET THE STRIDE TEAM Behind every great financial decision is a team you can count on. At Stride Credit Union, we’re proud to offer trusted advice, personalized service, and the right tools to help you reach your goals. Whether it’s everyday banking, saving and investing, or major life milestones like buying a home, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
877-228-2636
STRIDECU.CA
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Keystone Dental Centre DENTISTS
W. L. BUCK & ASSOCIATES Chartered Accountants CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Dr. Margaret Choy, Dr. Nicole Wotton and Dr. David Chin
Q Tell us about your professional background and experience. A W. L. Buck & Associates is a locally owned accounting firm in Brandon, Manitoba, serving the Westman area for over 50 years. The team consists of Chartered Professional Accountants backed by a strong, experienced support staff, committed to delivering both personal and professional accounting services Q What inspired you to get into your chosen profession? A We were inspired to pursue this profession because we wanted to support local small and medium-sized businesses as well as families in our community. We value the opportunity to work directly with clients, to build relationships, and to share in their successes. For us, accounting is not just about numbers—it’s about helping people reach their goals and strengthening the community we live and work in. Q Why should customers use your service? A Customers should choose W. L. Buck & Associates because we combine longevity, expertise, and a strong community focus. We’ve built a reputation for reliability and trust. Our team of Chartered Professional Accountants brings a high level of knowledge and professionalism to every client we work with. At the same time, we pride ourselves on providing personalized support—whether it’s personal tax preparation, business accounting, or bookkeeping services. As a locally owned firm, we are deeply invested in the success of our clients and our community, serving Brandon and surrounding communities. Q What about your company makes you proud? A We are proud that our company has spent more than 50 years supporting local small and medium- sized businesses and families in our community. What makes us most proud is the relationships we’ve built—working directly with our clients, celebrating their successes, and watching them grow. Our work goes beyond accounting; it’s about helping people achieve their goals and giving back to the community we call home.
Q Tell us about your professional background and experience. A Keystone Dental Centre has provided family dentistry to its patients in Brandon and the surrounding areas for more than three decades. In 2008, Keystone Dental moved from Shoppers Mall to its current location on the corner of 9th Street and Richmond Ave. This move allowed for Dr. Chin and Dr. Choy to expand the office in order to increase comfort and accessibility for their patients. In 2023, Dr. Wotton moved from Winnipeg to join our practice. With over a decade of experience, along with her genuine interest in her patients, she makes a wonderful addition to our clinic. Q Why should customers use your service? A Your smile, comfort and care are our top priority! We are dedicated to providing personalized dental care that our patients deserve. At Keystone Dental Centre, we have your dental needs covered! From routine checkups and cleanings to implants, Invisalign and veneers, we’re here for you!
We are currently accepting new patients. Call today to book an appointment with one of our wonderful Dentists!
W.L. Buck & Associates
WLB
545 Pacific Avenue Unit B Cell 204-727-1022 www.wlbuck.com
204-727-2552
admin@keystonedentalcentre.ca
1502 9th St Brandon
Professional Wealth Management
Meet Erin Chisholm and the Journey Wealth team at 239 Hamilton Street in Neepawa and let them help you reach your financial goals.
journeywealth.ca
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