Discussions

With 2009 winding down this week, it's naturally time to start looking forward to a near year and decade in 2010.  
 
Here are a few of what I expect to be the top stories of 2010. I'm sure I've missed a few. I would be great to hear peoples' thoughts on these and others... including which you're looking forward to the most.  
 
 
Civic election  
 
Already starting to heat up with a couple of people declaring their intent to run for mayor.
The election will provide its share of headlines in the coming year as:  
- others declare intent to run for mayor and council  
- the campaign itself gets going in advance of election day  
- the results of the election are known and we potentially have a few different faces at City Hall  
 
 
Memorial Cup  
 
Local sports fans have had May 14-23, 2010 circled on their calendars since the summer of 2008.  
 
Now only 4 1/2 months away if you can believe it, this is going to be a wild nine days as media, fans and players crowd into the city.... not to mention the excitement of having the Wheat Kings playing for the Mem Cup for the first time in 14 years.  
 
 
Olympic Torch Run  
 
Less than two weeks away, January 8 will see the Olympic flame make its way through the Wheat City. Should be a very unique and memorable experience for Brandonites young and old.  
 
 
2nd of twin 18th st bridges opens  
 
Getting one new bridge was good, but 2010 is the year that the twin bridge project should be completed. What kind of traffic flow improvement will we see along the notorious stretch between the Daly Overpass and the Corral Centre?  
 
 
New firehall opening  
 
Last I heard, was expected to be complete in July 2010.  
 
 
MTS-Rogers new network rollout  
 
These two competitors have partnered on and plan to roll out a new HSPA cell phone network in 2010. Probably bigger news to some than others, but from a personal standpoint this will be huge as it will increase the capability of local cell phones and wireless data services big time.  
 
It will be very interesting to see what this ends up meaning for MTS, Rogers and the competitive dynamics between them.  
 
 
Please feel free to add your thoughts on how important any or all of the above will be in 2010... as well as add any others that you think will grab their share of headlines.