The Downtown Ambassador Program, which began its pilot year on July 3rd, 2018, is now in it’s third year of operation. Patrols have been making appearances downtown for the past two weeks. Seven Ambassadors, knowledgeable in COVID-19 Measures, walk throughout downtown in pairs Monday to Saturday during peak hours.
Ambassadors aid in community engagement, tourism, social planning and community safety by offering a welcoming and supportive presence throughout the downtown. They connect citizens and visitors to local businesses, events and services; strengthen relationships between local stakeholders; provide referrals and assistance to vulnerable persons; and act as the eyes and ears within the city core.
The Downtown Ambassador Program was proposed by City Council during budget deliberations for 2018 and BNRC was subsequently contracted to deliver the pilot program for the 2018 and 2019 summer months. After a successful two years, the Program has returned to deliver the same vision it had in its pilot year. While also providing fresh and innovative ideas to help create a more vibrant and bustling downtown atmosphere.
The program will be evaluated using stakeholder surveys before and after implementation as well as various metrics and comments gathered by the Ambassadors during the
Downtown visitors, business owners and residents are encouraged to engage with the ambassadors about what is happening in downtown Brandon and can find them easily just by looking for their bright blue shirts. The public is encouraged to meet them in person this Friday (July 24), at Princess Park from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm for a free community barbeque. Those who attend are being asked to follow safe distancing guidelines, and the use of face masks are also encouraged.