I've lived in Brandon for a number of years, and the city and the Base are putting out the welcome mat for 2VP. I'm not quite sure how 1 RCHA feels (though it can't be entirely happy since all the attention has be focused on 2 PPCLI, whle they have been there for years), but, yes, the JR should be interesting for awhile until the pecking order gets sorted out.
The new PMC of the WO and Sgts Mess (which is the Mess of the Home Station) is a PPCLI Sgt.
As for the field thing, strictly rumour. Shilo doesn't play that way.