On Mon, Apr. 7, City Council adopted By-Law No. 7397 to increase Development Charges (DC) for transportation and land drainage network infrastructure.  The updated DC rates will take effect on June 6, 2025. The City of Brandon has experienced exponential growth in recent years, thus making the requirement for additional municipal infrastructure necessary. DC contributions support essential infrastructure and equitably distribute development costs, aiding the city's growth over the next 20 years. Factors contributing to the increased rates include a transportation charge for road and intersection improvements in both emerging and established areas, higher capital costs, debt financing expenses, and costs associated with growth-related studies. The City of Brandon aims to balance growth, cost, and development, ensuring that Brandon remains one of the most livable cities in Canada. Other infrastructure supported by DC’s includes water and wastewater services. Adjustments to these rates are being implemented pursuant to By-Law No. 7406, which requires approval from the Public Utilities Board of Manitoba (PUB). At a future City Council Meeting, the City's Audit and Finance Committee will propose an amendment to By-Law No. 7406, recommending increased water and wastewater DC rates be phased in over a three-year period for high-density developments. If City Council approves the amended first reading of By-Law No. 7406, a new public hearing will be scheduled for late spring prior to it going to the PUB for approval An overview of all proposed and approved changes is available on brandon.ca/permits-applications/development-charges. Enquiries regarding DC rates can be sent to LandDevelopment@brandon.ca.

Photo: Brandon Police Service Between February 2025 and April 5th, 2025, BPS’ Organized Crime Section (OCS) conducted a drug trafficking investigation into Tia Vincent, a 45-year-old woman from Brandon, MB. On April 5th, OCS members arrested Vincent and located her with 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine. A subsequent search warrant at a residence in the 1300 block of 1st Street North in Brandon that Vincent was believed to be utilizing to store her illicit drugs, recovered approximately 500 grams of Cocaine, 42 grams of methamphetamine, drug packaging materials, multiple digitals scales and multiple cell phones. Angela Sellars, a 47-year-old woman from Brandon, was arrested at the 1st Street North location and along with Vincent, faces charges of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine and Methamphetamine. Both Vincent and Sellars appeared in court on April 7th, 2025. The approximate street value of the drugs seized during this investigation is $110,000.

Assault On April 6th at 2:46PM a 33-year-old male was approached by an unknown male out front of his home in the 600 block of 17th Street and was immediately assaulted. The homeowner was able to fend off the male. Police located the described male in the area. This is the second time that the same male has approached the homeowner. The 22-year-old male was arrested, held in BPS detention cells, and will attend court in the morning on April 7th, 2025. Assault On April 6th at 3:30PM police were called to a residence in the 700 block of 6th Street regarding an assault. A 29-year-old male was found to have scratch marks on his face stating his 24-year-old girlfriend attacked him. The female was arrested and transported to BPS. She was charged accordingly and released on an Undertaking with a court date of June 16th, 2025. CFS was notified as there were children in the residence.

3rd Suspect Charged in B&E On March 20th, a Break and Enter was reported to a residence in the 400 block of 8th St. Two suspects have already been charged in relation to this incident. On Saturday the third suspect was located, charged and released on an Undertaking with Court scheduled in June. Commercial Break and Enter At approximately 1:35am, Police received an alarm at a business located in the 800 block of 18th St. It was determined that entry had been made and that items from the store had been taken. This incident is still under investigation.

Theft Under $5000 On March 17, 2025, a homeowner in the 600 block of Percy Street reported that items were stolen from their truck.  The incident was captured on security footage, and the suspect, a 39-year-old male, was identified.  On April 4, 2025, the suspect was arrested and later released to appear in court on April 7, 2025, on a charge of Theft Under $5000.  Breach of the Peace On April 4, 2025, at approximately 11:30 pm, police responded to a request to remove an intoxicated 33-year-old female from a residence.  She was causing issues with the rest of her family.  She was lodged to prevent her behavior from escalating. On April 5, 2025, shortly after midnight, police responded to a report of two intoxicated males fighting in a residence.  A 35-year-old male, and a 30-year-old male were lodged to prevent their behavior from continuing. On April 5, 2025, shortly before 3:00 am, police responded to a disturbance in a residence.  A 20-year-old intoxicated female was found to be part of the issue.  She was lodged until sober. On April 5, 2025, at approximately 2:00 am, staff from a business in the 1100 block of 18th street flagged police down as two patrons were trying to fight with them.  Both the 23-year-old females were arrested and lodged until sober.  They will receive fines under the LGCCA.  Arrest Warrants On April 4, 2025, shortly before 2:00 pm, police came across a 37-year-old male near the 800 block of Pacific Ave, who was wanted on outstanding charges of Breach of Probation.  The male fled on foot, and once captured he continued to resist arrest.  He was lodged to be released once sober with an additional charge of Resist Arrest. A 46-year-old male turned himself into Brandon Police Service as he was aware he was wanted on an outstanding charge of Mischief to Property.  He was released to appear in court on a later day. Shortly after 5:00 pm, police responded to a report of a 17-year-old female who was causing a disturbance with her younger siblings.  She was also wanted on an outstanding charge of Fail to Comply with Release Order.  She was arrested and lodged to appear in court.