In April 2026, members of the Brandon Police Service Organized Crime Section (OCS) initiated an investigation under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) into Joseph Melvin Hildebrand (41-year-old male), who was believed to be trafficking cocaine in Brandon, Manitoba, and surrounding communities. On May 20, 2026, the CDSA investigation culminated in the arrest of Hildebrand and the execution of a search warrant at a hotel room occupied by the accused. As part of the investigation, members of the Organized Crime Section seized approximately 1.7 kilograms (1,700 grams) of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $170,000, packaging material, digital scale, suspected cutting agent, as well as approximately $730 in Canadian currency. Hildebrand was subsequently charged with the following offences: • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, contrary to Section 354(1) of the Criminal Code. Hildebrand attended court on Thursday, May 21st, 2026, and was remanded with a future court date of June 11th, 2026.

Brandon City Council met on Tue, May 19, 2026. While the agenda was brief, the full agenda can be viewed at brandon.ca. Arbor Day Celebrations Council received a presentation on the upcoming Arbor Day celebrations, taking place May 30, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Keystone Centre under the tent. The free family-friendly event will feature tree planning demonstrations, climbing demo, live music, prizes, and a free BBQ. Association of Manitoba Municipalities Resolutions Council approved the submission of two resolutions for consideration by the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) at its 2026 Annual Convention in November: The Bail Navigator Program Reestablish Assiniboine River Basin Initiative View AMM Resolution Submission By-Law No. 7456: Open a Portion of a Public Road Council gave first reading to By-Law No. 7456 to open a portion of public road located on the east side of the intersection at Manitou Drive and 34th Street. The road opening would support construction of a future roundabout, intended to accommodate increased traffic volumes and support development in the Brookwood and Bellafield areas. The next regular City Council meeting will be held on Mon, June 1, 2026, at 7 p.m. View all Council Agendas and Minutes on brandon.ca/city-hall/agendas-and-minutes. Watch all City Council Meetings on youtube.com/@CityofBrandonMB/streams.

Manitobans are being invited to share their views on seasonal time changes and whether Manitoba should adopt permanent standard time or permanent daylight time, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced today. “Across Canada, a number of provinces and territories are ending the time change and Manitobans have made it clear they want us to look at doing the same,” said Simard. “From a lower risk of stroke to when the sun rises and sets, there are a number of things to consider, and we want to hear directly from Manitobans.” A recent analysis by Manitoba Health concluded that eliminating the time change would be better for population health than maintaining the status quo. The full report is available at: https://manitoba.ca/asset_library/en/proactive/20252026/time-policy-factsheet.pdf. Consultations are now open. Manitobans can share their feedback at https://engagemb.ca/time-change.

At approximately 10:55 p.m. on the evening of May 18th, a BPS patrol vehicle observed a rental vehicle on Willowdale Boulevard accelerate in an apparent attempt to evade police. Officers activated emergency lights; however, the vehicle proceeded through a red light at 26th Street and, while attempting to turn right onto 18th Street, jumped the median and proceeded to crash into a light post and hedges. The driver fled on foot but was located nearby a short time later. A K9 track led directly from the vehicle to the suspect, and the vehicle keys were found in the possession of the 29-year-old male. Police recovered 9 grams of cocaine/crack cocaine around the 2500 block of Brandon Avenue that was discarded during the incident. The male was arrested and held in BPS detention cells to appear in court in the morning on charges of Flight from Police and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.

As we head into the May long weekend, the City of Brandon is reminding residents that open fires are strictly prohibited year-round under By-Law No. 7200. This ban remains in effect at all times, regardless of weather conditions. With the recent dry and windy conditions, adhering to this by-law is especially critical for community safety. Activities prohibited under By-Law No. 7200 include, but are not limited to: Burning leaves Burning brush Burning crop residue Use of fireworks At this time, Brandon Fire & Emergency Services inspected and approved fire pits are still permitted. Residents seeking more information on fire regulations, permits, and approved fire pit requirements can visit brandon.ca.