On May 13th at 3:08PM, as a result of a CDSA (Controlled Drugs & Substances Act) investigation, Police conducted a vehicle stop in the 1800 block of Pacific Avenue. Two males and a female were arrested and transported back to BPS. The BPS Organized Crime Section assisted by the Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team executed a CDSA Search Warrant at a residence in the 100 block of 21st Street North. The search resulted in Police locating 6.5 ounces of cocaine (street value approximately $14,500.00), drug trafficking paraphernalia and a large sum of cash believed to be Proceeds of drug sales. A 37-year-old female and a 36-year-old male were held in custody and attended court on May 14th, 2025, on charges of Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking and Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime. Two other individuals arrested during this investigation were released from Police custody without charge.

(file photo) The Manitoba government is providing $60 million in capital funding and a further $60 million in bridge financing to support Assiniboine College’s new Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, which will expand workforce training opportunities and support the future of agriculture in Manitoba, Premier Wab Kinew announced today. “Manitoba’s agriculture sector is critical to our province’s economy and to staying resilient against Trump’s tariffs,” said Kinew. “The Prairie Innovation Centre will house new and expanded training, so Manitobans can learn the skills they need to get good, in-demand Ag jobs here in Westman and across the province.” With Manitoba’s agriculture industry expected to grow substantially, the Prairie Innovation Centre will add hundreds of additional training seats in Westman to meet this demand, noted the premier. The Manitoba government is providing: $60 million in capital funding, with $40 million going to the Prairie Innovation Centre and $20 million for a new 216 seat child-care project within the centre. $60 million in approved bridge financing to allow construction to begin immediately. Assiniboine College has been working to establish the Prairie Innovation Centre as a state-of-the-art learning facility on its North Hill Campus. The centre will foster collaboration with industry, promote cutting-edge research and expand agricultural training capacity to help meet local labour market needs, noted the premier. “We are pleased the province is providing the financing for the Prairie Innovation Centre, said Mark Frison, president, Assiniboine College. “It is an important project that will help to improve value-added processing and export development capacity in the agriculture sector. Today’s commitment allows us to go tender immediately. We look forward to working with the province to finalize participation of the government of Canada in the project.” The Manitoba government has identified that this project is an important investment to the government of Canada and is advocating for federal support, said the premier. In addition to training Manitobans for the agriculture jobs of the future, project construction is expected to create almost 1,000 jobs, added Kinew.

Theft Under $5000/ Assault On May 13th at 7:23PM a store in the Corral Centre reported apprehending a male who had attempted to steal approximately $550 worth of clothing. A Loss Prevention Officer was assaulted as a result of stopping the male at the exit doors. Police attended and a 37-year-old male was arrested. He was later released on an Undertaking with a court date of July 24th, 2025. Theft Under $5000 On April 25th a store in the Corral Centre reported that on April 21st, 2025, a female stole approximately $390 worth of merchandise. Video surveillance identified the 28-year-old female. Upon hearing Police were looking for her, the female attended BPS on May 13th. She was arrested for Theft Under $5000 and released on an Appearance Notice with a court date of July 28th, 2025. Assault X2 On April 28th, 2025, two females reported being assaulted at a business in the 000 block of 10th Street by a female who was unknown to them. Video surveillance showed the accused, 21-year-old female, come up behind the two females and push their heads into glass. The identified female was arrested at 6:38AM on May 13th, 2025, at her residence. She was released via Appearance Notice with a court date of July 7th, 2025.

While we are all looking forward to enjoying warmer weather in our own backyards, Brandon Fire & Emergency Services’ Prevention Division is reminding residents that, if that activity includes sitting around the fire pit, you should be sure your fire pit is in compliance with the following regulations, as listed on brandon.ca/fire. To have an open air fire in your yard, you must first have an approved permit.  To apply for a fire pit permit, please visit City of Brandon - Fire Permits & Forms and complete the application online or in person at either Fire Hall #1 (120 - 19th St. No) or Fire Hall # 2 (13th St. & Richmond Ave).  There is a $20 fee to have your fire pit inspected, which can be paid online or in person. To pay in person, please do so at #1 Fire Hall Monday to Friday 8 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.  The office is closed from 12 Noon - 1:15 p.m. Only cash or cheque is accepted in person. Before a permit is approved, an inspection of the proposed site/appliance by Brandon Fire & Emergency Services is required. The permit does not have to be renewed annually. A new application is required if property ownership has changed or if the original application has changed. If you are renting the property or leasing the land, you need a letter of permission from the property owner. Before submitting your application, be ensure the following: The fire pit appliance is installed in the desired location and is within the height and width restrictions and has enclosed sides made of approved material. A spark arrestor mesh screen, made of metal, with openings no larger than half an inch is to be used. The brick, stone, concrete or heavy gauge metal must be separated from grass and any other vegetation by at least six (6) inches by means of clean earth, sand, gravel or non-combustible medium. At least five (5) feet of clearance must be maintained from the fire pit edge and buildings, property lines or other combustibles. Grass, rubbish and leaves cannot be burnt within the City limits. If fire pits are used without the necessary permit, offenders may be ticketed without warning. Failing to comply with the policy may result in a fee, as per the Open Air Fire Policy 30. The use of outdoor burning appliances are limited to the hours between 12:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.   Fires shall be supervised at all times so as to prevent their spread. A person may apply for a special permit to extend the hours of burning as noted above, if the outdoor burning appliance is being used for cultural or ceremonial purposes.

The City of Brandon is pleased to introduce the Water Fixture Subsidy Program, a new initiative aimed at helping income-qualifying residents upgrade to more water efficient homes. Residents who qualify for the program can receive up to $350 to purchase and install a new low-flow toilet (6 litres or less). This upgrade not only promotes water conservation but also helps to reduce utility costs, providing long-term cost savings on water bills. To learn more about the program or apply online, visit brandon.ca/water-fixture-subsidy-program. “The Water Fixture Subsidy Program is part of the City's ongoing efforts to promote sustainability, reduce water waste, and support eco-friendly living,” says Lindsay Hargreaves, Environmental Initiatives Coordinator. “These upgrades not only contribute to significant water conservation but also align with our broader commitment to creating a more sustainable future for Brandon.” Homeowners are also encouraged to sign up for the monthly water payment plan, which offers a 20% discount on the administrative service charge. This plan makes it easier to manage water bills and provides an immediate cost-saving benefit. To enroll, please visit onlineservices.brandon.ca/updateinfo.aspx. Find additional cost-saving tips and programs at brandon.ca/environment. From water conservation tips, a home water audit guide, to information about programs available through Efficiency Manitoba, these resources help save money and make a positive environmental impact.