A rural road that dips, swings, heaves in winter, is riddled with potholes and often floods has been voted as Manitoba’s worst road for the second year in a row. Provincial Road 307 was chosen by Manitobans in CAA Manitoba’s Worst Roads campaign, an annual campaign that runs every spring. According to survey respondents, the main reasons for choosing the road include poor road maintenance and potholes. “We know the campaign works. People vote in the annual CAA Worst Roads Campaign because it gives Manitobans a platform to continue putting pressure on various levels of government to understand what roads they believe are in urgent need of repair,” says Ewald Friesen, Manager Government and Community Relations, CAA Manitoba. For the first time, the top three Worst Roads in Manitoba were outside of Winnipeg. They include 18th Street in Brandon in second place, and Hwy. 34, which moves up the list one spot from fourth place in 2022 to third this year. “The results aren’t surprising, as we’ve seen more rural roads make the list over the past few years,” says Friesen. "Those who responded to the annual Worst Roads campaign have banded together to make sure rural roads are being prioritized.” While 18th street is in Brandon, its designation as a highway means it’s the province’s responsibility to repair. However, media reports earlier this year stated there are no plans to repair the rutted thoroughfare. “The results show that some roads are becoming significant pain points for Manitobans, perhaps more than our government leaders realize,” says Friesen. In Winnipeg, Goulet Street moved up the list from tenth to fourth place to grab the dubious distinction of being the city’s worst road this year. For the first time, Hwy. 75 in Morris makes the list, coming in at number seven. The Top 10 are: 1. Provincial Road 307 2. 18th Street, Brandon 3. Hwy 34 4. Goulet Street, Winnipeg 5. Leila Avenue, Winnipeg 6. Kenaston Boulevard, Winnipeg 7. Highway 75, Morris 8. Hwy 44 9. Saskatchewan Avenue, Winnipeg, 10. Empress Street, Winnipeg Empress Street makes a return, after dropping off the list in 2022. While a large section has been repaired and designed with new active transportation paths, several blocks of the northern section of the road remain in disrepair. Saskatchewan Avenue falls to ninth spot after coming in second last year. The road between Route 90 and Midland Avenue was replaced in 2022, but repairs are needed for the westernmost section of the road. “We are happy to see some roads fall down the list or fall off the list as repairs are made,” says Friesen. “At CAA Manitoba, we are here to advocate for safe transportation for all road users – whether they drive, ride, bus or walk.” Other regional “winners”: Portage la Prairie 1. Provincial Road 240 2. Lorne Avenue East 3. Tupper Street North Brandon 1. 18th Street 2. Provincial Highway 10 Thompson 1. Provincial Highway 6 2. Westwood Drive Morden 1. Provincial Road 432 2. Provincial Highway 3 3. 1 Street Selkirk 1. Eaton Avenue 2. Manitoba Avenue Steinbach 1. Provincial Highway 12 2. Home Street North

On May 21, 2023, police received a report of a 23-year-old male who had given meth to a 15-year-old female victim.  The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment by her parents. Police learned the suspect and the victim had begun conversing over Snap Chat during the previous 18-months.  The male also brought the victim to his residence on several occasions. An investigation into the suspect’s actions towards the victim during the 18-months lead police to arrest him on May 24, 2023 for Luring, Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference, Invitation to Sexual Touching, and Administer Noxious Thing.  He will appear in court on July 20, 2023.

On May 23, 2023, shortly after 6:00 pm, police responded to a report of a victim who had been assaulted by a suspect with a machete.  The victim was located in the 1300 block of 5th street.  The 31-year-old male victim received a non-life-threatening cut to his arm.  He would not cooperate with officers when asked about details of the assault or the suspect.  He was treated and released from hospital. Anyone with information regarding this Assault with a Weapon is encouraged to contact Brandon Police Service at 204-729-2345 or https://www.brandon.ca/police-contact/police-contact.

On May 23, 2023 shortly before 1:00 am, police observed a male on a bicycle in the area of the 900 block of Lorne Ave. The male was not stopping at any stop signs, and was therefore stopped. The male initially provided police with a false name. Once police learned his identity, the 20-year-old male was found to be breaching six release conditions and was arrested. Upon his arrest, police discovered he was in possession of several ID’s belonging to other people, 3.5 oz. of meth, and a large knife. The suspect was lodged at Brandon Police Service and will appear in court today on charges of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of a Weapon, Public Mischief Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, and Fail to Comply with Release Order X6.

The City of Brandon’s Parks & Recreation Services is excited to invite all residents to join us for the 2nd Annual City-Wide Yard Sale. This year, the City-Wide Yard Sale has been expanded to two weekends on May 26 & 27 (East of 18th Street) and June 2 & 3 (West of 18th Street) so that everyone can shop and sell. Explore our beautiful city and find a bargain! With over 350 registered yard sales, you do not want to miss this city-wide event! East of 18th Street Friday, May 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  West of 18th Street Friday, June 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Maps are available online at yardsale.brandon.ca and printed local maps will be available at host locations. We encourage everyone to bring their own reusable bag or box. City-Wide Yard Sale registrations closed as of Tuesday, May 2, 2023. For more information on the upcoming yard sales, please contact Parks & Recreation Services at recreation@brandon.ca or call 204-729-2257. Disclaimer: The City of Brandon encourages the public to respect the private property of the residents who are voluntarily participating in this event. The City will not be held responsible for any personal or monetary losses, and attending this event is at participants own risk.