The City of Brandon is continuing with the Speed Limit Reduction Pilot Project and will be reducing the speed limit to 40 km/h in two neighbourhoods starting Thursday, June 1, 2023 and a third neighbourhood on July 1, 2023. The first two neighbourhoods impacted with a speed reduction to 40 km/hr as of June 1, 2023: Parkdale: 34th Street, Richmond Avenue, 26th Street and Maryland Avenue Riverheights: Northwest of Victoria Avenue and 34th Street to City limits and Assiniboine River The third neighbourhood impacted with a speed reduction as of July 1, 2023: Princess Avenue East from 1st to 13th St E (40 km/hr) Streets surrounding Rideau Park, including Lorne Ave E, Park St and Franklin St (30 km/hr) Signs will be posted indicating when motorists are entering and exiting a reduced speed limit neighbourhood. Speed limit enforcement will be conducted by Brandon Police Service throughout the reduced speed limit neighbourhoods. City staff will be collecting data to assess the enforcement needs associated with a reduced speed limit and determine if traffic calming is needed to aid in enforcement. How Long Is This Speed Study? The reduced speed limit areas will be in effect for at least one year and until a recommendation is established by the Vision Zero Task Force regarding default speed limits for the entire City. Periodic data collection, including display and discrete radar detection, will be administered at various locations in different seasons and road conditions to determine how effective speed limit reduction is on its own and under what conditions traffic calming is necessary to aid in enforcement. Various traffic calming techniques will be tested in recommended areas based on observed non-compliance with reduced speeds. Your feedback is valuable and will be used as feedback to Brandon City Council. The City of Brandon 2023 Speed Study Survey is open to all members of the public. The survey is open until July 15, 2023. Questions on this project can be directed to the project manager, Samuel van Huizen, Traffic and Transportation Planner at 204-729-2105 or s.vanhuizen@brandon.ca.

On May 11, 2023 shortly before 11:00 pm, police responded to a report of a disturbance in a residence.  Investigation revealed that the homeowner’s boyfriend forced his way inside when the victim went to let her dog out.  He then proceeded to threaten her and assault her. When police arrived, they found the 30-year-old male hiding in the closet.  He was to abide by conditions not to communicate with the victim. The victim received minor injuries that did not require medical treatment. Following his arrest, he was lodged at Brandon Police Service and he will appear in court today on charges of Assault, Utter Threats, Break, Enter and Commit Assault and Fail to comply with Release Order.

On May 8, 2023, police received a report of a male suspect attending to a business in the 3100 block of Victoria Ave claiming to be a police officer from Winnipeg.  Prior to attending the business, the suspect repeatedly called the business with the same request.  The suspect advised employees he was looking for video surveillance from the business. On May 9, 2023, police learned the same suspect attended another business in the 2500 block of Victoria Ave claiming to be a police officer from Winnipeg who was looking for video surveillance. Police learned the identity of the male suspect and further investigation revealed that the 31-year-old male from Brandon was looking for information on his ex-girlfriend.  Police also learned that in spite of a no contact order, he continued to attempt to make contact with her daily.  He was also wanted on outstanding charges of Criminal Harassment.  The suspect is not a police officer. On May 9, 2023, police located and arrested the suspect.  He was lodged at Brandon Police Service and will appear in court today on new charges of Personating a Peace Officer X2, Criminal Harassment, and Fail to Comply with Release Order.

Manitoba Public Insurance is pleased to launch Check My Claim, a convenient new feature on MPI’s website that allows customers to get information about certain MPI claims, where and when they want it. Manitobans can use the new service to access the most up-to-date status of their existing physical damage claims on personal vehicles. Claim information, including progress updates, a summary of insurance coverage, liability percentage, adjuster contact information and the details of upcoming appointments at MPI locations, is available through the new option. “We know one of the top reasons customers call MPI’s Contact Centre or their adjuster is to get an update on their physical damage claim,” said Marnie Kacher, MPI’s Chief Operations Officer. “Earlier this year, customer survey data also showed us that Manitobans want to access this information online. As a customer-centric organization, MPI listened and moved quickly to create a solution that meets both needs while supporting the important work of our adjusting teams throughout the province.” Check My Claim is the latest example of MPI prioritizing the preferences of Manitobans in the products and services it offers. MPI is proud to be delivering value to customers through new online solutions that offer more convenient access to its services. Available for personal vehicle claims made after May 5, 2023, registered owners will be required to enter their claim number, document number (DD/REF) and the email address provided to MPI when the claim was reported to access their claim’s status.

As part of the City’s plan to improve drainage in southeast Brandon, work to expand the existing detention pond at the southwest corner of 1st Street and Richmond Avenue will commence this week. Following a procurement process, Tri-Wave Construction Ltd. was the successful bidder for this project. The 1st Street detention pond expansion will occur south of Richmond Avenue between 1st Street and the rear of properties along the east side of 2nd Street. Weather dependent, completion of the project is scheduled for Friday, June 30, 2023. Access to the work area will be through Kin Park via Cornwallis Avenue. As a result, there may be some parking restrictions in the area, as well as potential closures to some pathways in Kin Park. Driveway access should not be restricted, but temporary road closures may impact regular routes of travel and street parking. Detour signage will be in place if a road closure is required.   What is a detention pond? A detention pond, which can also be referred to as a dry pond, is part of the stormwater management system and provides temporary storage of stormwater runoff, allowing the stormwater to be slowly released as the storm dissipates and ends.   Will trees be cut down? Yes, but only if necessary. Unfortunately, due to the location of the pond expansion and access constraints, a few trees will require removal. New trees will be re-planted outside of the pond area, the year following completion of the work.   Will garbage collection service be interrupted? Solid Waste collection services will be maintained throughout construction. To avoid conflicts, the Solid Waste Department will be collecting recycling and compostable materials (blue and green lid carts) earlier in the morning. To ensure your pickup is not missed, please ensure your cart is set out the night before.