Mayor Jeff Fawcett gave his first State of the City address at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce luncheon this afternoon. Highlights from the inaugural address focused on the role of Mayor, City Council, the City of Brandon Corporation, the city at large, and the Westman region. Brandon is Manitoba’s Second City and the regional hub for the Westman area, thus responsible for providing economic, medical, educational, and social services for our region. Mayor Fawcett highlighted some key areas from City Council’s Strategic Plan, including the following: Addressing Social Needs Trauma informed social opportunities including drug addiction, poverty, and homelessness put increasing pressure on municipal services, police services, and the private sector, not to mention the impact it has on families in our community. A collaborative approach is required to identify the right solution for Brandon. From lobbying other levels of government, to seeking support from the private sector, Council is invested in dealing with the issues at hand, which may also help to resolve some of the underlying causes. Work is underway to see the creation of a Brandon Community Social Health Partnership, which will create an umbrella structure for facilitating collaboration and coordinating housing and community wellness for the greater Brandon area. The structure brings together the not-for-profit sector, private sector, all levels of government, academic institutions, and all other key players in social services, housing, and health industry. Goals over the next term in addressing social needs include: Develop and implement a Net Zero Homelessness Plan, Actively lobby for continuum of care treatment, Ensure the safety of people. Economic Growth and Development Knowing that current and future residents want to live in a vibrant and growing city, Council looks to foster an environment that supports population and economic growth. A community's vitality is measured by amenities including a variety of retail stores, airline service, expanded job opportunities, recreation facilities, and increasing values of real estate. While growth brings economic prosperity, Council recognizes the need to balance the desire for growth with the associated costs. A recent example that has shown how Brandon City Council has taken initiative on ensuring our city is poised to see economic growth and development would be the approval of borrowing for the Southwest Lift Station Project.  Other key projects include the Water Treatment Facility Upgrade and the Southeast Brandon Drainage Improvements Project. There are also new serviced industrial areas being built which will allow for growth. Mayor Fawcett also announced that the City is in the process of hiring a new Economic Development Director. Affordability A big part of what makes a community attractive to it residents and potential residents, is its affordability. There is opportunity to be part of the community and to actively engage in it (participate in its activities, home ownership, etc.), regardless of the amount of money you earn. Part of addressing affordability is by exploring different ways in which to fund and provide services. To continue to provide expected service levels and invest in the future requires innovative approaches to how services are provided and funded to ensure residents can actively participate, regardless of income. Key items that Brandon City Council looks to focus on related to affordability are: Transit Currently, Transit is used out of necessity instead of convenience. The City is looking at how to improve this key service to benefit everyone. Housing We need to be in a place where we can grow so that we position ourselves in a way to include affordable housing throughout the city. Four-Year Budget We have been able to keep taxes low over the last decade, and while Brandon City Council is very pleased with that fact, we are also aware that we need to be able to get to a place where we can continue to afford to grow. While looking at alternative revenue models, we are also looking at a four-year budget, so residents and businesses can project where tax increases will be made. Community Well-Being Recreation and cultural opportunities are the cornerstones for building a community where everyone is welcome to celebrate shared interests and backgrounds. Council recognizes the role they play in providing the resources to support these opportunities and in ensuring their long-term viability. They also recognize as a growing community there are challenges such as increased traffic and the impact that has on young and old alike. Exploring an approach to work with the community to resolve this challenge will bring about a better understanding, that as a community, we all play a role in ensuring the safety of each other. Over the next term, we want to define and implement a path forward for large community recreation and culture facilities. We have been able to partner with all levels of government to get the Outdoor Sports Complex underway. When weather allows, a formal ground-breaking ceremony will take place to mark the beginning of this exciting project. City Council recently signed a sustainability agreement for the Keystone Centre and is working on one for the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. In the future, we are going to have open discussions on how to improve Brandon’s Community Sportsplex. Each of these facilities provide key spaces for Brandon and the entire region. The City of Brandon has an exciting future. With so much to celebrate as a community, the opportunities for education, recreation, annual and special events, industries and organizations are endless.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/rcmpmb Update 2 – Major Crime Services investigating homicide in western Manitoba The investigation into the homicide of James Vernon Giesbrecht is now at a place where police can release further information relating to the 2007 Honda Accord and where the remains of the victim were located. Giesbrecht’s remains were located in the trunk of the burned out Honda Accord. The burned vehicle was located on October 13, 2022, just south of the intersection of Road 108 West and Road 51 North in the RM of Cornwallis. A complete forensic examination has taken place on the vehicle, with the assistance of a Forensic Anthropologist from the Brandon University Department of Anthropology. Police located physical evidence that has been sent to the Forensic Laboratory for forensic DNA testing. Additional searches in relation to the homicide have taken place, which have helped police collect further evidence in this investigation. However, investigators are still looking to the public to provide any information they may have in relation to this incident by calling the Major Crime Services Tip Line at 1-431-489-8110. ============================ Update – Major Crime Services investigating homicide in western Manitoba Investigation into the death of James Vernon Giesbrecht, 37, from Brandon, has revealed a connection between his death and a grey 2007 Honda Accord with a Saskatchewan licence plate. The vehicle was seen in the Brandon area, between October 5-13, 2022. Officers know the vehicle was stolen from Regina, Saskatchewan, but are looking for more information about the whereabouts of the vehicle as well as anyone who was seen driving the vehicle. Police continue to ask the public to call with any information related to this investigation. Please call the Major Crime Services Tip Line at 1-431-489-8110. ============================== Major Crime Services investigating homicide in western Manitoba In early October, 2022, Blue Hills RCMP responded to a rural area on the outskirts of the City of Brandon in the RM of Cornwallis. Upon arrival, officers located what appeared to be human remains. An investigation, led by Major Crime Services, was immediately launched. Over the course of the past four months, investigators have worked closely with a Forensic Anthropologist from Brandon University as well as the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to identify the remains and determine a cause of death. In January, 2023, RCMP identified the remains as James Vernon Giesbrecht, a 37-year-old male from Brandon. James had been reported missing from the Brandon area on December 12, 2022. His death is being investigated as a homicide. “We believe a number of people encountered and interacted with James in late September and early October,” said Cpl. Julie Courchaine of the Manitoba RCMP. “We need those people to immediately come forward and call the Tip Line at 1-431-489-8110. These individuals likely have vital information about his movements and acquaintances during that time that could significantly help the investigation.” Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen James in late September or early October to contact the RCMP by calling the Major Crime Services Tip Line at 1-431-489-8110. Due to the ongoing investigation, the RCMP cannot provide any additional information.

On the afternoon of 2023-04-17, police received a report of a white Ford E250 work van that was stolen from the 1600 block of Park Avenue.  The vehicle was located unoccupied and in a parking lot of a business which was one block from the original location.  A check of video surveillance revealed a suspect and shortly after a male was reported to be unlawfully entering a vehicle in the 2500 block of Park Avenue.  Police located the male suspect and determined him to match the description of the individual that was captured on surveillance from the van theft.  At the time of arrest the male resisted the efforts of attending officers to place him in handcuffs and a brief struggle ensued.  A 45-year-old male was lodged at BPS to appear 2023-04-18 for the charges of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and Resist Arrest.

At 647 am on Friday morning, officers responded to a report of an assault on a female that had left her unconscious.  Members attended to the residence at an apartment complex in the 1500 block of 26th St where the victim was located with injuries to her head. She was transported to BRHC by ambulance for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.  The suspect was also located and arrested.  While obtaining person items for the victim from the residence, a sawed off 12 gauge shotgun was found on a couch.  The firearm is the property of the suspect and was seized.  A 24 year old Brandon man will appear in court on Saturday morning on charges of Assault Cause Bodily Harm, Unsafe Storage of a Firearm, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm knowing its Unauthorized, Possess Firearm obtained by Crime, Breach Firearm Prohibition Order X2.

On April 14, 2023 at approximately 1:30 am, police came across a stolen vehicle in the area of the 800 block of Van Horne. The suspect driver would not stop for police, and has since committed numerous traffic offences. The vehicle has significant damage following several hit and runs with other motorists within Brandon and area since it was initially observed. More information will be available following an investigation, which is still in the early stages. The vehicle is described as a brown 2012 Ford F250 with MB license GNT296, and it has extensive damage. Should you observe this vehicle, please call 204-729-2345 or call 911 in the case of an emergency. UPDATE: At approximately 2:00 am on April 14, 2023, the suspect dropped off an adult female passenger near the hospital before evading police again. The female had sustained serious, non-life-threatening injuries as a result of one of the accidents that the suspect vehicle had been in. Police took her to the emergency room to have her injuries treated. The suspect, 42-year-old Dustyn PRICE of Waywayseecappo is WANTED by police for Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Bodily Harm, Flight From Police, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, Driving While Prohibited and Fail to Comply with Release Order. He is described as Indigenous, 6’1”, 180 lbs with brown hair and grey eyes. Police continue to investigate these incidents.