On April 23, 2023, at approximately 2:30 pm, police responded to a report of an assault outside a residence.  Investigation revealed that the suspect had been repeatedly bothering a neighbour by attending their residence and causing a scene.  The suspect’s actions escalated as she proceeded to yell and scream at him before she attempted to spray him with a can of bear mace.  Fortunately, the can was empty.  Police arrested the 29-year-old female and later released her to appear in court on June 12, 2023 on a charge of Assault with a Weapon.

Shorlty after 9:00 pm on April 21st a call was received stating a male was bear sprayed on the 800 block of Pacific Ave.  Upon police arrival a suspect fled on foot and was chased.  He was apprehended after a short foot pursuit and police located a cannister of bear spray on him as well as a machete strapped to his leg.  As a result a 28 year old male was arrested and charged with Assault with a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon X2, Carry Concealed Weapon, and Resist Arrest.  He was lodged for court in the AM. While police were dealing with the above matter another male approached  and began interfering.  He matched the description of one of the suspects who was involved in the above bear spray incident and was checked.  He was found to have a knife concealed on him.  He was arrested for Carry Concealed Weapon.  A 27 year old male was lodged at BPS and released with an Undertaking with a court date of June 15th.

The City of Brandon wishes to announce, that after a nation-wide search, Terry Parlow will be Brandon’s 16th Fire Chief. Parlow has an extensive career with Brandon Fire and Emergency Services spanning 29 years, and has been Deputy Fire Chief since 2016. Brandon Fire and Emergency Services is one of only a few fully integrated fire-based EMS departments in Canada. Employees are dual trained as fire fighters and paramedics, with the department operating out of two stations. Chief Parlow says, “I love Brandon, this is where my wife, Sandra, and I have raised our sons, Jordan and Max, and where I have been very fortunate to have a career with the City of Brandon and Brandon Fire and Emergency Services. The staff that I am able to work with every day are amazing, providing an excellent service to the residents of Brandon and surrounding area. Although the job as a firefighter/paramedic can be very challenging and difficult at times, it is also the most rewarding career! I want to thank the City of Brandon for this opportunity, and I am honoured to be the City of Brandon’s 16th Fire Chief.”

“CRIME STOPPERS WANTED” for: April 21st, 2023 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE”: Cherise Davis On August 3rd, 2022, BPS attended to a Break and Enter in the 700 block of 33rd Street East. DAVIS was apprehended by police and subsequently arrested and charged for Break and Enter. DAVIS was released, however; has failed to attend court. A warrant of arrest has been issued for DAVIS as her whereabouts are unknown at this time. CRIME OF THE WEEK for April 21st, 2023 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a; Theft Under $5000.  On April 13th, 2023, a female entered a Brandon business located in the 100 block of Victoria Avenue East. While in the business the suspect concealed items in her bag and exited the business without paying for the merchandise. The suspect was captured on video surveillance that is attached to this release.   ***************** If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this person or anyone else “Wanted by Police” you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727-TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+your message to CRIMES (274637).  Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display.  Your call is not recorded and your identity will remain anonymous.  Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime.

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.