Every year, the Brandon Police Service Traffic and By-Law Enforcement Section receives a high volume of concerns regarding traffic safety in school zones. Parking illegally and disregarding posted signage can lead to safety hazards and traffic congestion. Motorists are also driving dangerously through school zones and around school buses. To enhance the safety of children attending schools in Brandon, Brandon Police Service, and the City of Brandon, in partnership with the Brandon School Division, are launching a new School Zone Safety Campaign, aimed at driver and pedestrian safety within our school zones. The objective of this joint School Zone Safety Campaign is to: Educate the public on safe driving practices in and around school zones; Increase awareness of the dangers of unsafe driving in and around school zones; Reduce unsafe driving behaviours in and around school zones (i.e.: speeding and failing to abide by traffic laws and by-laws); and Basic road safety for drivers and pedestrians. “Brandon School Division is committed to providing a safe environment for our students and this is an ongoing focus for our staff. Additionally, our entire community can contribute to this safe environment when driving near our schools. Schools are busy during arrival and dismissal times as students walk between home and school. We are also experiencing more children being driven to school in comparison to the past, resulting in increased traffic congestion and parking issues in school areas. We realize that drivers may become frustrated when driving through school zones. Your patience, respect, and caution when driving in school zones is appreciated and, more importantly, keeps our students and staff safe.” Mathew Gustafson, Superintendent / CEO Brandon School Division “The Brandon Police Service values the commitment of the community to educate our youth to be alert in school zones. It is through a community first partnership that the Brandon Police Service will continue to emphasize the monitoring and enforcement of safe driving practices. We all play a part in being a good neighbour and together, we can ensure our school zones are safe for everyone.” Wayne Balcaen, Chief of Police Brandon Police Service Please be advised that Brandon Police Service will be conducting an aggressive enforcement campaign within school zones during peak hours. We are committed to improving road safety in school zone areas to protect children on their way to and from school, and we ask that motorists do their part by being aware of, and abiding by, all posted signage

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure is advising Manitobans to take precautions and prepare for a major spring snowstorm expected to impact southern and southeastern Manitoba starting tomorrow around 6 p.m. and ending early Thursday morning. Environment Canada has issued a storm watch for much of southern Manitoba with snowfall accumulations of up to 30 centimetres expected for much of southern and southeastern Manitoba. The forecasted snowstorm is also expected to impact the U.S. portion of the Red River basin. This snowstorm is expected to be accompanied by strong winds gusting up to 60 km/h from tomorrow afternoon to Thursday morning causing whiteout conditions. Southwestern Manitoba received up to 20 centimetres of snow yesterday. Manitoba’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre is monitoring the weather system and will issue updated river flow and river level forecasts once the system passes. Power outages can occur during blizzards and Manitobans are encouraged to prepare basic emergency kits with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight. More information is available at www.manitoba.ca/emo/prepare/kit.html#basic. Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure is monitoring highway conditions and is prepared to deploy the province’s heavy equipment fleet, which includes approximately 350 truck plows, de-icing equipment and motor graders. Highway closures are expected in some areas and Manitobans with travel plans are advised to stay home. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow and surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. The province recommends the following road safety tips: check the weather forecast and driving conditions before travelling; delay or cancel trips if travel is not recommended; ensure vehicles are in good winter driving condition; completely clear all windows, mirrors and lights of snow and ice; warm up vehicles to prevent window fogging; allow extra time for travelling; carry a winter emergency car kit; if conditions worsen while driving, turn back or find a safe place to stop; and advise others of departure, approximate travel time and travel route. For more information about driving in winter conditions, visit www.gov.mb.ca/mit/roadinfo/winter.html. Anyone choosing to travel is advised to check Manitoba 511 for current road conditions. While 511 is updated regularly by provincial road patrols, conditions can change in a matter of minutes.

On April 1st, 2023 at 1100 am, a 30-year-old Brandon man was arrested for theft from a business located in the 100 blk of Victoria Avenue East. This man was also charged with breaching a condition on his current court order. He was subsequently released on an Undertaking.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is “WANTED BY POLICE”: Rendell PERSWAIN FOR Carry Concealed Weapon On September 26th, 2022, BPS responded to a call indicating a male was outside a Brandon residence in possession of a handgun. PERSWAIN was located in possession of a handgun and was subsequently arrested on numerous firearms offences as he was prohibited from possessing Firearms. A warrant of arrest has been issued for PERSWAIN as his whereabouts are unknown at this time. __________________________________________________________________ The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving Theft Under $5000.   On March 27th, 2023, a male and female stole property from a Brandon business located in the 900 block of Victoria Avenue The male and female suspects were captured on video surveillance. Photos of the suspects are attached to this release below. ***************** 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.  

The Manitoba government is investing in stronger communities by supporting services, businesses and infrastructure like the Keystone Centre, which will be receiving up to $7.9 million over the next five years to support a new multi-year sustainability plan and a $3-million grant through the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community (ACSC) Fund, Premier Heather Stefanson announced here today while participating in the annual Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. “Our government is keen to collaborate with all levels of government, business leaders and our economic development partners to advance key initiatives that will support stronger, more vibrant communities and the continued growth of our economy,” said Stefanson. “The Keystone Centre is the heart of the Westman community and major economic driver for the region. This significant investment will help to ensure the Keystone Centre remains sustainable in the long term so it can continue to attract world-class events and provide ongoing cultural, recreational and economic opportunities for Brandon and the surrounding region.” The premier noted the $7.9 million in operating and capital support is part of a new $15.9-million five-year funding agreement between the Manitoba government, the Keystone Centre and the City of Brandon. “Thank you to both the City of Brandon and the Manitoba government for their commitment to this new and increased funding agreement,” said Jeff Schumacher, CEO and general manager, Keystone Centre. “Predictable and dependable funding is key to ensuring the Keystone Centre can continue to serve the community as a first-class destination for both local organizations and events of regional and national significance. As the building approaches 50 years of age, this new funding agreement will empower the Keystone Centre to maintain and improve the facility, ensuring we continue to bring Westman together through sports, banquets, conventions, concerts, fairs, trade shows and provide significant economic impact to the city and the economy.” The Keystone Centre is a unique multi-functional facility that hosts a variety of local, provincial, national and international events that contribute to the social, recreational, cultural and agricultural fabric of the region. Located on 90 acres in Brandon, the centre offers 540,000 sq.-ft. of multi-use space and hosts hundreds of events annually. Its main 5,102-seat arena, known as Westoba Place, is home to the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League, the annual Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, and contributes millions of dollars in annual economic activity for the province. “The City of Brandon is pleased to partner with the Manitoba government and contribute almost $8 million toward the Keystone Centre,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett, City of Brandon. “Today’s joint funding announcement ensures that the Keystone Centre is able to get the upgrades needed to sustain operations for decades to come.” The Manitoba government’s $3-million ACSC grant will go towards upgrades to the main arena in the Keystone Centre. Three phases of work will include upgrades to air conditioning, washroom renovations including improved accessibility, arena seating, sprinklers, and loading ramp improvements. The total renovation cost is estimated to be approximately $6 million. “This agreement reinforces the importance of the Keystone Centre as an event venue and an economic driver in our community. It also represents a significant contribution from both the City of Brandon and the Manitoba government to recognize the capital needs that the Keystone Centre currently has and will continue to have into the future,” said Bruce Luebke, board chair, Keystone Centre. “This agreement will give our board of directors and management team the ability to build a robust capital plan for the next five years and to have some certainty when we strategically plan for the Keystone Centre’s future.” Over 400 projects totaling $50 million were supported through the first round of applications of the ACSC fund in 2022-23, the premier noted. “Manitoba’s arts, culture and amateur sport organizations are at the heart of our communities and the Keystone Centre exemplifies where that heart resides,” said Stefanson. “Generations of Manitobans have come to this centre to celebrate and experience a sense of community and this funding will allow many more generations to do the same.” For more information on the ACSC fund, including applications for the second round of $50 million, visit manitoba.ca/acsc.