Assiniboine College continues to introduce industry-driven training opportunities. A new 6-week Ice Facility Operator course will begin starting November 1. The course will provide students with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to operate and maintain ice arenas and curling rinks and is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the recreation and facility management sectors. Delivered online with a flexible, self-paced format, and supported by a subject matter expert, the program is ideal for working professionals looking to upskill or those seeking entry into the field. “This course responds directly to the needs of municipalities, recreation centres, and sports facilities across Manitoba and beyond,” said Michael Cameron, Dean of Community Development at Assiniboine. “We’ve worked closely with industry experts to ensure the curriculum reflects current standards and best practices in ice facility operations.” The course is open to anyone with an interest in the field, with no prior experience required, and provides participants with the theoretical knowledge and practical insights needed to succeed in the Ice Facility Operator Examination required to work in this field. The Ice Facility Operator course covers a range of topics including ice making and maintenance, refrigeration systems, workplace safety, and energy efficiency. Learners will also gain insight into the environmental and operational considerations unique to ice facilities. The college will also offer a Refrigeration Plant Operator (RPO) course, starting in early 2026 that will prepare students for the RPO Exam. “Assiniboine continues to develop programs that support workforce development and community needs,” said Cameron. “This new offering is another example of how we’re helping students build practical skills that lead to meaningful employment.” Registration for this course is open. For more information, visit assiniboine.net/icefacilityoperator.

Disturbance at Store Leads to Multiple Charges for One Man On October 22nd at approximately 4:35 p.m., police were dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Victoria Avenue after an employee reported a group of individuals outside the store refusing to leave and soliciting money from passersby. Upon arrival, one male initially provided police with a false name. The individual was later correctly identified and found to be in breach of conditions prohibiting him from attending the store. During the arrest, officers located a knife concealed in the male’s waistband. He was also on conditions not to possess weapons. The 42-year-old male was transported to BPS and held in custody for court. He faces charges including Possession of a Weapon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Failure to Comply Probation (x2), Resist Arrest and Obstruct Justice. Theft Under $5000 On October 22nd at approximately 9:45 p.m., staff from a business in the 900 block of Victoria Avenue reported a female suspect inside the store concealing merchandise. When police arrived, the female was observed running from the front of the building as staff pointed her out to responding officers. She was quickly apprehended, and investigation determined she had stolen approximately $821 worth of merchandise. The 32-year-old female was arrested for Theft Under $5,000 and later released on an Undertaking with a court date set for December 18, 2025.

On October 21st at 5:21 p.m. police responded to a report of a male at a business in the 1000 block of 18th Street who would not leave and was no longer welcome. Police attended and arrested the 34-year-old male. He was brought to BPS detention cells due to intoxication levels and will be released once sober. On the evening of October 21, officers observed an individual acting suspiciously in the 800 block of Pacific Avenue. Upon further investigation, the individual was found to be heavily intoxicated and living out of a car.

The City of Brandon is announcing the return of weekly recycling collection starting Monday, November 10, 2025. Weekly refuse (black bin) and recycling (blue bin) collection will continue through the end of the year. Future service levels will be reviewed as part of the 2026 municipal budget deliberations. What residents need to know regarding collection: • Organics (green bin) collection ends for the season Nov. 3 - 7. • Weekly recycling (blue‑bin) collection resumes the week of Mon, Nov. 10. • For residents with a regular collection day on Tuesdays, please be advised that there will be no collection on Tue, Nov. 11, as several city facilities will be closed or have modified hours of operation on Remembrance Day. Weekly collection will instead occur on Mon, Nov. 10. Residents may leave organics in their green bin over winter. Excess materials can be dropped off at the Eastview Landfill (765 – 33rd St. E.) free of charge. Organics collection will resume in spring 2026. Why this change now? City Council approved the change following a resolution introduced at the Council meeting on Oct. 20, 2025. The timing aligns with the seasonal end of organics collection, allowing crews to maintain weekly refuse and recycling service through year-end. Council will evaluate long-term service levels during the 2026 budget process.

On October 20, 2025, at approximately 3:07 a.m., police conducted a traffic stop in the 1600 block of Lorne Avenue. During the stop, officers located a high-powered rifle positioned between the front seats of the vehicle. The two occupants stated the firearm was for hunting purposes; however, neither individual possessed a valid firearms license. The rifle was seized by police. Further checks revealed that the driver, a 38-year-old male, was operating the vehicle while his driver’s license was suspended. As a result, the vehicle was seized and impounded. Both the 38-year-old male and a 60-year-old female passenger were charged with Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm. They were released on Undertakings, with a court date scheduled for January 12, 2026.