Brandon Riverbank Inc. announces that Dean Hammond has been named Executive Director of the non-profit charitable organization committed to developing the Assiniboine River Corridor as a gathering place connecting people with nature. Born and raised in Brandon, Dean holds a business degree from Brandon University and is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Dean has worked for small and medium-sized businesses, a Fortune 500 company, and most recently in Municipal Government. Dean has vast experience in finance, leadership, project management, Six Sigma, and many other areas. Dean has sat on many not-for-profit Boards including six years with Riverbank, most recently as Vice-President. Dean is a lifelong resident of Brandon and he and his family are frequent users of the Riverbank facilities. In his spare time, Dean enjoys cycling, paddle sports, travel, and anything to do with the outdoors. “I’m extremely honoured to be selected as the Executive Director for Brandon Riverbank Inc. Hammond said. This facility is very near and dear to my heart and I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, Staff, the City of Brandon, and our many partners who are so devoted to this space. Riverbank is already a jewel for our community, but I truly believe that we are on the verge of many more great things to come.” Dean will be responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plans of the organization. Dean will be starting with Riverbank on February 27th. “All of us at Brandon Riverbank Inc. are thrilled to have Dean lead the organization, as we continue to move forward with the Assiniboine River Corridor Master Plan, Sawatzky Sculpture Gardens, and many future projects”, Board President Terry Jaenen, said. “I can’t wait to see where we can go.”

On January 31st, 2023 at 6:09 am, police received a report from a Taxi driver that his taxi was stolen by two males and one female while in the area of 1st St. and Brock Ave.  The suspects had threatened the driver with a knife, and stole his phone and money. At 6:27 am a second report was received that a red Pontiac Montana was stolen from a residence in the 1100 block of 8th street, while left outside running.  The taxi was also recovered in the 1100 block of 8th Street. At 6:41 am members of Patrol and Canine located the stolen Pontiac Montana unoccupied in the 900blk alley between 9th and 10th Street.  A Canine track was initiated from the abandoned van leading to a residence in the 1000 block of 9th Street.  While at this location, a female suspect exited the residence and was identified as being involved in the robbery.  She was subsequently taken into custody. A further investigation by the BPS Major Crimes Section resulted in a search warrant to this residence leading to the recovering of the stolen cell phone. The 25 year old female was lodged at BPS and will appear February 1st, 2023 for the following charges:  Party to the Offence of Armed Robbery, Forcible Confinement, Uttering Threats, and Theft of Motor Vehicle.

In July 2022, police received a report of an internal fraud and theft from a business in the 800 block of 18th Street North.  Between March and July 2022, an employee conducted numerous fraudulent returns and thefts totaling over $2,400.  On January 30, 2023, police arrested a 20-year-old male for Fraud under $5,000 and Theft under $5,000.  He was later released and is scheduled to appear in court in March.

In the last 24 hours we have received 2 reports where local residents received calls from an unknown male presenting himself as a grandchild in distress.  In both cases the “grandchild” coerced the call taker that they needed to help to pay for bail.  In both cases the suspect convinced the victims to hand over thousands of dollars in cash.  NO ONE will ever take your cash from you for bail here or anywhere else other than at the Provincial Courthouse.  DO NOT give money of any kind to anyone unless you are personally dealing with the Court.

After two days of budget deliberations, Brandon City Council has approved a $125.4-million operating budget including utilities and a 138.7-million capital budget, representing a municipal tax increase of 1.6% for 2023 for an average single-family house. Council debated several amendments in all areas of municipal spending. Council was also able to initiate numerous enhancements to the budget that will be of benefit to our residents and businesses. Major projects from the proposed capital budget includes: $41.7 million for the water treatment facility expansion $25.6 million for land drainage improvements, including the Southeast Drainage Project $19.7 million for new wastewater sewers, including the Southwest Lift Station Project* $13.7 million for the multi-year construction of the Outdoor Sports Field Complex $1.7 million Eastview Landfill Cell Design & Construction $900,000 for the detailed design of the conceptual cultural hub at the Library/Arts building** $200,000 for the conceptual detail design of the Sportsplex Arena $400,000 for the river corridor trail loop paving project $75,000 for the transit route planning study, which will include rapid transit options Added during budget deliberations by City Council: $72,000 for a temporary Housing and Wellness position $200,000 for Downtown Initiatives $300,000 to improve Ambulance Services $178,000 to the Brandon Police Service budget to start a Community Safety Officer program $40,000 for the addition of a By-Law Enforcement Officer Position $31,000 to waive specialized criminal record fees $36,000 for the Age Friendly Committee and Poverty Committee $10,000 for a community garden in Ward 1 $8,000 for Indigenous training for staff and council $80,000 for Brandon General Museum and Archives $50,000 for community outreach and engagement $20,000 each for Ashley Neufeld and Andrews Field Softball Complex $125,000 for a new outdoor rink in Ward 1 $171,000 to the commonwealth air training plan museum to repair restructure projects $207,000 for streets and sidewalks on top of what was already budgeted by administration, including $33,000 for Ashley Neufeld sidewalks $50,000 for crosswalk enhancements on top of what was already budgeted by administration "This budget was extremely challenging with many needs in our community, higher inflation costs, and several large ticket costs. I am extremely proud of the work of our entire Council and administrative team,” notes Mayor Jeff Fawcett. “I am pleased with the collegial, collaborative, and progressive approach of our Council, and the constructive results we have achieved in the face of difficult tasks.” The Council approved budget will now proceed to the public hearing stage, a date for which will be determined in the spring. *project pending outcome of borrowing by-law   **contingent on grant funding