The rise in summertime temperatures is a refreshing shift from chillier temperatures. With higher humidity levels, mosquito populations also increase, affecting the enjoyment of sunny days when families and friends gather for fun outdoor activities like backyard barbecues or visits to local playgrounds. As the city manager, I often hear how nuisance insects influence our outdoor experiences. These insects are not only bothersome but can represent a threat to health as well. To address this issue, I want to highlight what the City of Brandon does to help mitigate nuisance mosquitoes.   What Does the City Do to Control the Mosquito Population?  The City’s tackles nuisance mosquitoes through its mosquito abatement program, using various methods to diminish the mosquito population in the area. The City also partners with the Province of Manitoba to monitor and control the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus. This partnership is crucial in safeguarding our residents' health as well as reducing the irritation and discomfort associated with mosquito bites. The City’s mosquito abatement program follows the Adulticiding Factor Analysis (AFA) guidelines, which includes various methods of surveillance, larval control, and adult control of mosquitoes, as well as public education and outreach. Our Parks & Recreation staff monitor 102 square miles (264 square km), paying particular attention to various standing water locations and monitoring for mosquito larva growth. Larvicidal measures are applied whenever there are at least five larvae found in ten water samples. Throughout the summer, our team uses mosquito traps to measure the number of mosquitoes in different areas. Mosquito traps are set out Saturday and Sunday mornings and retrieved the following days. They are then transported to Winnipeg every Tuesday, where Provincial government-contracted staff count each trap, typically providing results by Thursday morning. This data allows our team to understand mosquito density and distribution, which guides our decisions regarding mosquito fogging. Weekly trap counts can be accessed at opengov.brandon.ca.   What Does the City Fog for Mosquito’s in the City?  Adhering to the AFA Guidelines is imperative when deciding the timing for adult nuisance mosquito control measures. The City will fog if one or more of the following conditions are met: Two sequential trap counts indicate that the AFA levels are elevated The daily trap count goes beyond 1,000 mosquitoes A single trap count exceeds 2,000 mosquitoes The Province of Manitoba issues the City of Brandon an order to spray for Culex tarsalis mosquitoes Upon meeting any of these criteria, the City of Brandon will commence with fogging operations within 24 hours, weather dependent. Buffer Zone Registrations  Residents may apply to have a 90-metre buffer zone applied to their property during a nuisance mosquito fogging event. By registering for a buffer zone, residents will have their property and an area of 90 metres on all sides excluded from the Nuisance Mosquito Fogging Program. Residents must renew their buffer zone registration at the beginning of every season, and a medical certificate is not required to request a nuisance mosquito buffer zone. However, should the Province of Manitoba issue the City of Brandon an order to spray for Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, no buffer zones will apply. Personal Protection   While the City takes proactive measures to control mosquito populations, it is also essential for residents to take personal precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and eliminating standing water around your property where mosquitoes can breed. Cost   Mosquito control—including testing, observing, analyzing, applying larvicide in standing water areas and fogging the city one time, costs each resident 1.05 cents per day or just $1 for the entire summer. If fogging isn’t needed, the cost drops to 0.83 cents per day. We understand the importance of enjoying our summers without the constant bother of mosquitoes. Rest assured, the City of Brandon is actively working to manage the mosquito population while ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents.  From the “Inside City Hall” series by City of Brandon’s City Manager Ron Bowles.   

Assaulting Police Officer On August 26th police received a call from Brandon Correctional Centre as a 26-year-old male assaulted a Corrections Officer by striking the CO in the back of the head causing the CO’s head to strike a door. The male was arrested and will appear in court in the morning.   Sexual Assault On August 26th at 6:19PM police were flagged down by a female in the 2500 block of Victoria Avenue as an unknown male had just grabbed her chest. Employees at a nearby business flagged down police as well as the suspect was observed grabbing another unknown female on the street by the shoulders. Police arrested a 16-year-old male. Lodged for court in the morning on August 27th, 2024. Mother made aware.   Sexual Assault / Sexual Interference On August 26th at 8:58PM a report of a sexual assault on an 11-year-old female came after the suspect touched her chest in a hotel in the 3100 block of Victoria Avenue. The 44-year-old male was arrested and lodged for court in the morning on August 27th, 2024.   Resisting Arrest / Causing a Disturbance On August 27th at 12:41AM a hotel in the 3100 block of Victoria reported an unregistered guest threatening to fight them. The male was located by police and arrested. He provided a false name, but his identity was confirmed as a result of his tattoos. The 25-year-old male was wanted on a Warrant and resisted arrest. Lodged for court in the morning. Previous Charges: Assaulting a Peace Officer / Resisting Arrest / Failure to Attend Court New Charges: Resisting Arrest / Causing a Disturbance   Failure to Comply with Probation X2 On August 27th at 4:03AM 911 advised of a serious assault outside of the Colonial Inn. A 27-year-old male suffered a head wound that was bleeding heavily but would not cooperate with police, nor would his girlfriend. He was transported to BRHC for medical treatment. The male was wanted on an outstanding warrant and was arrested for court in the morning.   Other Incidents: One warrant executed for 34-year-old male at Brandon Correctional Centre for Failure to Comply with Release Order Nine Breach of Peace issued with eight of those persons lodged overnight to be released once sober. One of those incidents involved an intoxicated nine-month pregnant woman who was involved in an altercation. Two LGCAA / Minor Consumption Brandon Police Service Media Release July 27, 2024

The Manitoba government is offering free entry to all provincial parks Labour Day weekend from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt announced today. “Our government is covering provincial park entry fees so all Manitobans can enjoy the outdoors this weekend,” said Schmidt. “Manitoba has over 90 provincial parks to enjoy hiking, camping or whatever outdoor adventure you choose. As we move into September, there are still a lot of outdoor activities to enjoy, and with free entry, this is a great time to get out and visit our beautiful provincial parks.” Visitors to Manitoba’s provincial parks will not require vehicle permits on Labour Day weekend this year. Nightly camping fees still apply, as do entrance fees to national parks. Individuals who wish to camp in a provincial park can make a reservation through the Parks Reservation Service at www.manitobaparks.com or by calling 1-888-482-2267. Park interpreters are offering free tours, star gazing, guided paddles and other family programs this weekend for visitors to connect to the natural features, culture and history in provincial parks. Interpretive program information is available online at www.manitobaparks.com or visitors can check with the local campground office for details on any activities happening in the park. Tips for visitors and campers at Manitoba provincial parks include: check the Manitoba Parks website at www.manitobaparks.com for advisories before travelling; all campers must check in at campground offices upon arrival to receive camping permits; be ‘Wildlife Smart’ by maintaining a clean campsite, keeping all food, trash, toiletries and cooking utensils locked in a vehicle or trailer, and pack out trash and recyclables before leaving; wear a life-jacket when participating in water-related activities, especially boaters, children and weak swimmers; keep all pets on leash; and keep all campfires in approved pits such as those found in campsites and check with the campground office for any campfire restrictions. Campers are reminded because the emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Winnipeg, no firewood can be transported outside the city. Transportation violations can result in charges and fines of up to $1,300 for individuals or $15,000 for businesses. Firewood is available for purchase from local retailers at most campgrounds. Watercraft users and beach goers are reminded to be vigilant against aquatic invasive species. Always clean, drain, dry and, if necessary, decontaminate watercraft and water-related equipment including all water toys and inflatables. Information on aquatic invasive species and decontamination station locations is available at www.manitoba.ca/stopais. Manitobans can stay up to date with provincial park news, activities and events by following Manitoba Parks on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MBGovParks or on X (formerly Twitter) at www.x.com/MBGovParks.

On August 23, 2024 at approximately 12:34 pm, officers responded to a domestic incident in the 200 block of Victoria Avenue East, where a 35-year-old male suspect assaulted a female victim, inflicting a stab wound to her head. The victim, who sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, was assisted by someone nearby, who called the incident in. The female victim was transported to the hospital to receive medical treatment. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the suspect's whereabouts, a heavy police presence was required to ensure public safety and his capture including the use of a drone and police K-9. The male was located and arrested at a second address at 1:58 hours.  He will appear in court today on charges of Assault with a Weapon and Assault Causing Bodily Harm.

Breach of Peace On the morning of August 21st police were alerted of a fight between two females in the 3100 block of Victoria Avenue. The two were determined to be sisters with ages of 26 and 31. Both were arrested and lodged for Breach of Peace. They were released last evening. On August 21st police were alerted of a disturbance at the Victoria Inn where someone was said to have bear spray. A 24-year-old male was identified to be the source of the problem however there was insufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charge. Arrested and lodged until sober to prevent further issue. On August 21st at 10:24PM police were called to a disturbance at a business in the 700 block of 10th Street. An uncooperative 37-year-old male was arrested and lodged to prevent further issue. On August 21st at 9:12PM police were made aware of a male who would not leave a female’s yard in 0 hundred block of 12th Street. With the help of K-9 Zues, the male was located, arrested without incident and lodged to prevent the continuation of the offence. Breach of Peace / LGCA Disorderly On August 21st police were called to the Clarion Hotel as a 42-year-old woman was causing a disturbance. Arrested, lodged and will be released once sober with conditions. Female now banned from establishment. Theft Under $5000 On August 21st at 6:21PM police were called to a business in the 800 block of 18th Street. An intoxicated 35-year-old female was found by police matching description, arrested and lodged for court in the morning. IPDA On August 21st at 2:53PM police were called to Clarion for a highly intoxicated female. A 46-year-old female was lodged and will be released once sober. On August 21st at 9:58PM police were called to Clarion for a female causing a disturbance. A highly intoxicated 24-year-old female was arrested and lodged. She will be released once sober. Brandon Police Service Media Release