The City of Brandon is inviting the public to provide feedback regarding the proposed 2026 municipal budget on Mon, Jan 26, 2026. Residents are invited to join Mayor & Council and City administration for coffee in the City Hall Foyer from 6 - 6:45 p.m. Immediately following, a Special Council Meeting will be held in Council Chambers, beginning at 7 p.m., where public comments and feedback can be presented to City Council regarding the proposed budget. Individuals interested in registering as speakers for the Special Council Meeting are asked to contact Legislative Services by Fri, Jan. 23, 2026, at 4 p.m. by calling 204-729-2296 or emailing cityclerk@brandon.ca. Registered speakers will be allotted up to 10 minutes to present their feedback. Earlier this week, Brandon City Council received two presentations regarding Labour and Brandon Police Service. The following will be discussed at the upcoming meetings: Thu, Jan. 15: Solid Waste Services, Street Sweeping, and Downtown Parking Strategy Mon, Jan. 19: Labour Update and Funding Applications Tue, Jan. 20: Fleet Services, Train Whistle Cessation, Rapid Relay Flashing Beacons, and Grant funded Projects Mon, Jan. 26: 10-year capital Plan including the City Hall Project, Library Arts Projects, Outdoor Aquatic Facility, and Downtown Public Washroom Official meeting agendas will be posted on brandon.ca/city-hall/agendas-and-minutes within 48 hours of each meeting. All members of the public are encouraged to follow these discussions and stay informed as Council works through major components of the 2026 proposed budget. All proposed budget documents are available online at brandon.ca/city-hall/budget-and-finance/budgets/2026-proposed-budget.  Brandon City Council will deliberate the 2026 proposed budget as prepared by City administration on Fri, Jan. 30 and Sat, Jan. 31.   Some of the 2026 proposed budget enhancements include: Diversion Depot Staffing Customer Service & Accessibility Improvements Asset Management & Infrastructure Maintenance Third-Party Snow Clearing Pilot Program Grader Operator Training Program Police Digital Evidence Management Unit Business Process Improvements Procurement Initiatives Recruitment and Retention Initiatives Some of the major 2026 proposed capital investments include: Water Treatment Facility Upgrade Southeast Drainage Project – Phase II including the Naturalized Stormwater Cemetery Pond Project Southwest Brandon Wastewater Servicing Project Purchase of Transit Buses Transit Stop Accessibility Upgrades Transportation Network Enhancements (new roundabouts at 18th St. N. & Braecrest Dr., and at 26th St. & Maryland Ave.) Active Transportation enhancements including crosswalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian corridors. Upgrades to Andrews Field Changeroom/Washrooms Downtown Washroom Implementation of Police Body Cameras Tree Planting & Naturalization at Canada Packers Sports Complex Sportsplex Parking Lot Renewal City Council welcomes comments or feedback on the proposed 2026 budget, which can be sent via email to budget@brandon.ca.

The Manitoba government is freezing the price of milk for 2026, keeping the price of milk affordable in the province for consumers and ensuring producers receive fair compensation, Premier Wab Kinew and Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today. “An everyday essential like milk should not cost a lot, especially when we consider how important it is to kids’ healthy development. We’re freezing the retail price of milk for 2026, so it stays within reach for families looking to make healthy choices,” said Kinew. “The previous government let the price of milk jump by 25 cents, but we’re taking action to keep Manitoba’s milk prices the lowest in Canada. It is good news for parents who find themselves restocking the fridge every week.” The Farm Products Marketing Council has the legal authority to set regulated milk prices in Manitoba, including the price producers can sell their product, the price of which wholesalers can distribute the product and the price of which retailers can sell to consumers. Its decisions are guided by a legislated responsibility to balance producer sustainability with consumer protection. “Manitoba’s dairy producers are the backbone of our local food system. They deliver high‑quality, safe milk every day, support good jobs in rural communities, and uphold some of the strongest animal‑care and sustainability standards in the country,” said Kostyshyn. “Their commitment to innovation and responsible farming helps keep milk affordable for families while ensuring a stable, reliable supply across our province. We’re proud to work alongside producers who reflect the best of Manitoba’s agricultural tradition and its future.” In 2022, the regulated price increased by a total of 25 cents, implemented through two separate orders from the government of Manitoba. This adjustment was larger than the combined increases over the previous decade. Last year, after reviewing updated cost data and market conditions, the council reduced the regulated price by one cent. This decrease demonstrates the council’s commitment to ongoing oversight and its mandate to ensure prices remain fair, transparent and responsive to changing economic pressures. “Our team of registered dietitians work with schools to ensure children and youth have access to a wide variety of nutritious food everyday,” said Clara Birnie, community dietitian and grants manager, Child Nutrition Council. “There are many barriers to accessing nutritious foods and cost is one of them. These types of initiatives, which regulate the price of staple foods, are a positive step towards helping Manitobans meet their nutritional needs.” Manitobans will continue to benefit from the province’s regulated pricing model, which ensures stability and affordability for a staple product found in households across the province. The Manitoba government is currently in the process of studying ways to further reduce grocery costs for families.

Congratulations to @neepawatitans Head Coach/GM Ken Pearson, on his 1500th regular season game coached & 750th win in the @cjhlhockey! #neeps

January 12, 2025 – The Keystone Centre has concluded its 2026 Annual General Meeting. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the organization’s performance over the 2024-2025 fiscal year and outline priorities for continued growth and operational excellence. “This year, our Senior Administration and Board of Directors prioritized improving operational finances, resulting in an operational surplus of nearly $127,000,” said Keystone Centre Board Chair Bruce Luebke. “We also dedicated significant time to 2025 planning, including the development of our 2025-2030 strategic plan and a preliminary design for the Green Space Enhancement project. We look forward to implementing these plans in the future.” The 2024–25 Annual Report, now available to the public, reflects a year of resilience and progress. It highlights strong event performance, operational improvements, and strategic measures implemented to ensure financial sustainability. The report also underscores the Centre’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement, reinforcing its role as a premier venue for events and cultural activities in Manitoba. “Our focus remains on delivering exceptional experiences for our clients and the community while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Keystone Centre,” said Connie Lawrence, Keystone Centre CEO & general manager. “We are proud of the progress made over the past year and look forward to building on this momentum as we continue to serve as a cornerstone for economic and cultural activity in the region.” The Keystone Centre extends its appreciation to all stakeholders, partners, and community members for their ongoing support. The full 2024-25 Annual Report is available on the Keystone Centre’s website at www.keystonecentre.com

Theft Under $5000 On December 8, 2025, police responded to a report of a gas drive away from a business in the 600 block of 6th street.  Security footage assisted in identifying the suspect who was located and arrested during a traffic stop on January 10, 2026.  The 41-year-old male was released to appear in court on March 16, 2026, on a charge of Theft Under $5000. Robbery On January 9, 2026, at approximately 3:30 pm, police responded to a report of a female who was assaulted.  The suspect struck the victim in the head and stole her sunglasses near the 800 block of Rosser Ave.  The victim was not seriously injured, and the suspect was located and arrested nearby.  The 39-year-old female was lodged and later released to appear in court on March 16, 2026, on a charge of Robbery.