Manitobans are now better able to plan safe winter travel thanks to “Track My Plow”, a new snowplow tracking feature that provides real-time updates on Manitoba 511, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor announced today. “Manitobans know that winter storms are a part of our lives and the new Track My Plow app will help Manitobans plan their winter commutes without having to even look out the window,” said Naylor. “Track My Plow will not only save drivers time but will help improve the safety of Manitoba’s roads during winter. I’d like to thank our snowplow operators, who are out in all sorts of weather to clear our highways, for their hard work.” The new tracking feature, available on Manitoba 511’s website and smartphone app, will allow users to track active snowplows and where they have been for the past two hours. When combined with descriptions of road conditions and closures, drivers can make informed decisions before travelling this winter. “CAA Manitoba congratulates the Manitoba government on the launch of this new technology, which we believe will be welcomed by Manitobans as they navigate our roads, streets and highways this winter,” said Ewald Friesen, manager of government and community relations, CAA Manitoba. “We are in full support of innovations that increase road safety in our province. As part of our road safety advocacy, we remind motorists that planning your route is one of the most effective ways to avoid needing a tow and avoiding the dangers of being stranded. We believe that this app can significantly help drivers make informed decisions to safely reach their destinations.” For more information on Manitoba’s Multi-Year Infrastructure Investment Strategy, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/mti/myhis/index.html. Up-to-date information on highway conditions including detours, restrictions and road closures is available at www.manitoba511.ca/ or by calling 511. The Manitoba 511 app is available for download in the Apple Store and Google Play: www.manitoba511.ca/about/mobileapp.

Photo: Assiniboine College News The McCain Foundation has donated $200,000 to Assiniboine College to support the expansion of its greenhouse facilities. This generous contribution follows a commitment of $100,000 to the college’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture earlier this year. “The McCain Foundation is proud to support initiatives that recognize the environment, and promote sustainable practices,” said Ann Evans, Chairperson of The McCain Foundation. “With this $200,000 donation, we are investing in hands-on learning experiences and supporting agriculture programming at Assiniboine, helping to build a strong, sustainable future for agriculture in Manitoba and beyond.” The greenhouse expansion, located at the college’s North Hill campus, will connect existing spaces such as the grow plots, orchard, and weed identification garden to provide students with a comprehensive environment for hands-on learning. Through the expansion of the greenhouse, students will gain access to state-of-the-art facilities, spaces and equipment that will allow faculty and students to expand their work in addressing industry demands and tackling challenges at both local and global levels. “As part of the college’s Applied Research Strategy, the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment works to address sector challenges and respond to industry needs,” said Dr. Nicole Gaudette, Dean of the Edwards School at Assiniboine. “Collaboration with industry partners, like The McCain Foundation, is vital for our students' success. This support will not only support the expansion of our greenhouse facilities, but also enable students to be a part of industry-driven projects that equip them with the skills needed for green-collar jobs to contribute to a low-emissions economy. We extend our thanks once again to The McCain Foundation for their recognition and support.” Assiniboine continues to advance the future of agriculture through initiatives like the greenhouse expansion, an integral complement to the future Prairie Innovation Centre that will expand infrastructure further, and introduce new programs that drive growth, innovation, and sustainability within the agriculture sector. The Prairie Innovation Centre will serve as the central hub for agricultural education, applied research and innovation at Assiniboine, enabling enhanced opportunities to strengthen industry partnerships.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “Wanted By Police”: Raj PATEL FOR Impaired Driving, Flight from Police, Fail to Attend Court  On July 11th, 2023, Raj PATEL was operating a motor vehicle while impaired and fled from police to avoid arrest. PATEL was arrested and released, however has failed to attend court. A warrant of arrest has been issued for Raj PATEL as his whereabouts are unknown at this time. ****************************************************************************** CRIME OF THE WEEK for November 29th, 2024 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Mischief to Property.  On November 14th, 2024, two males were caught on video surveillance throwing a bottle and smashing the window at a residence located in 1500 block of Stickney Avenue. The suspect did not make entry and fled on foot prior to police arrival. ************** If you have information about this or any other crime 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.

As the winter season is upon us, it is important that everyone in our community can get around safely, which is why the City is asking everyone to keep their sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Sidewalks clear of the winter elements provide safe passage for families, neighbours, friends, and all pedestrians. The vast majority of residents in Brandon are already doing exactly what we are famous for – being a good neighbour. Many residents already clear their sidewalk, and maybe the sidewalk of an elderly neighbour, too. But over the years, there have been some complaints of sidewalks not being clear of snow and ice, causing hazardous conditions to pedestrians. To help mitigate this issue, the City of Brandon passed the Community Standards By-law, which addresses, in part, the need to make sure that all sidewalks are clear of ice and snow. Section 2.3.2 of the Community Standards By-Law reads “Every owner and/or occupant of a property shall clear away and remove, or cause to be cleared away and removed, any and all snow or ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property to a condition to provide safe passage by pedestrians.”  What does this mean? This By-law states what most of us are already doing: clearing any sidewalk that is touching a property we own or live in. If a sidewalk has not been cleared of ice or snow, a representative from Brandon Police Service (BPS) will remind the property owner or occupant that they need to clear their sidewalk. Once notified, the property owner will have approximately 48 hours to have the ice or snow removed. Property owners residing outside of Brandon will be granted additional time to ensure compliance. If the sidewalk is still not cleared after the allotted time, BPS may issue a ticket and arrange for the snow and ice to be removed. The homeowner will be responsible for any associated costs. Fees associated with the ticket will be $200, or $100 if paid within 15 days. BPS will always work to educate residents first. Ticketing is not the first priority – educating residents is the priority. The main goal of this By-Law is to ensure that everyone has safe passage. Does it matter where I pile my snow? Yes! It is important that residents do not shovel snow onto the street, by a bus stop, or on corners of streets that would reduce visibility or sight lines for motorists or pedestrians. Snow Angels Program The City understands that not everyone is available to clear their own municipally owned sidewalks, which is why the City created the Snow Angels Program. The Snow Angels Program is a voluntary snow removal service for senior citizens and persons with physical disabilities. The program matches volunteers from the community with residents in their neighbourhood requiring assistance. Volunteers are asked to help clear the municipally owned sidewalks only around the resident’s property to keep our neighbourhoods safer and more accessible. For more information or to volunteer, please visit snowangels.brandon.ca. Thank you for your cooperation as we work together to have a safe and accessible community this winter.

Brandon's Cole Temple was traded tonight from the Regina Pats to the Everett Silvertips in Washington. Born in 2007 Temple a 5th overall WHL draft pick has 12 points in 22 games played this season. Also from Brandon Everett GM Mike Fraser quoted tonight. “We’re excited to be able to add Cole to our group,”. “He is a strong skating and skilled forward who can play both center and wing. He will make an immediate impact with our club while also giving us added versatility up front in future years.” Temple was traded for Julien Maze