Information Release from Parks Canada July 19, 2024: On July 17, 2024, while conducting a visual survey, Parks Canada snorkellers found one partial shell and one living, adult sized zebra mussel attached to a rock. Water samples collected from Boat Cove from June 19-27, 2024, have also tested positive for environmental DNA from zebra mussels. This evidence shows zebra mussels are building a presence in Clear Lake. Next steps: An impermeable containment curtain is expected to arrive the week of July 22, 2024. This curtain will be deployed from Boat Cove to the pier and will isolate the area where the zebra mussel was found from the rest of the lake. The Boat Cove area will be closed to the public during the installation of the containment curtain. Once installed, the containment curtain is not expected to impact the operations of the tour boat The Martese, or the ability of park visitors to use the lake for swimming or fishing. The decision on the use of potash as a potential eradication method is pending the results of further visual surveys and water sampling from other areas of the lake. Parks Canada will review the evidence and determine the best course of action as this information becomes available. Any decision will be widely communicated before actions are taken. Health Canada considers open-water potash applications at concentrations needed to kill zebra mussels safe for swimming. The temporary watercraft management measures for Clear Lake remain in place. The ecology of Clear Lake is a top priority for Parks Canada, and staff remain committed to working with members of the Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation and others to safeguard the long-term health of the waters of Clear Lake. Parks Canada is also committed to minimizing the impact to the natural environment and to the local tourism industry economy. Parks Canada is moving forward with a $100,000 contribution to enhance the visitor experience and tourism offer in the Riding Mountain community. Parks Canada and partners will share more information as it becomes available. Parks Canada thanks the community for its ongoing support for the aquatic invasive species program in Riding Mountain National Park and for the commitment to working together to attempt to further identify and possibly eradicate a population of zebra mussels in Clear Lake.

“CRIME STOPPERS WANTED” for: July 19, 2024 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is “WANTED BY POLICE” Jesse CHAMBERS FOR Assault.   On March 4, 2024, Jesse CHAMBERS, was involved in a verbal argument with a female that became physical when he assaulted her by punching her in the chest and then threw her to the ground. CHAMBERS whereabouts are unknown at this time, please contact Brandon crime stoppers with any information. CRIME OF THE WEEK for July 19, 2024 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Theft Under $5000.  On July 15, 2024, a female suspect entered a business located in the 1600 block of 18th Street. The female came in with an old receipt and filled the cart with merchandise, and proceeded to the customer service desk to return the items from the old receipt. The suspect then left the business with unpaid items in the cart. 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.

The recent announcement and updates regarding the redevelopment of 26th Street have sparked conversation within the community.  Brandon School Division wishes to support the City of Brandon in its planning and has shared feedback from our school communities.  Brandon School Division is respectful of the City of Brandon’s decision-making process, and we appreciate the difficulties in addressing our community’s diverse perspectives. The school communities most impacted by the redevelopment are J. R. Reid School and Vincent Massey High School.  Brandon School Division has communicated parental concerns and operational considerations to the City and has shared future enrolment projections and the potential impact on traffic in the area of Vincent Massey High School. The parental concerns and the Division's operational considerations include: potential loss of parking on 26th Street that will impact parents and delivery vehicles servicing J. R. Reid School impact on 25th Street and College Avenue residential parking and bus loading zone if parking is redirected from 26th Street to 25th Street traffic implications in the J. R. Reid school zone if 26th Street is restricted to one lane potential need for additional traffic control measures at McDiarmid Drive and McTavish Avenue, as well as McDiarmid Drive and Victoria Avenue, resulting from redirected traffic to Vincent Massey High School due to the restricted access of Balsam Crescent from 26th Street Brandon School Division has offered to examine potential changes to the J. R. Reid School parking lot if this would be of assistance to the City. Brandon School Division values its relationship with the City of Brandon and is committed to supporting the City’s planning.

Taxi Robbery On July 17th at 9:25PM police received a report of a theft of a wallet by two females from a taxi. Further investigation revealed that the two females argued with the taxi driver then assaulted him and stole his wallet and his identification. Police continue to investigate. Anyone with information regarding this please contact police. Theft Under $5000 On July 17th at 5:30PM police received a report of a theft from an establishment in the 900 block of Victoria Avenue. A police officer attended and identified the suspect on video. At 9:48PM an officer located the 32-year-old male and arrested him for theft. The male was lodged with a court date set for the morning on July 18th, 2024.

Assault On July 16th at 7:40AM police received a call from Security in the 800 block of Rosser Avenue. They had a male in custody who was resisting arrest and was found to have assaulted a security guard by hitting him with his backpack. The 28-year-old male was arrested and has a court date of September 26th with charges of assault. Impaired On July 16th at 10:30PM police received a call of an impaired driver on the south end of 18th Street. Police located the vehicle who was found to have a highly intoxicated 41 year old male driver who had previous impaired sanctions. He was arrested and charged for Operation While Impaired and Operation Exceeding 80mgs%. Court date set for July 22nd, 2024. He will be released in the morning