The Manitoba government is providing $100,000 for improvements to the new location of the Western Manitoba Women’s Centre (WMWC), an important investment that will help increase capacity and offer additional programming at its new facility, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced today at the grand opening of the new location. “Investments like these are vital to the health and well-being of women, gender-diverse individuals and their children by providing additional safe and welcoming spaces,” said Simard. “This funding will help add to the capacity of the Western Manitoba Women’s Centre, ensuring that women who are overcoming gender-based violence in western Manitoba have a safe space in our community.” The funding is part of the province’s From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for All program, which helped the centre relocate to a new facility at 1233 Rosser Ave. in Brandon, renovate the office area, purchase furniture, equipment and signage. The WMWC’s mission is to provide programs, services and counselling on issues affecting women and children including family violence. The centre provides opportunities for cultural connection and support, and helps women access services in the Westman region. Offerings include counselling services in English and Spanish, as well as a breakfast program for women and children in downtown Brandon. “The Western Manitoba Women’s Centre is more than just a building – it is a place of safety, connection and hope,” said Julia Krykavska, director, Western Manitoba Women’s Centre. “With the support of the Manitoba government and our caring community, we are proud to create a space where women and their children can find support, share their voices and build brighter futures. This centre belongs to all of us and stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of people in western Manitoba.” Launched in 2024, From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for All supports a broad range of projects including community capacity building, community economic development, well-being and recreation as well as housing and safety co-ordination supports, noted the minister.

Assault On September 13th, 2025, police were dispatched to the back lane of the 400 block of 10th Street following a report of a physical altercation. Upon arrival, officers located a 17-year-old male victim who had been punched and kicked. While the victim initially requested medical attention, he later declined and chose not to provide a statement or pursue charges at that time. An 18-year-old female matching the caller’s description was located nearby and identified. A statement was later provided by the victim, leading to the 18-year-old female suspect being re-located by police, arrested, and charged with Assault. She was released on an Undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on November 20th, 2025. Assault with a Weapon On September 8th, 2025, a 45-year-old male victim was struck in the back of the head with a rock at a business in the 000 block of 10th Street. The suspect, a 43-year-old male, was identified at the time; however, the victim initially declined to press charges. On September 16th at approximately 6:30 p.m., the victim contacted police to provide a statement and indicated his desire to proceed with charges. In the early morning hours of September 17th, at approximately 1:44 a.m., officers conducted a pedestrian stop in the 1100 block of Rosser Avenue. The 43-year-old male suspect was arrested for Assault with a Weapon. He was held in BPS detention cells to attend court in the morning.

Possession of a Weapon / Possession of Methamphetamine On September 15th at 7:57 a.m. police responded to a report of a male stripping a bicycle on Silver Birch Drive. Upon arrival, officers located the individual in question. While the bicycle had not been reported stolen at the time, further investigation revealed the male was in possession of a butcher knife, with the handle visibly protruding from his backpack. He was also found to have a folding knife and approximately 2.89 grams of methamphetamine in his possession. The 34-year-old male was arrested and held in custody at BPS detention cells to appear in court in the morning. A subsequent search of his backpack also uncovered a black pellet/replica pistol.  Causing a Disturbance / Mischief / Resist Arrest On September 15, shortly after 6:00 a.m., police were dispatched to a business in the 2900 block of Victoria Avenue following reports of two males causing a disturbance. The individuals were reportedly throwing chairs and yelling at staff inside the restaurant. Officers located the suspects along the adjacent bike path on Victoria Avenue. Upon approach, both males began yelling at officers. They were taken into custody, with one male resisting arrest. Subsequent checks revealed that both individuals, aged 35 and 38, had endorsed warrants out of Toronto for Assault and Assault with a Weapon. They were held in BPS custody to appear in court in the morning. Weapons, Breaches and Mischief On September 15, while in the 900 block of Princess Avenue, police identified several individuals, two of whom matched the description of suspects from a prior call. Upon conducting a persons check a 23-year-old female was found in possession of an extendable baton and bear spray. She was also found to be in breach of her probation order on two counts. She was arrested and held in custody for court in the morning. Charges include Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Possession of a Weapon, and Breach of Probation (x2). A 20-year-old male was located with a throwing knife and a machete was concealed down the side of his pants. He initially provided a false identity to police and was also found to be in breach of his Undertaking on two counts. He was arrested and charged with Carrying Concealed Weapons, Breach of Undertaking (x2), and Public Mischief. He was held in BPS detention cells to attend court in the morning.

The Manitoba government is investing nearly $200 million in school capital projects for the 2025-26 fiscal year, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that students across the province have access to safe, modern and comfortable learning environments, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced today. “Our government is delivering on our promise to put students first because we know that when students feel safe, supported and inspired, they thrive,” said Schmidt. “Every student deserves to learn in a space that is safe, well-maintained and designed to support their success. These investments reflect our government’s commitment to Investing in student success by upgrading aging infrastructure, expanding capacity, and ensuring schools are inclusive and accessible. From new school builds to critical repairs, these projects are designed to meet the evolving needs of communities across the province — rural, urban and northern alike.” The Manitoba government has committed investments in six major categories: HVAC upgrades, roofing replacements, accessibility improvements, structural repairs, additions and renovations, and new school builds. Highlights of the 2025-26 schools capital investment include: HVAC upgrades – $23 million to improve heating and ventilation systems; roofing projects – $22 million for roof replacements and structural improvements; accessibility enhancements – $4 million for elevators, ramps, lifts and hygiene rooms; structural repairs – $8 million to address foundation and structural issues; additions and renovations – $59 million for school additions including modular classrooms, gym upgrades and school renovations; and new schools – $79 million to start and continue construction on eight schools across Manitoba. “This is about more than bricks and mortar,” said Schmidt. “Whether it’s a new classroom, a repaired roof, or an accessible elevator, every upgrade makes a difference.” The Manitoba government’s investments will not only improve learning conditions but also support local economies through construction jobs, providing opportunities for Manitoba-based contractors and suppliers to deliver long-term infrastructure improvements, the minister noted.

On September 13, 2025, at approximately 8:50 pm, Brandon RCMP were dispatched to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 1 and Provincial Road 250 in the RM of Whitehead. Officers arrived and located a truck and an SUV both in the centre grassy median with heavy damage. The investigation has determined that the SUV, with two occupants, was southbound on Provincial Road 250 when it entered the intersection. The truck travelling westbound on Highway 1 struck the SUV on the driver’s side. The 77-year-old female driver of the SUV and her 78-year-old male passenger, both from Brandon, were transported to hospital by EMS with critical injuries. The driver of the SUV succumbed to her injuries while the passenger remains in hospital. The 23-year-old female driver of the truck and her 20-year-old female passenger, both from Brandon, were not physically injured. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the collision. Brandon RCMP, along with an RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist, continue to investigate. (RCMP in Manitoba News Release)