Travel Manitoba announced today that 50 tourism businesses will be supported in their efforts to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by adapting to changing customer expectations and offering innovative experiences. The Tourism Innovation and Recovery Fund was launched last November as a one time support initiative designed to increase the number of enticing tourism experiences in the province and support existing attractions in recovering from the impacts of the pandemic. Over 120 applications were received for the program, under one of two streams: Experience Enhancement, which offered up to $15,000 in funding to operators of an existing experience to improve their offering, and New Experience Development, which provided up to $25,000 in funding to enable tourism operators to create new experiences. Initially the program was budgeted at $500,000, but as a result of demand, over $1 million in project support will be provided. Twenty six percent of the program funding went to Indigenous owned tourism businesses, exceeding the original target of 15 per cent. One of those recipients is the Kikiwak Inn, which will be using the $25,000 in funding to offer northern tipi camping in Opaskwayak Cree Nation, located near The Pas, approximately 600 km north of Winnipeg. Guests will be able to stay in one of two 22 foot tipis in the summer. “We want to gain more tourism attractions to the North and we’re hoping that this opens up more opportunities for us for experiences that include fishing, hiking, canoeing and much more that is offered in the North”, said Jade Richards, Assistant General Manager of the Kikiwak Inn. “The idea has been discussed for awhile now but this funding was critical to make the dream come true”. Manitoba’s Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage, the Honourable Andrew Smith, said the fund is a means to help the tourism industry recover. “Tourism is a crucial part of Manitoba’s economy”, Smith said. “Prior to the pandemic, the tourism sector supported over 20,000 full time jobs and contributed over $300 million to provincial revenue. By increasing the number of quality tourism experiences through this program, Manitoba is able to be more competitive on the national and international stage.” Projects receiving support are located throughout the province and are expected to provide an economic benefit to businesses and the province by increasing visitation, visitor spending, and visitors’ length of stay in Manitoba. Cat Eye Outfitter will use their $14,000 in funding to offer anglers a fully equipped winter camping experience on Lake Winnipeg. “It’s wonderful to give people an experience on the lake that is manageable and safe, and at the same time, is transformative for them. You see changes in people when they see the aurora borealis, they hear the ice forming, and they learn about the history of the lake and the surrounding communities. They see what a wonderful resource we have”, said Daniel Kiazyk, owner of Cat Eye Outfitters. “It’s especially important now. People need to try something new and unique that is close to home”. Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba, said while the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt in all sectors, the travel, tourism and hospitality industry has been hit harder than most, was the first to feel its effects and will likely be among the last to fully recover. “The Tourism Innovation and Recovery Fund not only helps existing operations to recover from the pandemic, but also fosters the creation of new experiences for us to offer. Special consideration was given to projects that align with Manitoba’s high interest sectors, like winter, Indigenous, water-based experiences, Francophone and human rights education”. A new Manitoba Tourism Strategy, launched in July and led by a collaboration of the Government of Manitoba, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Travel Manitoba, has a target to grow visitor spending by 50 per cent to reach $2.5 billion by 2030. Travel Manitoba is a Crown Corporation under provincial legislation that leads and stimulates sustainable tourism growth in Manitoba’s $1.6 billion pre-pandemic tourism industry. In partnership with the tourism industry, the agency is responsible for tourism marketing, visitor information services, research and public information. (submitted)

If you are an online buyer with eBa,y etc you will notice some sellers will not ship to Canada. Therefore you need packages shipped somewhere in North Dakota. Ryan Gottbreht, from ShipIt in Dunseith North Dakota, has the solution. USPS, FedEx and UPS plus various other companies can ship to Ryans address and he will text you to come and pick it up. His costs are 7 dollars US per package or 2 packages for 10 dollars. Additional fees for larger shipments.   He can accept pallets as he has a forklift on site. Ryan Gottbreht Dunseith is roughly 15 minutes south of the border crossing. Few details to remember: Depending if the shipment is personal or commercial you may require a customs broker to clear your shipment. Also for now you will require a US based COVID test.   A NAAT ID Now or PCR test is accepted by Canada Customs.   Also the ArriveCAN APP must be completed each time you cross the border.   The border will not accept Canadian COVID tests from Shoppers Drug Mart etc. Ryan is in the process of working with a Brandon shipper to pick up packages and rates and costs are now being established. Hardware Hank where ShipIt is located Contact / Text Ryan Gottbreht 701 871 9849 shipitnd@hotmail.com Hours 8am -530 Monday to Friday Hours 8am - 5pm Saturday Closed Sunday

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On February 8, 2022, members of the Crime Suppression Section obtained a Feeny Warrant for a 44-year-old male who was the subject of 10 outstanding arrest warrants.  The charges included Frauds, Theft of Motor Vehicle, Firearm related charges, B&Es, Flight from Peace Officer and numerous breaches.  Investigation revealed the male was hiding in a Brandon residence. Police executed the warrant shortly after 4:00 pm, located and arrested the male who was hiding behind a false wall in the residence.  He was lodged at Brandon Police Service and will be appear in in court today

Wednesday morning Brandon Fire and Emergency Services and Brandon Police Service responded to a house on the corner of 7th Street and Louise Avenue for a structure fire. It appeared that flames and smoke were pouring out of a few upper floor windows. Firefighters appeared to make quick work of the fire, stopping it from spreading throughout the entire house. It didn't appear that anyone was injured in the fire.

The City of Brandon Planning & Buildings Department is inviting all residents of Brandon to take part in helping to build a Brandon city plan by answering the following question: “What kind of city do you want Brandon to be?”   The City of Brandon has approximately 50,000 people and continues to grow! Now more than ever, having a “city plan” that takes into consideration desires and needs of its residents and businesses is critical. What is a City Plan?  A city plan is a document that guides growth and development in the city. The plan includes many aspects of a city such as housing, sustainability, infrastructure, movement, and more. For Brandon, this plan will guide development for 30 years. Why Now?  The Province of Manitoba requires municipalities to have long-term plans guiding growth and development. With the dissolution of the Brandon & Area Planning District (BAPD) in 2020, Brandon has an opportunity to create a new plan to address our unique needs. Check out this video on the Brandon city plan. The City of Brandon’s Planning & Buildings Department has built a Brandon city plan survey as a first step to better understand the priorities and concerns of Brandon residents. Your feedback will help us develop the city plan. This survey will be open until February 28, 2022. Below is a timeline for the project with three main phases: Listen and Learn, Confirm the Vision, and Draft the Plan. Next Steps  Once the City compiles survey results, we will schedule further meetings, workshops, and events to give residents an opportunity to discuss options and solutions to the issues identified in the survey. Click here to fill out the Brandon city plan survey. Those who complete this survey will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a $50 gift card to a local restaurant! Giveaway contest rules can be found here. More details can be found at www.brandon.ca/cityplan. With many ways to get involved, residents are encouraged to contact Community Planner Sonikile Tembo at 204-729-2523 for further discussion or to answer any questions.