The Manitoba government is unveiling new provincial park licence plates featuring a loon, the winning design chosen by Manitobans, Premier Wab Kinew announced today. “Manitobans love our provincial parks, and this licence plate will help you show your support,” said Kinew. “Thousands of Manitobans voted for their favourite design option, with the loon coming out on top. I look forward to seeing these licence plates on cars across the province – in both English and French.” Manitobans were invited to help pick a new licence plate design in support of Manitoba Parks. An EngageMB survey ran from June 8 to July 31. A total of 62,605 Manitobans responded to the survey. Following community feedback, the licence plate will be the first Manitoba specialty licence plate to be offered in both English and French, the premier noted. A portion of the proceeds from every licence plate sold will go to the Manitoba Provincial Parks Endowment Funds through The Winnipeg Foundation, supporting park improvements that enhance ecological integrity, improve public safety, enhance accessibility and enrich visitor experiences in provincial parks. “Our provincial parks are very special places and the new Manitoba Parks licence plates will give Manitobans a way to share their love of parks while supporting improvements that will help families enjoy them for generations to come,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes. “Our government thanks everyone who took the time to vote on the proposed designs. The response was overwhelming and demonstrates Manitobans’ strong support for our provincial parks.” The Nature Conservancy of Canada, a non-profit dedicated to connecting people to nature through partnership-driven conservation, habitat protection and long-term land stewardship, brought forward the application for the new plates as a way for people to show their love for the nature of Manitoba. “Widely recognized as a Canadian symbol, the loon is a fitting reflection of the pride Manitobans feel in the natural and special places found right here at home,” said Andrea Laughren, regional vice-president, Prairie region, Nature Conservancy of Canada. “Our natural spaces, including our provincial parks, support healthy ecosystems and connect people to nature, helping make Manitoba such a special place to live, visit and explore. This new licence plate gives Manitobans a meaningful way to celebrate and care for what is uniquely theirs, today and for generations to come.” Since 2011, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has administered the Specialty Licence Plate Program on behalf of the Manitoba government and currently offers 19 specialty plates. To date, more than 215,000 specialty plates have been sold, generating more than $6.4 million in charitable proceeds. The new Manitoba Parks licence plates featuring the loon design chosen by Manitobans will be available for purchase at MPI service centres and MPI brokers offices in spring 2027.

On September 3rd at 9:20 a.m., an employee reported a theft from a locked compound in the 800 block of Parker Boulevard. Sometime between 2:30 p.m. on September 2nd and 9:00 a.m. on September 3rd, it was reported that an unknown suspect broke into the compound and stole a reel of aluminum cable valued at approximately $5,000. Shortly after making the initial report, the caller contacted police again after locating scrap wire near a tent in the area. Police attended and arrested a 46-year-old male who was inside the tent. The male was charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. The male was also found to have two unendorsed warrants for arrest issued by the Virden RCMP. He was brought to Brandon Police Service detention cells and appeared in court later that day.

The Manitoba government is adding more rental units under the provincial rent control by raising the monthly rent exemption threshold to $2,000 effective Jan. 1, 2027, Public Service Delivery Minister Mintu Sandhu announced today. “This is the largest expansion of rent control in decades, and it will mean lower costs for thousands of families,” said Sandhu. “With stronger protections for renters, we’re making it easier to afford a good home.” The amendment to the Residential Rent Regulation under the Residential Tenancies Act will increase the monthly rent exemption threshold starting in 2027 to $2,000 from $1,670. The change is intended to protect affordable housing for more Manitobans by expanding the number of units subject to rent-regulation rules, the minister noted. The minister also noted the 2027 rent guideline will be set at three per cent. The annual rent increase guideline is calculated using a formula set out in the Residential Rent Regulation that is based on changes in Manitoba’s consumer price index and is capped within the Bank of Canada’s inflation-control target range, currently between one per cent and three per cent. The guideline takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, and applies to most residential rental properties including apartments, single rooms, houses and duplexes. The guideline does not apply to: various types of social housing; rental units owned and operated by, or for, provincial, municipal or federal governments; rental units in buildings first occupied after March 2005, which are exempt from the guideline for 20 years; not-for-profit life-lease units; co-operative units; and approved rehabilitated rental units and residential rent complexes. The Manitoba government engaged with renters, landlords, service providers and other stakeholders on the proposed changes to understand their impacts and collected public feedback through the EngageMB platform, the minister noted. Tenants must receive written notice of a rent increase at least three months before the increase takes effect. For example, for a rent increase to take effect Jan. 1, tenants must receive notice by Sept. 30, 2026. With few exceptions, rent can only be increased once in a 12-month period. Landlords and tenants are encouraged to contact the Residential Tenancies Branch at 204-945-2476 in Winnipeg or 1-800-782-8403 (toll-free in Manitoba) to learn more about rent increases and other rights and responsibilities. For more information on rent increase guideline, visit www.manitoba.ca/rtb.

A familiar name in Brandon’s automotive and commercial service community is entering a new chapter as Accent Striping and Lettering Co. Ltd. has been acquired by Atom-Jet Group, a Brandon-based organization with a long-standing commitment to quality service and supporting customers across a range of industries. The acquisition marks a transition for Accent Striping, while maintaining the services and customer relationships the company has built over the years. Previous owners Lori and Allen are retiring following their time operating the business. Atom-Jet Group has congratulated the pair and expressed appreciation for their support throughout the transition. Taking on the role of General Manager of Accent Striping and Lettering Co. Ltd. is Justin LaRocque, who brings experience and a strong passion for the automotive industry to the position. LaRocque will work alongside Allen during the coming months to help ensure a smooth transition for customers and the business. For Accent Striping customers, the message is one of continuity. The company will continue operating from its Brandon location, providing the same range of products and services customers have come to rely on. These include vehicle wraps, signage, decals, window tinting, paint protection, aftermarket accessories, logo design and related branding services. “Our priority is continuity,” the company stated in its announcement to customers, emphasizing that existing customers can continue to rely on the services and relationships they have come to know. The acquisition will also provide Accent Striping with the additional support and resources of the Atom-Jet Group. The goal is to maintain the service standards customers expect while creating opportunities to expand the products and support available in the future. For customers with existing projects, quotes or upcoming service appointments, no immediate action is required. The Accent team will continue working directly with customers, with any necessary updates communicated as the transition progresses. The acquisition represents a new chapter for Accent Striping, while recognizing the foundation established by Lori and Allen over the years. For LaRocque and the Atom-Jet Group, the focus moving forward will be on building on that foundation, maintaining strong customer relationships and continuing to deliver the high-quality products and services Accent Striping customers have come to expect. Accent Striping and Lettering Co. Ltd. remains located in Brandon and will continue serving its existing and new customers as part of the Atom-Jet Group.

The Manitoba government is offering free entry to all provincial parks for Labour Day weekend, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced today. “Labour Day weekend is a chance for Manitobans to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends before the busy fall season begins,” said Moyes. “Whether you're camping, hiking, paddling, spending time at the beach or attending an interpretive program, we welcome everyone to make the most of the long weekend in Manitoba's provincial parks.” Provincial park vehicle permits will not be required from Sept. 4 to 7. Nightly camping fees still apply. Entrance fees to national parks remain in effect. Individuals who wish to camp in a provincial park can make a reservation through the Parks Reservation Service at www.manitobaparks.com or by calling 1-888-482-2267. Select campgrounds remain open until Thanksgiving weekend. Park interpreters will be offering free guided hikes, campfire talks and other family-friendly programs this weekend and through the fall season, providing opportunities for visitors to connect with the natural landscapes, history and cultural heritage of Manitoba's provincial parks. Program schedules are available on the Manitoba Parks website or from local campground offices. Reminders for visitors and campers at Manitoba provincial parks include: check in at campground offices upon arrival to receive camping permits and have reservation confirmation and personal identification ready for check-in; keep all campfires in approved pits such as those found in campsites and check with the campground office for any campfire restrictions; never leave a campfire unattended and always fully extinguish fires by drowning ashes and embers with water before leaving. This includes safely disposing of ashes from wood stoves and charcoal briquettes; be Wildlife Smart by maintaining a clean campsite, keeping all food, trash, toiletries and cooking utensils locked in a vehicle or trailer, and pack out trash and recyclables before leaving; and keep all pets on leash. Backcountry hikers and paddlers are encouraged to register their trips using the free voluntary online registration form available on the Manitoba Parks website. Registration helps park staff locate backcountry users in the event of closures or emergencies but does not replace leaving a trip plan with a trusted contact. Campers are reminded that transporting firewood outside of Winnipeg is prohibited due to the presence of emerald ash borer and may result in fines. Firewood is available for purchase from local retailers at most campgrounds. Watercraft users and beachgoers need to be vigilant against aquatic invasive species. Always clean, drain, dry and, if necessary, decontaminate watercraft and water-related equipment. Information on aquatic invasive species and watercraft inspection station locations is available at https://www.manitoba.ca/stopais/. For updates and information on provincial parks, visit www.manitobaparks.com and follow Manitoba Parks on Facebook and X.