Manitoba Possible has launched an online process for the provincial accessible parking permit program. -        The Parking Permit Program, administered by Manitoba on behalf of Manitoba Infrastructure, has launched a new, online process for applying and renewing the permits that allow Manitobans to park in accessible spots around the province. -        Manitobans who have difficulty walking more than 50 metres without the use of a mobility aid are eligible for the program (For full eligibility requirements, please visit manitobapossible.ca/parking-permits) -        The application process will connect applicants, their healthcare practitioner, and Manitoba Possible in a secure, verified digital process, and -        For the first time, applicants will be able to apply and pay for applications, renewals, and replacements online. “Manitoba Possible is thrilled to be keeping up with the times and launching a simplified way for Manitobans and healthcare providers to be able to apply and renew accessible parking permits online.  This will be a simple and efficient process that will eliminate the need to drive to our office to renew or apply for a permit if one chooses so.” Director, Provincial Services (Adults), Monique Constant, shared. Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Ron Shuler shared, “The Parking Permit Program helps many Manitobans every year and will now be more accessible thanks to the easy-to-use innovative online system developed by Manitoba Possible,” said Schuler. “And a reminder to all motorists that you must respect the designated parking areas set aside for permit holders.” Manitobans interested in learning more about the accessible Parking Permit Program, eligibility and the newly launched online process can visit manitobapossible.ca/parking-permits. Manitobans who may need assistance or accommodations may contact the Parking Permit Program at: 1857 Notre Dame Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3E 3E7 Phone: (204) 975-3257 Toll-Free (Canada/US): 1-800-836-5551   Fax: (204) 975-3240 pppinfo@manitobapossible.ca

New, expanded and renovated health-care facilities will support improved access and better care for all Manitobans with investment in communities across the province, thanks to the largest capital health commitment in the province’s history, Premier Brian Pallister and Lanette Siragusa, Manitoba’s chief nursing officer, and Shared Health’s provincial lead of health system integration and quality, announced today. “Better health care for all Manitobans, with reduced wait times and improved access with more services closer to home, requires a bold vision and action plan for a stronger, more prosperous province,” said Pallister. “Together, we are planning for that future – for our children and our grandchildren – by listening to our public health-care leaders and the ideas of our doctors, nurses and other health professionals, and investing in solutions that are made-in-Manitoba for Manitobans.” Today’s announcement includes a provincial capital investment of an estimated $812 million for approximately 38 projects, including new facilities, as well as renovations and expansions to existing infrastructure. Together, these projects will form the foundation of Manitoba’s new Provincial Clinical Network, a system of health services that will improve access and enhance the quality and reliability of care while reducing provincial wait times. The clinical network will also reduce the need for many Manitobans to travel long distances for care by providing more services in a community closer to home. These investments have been identified as part of Manitoba’s Clinical and Preventive Services Plan, Pallister added. Released in November 2019, the plan was developed and led by clinical leaders and health system experts from across the province. Detailed planning has looked at population growth and community health needs, distance to specialized 24/7 health services, and the stability and reliability of the province’s health workforce. “This is an investment in the equipment, buildings, technology and health-care professionals that will improve outcomes and better support the needs of all Manitobans,” said Siragusa. “In emergencies, it’s going to mean reliable access to care with hospital-based and emergency response services that can be counted on when you need them. For rural and northern communities, it’s going to mean greater access to health services locally, with increased in-home care and other supports that will reduce the need for travel and support Manitobans at home, or in the community, for longer.” Today’s announcement includes nearly $70 million to enhance health services in Brandon, establishing the Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) as a centralized hub of specialized services for western Manitoba. The investment includes funds both for the expansion and renovation of clinical spaces within the health centre and for enhanced cancer services at the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre. The addition and renovations at the BRHC will include: • approximately 30 new medicine beds, • a new intensive care unit with additional staffed adult beds to meet the increasing demands of the health region and the province, and • a renovated and expanded neonatal intensive care unit. “Today’s announcement is the next step for Brandon Regional Health Centre’s exciting future role as the province’s hub for specialized services in Western Manitoba, said Brian Schoonbaert, chief executive officer, Prairie Mountain Health. “The enhancements to BRHC’s intensive care unit, the neonatal intensive care unit and the new medicine beds will provide the necessary infrastructure and supports to continue to provide exceptional care to our clients, patients and residents.” The expanded and renovated Western Manitoba Cancer Centre will serve as a regional cancer hub, providing enhanced cancer services for patients from across western Manitoba. The project will include: • an anticipated 7,000-sq.-ft. expansion as well as renovation of existing space including additional exam rooms and treatment spaces; and • a new medical linear accelerator (LINAC), commonly used for delivering external beam radiation treatments to patients with cancer. ”With the steady rise in cancer incidence, and with more treatment options for cancer, expanding our ability to deliver quality care closer to home in western Manitoba will be of benefit to patients,” said Dr. Piotr Czaykowski, chief medical officer, CancerCare Manitoba. Construction on the Brandon projects is expected to begin next year and be complete by the summer of 2025, the premier said, adding details on additional projects will be announced over the next several months. Today’s announcement also builds on other major infrastructure investments at health facilities throughout the province in recent years, including construction of the Selkirk Regional Health Centre and new emergency departments in Flin Flon and Dauphin and at Winnipeg’s Grace and St. Boniface hospitals. For more information on Manitoba’s Clinical and Preventive Services Plan, visit: https://sharedhealthmb.ca/wp-content/uploads/CPSP_Overview_NL.pdf. (Province of MB News Release)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release An investigation into the vehicle roll over on July 30, 2021 in a parking lot at 34th and Victoria led police to learn the identity of the driver, however attempts to locate him were negative and an arrest warrant was put into effect. On August 19, 2021, police located and arrested the 44-year-old male.  He was later released to appear in court in November 2021 on criminal charges of Dangerous Operation of Conveyance, Fail to Stop at Scene of Accident, and several HTA charges including Drive without Valid Driver’s Licence, and Drive an Unregistered Vehicle. Original Release from July 31, 2021: At 11:08 p.m. Friday, officers happened upon a single vehicle rollover accident in a parking lot at 34th Street and Victoria Avenue. Witnesses observed a truck driving through the lot strike a light pole and flip onto its side. The driver, who was the lone occupant, then fled the area on foot. A police K9 unit attempted to track the suspect but was not successful. Witnesses described the suspect as a bald Caucasian male wearing a tank top and shorts. There were no known injuries, and this matter remains under active investigation.

Most students, faculty and staff at Brandon University are expected to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as part of the University’s safe transition back to in-person instruction over the 2021–22 academic year. The University will not require vaccines before the start of Fall Term, which is just three weeks away, but vaccination as soon as possible is strongly encouraged. Through the coming year, the University will move towards being a campus that is as fully-vaccinated as possible. Exact dates and other logistical issues, including potential accommodations for those who cannot be vaccinated, as well as ways to meet the unique needs of International students, of those in Residence, and of others, will be worked out in the coming weeks. Details will be communicated to the BU community as soon as possible. Among many other issues, the University will be exploring different possible answers to questions like: When is the most appropriate deadline to begin requiring a vaccine? Can people opt for regular testing if they prefer not to get a vaccine? How will vaccination and/or test results be provided to the University in a way that best meets individual privacy concerns? How will the University accommodate those who are unable to get their vaccines yet, for example International students who arrive after the mandate begins? Will all areas have the same requirements, or will some high-risk activities have stricter requirements? What requirements are appropriate for campus visitors, contract workers, and similar groups on campus? The University will continue to consult with employee groups like BUFA, MGEU, IUOE and PSAC, student groups, including the students’ union, and public health officials as detailed answers to these questions are developed. The Fall Term at BU will begin as planned, with masks required, physical distancing, enhanced cleaning protocols, and in-person classes that are generally limited to 25 or fewer students. These measures are significantly stricter than current public health orders require. Vaccination is safe, easy, and effective. Universal vaccination, which protects both you and the people around you, is the fastest way for everyone to reach a post-pandemic life that is as normal as possible. Brandon University is also offering major prizes for those who get fully vaccinated this summer through the Winning Shot initiative. More than 1,100 members of the BU community have already registered as fully vaccinated. Details are online at BrandonU.ca/Winning-Shot. To further encourage vaccination, Brandon University is partnering with public health to host a campus vaccination clinic during the first week of Fall Term classes. Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available at Harvest Hall Sept. 7–9. The University is exploring additional ways to support everyone through the vaccination process and hopes to offer additional clinic dates in subsequent weeks. (Brandon University News Release)

Brandon School Division is looking forward to the full return of in-class learning for all Kindergarten to Grade 12 students. Brandon School Division also welcomes the ability to offer a wider range of programming and activities. The Division is equally committed to keeping our students and staff safe as previous restrictions are lifted. While no single protective measure can eliminate the risk of infection, Brandon School Division can reduce the level of risk through multiple layers of measures. Some of the measures to reduce the level of risk from COVID-19 include: • Students and staff will continue to follow the fundamentals of self-screening, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and staying at home when sick. • Provision of remote learning for immunocompromised students or students with family members who are immunocompromised. • Minimize congestion of students through the use of multiple entrances and management of hallway traffic. • Use of cohorts in K-8 classes. • Increased ventilation where possible. • Physical distancing to the greatest extent possible. While vaccinations are a protective measure, we understand the concern from parents whose children are not eligible for vaccinations. We also understand the increasing concern of a potential fourth wave. Additionally, there is a great deal of uncertainty regarding the impact on schools from the full return of students and the loosening of restrictions. In a further effort to reduce the risk to our students, the Brandon School Division Board of Trustees will be mandating the use of masks in buildings and on buses when 2 metre physical distancing cannot be achieved. This decision will be revisited monthly and will be adjusted accordingly as the Public Health context evolves and the impact on schools becomes clearer. Masks will be available to students and staff. Mask exemptions are available for individuals who are unable to properly wear a mask or who have a medical condition that does not allow them to wear a mask. It is understood that there are differing perspectives on the appropriateness of COVID measures. However, there is a shared desire to keep our students and staff safe. Through these temporary measures we can reduce the risk of transmission, reduce the number of close contacts, reduce the number of families impacted by the need to self-isolate, and keep our schools open with full student attendance.