The City of Brandon Parks Team has observed a notable decline in the health of ash trees within downtown Brandon, particularly affecting black and Manchurian ash varieties. This deterioration results from a combination of factors, including limited growing spaces, recurring drought, environmental damage, and exposure to winter road salts. Additionally, these conditions have been aggravated by an infestation of the invasive Cottony Ash Psyllid (CAP), commonly referred to as jumping tree lice. CAP feeds on the sap of ash leaves, leading to leaf curling, discoloration, early leaf drop, and canopy thinning. At present, there are no effective pesticides or known natural predators for CAP, making treatment options extremely limited. To prevent further spread and safeguard healthy trees, the City will remove 71 affected ash trees throughout downtown Brandon. The removal process will start on Mon, Sept. 15, 2025. Most trees slated for removal are located along 7th St., 9th St., 10th St., and 11th St. between Pacific Ave. and Louise Ave., with a small number also on Rosser Ave. In spring 2026, the City will initiate a replanting program featuring a diverse selection of tree species designed to enhance the resilience of Brandon’s urban tree canopy. “The health of Brandon’s downtown ash trees is vital to the character and resilience of our city,” said Bryce Wilson, City of Brandon Manager of Parks. “While removing these trees is a difficult decision, it is necessary to stop the spread of invasive pests and protect the remaining urban canopy. Our team is committed to restoring and enhancing our green spaces, and we look forward to launching a replanting program in spring 2026 that will introduce a variety of species for a stronger, healthier future.”

Progressive Conservatives are celebrating the swearing-in of Colleen Robbins on Monday as the newest MLA for Spruce Woods and the 21st member of the Manitoba PC Caucus. “I am so excited to be joining a dedicated team that is building a new PC vision for Manitoba,” said Robbins. “I promise to be a reliable, unwavering advocate for Spruce Woods who leads with authenticity, tenacity, and a belief in uplifting others.” “The government acting in the best interests of our communities will be my utmost priority as an MLA. That includes holding the NDP accountable for the over-$300 million in opportunistic promises they made to buy votes in Spruce Woods.” Born and raised in Westman, Robbins is an entrepreneur, former nurse, and lifelong volunteer for various causes. A passionate advocate for rural economic development, she has built local businesses and served as president of the Souris Chamber of Commerce. Among her community work, Robbins has volunteered on various boards and organizations, such as Manitoba Crime Stoppers. She also helped establish To the Stan and Back to support Canadian troops returning from Afghanistan, which has since supported countless front-line workers and veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces. “Colleen’s passion to help others, to be a voice, and to drive change is exactly what we need for our new PC era,” said Obby Khan, Leader of the Official Opposition. “Her background speaks for itself—she has experience in business, healthcare, public safety, veteran services, rural development, and much more.” “I have no doubt that she will be there for her community, just as she’s always been. With Colleen, our PC team will continue building up Spruce Woods and demanding better from an NDP government that has left Westman behind for too long.”

Next Trimester Nursing Co. Opens First Feeding Studio in Westman Brandon families now have a new resource for expert prenatal and infant feeding support, thanks to the expansion of Next Trimester Nursing Co. Founded by local Registered Nurses Adrienne McNish and Jaiclyn Parsonage, Next Trimester Nursing Co. (formerly Baby Bump Prenatal) has been a leading source of education and support for expectant and new parents across Manitoba for the past decade. Next Trimester Nursing Co. has opened the region’s first Feeding Studio inside Dynamic Physiotherapy Clinic at 1100 Richmond Avenue, in Brandon. The studio offers a private, welcoming space where families can receive personalized lactation support from a nursing team of Certified Breastfeeding Specialists and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). The Feeding Studio is now officially open and welcoming bookings from families across Westman. “We know how many families in our community have been needing this kind of support, and we’re so excited to finally be able to offer it,” says McNish. “Feeding can be one of the more stressful parts of early parenting, and our goal is to ensure families feel supported, cared for, and confident every step of the way.” In addition to the Feeding Studio, Next Trimester Nursing Co. continues to offer a wide range of prenatal and postpartum services. These include prenatal classes offered in both small-group and private settings, for both the first-time and experienced parents. Offerings also include workshops focused on newborn safety and emergency care, as well as feeding education through group workshops and one-on-one sessions. Parsonage emphasizes that accessibility and community connection are at the heart of their work. “Having support that is flexible and accessible can make all the difference in those early days. Our passion has always been supporting families through the big transitions of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Our Feeding Studio is an extension of that — a space built entirely around supporting parents and their babies.” For more information about Westman’s first Feeding Studio, please visit: https://www.nexttrimester.com/feedingstudio or by following Next Trimester Nursing Co. on social media.

Fire at Hospital On September 7th at approximately 12:53 PM, hospital security reported a fire outside the Emergency Room at the corner of the ramp. Smoke and flames extended to the HVAC system. Brandon Fire & Emergency Services responded promptly and successfully contained the fire. At this time, the fire is considered non-suspicious. Assault Causing Bodily Harm On September 7th at approximately 7:02 PM, police responded to a report of an assault that had occurred in a hotel room in the 3500 block of Victoria Avenue. A 20-year-old female was assaulted by her ex-boyfriend, a 26-year-old male. During the assault, the victim sustained an injury to her upper lip that required stitches. The suspect was located on scene, arrested, and charged in relation to the incident. He was held in BPS detention cells and is scheduled to appear in court the morning of September 8th, 2025. Assault On September 7th at 8:39PM police were called to the 1200 block of Rosser Avenue due to a reported Assault. A 24-year-old female was walking home from a bar, and she allegedly didn’t stop at the request of her ex-boyfriend, who then grabbed her by the hair and smacked her in the face. The 30-year-old male was arrested and later released with conditions via Undertaking. A court date of November 3rd, 2025 has been set.

The Manitoba government is warning Manitobans about fraudulent text messages involving provincial fine payments and tax credits, which are part of a phishing scam. This week, members of the public reported receiving texts from a sender claiming to be Manitoba Justice and demanding payment for outstanding fines for provincial offences including speeding tickets and traffic violations. Manitoba Justice currently does not send payment requests or any official communications via text. Anyone with concerns about outstanding fines or questions about methods of communications should contact Manitoba Justice directly or visit: www.gov.mb.ca/justice/tickets/index.html. Other recipients have recently received a text asking them to finalize their Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit (HATC) by clicking a link. Manitoba Finance does not verify or finalize tax credits or benefits via text message. For information about HATC, visit www.gov.mb.ca/finance/tao/hatc.html. Manitobans who receive these types of texts should not respond or click on any links within the message and should avoid providing any personal information. Recipients can report suspicious messages to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.