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.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On August 17, 2021, police attempted to conduct a traffic stop at shortly before 10:00 am; however, the suspect vehicle proceeded to drive away at a high rate of speed east bound on Victoria Ave E., then north on Hwy 110, and eventually east on Veterans Way. Members of Brandon Police Service terminated the pursuit after approximately 5 minutes and other police jurisdictions were notified of the situation. The suspect exceeded speeds of 140km/h during the pursuit. At approximately 11:00 am, members of MFNP Sandy Bay Detachment advised BPS that they had located the suspect vehicle and arrested the driver, a 15-year-old male. He will appear today in court today on charges from Brandon Police Service of Flight from Police, and Dangerous Driving.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On August 18, 2021, police responded to an alarm at a business in the 200 block of College Ave shortly after 2:00 am. The suspects were able to enter through an unlocked door, and then they forced their way into an inner office where they stole a tablet. The suspects fled prior to police arrival; however, security footage assisted police in identifying them. Shortly after 4:00 pm, police located and arrested the two suspects. The stolen tablet was also recovered. The 29-year-old male was lodged at Brandon Police Service and will appear today in court on charges of Break and Enter and Theft, and Fail to Comply with Release Order X4. The 27-year-old female was later released to appear in court on a charge of Break and Enter and Theft on October 21, 2021.

The City of Brandon in partnership with the Brandon Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce the Brandon Economic Restart Program (BERP). Designed to stimulate investment in local businesses negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, BERP will position businesses to rebound and thrive as the economy begins to reopen. Eligible Brandon businesses can apply for a one-time grant of up to $2,500. Applications will be evaluated on a first come, first served basis until the available funding is depleted. Business eligibility includes: Legally operating within the City of Brandon on or before July 12, 2020 Be able to demonstrate that their net income has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic Invest a minimum of 10% from their own funds toward the eligible investment Government organizations, post-secondary institutions, health authorities, craft home-based businesses, or independent consultants are not eligible for this program. Eligible investments include: Professional Services Marketing Technology Improvements Furniture & Equipment Eligible investments must be made on or after July 13, 2021, up until December 31, 2021, with exceptions granted on a case-by-case basis via the City of Brandon’s Economic Development Department. Businesses can apply prior to making the investment or they can apply after the investment is made, understanding there is no guarantee of funding approval. BERP grant applications will be evaluated in a two-phased approach. Applications must first meet both business and investment eligibility to be considered. Once both eligibilities have been approved, the next phase will be evaluated using the following evaluation criteria: Financial Need Likelihood Proposed Investment(s) Achieve Program Goals Level of Private Sector Financial Contributions Financial Investment Being Spent in Brandon Economy Funded by the City of Brandon with a total of $250,000 allocated to BERP, the City’s Economic Development Department will administer the program with support from the Brandon Chamber of Commerce Business Recovery Taskforce. Further information including the Application Guide and Application Form can be found at Brandon Economic Restart Program (BERP) - Economic Development Brandon. “I am very pleased that we are able to invest $250,000 to support our local businesses that have been so negatively impacted by the pandemic,” notes Mayor Rick Chrest. “Local businesses are the backbone of our community and economy. We hope this investment will help position our local businesses to rebound and thrive once again.” (submitted)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On August 11, 2021 at 1:42 am, police responded to several reports of shots fired in the area of 4th and Louise Ave. Investigation into the reports revealed that following an altercation between a group of individuals, one of the male’s involved discharged a handgun.  No one was injured and no property was damaged. On August 11, 2021 at approximately 11:20 am, police located and arrested the 40-year-old male who was responsible for firing the weapon.  He was lodged at Brandon Police Service and will appear in court today on charges of Careless Use of Firearm, Possession of a Weapon, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm knowing its Possession is Unauthorized, and Possession of Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order.  He did not have the handgun on him at the time of his arrest. A second male involved in the disturbance was also located and arrested at 10:10 am, for Uttering Threats during the altercation.  Upon his arrest police discovered, he was in possession of Meth.  The 27-year-old male was later released to appear in court on December 13, 2021 on charges of Uttering Threats and on December 9, 2021 on charges of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Meth.