The Manitoba government is providing $2 million to establish and operate a sobering centre in the city of Brandon, Justice Minister Cameron Friesen announced here today. “Sobering centres offer an effective alternative to police and hospital-based responses to public intoxication, while keeping Manitobans safe,” said Friesen. “The Brandon Sobering Centre will provide a safe setting for individuals needing short-term recovery, and support our government’s commitment to improving the health and wellness of all Manitobans.” The Brandon Sobering Centre will provide a 24-7 safe and secure environment for non-violent, publicly intoxicated individuals to stay while the effects of drugs and/or alcohol wear off. Public intoxication continues to be a significant health and safety issue in Brandon and the surrounding area. Currently, the Brandon Police Service responds to over 1,000 calls for service annually where drugs and alcohol are considered a factor in the event. These incidents place a significant burden on the health-care and justice systems. This funding builds on a partnership with the City of Brandon, and other stakeholders, to develop a community safety and well-being strategy, which includes a sobering centre, the minister noted. “The addition of a sobering centre for our area will provide a more appropriate and services-oriented approach to serving people dealing with addictions,” said Mayor Rick Chrest, City of Brandon. “This will be a benefit to those who require assistance and to our police service personnel who are on the front line rendering assistance to individuals experiencing public intoxication.” “We at the Brandon Police Service are thrilled to see this sobering center become a reality,” said Randy Lewis, deputy chief, Brandon Police Service. “We have been involved in discussions with community advocates and the provincial government for some time now, and it is safe to say that we support this initiative fully. We have long recognized that our cells were not the proper place for someone with a drug or alcohol addiction to sober up and the new sobering centre will provide the proper care to these individuals. I believe that this sobering center will enhance overall community safety by freeing up officer time, which will allow them to return to their duties more quickly where they can focus their efforts on criminal activity and targeting those that make a living from trafficking drugs.” Friesen noted the new sobering centre aligns with a number of key recommendations resulting from provincial reports and strategic initiatives, including Manitoba’s Policing and Public Safety Strategy, released in 2019, which calls for government to support law enforcement and community stakeholders to combat and reduce public intoxication and alleviate extraneous demands on police officers. The establishment of a sobering centre also supports the Canadian Mental Health Association action plan on the Brandon region. The Manitoba government continues to support law enforcement and community stakeholders in approaches to combat and reduce public intoxication and disorder, and has made significant investments in mental health and addictions services since October 2019, including more than $51.3 million in more than 34 projects and initiatives. (Province of MB News Release)

Westoba Credit Union is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of the Manitoba 150 – Tour 150 art exhibit. Tour 150 will travel across the province to communities this summer (and for years to come!) in celebration of Qaumajuq, the new Inuit art centre at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, with vehicle support from Birchwood. The custom retrofitted tour vehicle, named Nakatamaakewin [na-kah-tah-MAA-kaywin], a Michif name gifted by Language Keeper and Elder Verna Demontigny meaning “to leave something behind,” will bring a culturally rich and diverse display of art to communities across the province. The vehicle is wrapped in the beautiful artwork of local Inuit artist Kailey Sheppard and depicts the natural beauty of our province. Inside is a collection of Inuit art in soapstone, felt, print, textiles, and other materials. Westoba will host this event in the following communities: • The Pas – Thursday, July 29th, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM • Brandon Kirkaldy Branch – Tuesday, August 10th 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM • Rivers – Thursday, August 12th 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM • La Riviere – Thursday, August 26th 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM This is a free event, open to everyone

the Brandon Area Community Foundation (BACF) wishes to inform the public that community grant applications are now being accepted for the 2021 granting year. BACF have been providing community grants to organizations in Brandon and southwestern Manitoba since 1966. BACF awards grants to support a wide range of projects and programs, which include, but not limited to, the areas of arts, culture, community development, education, environment, recreation, seniors services, social services and youth programs. Grants are made to Canada Revenue Agency registered charities only, never directly to individuals or non-registered not for profit organizations. In 2020, over $1 million in grants were distributed throughout the Westman area. “The Foundation’s objective is to serve the community of southwestern Manitoba and due to COVID-19, supporting our community through our granting process is more relevant than ever.”  stated Laura Kempthorne, Executive Director of BACF. “I highly recommend that if anyone has any questions regarding their eligibility for funding, questions regarding their project or our grant application, please feel free to call me before you make a submission.” BACF is fortunate to have generous donors over the decades who have established funds with the Foundation.  Some of these funds are secured to support annual grants to address significant community needs identified by non-profit groups.  The grants are intended to improve the overall quality of life for everyone in our community. To apply, visit Brandon Area Community Foundation’s website: www.bacf.ca Deadline is Thursday, September 30th 2021, 4:00 p.m. (submitted)

Thick choking smoke has filled Westman skies over the past couple of days. Lots of this smoke is a result of the many wildfires currently burning in the eastern and northern parts of Manitoba, along with fires in northern Ontario. Environment Canada has issued many air quality health alerts, and rates Brandon and surrounding communities at a 9 on their scale, which is "high risk". The smoke is expected to dissipate later in the week pending wind changes.

BRANDON—Investments in local infrastructure by the governments of Canada and Manitoba during this unprecedented time will help stimulate the economy and address the needs of all communities, including rural and remote communities, as they recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Investments to build and upgrade culture and recreation infrastructure will ensure that Manitobans have access to the services and networks they need to stay connected, share experiences, and build healthy, inclusive and vibrant communities. Today, Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Western Economic Diversification Canada) and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (Canada Water Agency), on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, the Honourable Reg Helwer, Minister of Central Services, and the Honourable Cathy Cox, Minister of Sport Culture and Heritage, announced funding for 15 culture and recreation infrastructure projects in Manitoba’s rural and northern communities. In Brandon, funding will go to the construction of an Outdoor Sports Complex, consisting of 10 soccer fields, including one FIFA-size field with lighting and bleachers, additional fields constructed to allow for multiple sport uses like ultimate frisbee, a clubhouse with washrooms and change rooms, a maintenance garage and parking, as well as green spaces for events and picnics. The Dood Cristall Family YMCA will be expanded to include a new fitness studio and functional fitness spaces, to provide capacity for youth programming, including summer camps, and to facilitate additional memberships and community participation. The expansion will also accommodate 34 new child-care spaces. In Flin Flon, funding will build a new Community Aqua Centre and Recreational Facility to replace the former facility, which was closed in 2020 due to structural concerns. The new energy-efficient facility will increase and improve community programs and recreational activities, encouraging residents to swim, train, and stay healthy. The Government of Canada is investing more than $13.6 million in the 15 projects announced today through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. For projects requiring consultations with Indigenous groups, funding is conditional on consultation requirements being met. The government of Manitoba is funding over $9.5 million. Project recipients are also contributing approximately $14.6 million toward eligible project costs for their respective projects. Quotes “Rural and northern communities are an integral part of our country, and they have been impacted by COVID-19 in unprecedented ways. Investments in culture and recreation infrastructure projects, like the ones announced today, are essential to the health and well-being of Canadians. Together with the Province, municipalities, and project funding recipients, we’re building back better and providing residents with modern, safe, and accessible places to learn, grow, and enjoy leisure activities. Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested $945 million in over 229 infrastructure projects across Manitoba to create jobs and improve quality of life. To expand access to broadband, we have also invested over $198 million in Manitoba, which will help connect more than 86,000 households to high-speed internet. Through the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada invests in thousands of infrastructure projects in all areas of the country, creating jobs and strengthening communities at a time when it is needed most.” – Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Western Economic Diversification Canada) and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (Canada Water Agency), on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development “The Manitoba government continues to invest in recreational infrastructure for the betterment of our communities. Today’s announcement provides Manitobans with access to recreation and fitness facilities that are necessary for their well-being and health. This investment in cultural and recreation infrastructure will inspire learning and growth and is key to creating healthy communities.” – The Honourable Reg Helwer, Minister of Central Services “Manitoba’s dynamic cultural beliefs, traditions, values and resources are at the heart of our vibrant province and are key to the well-being of our people and our communities. Manitoba’s cultural sector is an important economic driver for our province and will play an important role in our post-pandemic recovery. We are pleased to partner with the federal government to invest in these important recreation facilities across the province that will help to improve the lives of Manitobans today and well into the future.” – The Honourable Cathy Cox, Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage “This is an extremely exciting and welcomed project for our community. When completed it will provide recreation and sport opportunities for many age groups on a grand scale and will also be an economic catalyst through the hosting of tournaments and larger events. The City is grateful for this significant partnership opportunity with our Federal and Provincial levels of government.” – His Worship Rick Chrest, Mayor of Brandon “This investment in our community and region cannot be undersold. It is so important not only to the character of our city, but the safety and health as well. After all, we are the land of 100,000 lakes. Myself and all facets of my community from the children to the seniors are unbelievably excited about this announcement. Given everything that’s going on, the timing couldn’t be better.” – His Worship Cal Huntley, Mayor of Flin Flon Quick Facts • Under the Investing in Canada plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities. • $2 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure that meets the unique and wide-ranging priorities of rural and remote communities, like sport and recreation facilities, local access roads, and enhanced broadband connectivity. • In Manitoba, the Government of Canada has invested more $945 million in over 229 infrastructure projects under the Investing in Canada Plan. (Submitted)