Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On March 16, 2021, police received a report of an assault between multiple individuals, which occurred in the evening on the Keystone Centre Grounds. One of the individuals involved received injuries, which required medical treatment. An investigation into the incident revealed an ongoing feud between those involved. Police have charged two individuals. On Friday March 19, police arrested a 16-year-old male youth for Uttering Threats. He will appear in court on June 6, 2021. On Monday March 22, 2021, police arrested an 18-year-old male. He will appear in court on June 7, 2021 on a charge of Assault Cause Bodily Harm. The investigation remains ongoing. Police would like to thank the many individuals who have come forward with information on this matter.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media ReleaseOn March 21, 2021, police responded to a report of suspicious activity in a business compound in the 800 block of on 49 street E at approximately 11:00 pm.  Police located an unoccupied unauthorized vehicle within the compound prompting a search of the area with the assistance of Police K-9.  Police K-9 located the two suspects who were hiding.  Following their arrests, further investigation led police to discover they were in possession of a small quantity of Meth, property they were attempting to steal from the business and break in instruments.  A 49-year-old male will appear in court on June 10, 2021 on charges of Theft Under $5000 and Possession of Meth.  A 22-year-old male will also appear in court on June 10, 2021 on charges of Possession of Break-in Instruments, and Possession of Meth.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media ReleaseBreak and Enter to Residence On March 18, 2021, police responded to a report of a break and enter to a residence in the 1500 block of 2nd street.  Suspects entered overnight by removing a screen and forcing a window.  Stolen was a RCA TV.  Anyone with information regarding this Break and Enter is encouraged to contact Brandon Police Service at 204-729-2345 or https://www.brandon.ca/police-contact/police-contact . Break and Enter to Garage On March 18, 2021, police responded to a report of a break and enter to a garage in the 000 block of 24th street.  Suspects entered the garage overnight and stole 2 power drills and an antique flashlight.  Anyone with information regarding this Break and Enter is encouraged to contact Brandon Police Service at 204-729-2345 or https://www.brandon.ca/police-contact/police-contact . Break and Enter to Shed On March 18, 2021, police responded to a report of a break and enter to a shed in the 1300 block of 4th street.  Suspects cut the lock to the shed overnight.  It is unknown if anything was taken.  Anyone with information regarding this Break and Enter is encouraged to contact Brandon Police Service at 204-729-2345 or https://www.brandon.ca/police-contact/police-contact .

City of Brandon has ranked first in under-50,000 population and 12th overall in North America according to a study released by Public Sector Digest (PSD), a research consulting software company. The City ranked 13th in PSD’s 2019 study.  PSD launched the Open Cities Index (OCI) - Canada’s first benchmarking study for municipal open data programs in 2015 and has expanded to invite organizations from all over North America. This tool provides a way for local governments to measure the maturity and performance of their open data initiatives while providing insight on how they can improve. More info on their report can be found at psdrcs.com/open-cities-index-oci2020.  OpenGov.brandon.ca was first launched in 2012 and provides a centralized online home for the City’s open data catalogue, existing web and mobile applications, with an emphasis on presenting information in a user-friendly, easy to navigate way. Users can directly access various ESRI-based maps, Brandon’s property assessment search, information on river levels, road closures, transit routes, and sanitation collection, and dozens of datasets relating to City governance, finance, infrastructure, and greenspace management.  “It is great to see us move up a position in our ranking in the Open Cities Index for Open Data,” says Todd Burton, Director of Innovation, Technology & Communications for the City of Brandon. “Being ranked 12th place for a city of our size is gratifying. Our team is always looking at what we can do to further enhance our focus on our Open Data Catalog and enabling citizen access to useful information.”  (City of Brandon PSA)

The Manitoba government is investing $8 million for the creation of a new Hospitality Relief Sector Program to provide financial relief to Manitoba’s accommodation and tourism sector, Premier Brian Pallister announced today. “Manitoba’s tourism sector – a key contributor to the province’s economy – has been significantly impacted by a reduction in domestic and international travel and other restrictions that were necessary to protect Manitobans and all Canadians from the spread of COVID-19,” said Pallister. “We recognize that these businesses have made significant sacrifices in order to protect their community. We are committed to helping them through this challenging and unpredictable time and to help position them for recovery.” The new Hospitality Relief Sector Program, to be administered by the Manitoba Hotel Association and the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association, will provide funding to hotels and full-time licenced resource tourism operators for fixed costs that have not been covered by other relief programs such as:• property insurance,• mortgage interest,• property taxes,• land leases,• service fees,• maintenance of camps, and• resource retention costs. Grants will be provided as a reimbursement for a percentage of eligible expenses incurred. “This funding will provide a much-needed lifeline for the Lodges and Outfitters of Manitoba,” said DJ Seales, president, Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association (MLOA). “With the nature of this industry, many are facing a second year of no business due to the border being closed. MLOA would like to thank the province for partnering with and supporting these businesses and this industry during these uncertain times.” More information on the Hospitality Relief Sector Program and how to apply will be available for eligible applicants shortly. “We thank the government for recognizing that hotels have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic and that we need help,” said Scott Jocelyn, president and CEO, Manitoba Hotel Association. “This program will be provide much-needed assistance for the hotel industry, which has been one of the most impacted industries, and will be one of the last to recover.” To date, the province has committed $490 million in support programs to businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the recently expanded Manitoba Bridge Grant program, which provides up to $15,000 in direct financial support to businesses, non-profits and charities impacted by code level red restrictions. To date, approximately $205 million has been paid out to over 14,000 eligible applicants. Approximately $178 million has been provided to more than 11,700 storefront businesses and organizations, and $26 million to more than 2,500 home-based businesses. “Our government will continue to work side-by-side with all Manitoba businesses to help them do what they do best – employ Manitobans and offer services Manitobans rely on,” Pallister added. ”But we know many businesses have not been able to do that as result of public health restrictions, which is why we are proud to offer some of the most generous support programs in the country.” Manitobans can learn more about COVID-19 supports for businesses at:https://manitoba.ca/supportsforbusiness. (Province of MB News Release)