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Tuesday, February 11, 2025
HomeLocal News (Page 3)

Manitoba Government Tackles Causes of Crime in Westman Alongside Law Enforcement

Crime Stoppers Wanted and Crime of the Week for February 7, 2025

WCHA adds new hockey program

Production of Child Pornography, Possession of Child Pornography, Distribution of Child Pornography, Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference, Assault:

Manitoba Government Cracks Down on Money Laundering

Manitoba Government to Pull American Alcohol Products Off Shelves

Brandon Police Bust Cocaine Trafficking Operation; Two Suspects Arrested

Brandon Bits and Bites – Issue 6

Parks Canada will allow boats on Clear Lake with restrictions

In 2025, Parks Canada plans to permit watercraft on Clear Lake under a "one boat, one lake" aquatic invasive species prevention program. This program will be similar to the one implemented in 2023. The public will be invited to provide input on how the 2025 program will be applied. The discovery of hundreds of live juvenile zebra mussels attached to docks and infrastructure near the east end of Clear Lake in the fall of 2024 indicated that zebra mussels are not isolated to the Boat Cove area of the lake, where they had previously been found and where the containment curtain had been installed. This discovery prompted a review of management actions. With input and advice from Indigenous advisors, the Province of Manitoba, and leading scientific and international experts, Parks Canada has determined that eradicating zebra mussels from Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park is not feasible. Zebra mussels are a real and significant threat to Clear Lake and downstream waterbodies. These waterbodies flow through five First Nations, are important for agriculture, industry, and recreation, and provide drinking water for tens of thousands of people. Parks Canada is committed to managing the impacts of zebra mussels on the natural environment and to the vitality of the local tourism economy. Parks Canada representatives will be set-up near the skating rink behind the Visitor Centre on February 1 and 2 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Come contribute your input to the 2025 AIS Prevention Program during the Winter Adventure Weekend. The information collected will be used to inform the management of Clear Lake’s aquatic invasive species prevention program for 2025. There is also an opportunity to provide input through an online questionnaire available until February 28, 2025 through this link: https://parks-parcs.simplesurvey.com/f/s/Clear-Lake-Riding-Mountain-2024 For more information and updates about zebra mussels, boating and aquatic invasive species prevention in Riding Mountain National Park visit: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/mb/riding/activ/moto-boat Source Riding Mountain National Park Bulletin

Voyeurism, Distribute Intimate Image without Consent

Voyeurism / Distribute Intimate Image without Consent On January 24th it was reported that a 17-year-old male had secretly taken intimate footage without consent of him and a 16-year-old female. He sent it to her and possibly another yet to be determined person. The male was arrested, phone was seized, and statements were obtained. The male was released via Undertaking with a court date of April 8th, 2025. Theft Under $5000 On January 27th at 5:55PM a report of a theft of merchandise from a store in the 2600 block of Victoria Avenue came in to police. A 53-year-old woman was located in the area, matching the description provided, and found to have the merchandise on her person. She was processed and released on an Undertaking with a court date of April 7th, 2025. Source: BPS News Release

Male suspect arrested following late-night extortion incident involving firearm

It was reported that on the evening of January 25th, a 34-year-old male alongside a yet to be identified female, attended a residence at approximately 11:20PM making financial demands. The 34-year-old male pulled a handgun from his waistband and pointed at a 35-year-old male and 34-year-old female demanding that they pay him $150 bi-weekly, or he would return for “further violence”. The male then pulled out his phone and made the female say on video that she would pay every two weeks. On January 26th at approximately 5:35AM the 34-year-old male attended BPS and was arrested. He was held in detention cells and had court in the morning. Charges pending included Pointing a Firearm X2, Using Firearm in the Commission of an Offence – While Committing Offense, Extortion with Firearm, Carrying Concealed Weapon, Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, Uttering Threats Against a Person, and Disobeying Court Order.

Female arrested after man allegedly bottled on the head

Aggravated Assault: A 34 year-old female was arrested for aggravated assault as a result of a complaint received on January 25th, arising from a disturbance at the Keystone Motor Inn.  The female is alleged to have “bottled” a male on the head resulting in significant injury.  She was released on appropriate police imposed conditions and is to appear in court on April 7th. Shoplifter: On December 23rd, an employee from Winners reported that on November 11th, two female suspects stole approx. $1000 in merchandise from the store. From video surveillance, one of the suspects was identified and on Saturday morning, the 28 year-old suspect was located and arrested for the offence of theft under $5000.  She was released on appropriate police imposed conditions and is to appear in court on April 7th. Source: BPS News Release

City Council Passes Budget which includes a tax requirement increase of 7.1 percent

Brandon City Council has approved the 2025 budget, which is centered around sustainable growth and ensuring a better future for Brandon families. This budget continues Council's commitment to maintaining essential services while planning for long-term sustainability. The 2025 budget includes a tax requirement increase of 7.1%, translating to a 6.9% rise in the municipal portion of the average property owner's tax bill. Major Projects Supporting Sustainable Growth include: $30.7 million for wastewater infrastructure enhancements and preservation, including the Southwest Wastewater Servicing Project $18.2 million for various Fleet projects, including the purchase of 2 transit buses and refurbishment of the remaining transit fleet $18.9 million for land drainage improvements, including the Southeast Drainage Project $16.1 million for Facilities, including the new Police Operations Centre $12.8 million for Parks & Recreation Services, including upgrades to Brandon’s Community Sportsplex arena, Maple Leaf Foods Sports Complex, and various playground replacements $1.2 million for solid waste projects, including a diversion depot and an AI system for collection trucks Additional highlights include: $100,000 for a Tree Enhancement program $50,000 toward the Medical Doctor recruitment program $250,000 toward the Street Preservation program $50,000 toward the Sidewalk & Curb Preservation focused on accessibility upgrades Up to $100,000 for a pedestrian corridor on Victoria Ave E near Russell St. $200,000 for additional pothole remediation Additional funding toward community organizations   Other notable items in the approved operating budget include increased funding for improved road and property restoration, a new low-income water audit / fixture subsidy program, and enhanced Transit security. This budget plan ensures that Brandon continues to thrive, providing a sustainable and prosperous future for all its residents. “Brandon families rely on a high quality of life and reasonable taxes, which is what we aim to provide,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett. “This budget is focused on addressing essential needs, ensuring entitlements, and prioritizing key aspects such as clean water, safe streets, and a livable city. We’re going to continue to focus on our plan to sustainability that we started last year with a focus on rebuilding long-term sustainability in Brandon’s finances.” “We would also like to thank the province for the $1 million investment in critical capital infrastructure toward the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. This allowed us to achieve a one percent lower tax increase than expected,” said Fawcett. “By focusing the 2025 budget on urgent needs and re-prioritizing infrastructure repairs and construction projects, City Council is confident we’re putting Brandon on a sustainable path.”