The Manitoba government has launched its new rebate program to get people revved up and thinking about buying an electric vehicle (EV) that will help more Manitobans lower their emissions and save money on gas, Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt and Finance Minister Adrien Sala announced today. “We know Manitobans want to do their part to help lower emissions and protect our environment, and we want to help them make the switch,” said Schmidt. “This is a win-win for our province. We’re fighting the climate crisis while also lowering costs for families right away with a rebate on EVs and helping them save money every month on their daily commute.” The new $25-million Manitoba Electric Vehicle Rebate program will offer a $4,000 incentive on new qualifying EV purchases and a $2,500 incentive on used qualifying EV purchases, including EVs purchased on or after Aug. 1, 2023, and will run until March 2026. “We are delivering on our campaign promise to help Manitoba families afford an electric vehicle,” said Sala. “This is a significant rebate up front and it will help you save money in the long term – even with the lowest gas prices in Canada.” To be eligible, vehicles must be purchased or leased from Manitoba dealerships with a maximum manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $70,000 for new vehicles or a maximum $70,000 purchase price for used vehicles, with one rebate per vehicle and per owner. New Tesla vehicles with a maximum MSRP of $70,000 purchased outside of Manitoba between Aug. 1, 2023, and May 2, 2024, also qualify. “As early adopters, we bought our first electric vehicle 12 years ago now,” said Shelley Kowalchuk, an electric vehicle owner. “It was such a positive move, we bought a second one 5 years ago and we still drive both today. Our EVs save us money and they help the environment by reducing our dependency on fossil fuels. That’s a win-win for us. Manitoba is a great province to own an EV – the cost of electricity here is cheaper than most other provinces and the vehicles are very low maintenance. For example, our first EV is 12 years old now and we only just had its first brake job this spring. We’re thrilled that the province will be offering provincial rebates. We see EVs are getting cheaper every year and this fact combined with these rebates will enable many folks to take the leap to go electric, and that’s great.” The ministers also noted Manitoba Hydro offers Manitobans a financing program to install Level 2 electric vehicle chargers at their homes. “The members of Global Automakers of Canada wish to acknowledge and support the progressive efforts by the Manitoba government to make the transition to electric vehicles more affordable for Manitobans through the introduction of the Manitoba Electric Vehicle Rebate program,” said David Adams, president and CEO, Global Automakers of Canada. Both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are eligible for the incentive. Used EVs must be less than four years old and incentives for leased vehicles will be proportionate to the length of the lease, with a full incentive for a four-year lease. Manitobans who already bought an EV between Aug. 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024, can apply for the incentive on the Manitoba Public Insurance website starting on July 2.

On July 2nd at 3:50PM a 32-year-old female was witnessed stealing items from an establishment in the 900 block of Victoria Avenue. Police attended and located the female matching the description. While being arrested she kicked a police officer in the leg and later spit at both an officer and a Commissionaire. She was under an order not to attend the establishment from which she stole. Medical attention was not required for anyone. The female was held in custody with charges of Assaulting a Police Officer X2, Assault, Theft under $5000, and Breach of Probation. A court date of July 3rd has been set.

Knife Pulled on Employee On June 29th at 4:35pm police were called to an establishment in the 200 block of 18th Street where a male had uttered threats at an employee, pulled a knife and then left. Police located the 29-year-old male nearby and arrested him. He was charged with Possession of a Dangerous Weapon, Carrying Concealed Weapon, and Uttering Threats. He was later released with a court date of August 26th, 2024. Hit and Run On June 29th at 7:36pm police received a report of a hit and run at Lyndale and Sycamore. The suspect hit a vehicle, drove through a ditch, and left the scene. An additional call was received from another caller who followed the driver to a business in the 1600 block of 18th Street where they blocked in the impaired driver. The subject was uncooperative. A 25-year-old male was arrested and lodged until sober. A court date is set for July 4th, 2024.

The City of Brandon announces its successful application to the Housing Accelerator Fund, securing over $6.2 million in federal support. This substantial funding, disbursed in four installments of $1.5 million, will help to expedite the development of both affordable and market housing in our community. Administered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Housing Accelerator Fund is an innovative program designed to assist local authorities in accelerating the creation of new housing units. Brandon's selection as one of the fund's recipients was confirmed today by Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. This announcement underscores the city's commitment to addressing the pressing housing needs of its residents. Mayor Jeff Fawcett expressed gratitude for the federal government's financial assistance, stating, "This funding presents a tremendous opportunity for Brandon to meet our community's housing demands. We are deeply appreciative of Minister Fraser and CMHC's continued support and partnership." In pursuit of this funding, the City of Brandon has undertaken several strategic measures, including amending zoning by-laws, incentivizing downtown housing development, and providing grants for affordable housing projects. Detailed information about these initiatives is available at brandon.ca/housing- accelerator-fund.

At approx. 5:15 PM Friday, Police were called to a retail outlet in the Corral Centre for a robbery.  A male suspect had been observed stealing from the store and when approached by a staff member he displayed a concealed weapon stating let me go or else.  The male who had concealed his face using a makeshift mask then left the store taking the items. Officers flooded the area and located the suspect in a vehicle still in the parking lot.  The 36 year old Brandon male was arrested without incident.  The stole items, the mask and the weapon were all recovered.  The weapon used was found to be a carpenters stapler, with a makeshift sling strung with a chain, concealed beneath his jacket.  The male was arrested for armed robbery, possession of a weapon, carry a concealed weapon and wear disguise with intent.  He was held in custody and will appear in court today.