The Keystone Centre is proudly celebrating over 50 years of community service to the City of Brandon and the Province of Manitoba. On May 16, 2024 the Keystone Centre Board of Directors hosted a media availability where they released the most recent economic impact results of a survey that had been conducted by Praxis Consulting Group and OC Leadership. The results were based on 2023/24 Operating and Financial Results. $78.1M in annual Provincial Impact. $61.2M in annual Provincial Impact through hosting of events. 2,025 employment opportunities directly supported through annual operations at the Keystone Centre. The Chair of the Board of Directors, Bruce Luebke, shared the results at a gathering of community members and dignitaries, including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, on Thursday morning at the Keystone Centre. “We have always been an organization that believes in strengthening the Regional and Provincial Economy. The results of our recent Economic Impact Analysis showcase that the amazing operations and events hosted at the Keystone Centre, by ourselves and our partners, are critical to the economic resilience of our community.” The Keystone Centre is currently seeking public opinion and participation on a future planning project designed to support the Board of Directors in updating and modernizing the current site plan and future strategic plans.

On April 26, 2024, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) approved a strategic measure to recover the 2022 water utility operating deficit through revised water and wastewater rates. These rates, effective retroactively from April 1, 2024, will offset the deficit via a $0.033 per cubic meter rate rider over a span of 6 years and 6 months, ending in 2030. The approved rate will see the rate rider recovery increase from 19 cents to 22.3 cents. For an average family of four, consuming 46 cubic meters per quarter, this translates to an additional $6.07 (0.6%) on the annual water bill, or an increase of $0.51 on their monthly plan. To help residents in managing these costs, the City encourages enrollment in monthly water billing, which offers a 20% discount on the administrative service charge. To apply for a water payment plan, please visit onlineservices.brandon.ca/updateinfo.aspx. More information on water billing can be found at brandon.ca/water-billing-utilities. City Hall and City Council have been working tirelessly with federal and provincial partners to secure financial commitments, aiming at keeping Brandon’s costs as minimal as possible. To maintain an effective water and sewer system, the City of Brandon is required to account for previous years of deficit operations, as well as fund proper operations and necessary capital upgrades. The complete Board Order from the Public Utilities Board can be viewed on their website at https://pubmanitoba.ca/v1/proceedings-decisions/orders/pubs/24-orders/50-24.pdf.

The Brandon Police Service requests the public’s assistance in locating a MISSING FEMALE. She was last seen on May 10th, 2024 at the Shoppers Mall in Brandon, MB at 3 PM. Destiny is described as being 15 years old, 5’1 in height, small build, 130 lbs, Brown Hair, Brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a white hoodie, blue jeans, a red baseball cap and high-top sneakers. The Brandon Police Service is concerned for Destiny’s wellbeing and is asking anyone with any information regarding HER whereabouts to contact the Brandon Police Service. Missing Persons Unit at 204-729-2345.

On May 8, 2024, at approximately 12:00 PM, Brandon Police members conducted a traffic stop on a Commercial Motor Vehicle on the Trans-Canada Highway in Brandon. Police conducted a check under the Hours-of-Service Regulation and Cargo Securement Regulation. In doing so, Police became suspicious the driver may be in possession of an illicit substance for the purpose of trafficking and entered into an investigation under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.  As a result, Police Service Dog Storm was deployed around the vehicle resulting in a positive indication for controlled substances. A search of the cab of the Commercial Motor Vehicle resulted in Police locating two large duffel bags under the bed in the sleeper berth. The bags contained a total of 100 kgs of a crystallized substance believed to be Crystal Methamphetamine. This seizure has an estimated street value of $800,000. The male driver from Ontario was arrested under the Criminal Code for Possession for the Purposes of Trafficking Crystal Methamphetamine. He was held in custody to appear in court on May 9, 2024.

On May 12th Police arrested an 18-year-old male for two counts of Assault, Mischief Under $5000 and failing to comply with his probation. On May 5th at 9:45 pm a resident in the 100 block of 2nd street reported their large picture window was smashed. The resident ran out to confront the suspect and was punched in the face. It was learned the accused had punched his ex-girlfriend in the face earlier that day. He was on a court order not to communicate with her.  No serious injuries were reported. The accused was held for court on May 13th, 2024.