Brandon, MB – While we are all looking forward to enjoying warmer weather in our own backyards, Brandon Fire & Emergency Services’ Prevention Division is reminding residents that if that activity includes sitting around the fire pit, you should be sure your fire pit is in compliance with the following regulations, as listed on www.brandonfire.ca:   Ø  To have an open air fire in your yard, you must first have an approved permit.  Before a permit is approved, an inspection of the proposed site/appliance by Brandon Fire & Emergency Services is required, which can be requested at no cost. Ø  The permit does not have to be renewed annually. A new application is required if property ownership has changed or if the original application has changed. Ø  If you are renting the property, you need a letter of permission from the property owner. Ø  Before submitting your application, be sure your fire pit appliance is within the height and width restrictions and has enclosed sides made of approved material. Ø  A spark arrestor mesh screen, made of metal, with openings no larger than half an inch is to be used. The brick, stone, concrete or heavy gauge metal must be separated from grass and any other vegetation by at least six (6) inches by means of clean earth, sand, gravel or non-combustible medium. Ø  At least five (5) feet of clearance must be maintained from the fire pit edge and buildings, property lines or other combustibles. Ø  Grass, rubbish and leaves cannot be burnt within the City limits. Ø  If fire pits are used without the necessary permit, offenders may be ticketed without warning. The fee for failing to comply with the policy is $400.00, as per the Open Air Fire Policy 30. (City of Brandon PSA)

Justin Oertel of Brandon is the winner of this year's Our Manitoba Photo Contest. Justin's photo 'Harvest Sunset' (below and attached) emerged as the winner from over 230 entries for this year's contest. A shortlist of 30 photos was put through one-week public voting last month through the www.ourmanitoba.org website. The week-long voting period saw close to 10,000 votes cast, with the 12 finalists and the grand prize winner receiving the most votes. All 13 finalists will also receive a canvas print of the winning photograph,  be featured in the 2021 Sunrise Credit Union calendars and the soon to be released travel guide "Local Adventures from Sunrise to Sunset".  In addition, the winning photos will appear on Sunrise Credit Union's branch TVs and social media channels. All 13 finalists will also receive a canvas print of the winning photograph, be featured in the 2021 Sunrise Credit Union calendar and the soon to be released travel guide "Local Adventures from Sunrise to Sunset.” Also, the winning photos will appear on Sunrise Credit Union’s branch TVs and social media channels. Also, Justin earned the Grant Prize of a $500 One-Year Term Deposit from Sunrise Credit Union. 2020 marked the eighth edition of the Our Manitoba Photo Contest, and the unveiling of the grand prize winner on Tuesday coincided with Manitoba’s 150th birthday. (article & photo submitted)

The Manitoba government is continuing to support Manitoba families with an $11-million program that will reduce vehicle registration fees by 10 per cent beginning July 1, Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton announced today. “After your home, your car is likely your next biggest expense, and reducing these fees is another step toward making life more affordable for Manitobans,” said Wharton. “As a result of COVID-19, we’re working hard across government and with our partners to find ways to provide relief to Manitobans who need it now more than ever.” Most Manitobans will benefit from a $15 decrease to the existing $154 vehicle registration fee as a first step to reverse a 30 per cent increase in these fees in 2012 by the previous administration, the minister noted. The registration fee applies to non-commercial vehicles and trucks, resulting in an annual registration fee of $139. Non-commercial vehicles include passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, light trucks, farm vehicles, motorcycles/mopeds and personal-use trailers and trucks. The existing fee for the registration of government and municipal vehicles will continue. Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) administers and collects vehicle registration fees on behalf of the provincial government. “These savings are in addition to the up to $110 million in rebate cheques that MPI is returning to its policyholders at the end of May to early June,” said Wharton. “With a healthy reserve fund and fewer claims during this COVID-19 period, MPI is in a strong financial situation to move forward with these rebate cheques to support Manitobans.” Rebates are based on what policyholders paid last year and is expected to be around 11 per cent, or between $140 to $160, per average policyholder. For more information about COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19 and a comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html. (Province of MB News Release)

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are scheduled to fly over Brandon Tuesday arriving at 10:30 a.m., as they work their way from Winnipeg to Moose Jaw. The Brandon to Moose Jaw leg of the tour is scheduled to depart Brandon at 1:30 p.m. "The fly-over is part of a morale-boosting, cross-country mission to lift people’s spirits during the COVID-19 health crisis." The mission has being dubbed Operation Inspiration and conducted its first flyover on Canada's east coast before heading west. Routes and times are subject to change. Watch their Facebook or Twitter accounts for updates on take-offs. For more information on the mission, please click here.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At approx. 4:10 PM Sunday afternoon a 911 call was received reporting a motorcycle accident in the area of 1st Street between Kirkcaldy Drive and the 1st Street bridge.  The 22-year-old male driver of the motorcycle was southbound on 1st St when he lost control and struck the guardrail where the roadway curves.  The driver was thrown a distance from the motorcycle into the roadway.  The male was transported to BRHC by ambulance with undisclosed injuries.  Southbound 1st Street was closed for approx. 6 hours to allow the Traffic Analysts to conduct the scene investigation.  It appears that speed may have been a factor however the investigation is ongoing.