Just before noon on Friday, emergency crews responded to a semi that had smashed into the Kemnay Rail-Overpass. A westbound semi carrying a "sea-can" went under the low-height bridge, which subsequently ripped the sea-can completely open, and partially ripped the sea-can off of its frame. Boxes of what appeared to be frozen meat were tipped over inside what was left of the sea-can, as pieces of the insulated sea-can were spread out over a wide area. Shards of metal were lodged in the support structure of the overpass, and a "3.7m" sign was visibly damaged. The driver of the truck was not injured. Whitehead Fire Department, Brandon EMS, Blue Hills RCMP, Manitoba Highways, Champion Towing, Accel Towing & Transport, CP Police, and CP workers responded to the scene. Engineers and officials remained on scene, assessing the damage to the overpass. Photos by Liam Pattison Photography.

Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon Public Works Department is pleased to announce changes to its seasonal snow-clearing procedure aimed at ensuring commuter movement across the community within 24 hours of a significant snowfall. The City’s Public Works Department will retain its established system of plowing of all municipal streets under its care, with all such streets categorized as either Priority Routes or Residential Zones. However, a “Priority 1A” Route has been added at the front end of the plowing process that focuses the first 24 hours of all municipal snow-clearing activities on sections of major thoroughfares under the City’s care to establish a plowed “grid” of sorts for commuters and emergency vehicles to access all corners of the City as soon as possible. Included within this “Priority 1A” Route are: Sections of Braecrest Drive, Kirkcaldy Drive, Knowlton Drive, Stickney Avenue, McDonald Avenue, Hilton Avenue, Parker Boulevard, Fred Brown Way, Pacific Avenue, Rosser Avenue, Princess Avenue, Victoria Avenue East, Lorne Avenue East, Van Horne Avenue East, McTavish Avenue East, E. Fotheringham Drive, Whillier Drive, Park Avenue, Queens Avenue, Elderwood Drive, Brandon Avenue, Willowdale Crescent, Aberdeen Avenue, Richmond Avenue, Maryland Avenue, Magnolia Drive, Lyndale Drive, Sycamore Drive, and Patricia Avenue Portions of 34th Street, 26th Street, 19th Street North, 8th Street North, 13th Street, 10th Street, 9th Street, 6th Street, 1st Street, Dennis Street, 13th Street East, and 17th Street East “In order to establish this new ‘P1-A’ Route, we evaluated what sections or portions of municipal streets could be cleared first and fast to ensure that people can access most areas of the City via a plowed arterial or collector street within 24 hours after a snow event,” explains City of Brandon Manager of Public Works Pam Penner. “Our Streets and Roads crews will now work in tandem in these specific ‘P1-A’ areas at the start of a plowing event. Once these areas are complete, they will then move on to other established Priority Routes and, if snowfall amounts warrant it, will then clear Residential Zones after that. We’re hopeful this change in focus will ensure safe, accessible movement across the City as a whole following a snowfall.” The City of Brandon’s online Snow Map has been updated ahead of the upcoming winter season to include these specific “Priority 1A” Routes. The interactive online map is updated regularly through the winter season to show when snow plowing or snow removal activity is scheduled along a priority route or within various residential zones. Brandon residents can also consult the map to see the updated plowing status of back lanes, sidewalks designated for clearing, and the City’s biking/walking path system, and can also download or print detailed maps of each respective residential zone for easy reference. Another new feature of the map this year is an improved notification process for users if the timing of scheduled plowing is changed or delayed after its initial scheduling. City of Brandon residents and commuters are reminded that the following streets within City limits are under the Province of Manitoba’s jurisdiction for snow removal: all of 18th Street, the majority of First Street, Victoria Avenue West, Richmond Avenue east of 18th Street, the Trans-Canada Highway, Grand Valley Road and Veterans Way. For a comprehensive overview of the City of Brandon’s snow-clearing procedures, visit http://www.brandon.ca/snow-removal. The City of Brandon also would like to remind all residents that seasonal snow routes and the by-law provision allowing for associated overnight parking bans are now in effect. As per the City of Brandon Traffic By-law, overnight parking (from 12 a.m. until either 7 a.m. or 8 a.m.) along such identified routes between the dates of November 15th and March 31st annually is prohibited IF a snow plowing/removal notice has been issued by the City of Brandon. Vehicles that remain parked along signed seasonal snow clearing routes during an identified snow-clearing event risk being ticketed and/or towed at their own expense. Designated snow routes in the City of Brandon are as follows: Rosser Avenue extending from 34th Street to 13th Street East Princess Avenue extending from Whillier Drive to 13th Street East Ninth Street extending from Pacific Avenue to Princess Avenue Tenth Street extending from Princess Avenue to Pacific Avenue Louise Avenue extending from 13th Street to 18th Street Residents who wish to receive direct email notifications prior to the implementation of such parking bans can sign up for this service at https://www.brandon.ca/snow-routes. (Source: City of Brandon Media Release)

Brandon, MB – Brandon Riverbank recently embarked on a project to install 40 flood-proof solar LED lights to the existing light stands, which have been dark and not usable since the flood of 2011. An announcement took place on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 14 to celebrate the near completion of the project and it included contributors as well as members of the media and Brandon Riverbank board members and staff. Contributors to the project include the Province of Manitoba, Brandon Area Community Foundation, Guild Insurance Brokers and the Thomas Sill Foundation. “We are thrilled with the work that’s been done to light our pathways once again,” said James Montgomery, GM of Brandon Riverbank Inc. “The solar LED project would not have been possible without the contributions of these partners.” Rochelle Squires, municipal relations minister for Manitoba, says the province is committed to investing in projects that benefit communities across Manitoba. “We are pleased to support the Brandon Riverbank solar LED pathway lighting project, which will not only improve safety but encourage use of the pathways and enhance the overall experience for users,” she added. Cliff Cullen, justice minister for Manitoba and MLA for Spruce Woods, says the new solar pathway project allows for the community to enjoy the Brandon Riverbank and the Assiniboine River Corridor after sunset. “It also provides a sense of security with well-lit surroundings,” Cullen added. Meanwhile, for Terri Roulette McCartney, board chair of the Brandon Area Community Foundation, supporting this project was a natural fit. “Through our endowment fund, our mission is to strengthen and improve the quality of life for those in southwestern Manitoba,” she said. “Not only does the Riverbank’s lighting project meet our granting criteria, it will add significant value overall to this regional destination hub today and into the future.” Brett McGregor of Guild Insurance Brokers says he couldn’t be more thrilled to see this Riverbank Discovery Centre project come to life. “We’re proud to be a contributing sponsor of the solar pathway lighting project,” he added. “The light system will enhance the usability of the trails and make them safer to use in the evening so our community can get out and enjoy the view." “We know that the lighting will help with safety issues and enhance the area around the Riverbank Discovery Centre and nearby trails,” said Gord Meger, director of finance for the Thomas Sill Foundation Inc. “We hope that the solar lighting will expand the use of the area for community events well into the future.” Brandon Riverbank Inc. would also like to thank Faraday Lighting for their assistance with this project and Jamieson & Judd Electrical for their tireless work of installing the pathway lighting project. The community is invited to come out and enjoy all that Brandon Riverbank and the Assiniboine River Corridor have to offer. We know that the lighting system will benefit many people who use the trails after the sun goes down and will make the trails safer and more enjoyable. (submitted)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release Police received a report of an assault on a Correctional Officer at Brandon Correctional Centre, which occurred at approximately 8:20 pm, on November 10, 2019, by a 21-year-old inmate. Following the assault, the inmate then proceeded to cause extensive damage within the subunit where he was held, including throwing furniture, and food around. The officer received extensive injuries and was transported to BRHC via ambulance. When police arrived, the situation was contained by BCC employees. Following an investigation into the actions of the inmate, the 21-year-old male was arrested on November 13, 2019. He will appear in court today on a charge of Aggravated Assault of Peace Officer, and Mischief to Property Over $5000. The Officer is no longer in the hospital and is recovering.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release Update: James LEPINE has been located, arrested, and lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre. He will appear in court today on a charge of Arson Disregard for Human Life. On November 11, 2019 shortly before 6:00 am, police and members from BFES responded to a structure fire at a residence in the 700 block of 13th street. Multiple individuals and pets evacuated safely from the building. There were no injuries reported as a result of this fire. We do not have an estimation as to the extent of the damage to the residence, except to say that it remains uninhabitable at this time.  A warrant was issued for the arrest of James LEPINE.