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.

Applications are open for the Manitoba government’s new security rebate program, which offers a $300 rebate to homeowners, renters and small business owners for purchasing security equipment, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today. “Every Manitoban deserves to feel safe in their home and their community,” said Wiebe. “Our government committed to this rebate during the election and we’re excited to roll it out today to help lower the cost of cameras, lights and other security measures for homes and small businesses.” Announced as part of Budget 2024, this one-time rebate is designed to offset the cost of security improvements for Manitoba homeowners, renters and small business owners. Eligible upgrades include security cameras, doorbell cameras, alarm systems, motion detectors, reinforced doors or windows, anti-graffiti film and paints, security gates, pull-down protection shutters and permanent security fencing. “After having my house broken into, I felt vulnerable in my neighbourhood,” said Scott Henderson, resident, Fort Richmond. “I’m thrilled about the security rebate, which will make video doorbells and cameras cheaper and more accessible.” Any purchase made after Sept. 1, 2023, is eligible to receive the rebate. Manitobans are encouraged to apply for the rebate early, as applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. The rebate can cover to multiple expenses for a single property or business under the $300 threshold as long as they are submitted in a single application. Manitobans with multiple homes or business locations in the province will only be eligible to apply once for one location. Ongoing subscriptions or monthly fees for existing security systems are not eligible and only equipment associated with a new security system is covered by the rebate. For more information on how to apply for a rebate, visit www.manitoba.ca/justice/securityrebate.html.

Manitoba’s gas remained the cheapest in Canada while work was completed to restore the Imperial Oil Pipeline, which is now operating at full capacity, Premier Wab Kinew announced today. “As Manitobans head to the cottage or to Canada Day celebrations this weekend, they’re saving 14 cents a litre at the pump and paying the lowest gas prices in Canada,” said Kinew. “Manitoba gas has been the cheapest in the country since we cut the gas tax in January, and with the pipeline back online and supply returned to normal, we’re making sure Manitobans can get out more and worry less about paying the bills this summer.” Imperial Oil’s decision to shut down the pipeline and undertake repairs came in March, after pipeline inspections identified integrity concerns in a section of pipe just south of St. Adolphe. The province engaged in oversight of the repair work to ensure all precautions were taken to protect the environment and worked closely with suppliers and industry partners to maintain the supply of fuel to the province by rail and truck. Provincial inspectors were onsite when Imperial Oil successfully repaired the two fuel lines and restored the pipeline to full operating capacity. With the repairs complete, the flow of fuel through the pipeline has been fully restored and alternative fuel deliveries by rail and truck are no longer required. The repair operation was safely completed on schedule without any impacts to the surrounding environment, noted the premier. Manitoba’s gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel supplies are stable and retail fuel prices in the province continue to be the lowest in Canada, Kinew added.

On June 27th at 8:30am police received several calls regarding an intoxicated male falling off his bike then trying to fight a security guard near the 700 block of Rosser Avenue. A 23-year-old male was found to be highly intoxicated and was lodged overnight. He will be released once sober.