BRANDON—The Manitoba government is investing close to $500,000 to support law enforcement and intervention initiatives in Brandon, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announced here today. “These investments underscore our government’s commitment to keeping Manitoba families safe in their homes and communities,” said Cullen.  “It will give law enforcement the tools they need to respond to threats in the community safely, but also help prevent criminal activity through interventions with at-risk individuals.” Almost $400,000 will be provided to the Brandon Police Service to purchase an armoured rescue vehicle (ARV), to ensure safe tactical responses to critical incidents in Southwestern Manitoba.  The minister noted the vehicle will ensure officer and public safety during firearms related incidents and the vehicle will be accessible to other police agencies in the Westman region. “It has been a real privilege to work collaboratively with the province on this project,” said Mayor Rick Chrest, City of Brandon.  “The new rescue vehicle will greatly enhance safety for citizens and officers throughout our region.” The ARV is equipped with ballistic armour and has the capacity to carry up to 10 fully equipped members for deployment or training. “The support of the Manitoba government for an armored rescue vehicle is another important step to ensure protection of citizens and officers alike,” said Chief Wayne Balcaen, Brandon Police Service.  “The ARV will be available not only for the Brandon Police Service and our city, but all our policing partners and communities all across the Western area, helping increase safety for everyone in our region.” The minister also announced $80,000 for Community Mobilization Westman, which brings social service professionals together twice a week to sit at a ‘HUB table’ where individuals or families at risk are connected to supports and services proactively.  Participating agencies include the RCMP, Brandon School Division, Manitoba Child and Family Services, and Prairie Mountain Health.  Through this collaboration, services are often delivered on the same day.  Funding will support one full-time co-ordinator dedicated to the project, as well as additional operating costs. The community mobilization investment is being made through Manitoba’s Guns and Gangs Suppression Strategy, made possible by more than $2.3 million in funding over two years from the Government of Canada through its Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund.  Funding for the ARV comes from the Federal Proceeds of Crime Fund, which is comprised of funds seized from federally prosecuted Criminal Code offences. For more information about criminal property forfeiture, visit www.gov.mb.ca/justice/safe/cpf/index.html. (Source: Province of Manitoba News Release)

Police responded to a report of an accident occurring in the 3400 block of Victoria Ave between a cyclist and a vehicle shortly after 9:00 am. Initial investigation has revealed that it is believed the cyclist was travelling northbound on 34th street in the crosswalk. The motorist was travelling west bound on Victoria Ave, and attempting to turn north bound onto 34th street when the collision occurred. The 70-year-old male cyclist was transported to the hospital by ambulance where he was treated and released with minor injuries. This accident is still under investigation. Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Releases At approximately 2:30 pm Police observed a 33-year-old male passenger in the front seat of a vehicle travelling south on 18th Street. The male was known to police to be on orders to observe a 24-hour curfew in Carberry. The vehicle was subsequently stopped in the 1600 block of 18th street, and the male arrested for the breach. Upon searching the male, he was found to be in possession of 2.12 grams of Methamphetamine and over $500 in cash. Part of the release conditions the male had been ordered into included granting consent for police to search his residence no more than twice per month. The male’s residence was subsequently searched. At the residence police located a canister of bear mace, and drug trafficking paraphernalia. The male was lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre and will appear today on charges of Breach of Recognizance X 5, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession of Proceeds of Crime, Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon Contrary to a Probation Order.    

HEADINGLEY—Motorists in Manitoba will be reminded with a new set of highway signs they are required to ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ when passing roadside emergency scenes and police activity, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced here today. “We have heard from first responders, including the RCMP, rural ambulance and fire services, as well as the tow-truck industry and motor carrier enforcement officers, that motorists need to slow down and safely move over to give response crews a safe space to do their jobs, which are often life-saving jobs,” said Schuler.  “This is a matter of safety, common sense and courtesy, yet we hear of near misses and recklessness far too often.”    These signs are regulated as traffic control devices and any traffic authority, such as a municipality, can install them on busy rural roads.  The signs will be used on major routes entering Manitoba and departing major centres and lesser routes to obtain reasonable coverage. “Slow Down, Move Over laws have been in effect in Manitoba for eight years, yet our officers have encountered many close calls due to drivers not abiding by the law,” says Staff Sgt. Kyle McFadyen, Manitoba RCMP Traffic Services.  “Having more signage and messaging will ensure more people are aware of the law and its importance.  Ensuring everyone gets home safely is a top priority for the RCMP, but it has to be a shared responsibility with the public.” The Highway Traffic Act requires drivers to slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles and government enforcement officers such as motor carrier enforcement and tow trucks when their lights are flashing. Drivers must slow down to 40 km/h on roads where the speed limit is less than 80 km/h, and slow down to 60 km/h if the speed limit is 80 km/h or more.  On multi-lane highways, drivers must also move to the next lane if able to do so safely and pass only if it is safe.  The fine for failing to comply with any of the requirements is $298 and two demerits. “Unfortunately we must constantly remind motorists that excessive speeds, failing to drive to weather conditions, distracted driving, and neglecting to slow down and move over can lead to penalties and the ultimate cost, injury and death,” said Schuler.  “Our government is committed to improving the safety of our provincial roads and highways.”

The Facebook event page can be found here. Brandon’s third annual Food Truck Warz slated to take place September 13-15 this year is expanding to continue to meet the interest and needs of participating vendors, as well as event attendees. Event organizers, Darryl Wolski and Jody Sass, are pleased to announce that this year’s event will be held at the Brandon Riverbank Inc. “Moving to the Riverbank allows us more space to expand the event. As a result, Select Shows will bring their full, entire midway, plus there’s potential to have more vendors on site,” said Darryl Wolski, co-owner of Food Truck Warz and bdnmb.ca. “We’re thrilled to partner with bdnmb.ca and welcome Food Truck Warz to the Riverbank this year,” said James Montgomery, General Manager of Brandon Riverbank Inc. “We believe this will be a great location for an event like Food Truck Warz which has become a prominent event in Brandon.” To date, there are 26 food trucks from all over Manitoba confirmed. Many of the favourites will be back and a number of new ones will wow guests with their tasty dishes. Farmery Estate Brewery will provide entertainment and host the beer gardens at this free, popular event to be held later this summer. “As in the past two years, we plan to welcome literally thousands of visitors to Food Truck Warz. Our guests have embraced the concept and look forward to the fun, festival atmosphere,” said Jody Sass, co-owner of Food Truck Warz and bdnmb.ca. Food Truck Warz will once again support a number of local non-profit organizations, including Career Connections, Westman Dreams for Kids, Pawsitive Communities, and the John Howard Society of Brandon. For more information: Web: www.bdnmb.ca/food-truck-warz/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/bdnmb.ca/ Email: jody@bdnmb.ca or darryl@bdnmb.ca