The Manitoba government is investing $1.65 million to support the Town of Virden in the expansion and rehabilitation of Virden Regional Airport, allowing greater capacity and capabilities for commercial operators, medical transfer flights and STARS Air Ambulance, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced here today. “This is an important investment that will encourage regional development and job creation in Westman,” said Simard. “Thanks to the hard work and commitment of the Town of Virden, this grant funding will enhance the airport’s capacity, support commercial growth and strengthen its role as a critical hub for medical access, economic development and regional connectivity.” The investment is being made through the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for Municipalities Program (Manitoba GRO). The upgrades include a new Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) III, enabling STARS Air Ambulance to make critical weather-based decisions. The improvements will also support 24-7 medical transfer flights, charter services and expanded commercial operations, boosting local tourism and economic activity, the minister noted. “The Town of Virden is thrilled to have the support of the province for the upgrades to our regional airport,” said Mayor Tina Williams, Town of Virden. “As well as experiencing large commercial expansion and attracting new business to our community due to this project, the health care and safety of our entire region will be immeasurably improved as a result of the province’s investment.” “This is a significant milestone for our airport. One that would not have been achieved as quickly without the funding provided through the Manitoba GRO fund,” said Coun. Bruce Dunning, Town of Virden, and chair, Virden Airport Commission. “The extension of the runway, installation of the AWOS system and runway lighting upgrades have made our airport a centre for medical, commercial and private aeronautical activity in southwest Manitoba. The airport commission is very grateful to the province for their contribution to this project.” Manitoba GRO was created to support infrastructure projects that help communities grow and thrive. This investment reflects the Manitoba government’s commitment to building strong, healthy communities and supporting long-term economic growth across Manitoba, the minister added.

The highly successful PBR ( Professional Bull Riders ) came to the Keystone Centre and Westoba Place on Friday and Saturday night. Thanks to Scramble Studio and their photos. The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) is a company that organizes professional bull riding events. It was originally headquartered in Irvine, California, before moving to Colorado Springs, Colorado, and then to Pueblo, Colorado, and finally to Fort Worth, Texas in 2024. The PBR is now owned by TKO Group Holdings, a merger of Endeavor-owned UFC and professional wrestling company WWE.

Youth arrested for stealing from Vehicles At 9:23pm, Police received a report of a male in the 700 block of 14th St, entering a vehicle and stealing items. The male was located in the area but ran from Police. After a foot pursuit he was captured and found to have in his possession a number of items that had been stolen. The 13yr old male youth, was also found to had 8 pending charges for failing to comply with the conditions of his Court Order. He was subsequently charged for Theft Under $5,000 and Resist/ Obstruct Police. He was lodged at the BPS cells to appear in Court in the morning. Male Charged with Assault At 10pm an employee at a business in the 900 block of 18th St. reported being assaulted by a customer at closing time. When the female employee was closing up there was a knock on the door and when she opened it, she was grabbed by the hair and the subject attempted to punch her in the face before leaving on foot. The male suspect, who was known to the victim, was located, arrested and held in the BPS cells, to be released on an Undertaking once sober.

Theft Under $5000 On May 22nd at 1:59PM an off-duty officer reported seeing a suspect shoplift at a business in the 1800 block of 18th Street North. The suspect was prevented from leaving by the off-duty officer. On-duty BPS Members attended and arrested the 35-year-old male. (The $200 stolen DeWalt Automotive Jump Starter was recovered). The male was later released by Undertaking with a court date of July 31st, 2025. Theft Under $5000 On May 15th a business in Corral Centre reported a male suspect who stole $340 in merchandise. The suspect was identified through security footage. On May 22nd BPS member attended Brandon Correctional Centre (BCC) where the 40-year-old male is currently held. The male was arrested and will appear in court in the morning on May 23rd, 2025.

The City of Brandon advises residents and businesses of alternative service delivery options to mitigate postal delays due to the potential Canada Post work stoppage. Alternative Payment Options Customers who normally submit payment by mail are encouraged to utilize alternative payment methods accepted by the City: In-person at City Hall (410 – 9th St.) during normal business hours 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday Drop-off box at the east door on the southeast side of City Hall In-person at your financial institution Online banking, e-transfer, or through Virtual City Hall (VCH) For more information on these payment options, please visit brandon.ca/payment-options. Virtual City Hall To view balances or make payments on water, taxes or receivable accounts, customers may apply for a VCH account at brandon.ca/vch-application. For customers with an existing VCH account, please visit vch.brandon.ca for more information. VCH can also be utilized to pay parking and compliance tickets or apply for and pay for animal licenses. Property Taxes Property taxes are due on or before June 30, 2025. Property owners are responsible for ensuring payment is made on time, even if a bill is not received. A 1.25% monthly penalty will apply to unpaid taxes starting July 1, 2025. Reminder: while mail-in payments are accepted, they are not recommended due to potential postal delays. Please consider using an alternate payment option. The City will not extend the payment deadline for delays caused by mail disruptions. For more information on property taxes and assessments, visit brandon.ca/taxes-assessments. Tax and assessment details can also be viewed using the City’s Taxes and Assessments map: gisapp.brandon.ca/webmaps/taxassessment. Taxpayers can email taxes@brandon.ca for further assistance or request a copy of their 2025 tax statement. Water and Wastewater Utility Invoices Water and wastewater utility customers who receive their quarterly invoice by mail are encouraged to enroll in electronic invoicing. To enroll, complete an account change form online at  onlineservices.brandon.ca/updateinfo. Customers can view their utility account balance on VCH. Customers may also email water@brandon.ca with their service address or account number to obtain an electronic copy of their invoice. Other Invoices Invoices for ambulance, solid waste, or other municipal services may be paid using any of the alternatives listed above. Customers of these services can also enroll in electronic invoicing by emailing receivables@brandon.ca with their name and customer ID. Vendor Payments Businesses who currently receive payments via cheque are encouraged to enroll in electronic funds payment (EFT). EFT payments will continue to be generated weekly. Contact payables@brandon.ca for information on enrolling for EFT. Invoices to the City of Brandon can be emailed to payables@brandon.ca.