To meet its goal of having a non-medical cannabis retail store available within a 30-minute drive for 90 per cent of Manitobans within two years of legalization, the Manitoba government is finalizing a selection process for the second phase of its retail rollout, Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today. “Following the federal government’s decision to legalize non-medical cannabis, we have implemented a system that allows private retailers to do what they do best while balancing public health and safety priorities,” said Pedersen. “We are reaffirming our commitment to a competitive retail system and look forward to advancing new commercial opportunities as the industry matures.” In July 2018, the province released a Request for Pre-Qualification seeking potential retailers interested in a future opportunity to operate cannabis retail stores in Manitoba.  Nearly 100 applicants pre-qualified as part of this process. A selection process is the next step. Pre-qualified applicants will participate in a randomized draw for each location based on the geographic preferences they indicate. Selected applicants can then proceed through the agreement and licensing process to operate in one of the following seven Manitoba communities: Altona; Flin Flon; Lac du Bonnet; Niverville; Rural Municipality of Russell-Binscarth; Swan River; and Virden. Pedersen noted the Manitoba government has been working with local governments to ensure they have ‘fair say’ and are onboard with the proposed retail locations.  While municipalities control where cannabis stores are located in their communities, the province plays a supportive role to answer questions and outline options available, including reviewing how close the stores may be to schools, houses of worship and community centres, at the municipality’s request. For more information on cannabis in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/cannabis/.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On March 21st, 2019 at 10:00 pm police were on the lookout for a vehicle that had been reported stolen. Police conducted a stop on the stolen vehicle in the 100 blk of 6th Street. The driver showed signs of impairment by a drug and was charged accordingly for the vehicle theft as well as impaired driving. The man was lodged at BCC and will be released on a PTA to attended Brandon Court on a later date.

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. has committed $35,000.00 per year for the next 3 years to Food for Thought – Brandon’s Breakfast & Snack Program for Kids. The cheque presentation was made earlier today at the Funding Announcement Kickoff Assembly held at George Fitton School. 18 schools in the Brandon & Shilo area are part of this very important program. The program ensures that every student has an opportunity to each a healthy breakfast, snack or lunch at school every day. No child should have to attend school hungry. Additional information at https://brandonsfoodforthought.com 

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On March 19, 2019, as a result of investigation into several firearms offences, police conducted a search warrant of a residence on E. Fotheringham Drive. Due to the nature of the incident the police services tactical unit was deployed to execute the search warrant. Located during the search was a long gun and various firearms parts. A 31 year old Brandon man was charged for unauthorized possession of firearms, possession of firearms contrary to a prohibition order, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, and breach of undertaking. He was held in custody to appear in court on March 20, 2019. A 32 year old Brandon woman was charged for unauthorized possession of firearms. She was released for court on May 16, 2019.

The City of Brandon and the Brandon Downtown Development Corporation (BDDC) are currently looking for input on what is working/not working in regards to parking in downtown Brandon, as well as what the community feels might work better. With recent investment in the downtown creating positive momentum, the City and the BDDC want to ensure any increased demand for parking resulting from increased traffic in the downtown can be addressed. Potential improvements could include changing the permitted parking time limits on Rosser Avenue, expanding angled parking, changing the cost to park downtown, and installing electronic parking meters. In addition to reaching out to downtown stakeholders and businesses, an online survey has been launched for the general public to provide feedback on downtown’s current and potential parking landscape. Survey responses will be accepted until end of day on Wednesday, April 3rd. Paper versions of the survey are also available for pick-up and drop-off at the Economic Development Brandon or Brandon Downtown Development Corporation offices at Brandon City Hall (410-9th Street). The City of Brandon encourages all members of the public, whether they travel downtown or not, to fill out the short survey to ensure that any recommendations made to Brandon City Council reflect the current appetite of downtown businesses, residents, visitors and the public alike.