The City of Brandon proudly announces the expansion of its partnership with the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporations (BNRC) Fresh Start Program. The Fresh Start Program provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment. By participating in this program, community members contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant city. The Fresh Start Program addresses litter, needles, graffiti, and maintenance issues while also offering services such as transporting abandoned items from public spaces. This collaborative effort creates a more welcoming environment for shoppers, business owners, social service providers, and the community at large. Previously, the “Downtown Fresh Start Program” operated exclusively during the summer months. However, in 2024, the program’s scope has broadened significantly to start in the spring and continue throughout the entire year.  Operating five days a week with two workers per day, the program also plans to extend its hours during the summer months to maximize impact. The program’s coverage spans priority areas from 7th Street to 10th Street, encompassing the region between Pacific Avenue and Lorne Avenue, with the ability to extend to other downtown regions as necessary.  The City of Brandon and BNRC will work together to continuously assess and refine program operations for sustainability and effectiveness. As we envision enhancing the future of downtown Brandon, initiatives like this one play a pivotal role. This expansion of the program underscores our commitment to realizing our vision of a downtown that is clean, vibrant, and inviting to all - one step at a time. For more information on the Fresh Start Program, visit bnrc.ca/fresh-start or contact (204) 729-2490.

On March 14th at 01:08 am Police conducted a vehicle stop in the 100 block of 20th street. The male driver of the vehicle provided a breath sample resulting in a warning. He was also found to be a prohibited driver. When the officer told the driver he was under arrest he ran, and a foot pursuit ensued. While effecting the arrest the driver struck the officer in the face. At this same time the female passenger jumped behind the wheel of the vehicle and drove away. Responding officers were able to locate the vehicle. The female showed signs of impairment but blew just under the legal limit. The 41-year-old female was arrested for obstructing police. She was released for court on May 24th, 2024. The 39-year-old male was arrested for assaulting an officer, prohibited driving, and resisting arrest. He will be released for court on May 24th, 2024.

The Manitoba government has introduced legislation that would lower the age a child is required to attend school and remove barriers to students enrolling in schools in the area where they live, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare announced today. “We want to make sure every kid is set up for success and that means making sure they have access to education, particularly in the critical early years,” said Altomare. “We know when kids attend school regularly, they are more likely to succeed, go to college or university, and get a good job that will help them build a good life. That is why we want to make sure they are able to go to school wherever they are living.” Currently, students must attend the school in the catchment area of their parent or guardian’s home. This can cause challenges for students who have other care arrangements, noted the minister. Bill 21, the Public Schools Amendment Act, would ensure that children living with a responsible adult are able to attend their neighbourhood school in the school division where they reside, even if there has not been a legal transfer of guardianship. The amendment would also clarify the right of temporary residents to send their children to their neighbourhood public school. Additionally, the amendment would lower the compulsory school age to six years old from seven years old and the right to attend school to five years old from six years old, bringing Manitoba in line with the rest of Canada. The Manitoba government will continue to work with school divisions to remove barriers to students attending school, said the minister.

Earlier today four Firefighter/Paramedics (Scotty Ryan, Brian Wenham, Wiley Speiss and Cody Young) took to the roof of the #2 Fire Hall as part of the official start to the 2024 Tri Charity (Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy and the Brandon Firefighters Charity Fund) Rooftop Campout and Boot Drive. The foursome will be will be camping out on the roof today until Friday. In addition to the boot drive at the firehall taking place from 8 am to 6pm daily, members on the BFES will also be at various intersections around the city collecting donations on those days from 3pm to 6pm. For more information, please visit the Brandon Fire Fighter Rooftop Campout Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/rooftopcampout/

The City of Brandon is embarking on a significant infrastructure project this summer, focusing on the reconstruction of a segment of 26th Street between Victoria Avenue and Park Avenue. The existing pavement structure on 26th Street has deteriorated, necessitating a comprehensive overhaul. However, this reconstruction also provides an opportunity to reimagine the street, ensuring movement for all modes of transportation, including transit, walking, cycling, and cars. Aligned with City Council’s strategic direction to improve connectivity in the community, City Administration is actively exploring the integration of missing Active Transportation (AT) links. Our goal is to establish an active transportation corridor along 26th Street, extending from Maryland Avenue to Pacific Avenue. This corridor will feature dedicated bike lanes and multi-use pathways, connecting various parts of the city. Key Components of the 26th Street Reconstruction Project: Repair of Underground Utilities: The project includes repairing and replacing wastewater and water mains, and water services. Pedestrian Crossing Signals: The pedestrian crossing signals at J.R. Reid School will be upgraded to enhance safety for students and pedestrians. Traffic Signal Replacement: The existing traffic signals at the intersection of 26th Street and Park Avenue will be replaced, improving traffic flow and safety. Sidewalks and Pavement: The project involves excavation and replacement of sidewalks and the pavement structure. Proposed Bike Lane: As part of the redesign, a dedicated bike lane is proposed to encourage cycling and promote movement for all.   Community Engagement – How You Can Participate in the Conversation Join Us for an Informative Open House: Mark your calendars! On March 20, we invite you to a Come and Go Open House at the Keystone Centre (MNP Hall A) from 4 to 8 p.m. This event provides an excellent opportunity to engage in discussions about the citywide vision for movement. We’ll delve into ongoing initiatives, including the 26th Street reconstruction project.  Follow-Up Meeting: After reviewing your feedback, we’ll host a follow-up meeting on Thursday, April 4th at Vincent Massey High School from 6 to 8 p.m. During this session, we’ll provide updates on the next steps for the 26th Street project. If you are unable to attend any of these events, please provide feedback by emailing or calling the numbers provided below. Thank you for being an active participant in our community’s growth and development!  Who Can I Call With Questions? For more information contact: Project Lead – Active Transportation - Lindsay Hargreaves l.hargreaves@brandon.ca or 204 729 2171 Project Assist – City Plan - Sonikile Tembo s.tembo@brandon.ca or 204 729 2523 Construction of 26th Street - Teresa Grime at t.grime@brandon.ca or 204 721 0684 Construction of 26th Street - Kyle Winters at k.winters@brandon.ca or 204 729 2126 Learn more about the 26th Street Reconstruction Project at brandon.ca/information-happenings/development-services-initiatives/active-projects/reconstruction-of-26th-street-park-victoria-avenue-project.