The Manitoba government is investing more than $2 million for upgrades at Spruce Woods Provincial Park in western Manitoba, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced here today. “This investment represents our government’s commitment to improving Spruce Woods Provincial Park in the Westman region for families to explore and enjoy.” said Moyes. “With free park entry for 2025, this summer is the perfect time for Manitobans to enjoy our beautiful parks and take in all they have to offer.” This important investment of more than $2 million will fund upgrades to the park including a pair of significant projects on two trails and improvements to electrical services for campers, noted the minister. “Spruce Woods Provincial Park is not only a gem for our local communities but also an important draw for visitors from across Manitoba and beyond,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard. “This investment reflects our government’s commitment to enhancing the natural beauty and recreational opportunities in the Westman region. By supporting parks like Spruce Woods, we are fostering tourism, economic growth and community pride. It’s a privilege to help make this vision a reality.” A new floating boardwalk and viewing platform will be installed on Isputinaw Trail. On the Spring Ridge Trail, a flood-damaged pedestrian bridge will be replaced, Moyes noted, adding campers will benefit from 70 new electrical pedestals being added to the Kiche Manitou campground. Additional improvements include relocating a maintenance yard away from a flood-prone area and purchasing new equipment to support park operations. “Our mandate is to promote and enhance the public’s enjoyment of Spruce Woods Provincial Park,” said Ann Stout, president, Friends of Spruce Woods Provincial Park. “We are proud to partner with the Manitoba government and staff to preserve and improve the park, ensuring it is a welcoming space for families. These upgrades reflect our shared values of environmental stewardship and community engagement, and we look forward to the lasting positive impact they will have on Spruce Woods and the Westman region.” Park interpreters continue to offer engaging experiences all summer at Spruce Woods Provincial Park and elsewhere across the province including guided trail hikes, site tours and campfire talks. These programs help visitors connect with the beauty and heritage of Manitoba’s provincial parks, the minister noted. To find details on upcoming interpretation programs, visit a park office or go online to www.manitobaparks.com. For information on working in provincial parks, along with park visitor information, visit www.manitobaparks.com and follow Manitoba Parks on X and Facebook.

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is opening registration to its popular high school education program, Driver Z, on July 23, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Driver Z will be offered in communities throughout Manitoba, using a mix of eLessons, virtual, and in-person classes. One of the main components of the program is the in-car learning sessions that give students the time they need behind the wheel to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to drive safely and prevent collisions. The Driver Z Course Finder will be posted on the MPI website on Friday, July 18, so customers can plan ahead and determine which course offering works best for them. To start the process, parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to complete the first two steps of the registration process before registration day: Visit an MPI Service Centre or an Autopac broker with the new driver to set them up as a customer. A list of required documents that you must bring with you to verify their identity is available on MPI’s website. Purchase the Driver Z program, which can be done at the same time as the customer set up. With the first two steps completed beforehand, on the day of registration, parents and guardians can sign up their child for Driver Z in one of four ways: By visiting one of the 300 Autopac brokers across the province (check operational hours to ensure the location you plan to attend is open at or before the 8:00 a.m. registration start time). Through the MPI Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410. At any MPI Service Centre – centres will be opening early on July 23 to help customers prepare ahead of registration at 8:00 a.m. By calling the MPI Driver Education phone line at 204-985-7199 or toll-free at 1-800-261-9928. “MPI recognizes the high demand for this program and that many customers are not always successful when trying to register their child for Driver Z,” said Satvir Jatana, President & CEO of MPI. “We have heard those parents and are committed to making changes so Driver Z is accessible to those who need it.” MPI has increased capacity for the Fall offering of Driver Z to nearly 4,700 seats, of which 2,126 are outside of Winnipeg. By comparison, in Fall of 2024, there were 4,200 total seats available. MPI is on track to have 10,000 seats available to new customers this year, which will return registration to pre-Covid registration levels. “In addition to more seats, our Contact Centre will be prioritizing Driver Z registrations on July 23 and our Driver Education phone line will also be opening earlier than normal, at 8:00 a.m.,” said Jatana. “We realize these are short-term solutions, but we are doing what we can in the interim as we continue to make inroads on sustainable long-term changes.”

Possession of a Weapon / Point a Firearm On July 16th, an off-duty officer reported that a vehicle had pulled alongside their own in the northbound lane of 18th Street, in the 1500 block, at which point the male passenger pointed a firearm at them. Police later located the suspect vehicle and its driver in the 600 block of 10th Street and subsequently located the male passenger and a replica firearm in the Keystone parking lot. The driver was released without charges. The 18-year-old male passenger was arrested and charged. He was later released on an Undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on September 25th, 2025. Vehicle Stop Leads to Charges On July 16th at 4:04PM a traffic stop was conducted in the 400 block of 13th Street. All three parties within the vehicle were arrested for Open Liquor in the vehicle. Upon further search a knife and replica BB gun were found in the vehicle. A 22-year-old male was arrested and charged with Possession of a Weapon x2 and Failure to Comply Undertaking. He was held in detention cells for court in the morning. A 28-year-old female was arrested and charged for Possession of a Weapon x2. She was released on an Undertaking with a court date of September 11th, 2025. A 27-year-old female was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine and Possession of a Weapon x2. She was released via Undertaking with a court date of September 11th, 2025.

The Manitoba government is adding 10 new doctor training seats in Brandon and renovating the Brodie Science Centre to put more students on a career path to medicine in the Westman region, Premier Wab Kinew, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara, and Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable announced here today. “Our government is committed to rebuilding health care across Manitoba and we’re following through on that commitment by training the next generation of family physicians right here in Westman,” said Kinew. The Manitoba government is working in partnership with the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba to create 10 additional doctor training seats, bringing the total number of spots up to 20 in Brandon. These students will complete their training in Westman at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, the premier noted. “We know that when students train in rural communities, they’re more likely to stay and build their careers there,” said Asagwara. “This is an important step in strengthening rural health care and keeping more physicians in the region.” Major upgrades to the Brodie Science Centre at Brandon University will help put more students on a pathway to pursue medical studies, by ensuring students have access to leading-edge science facilities, the minister added. “We want Westman students to be able to access top quality science education at Brandon University, which may inspire them to a number of health-care careers including medicine and help them to prepare for applying to medical school,” said Cable. “We are pleased to support the long-overdue upgrades to the Brodie Science Centre.” “This is an exciting commitment to Brandon families and the Westman region,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett, City of Brandon. “The combination of these additional training seats and new science labs will attract our homegrown talent, get them working in Westman settings and lead to more physicians starting a practice right here at home.” To support this expansion, the Manitoba government is also investing in renovations to the Brandon Regional Health Centre library to ensure medical students have dedicated learning space and access to the necessary equipment.

Donation to be Matched by Provincial and Federal Governments, Supporting Emergency Response and Community Recovery Brandon, MB – July 16, 2025 – Genesis Hospitality Management — In response to the devastating wildfires affecting Northern Manitoba, Genesis Hospitality Management has donated $30,000 to the Canadian Red Cross wildfire relief efforts. The donation was made during the eligible period for the matching program announced by the Government of Manitoba and the Government of Canada. “We are grateful for the generosity of Genesis Hospitality for its support of the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal,” said Luc Mullinder, Canadian Red Cross vice-president for Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nunavut. “Red Cross teams have been working non-stop to help people evacuated from their homes. This donation will help with efforts to assist people impacted by the numerous fires in Manitoba.” “Supporting the regions where we live and work is part of who we are,” said Kevin Swark, Executive President of Genesis Hospitality. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the wildfires, and we are especially grateful to the emergency personnel who continue to put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.” This contribution is a direct show of support for the people and responders working tirelessly to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure, including the Flin Flon area—home to a Genesis Hospitality property, the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre since 1988. “We have proudly been part of the Flin Flon community for over four decades, ” added Kevin Swark. “It’s more than just a business to us—it’s a second home. We owe a debt of gratitude to everyone working to protect this special place.” Genesis Hospitality extends its heartfelt thanks to the firefighters, RCMP, Manitoba Wildfire, emergency medical responders, and volunteers whose bravery and dedication have helped safeguard Manitoba during this challenging time. “We also want to thank the many community members, supporters, and government officials who have shown leadership and compassion during these trying weeks, ” said Kevin Swark. Founded and headquartered in Brandon, Manitoba, Genesis Hospitality Management is a privately owned company that owns and operates thirteen hotels with over 1,700 guest rooms across three Canadian provinces. With years of experience, their executive team brings expertise in managing full-service hotels, limited-service properties, and conference centres — including both franchised and independent brands. Genesis Hospitality offers a comprehensive suite of management services designed to maximize support and drive sustained revenue growth. For more information, see our website at https://www.genesishospitality.ca.