At approx. 6:20 PM police were called to the 200 block of 18th St N in Brandon for a male carrying a hatchet looking in dumpsters.  Officers attended and located the 36 year old male as described.  Further investigation revealed the male was currently the subject of a warrant of arrest for failing to comply with his probation order.  The male resisted the officer’s attempts to arrest him but was eventually taken into custody.  He will appear in court this morning charged with possession of a weapon, resist arrest as well as the warrant charge of failing to comply with probation.

On March 14th at 10:40 am Police attempted to stop a truck for a traffic violation in the 100 block of McTavish Avenue. The vehicle was followed for a few blocks with emergency equipment activated but the vehicle did not stop for police and fled the area. It was determined to be unsafe to pursue the vehicle. No excessive speeds were reached. A brief time later police located the vehicle abandoned in the ditch on 17th street east. Police followed the footsteps from the vehicle and located the 24-year-old male driver. He did not want to stop for police as he did not have a valid driver’s license. He will now face a criminal charge of flight from police and will appear in court on May 27th, 2024.

The City of Brandon is dedicated to the safety and well-being of all who use our roads. As we conclude our snow removal operations, our Streets & Roads section is now focusing on the numerous potholes that have emerged on our streets due to the spring freeze-thaw cycle. To speed up the repair process, we will be introducing night shift pothole crews in addition to our regular day crews starting this weekend. We are currently using a winter mix to fill potholes until warmer temperatures permit the use of a more permanent asphalt mix, typically available in May. Safety is our top priority; therefore, we urge drivers to be vigilant of road workers and to provide sufficient space for trucks that stop frequently. The City of Brandon advises all motorists not to swerve to avoid a pothole. Instead, please reduce your speed when approaching a pothole, but avoid braking when driving over it as this can cause more damage. “Our dedicated crews are working tirelessly to address potholes across the city as we navigate the spring freeze and thaw cycle,” says Pam Richardson, Director of Public Works. “With a strategic approach and the addition of night shift pothole crews, we are committed to ensuring safe and passable roads for all residents.” Problem potholes can be reported online at brandon.ca/report-an-issue or via the 24-hour Pothole Hotline at 204-729-2200. We encourage residents to use the online report form for reporting potholes, as our crews are equipped to receive these notifications while on duty. In addition to our response to potholes, our Underground Utilities section has been proactively addressing drainage issues from the extraordinary snowfall last week. To date, they have successfully completed over 300 service requests, with approximately 100 service calls remaining. The work is being prioritized based on the risk to property, safety, and city mobility. For urgent concerns, please contact our Public Works line at 204-729-2285 or report online at brandon.ca/report-an-issue. Learn more about our work at addressing potholes at brandon.ca/potholes.

The Keystone Centre is pleased to announce that the Westoba Place seat replacement project has been awarded to Jacobson Commercial Ltd. This ambitious project includes the removal and selective demolition of the existing seats, installation of new seats throughout the arena bowl, construction of mini-loge boxes, and installation of adjustable and standard drink rails, and media platforms all designed to significantly enhance the fan experience at Westoba Place. "We are excited to partner with Jacobson Commercial on this important project that will bring a new level of comfort and luxury to Westoba Place," said Connie Lawrence, CEO & General Manager of the Keystone Centre. "Their expertise and dedication to quality work give us confidence that the end result will exceed expectations." Funding for the project was secured through the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Grant from the Province of Manitoba, announced in March of 2023. "We're thrilled about the upcoming enhancements to Westoba Place,” shared Jared Jacobson, Owner and Governor of the Brandon Wheat Kings. “This project represents a major investment in the fan experience, ensuring Westoba Place continues to be a premier venue for sports and entertainment. The Brandon Wheat Kings are proud to call Westoba Place home, and can’t wait to for our fans to experience a new level of enjoyment and comfort." The project was awarded following an open and competitive bidding process managed by TBD Architecture who also handled project design. Three bids were received with Jacobson Commercial’s being the most competitive at $2,037,819. "Being chosen for the Westoba Place seat replacement project is a great honor for Jacobson Commercial,” adds Jordan Funk, General Manager of Jacobson Commercial. “We're dedicated to delivering a high-quality project that will surpass the Keystone Centre's and its visitors' expectations. This initiative is about more than just new seats; it's about enhancing the overall experience for every attendee. We're excited to apply our expertise and passion for excellence to this project, contributing positively to the legacy of Westoba Place." Construction is scheduled to commence in May 2024, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Westoba Place, aimed at enhancing the fan experience of Westman residents and all who visit the Keystone Centre for its many events.  

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.