Changes to a host of regulations will allow for ride-sharing services in Manitoba by the beginning of March, Crown Services Minister Cliff Cullen announced today. “We made a commitment to modernize Manitoba’s vehicle-for-hire industry,” said Cullen.  “I am pleased that our government is following through on that commitment.” Amendments to the Vehicle Registration Regulation and the Driver Licensing Regulation have been approved to support The Local Vehicles for Hire Act, which takes effect March 1. The legislative and regulatory changes give freedom to individual municipalities to customize their own, separate bylaw requirements for licencing related to local vehicles for hire. As of March 1, ride-sharing operators will have various options under newly established vehicle for hire (VFH) insurance uses through Manitoba Public Insurance, the minister noted. “These changes allow Manitobans to use their vehicles for ride-sharing with insurance coverage that is both flexible and comprehensive,” said Cullen. The vehicle for hire insurance uses and related premiums were reviewed and approved by the Public Utilities Board (PUB). Under the PUB-approved insurance model, owners will have the option to select coverage for the time periods when they operate.  Four ‘time-bands’ have been developed: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday through Thursday 7 to 11 p.m.; nightly 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.; Monday through Friday 7 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.; and Friday 6 p.m. through Sunday 11 p.m. Vehicle owners can choose coverage for 24 hours a day by selecting all the time bands, or may decide to tailor their operating hours to their part-time availability by selecting only one or two.  Customers will be able to change their time bands at any time without incurring service fees. The coverage options that will soon become available were applauded by two companies looking to establish ride-sharing operations in Manitoba. “The province has laid a road for us to enter the Winnipeg market.  We commend Manitoba Public Insurance for working so well with the city and finding a creative solution to a complicated problem.  The public and ratepayers need to be protected and this new insurance plan does that,” said Pascal Ryffel of TappCar, which is based in Edmonton. “I think it’s very reasonable because the maximum it can cost the driver if they want to go 24-7 is still affordable.  U2GO is not being prescriptive; some people will make it a full-time job, some people will use it to supplement their income.  It’s for the drivers to buy those time bands,” George Demarchi, CEO of U2GO Enterprises Inc. More information on vehicle-for hire-insurance options can be found here: https://apps.mpi.mb.ca/Comms/vehicleForHire/index.html.

18th St. was closed down from Brandon Ave to Richmond Ave, as well as all parking lots and side streets leading onto 18th St earlier today in Brandon after a reported vehicle-pedestrian accident.  One person was sent to hospital.  BPS members have now cleared from 18th Street and Queens Avenue. Traffic is again open to the public. Photos by: https://www.facebook.com/LiamPattisonPhotography204/

An Assiniboine Fire Protection van was fully involved with fire (ironic right?) behind Wah Lee's restaurant this afternoon. The call came in at around 12:55pm, and firefighter/paramedics arrived to find the van parked behind the restaurant, close to the building, fully involved with fire. Crews set up in the MPI parking lot to get the best access to the fire. A bumper line from #15 Pump was laid and charged, as crews searched for a nearby hydrant.   Water supply was switched over from #15 to #14 Pump when it arrived. Both trucks had enough on board water to put the fire out. Crews cleared just over an hour after arriving.

February 25, 2018 – Stony Mountain, Manitoba – Correctional Service Canada On February 24, 2018 during the 9:30 p.m. count in the minimum security unit at Stony Mountain Institution, staff members discovered that William Benjamin Hunter-Garrioch and Dale Jacob Gilchrist were not accounted for. The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) immediately contacted the Stonewall detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and a warrant for their arrest has been issued. Hunter-Garrioch, 21, is serving an over 9 year sentence for attempted murder, possession of a dangerous weapon, drug possession and failing to comply with a condition of a recognizance.  William Benjamin Hunter-Garrioch is 21 years old, measures 170 cm (5’7”) in height and weighs 57 kg (126 lbs). Gilchrist, 34, is serving a six year sentence for armed robbery and possession of property obtained by crime.  He has also served sentences for Break Enter and Commit Theft, Assault, Possession of A Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose and Carrying a Concealed Weapon. Gilchrist is 34 years old, stands 6'2" and weighs 201 lbs.  Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

'Coldest night of the year' is an event which raises funds for the homeless, hungry and hurting in communities across Canada. 121 communities hosted events on Saturday February 24th, including Brandon. Brandon's event took place on the sidewalks of downtown on 2km, 5km and 10km routes. Routes were guided and directed by 65 volunteers and first aid responders. Cross country, over $4 million dollars has been raised this year. In Brandon, 106 people registered on 27 teams and raised over $25,000 for Samaritan House. Samaritan House provided 20,000 hampers in 2017 and over this past winter season has served 100 people in their 'Safe and Warm' overnight shelter. To learn more about Samaritan House and how they serve our community visit www.samaritanhouse.net. To learn more about this Canada-wide annual event and how you can get involved next year visit www.cnoy.org.