Brandon Police Service Special Release At approx. 12:29 PM, on Saturday, May 19th, 2018, Brandon Emergency Services responded to a structure fire at Christie’s Office Plus, 705 Pacific Avenue. As a result of strong winds dispersing ignited debris, the fire spread to a neighboring structure which included the businesses; Collyer’s Sales and Service, Brandon Boxing Club and Kazic Kontracting. Additionally, the Massey Manor apartment complex directly across the street, the Cold Beer Store and adjoining vacant structure located at 5th Street and Rosser Avenue were ignited in the same fashion. Brandon Emergency Services with assistance from Office of the Fire Commissioner, Manitoba Hydro and Souris, Wawanesa and CFB Shilo Fire Fighters, worked diligently to extinguish the growing blaze and protect other buildings in harm’s way. 8.3 million gallons of water was dispensed in order to do so and a total of 67 BFES, mutual aid firefighters and Manitoba Hydro staff were deployed. The Brandon Police Service, Office of the Fire Commissioner, Brandon Fire and Emergency Services and Canadian Pacific Police Service are conducting a joint investigation in order to determine the origin of the fire which caused an estimated $25 million in damage. To date, evidence exists that the fire originated in a grassy area between the southernmost CP rail line and the north side of Christie’s Office Plus which in turn ignited the north side of the Christie’s structure. Multiple witnesses reported seeing a number of people in the area prior to the building being engulfed in flames, suggesting that the fire may be a result of human involvement. These individuals have yet to be identified and it is unknown at this time if the fire was deliberately set or is accidental in nature. To date, there is no evidence to indicate that operational activity on the rail line caused ignition. This incident remains under investigation by the involved agencies. Although appropriate measures have been taken to secure the fire sites for public safety reasons, we ask that the public continue to consider these areas a safety hazard. The joint investigation is ongoing and the involved agencies encourage anyone with information related to this incident to contact the Brandon Police Service.

Brandon Police Service Media Release On Saturday approximately 10:10pm, staff from the Liquor Mart on 18th street reported a male had just stole a bottle of Vodka. Police located the male, and the bottle, less than a few blocks away, where he was placed under arrest. Once identified he was also found to be on a Probation Order with conditions no to attend any MLCC location. A 37 year old Brandon man was lodged at BCC until sober and later released on a Promise to appear in court on August 9th.

Brandon Police Service Media Release On Sunday at approximately 2:20am, a BPS member was pulling into the back parking lot of the Police station when a male from across the street  began yelling obscenities and swearing at him. He was given an opportunity to smarten up but instead he chose option B, and was arrested under the Intoxicated Persons detention Act.  A  21 year old male was lodged at BCC to be served a Drunk and Disorderly bylaw ticket when sober.

Brandon Police Service Media Release There has been a marked increase in the number of stolen bikes this year. As such the Brandon Police Service would like to remind the public there are things they can do to help prevent bike theft: Invest in a heavy duty lock. A steel “U”-Lock or “D”-Lock is tougher and harder to get through than a cable lock Having a second lock to secure both wheels and frame is recommended. Lock your bike up in area where there is more pedestrian / vehicle traffic Do not leave your bike unattended and unlocked for even a few minutes Even though it might seem safer, many bikes are stolen right out of people’s own homes and yards. We recommend that you lock your bike to a non-moveable metal fixture if storing your bike in a garage or shed. In addition to this: Write down your bicycle’s serial number, make, model, color, and other distinguishing characteristics, and keep this information in a safe location Take photos of your bicycle. This will come in handy if you have to describe your bicycle to Police It is imperative that you record your serial number. The vast majority of stolen bike reports received by Police a serial number is not known. The serial number not only assists Police in returning a stolen bike to the rightful owner, it also allows for those responsible for the theft to be held accountable.

Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon’s Community Development section is pleased to offer another year of FREE Youth Activity Centre (YAC) programming aimed at providing fun, creative and safe opportunities for youth to enjoy their summer months. All centres provide a variety of fun, free activities with a focus on sports, arts and crafts, dances, BBQ days, theme days, pool days, ‘Kids in the Kitchen’ programming and snacks. This year, programming will be offered from Tuesday, July 3rd through Thursday, August 30th, Mondays to Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at three different locations: YAC Junior *replaces the former YAC South and YAC North* (Valleyview Community Centre, 77 Whillier Drive) – Ages 7-9 years, NO EXCEPTIONS YAC East (East End Community Centre, 405 Park Street) – Ages 9-15 years YAC West (West End Community Centre, 247-23rd Street) – Ages 9-15 years For the health and safety of all involved with the program, youth who do not fall into the above appropriate age categories will not be allowed to participate. An early registration night for all YAC program locations will be held on Thursday, June 21st from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the YAC East location at the East End Community Centre. Hot dogs, chips and drinks can all be purchased for $1 each to help raise funds for this year’s YAC program. More information about the City of Brandon Youth Activity Centre (YAC) Program, including downloadable registration forms, can be found by visiting www.brandonyouth.ca/yac, by emailing communityservices@brandon.ca, by calling the City of Brandon Community Services section at 204-729-2257, or by liking “YAC Brandon” on Facebook!