Eastman remains the No. 1 region for vehicle-deer collisions, according to Manitoba Public Insurance. Eastman ─ which includes the communities of Steinbach, Lac du Bonnet, Anola, Birds Hill Park area and Falcon Lake ─ experienced more than 1,600 collisions yearly, based on statistics collected from 2012 to 2016. Of note, the city of Winnipeg dropped one level to No. 5 on the list of top vehicle-deer collision regions in the province, which is released annually by Manitoba’s public auto insurer. “By releasing this data annually, our intention is to raise motorists’ awareness about the potential dangers of vehicle-wildlife collisions, particularly during the fall season when deer are most active along roadways,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and CAO, Manitoba Public Insurance. In addition to raising awareness of high-collision hotspots by publishing its annual listing, Manitoba Public Insurance works in partnership with the province and city of Winnipeg to place high visibility message signs at strategic locations in Winnipeg and surrounding communities identified as key wildlife-vehicle collisions hotspots. In rural Manitoba, signs will be placed next month near Bird’s Hill, Riding Mountain National Park and Carman, warning drivers of the potential danger of collision with wildlife and encouraging safe speeds, particularly between dusk and dawn. A total of eight locations on the outskirts of Winnipeg have been identified, in addition to six hotspot locations within Winnipeg. On average, about 350 people are injured in wildlife-related collisions yearly. Over the last 10 years, seven people in Manitoba have been killed in crashes caused by an animal on a road. Overall, Manitobans are involved in about 11,000 vehicle-wildlife collisions yearly according to Manitoba Public Insurance data. The province’s Top 5 vehicle-deer collision regions are: 1) Eastman Region - 1,630 yearly collisions 2) Westman - 1,455 yearly collisions 3) Interlake - 1,115 yearly collisions 4) Pembina Valley - 630 yearly collisions 5) City of Winnipeg - 625 yearly collisions Tips to help keep you safe: Slow down when you see wildlife crossing signs and drive with extreme caution scanning the road ahead as well as shoulders and ditches. Animals are normally more active at dawn, dusk and at night. Be especially alert where brush and tall grass grow near the road. Watch for the reflection of headlights in the eyes of a deer, or a dark silhouette. Do not swerve if an animal does cross in front of your vehicle ─ brake firmly to reduce the impact between an animal and your vehicle.

In Manitoba there are many individuals with disabilities who are successfully working in local businesses, earning minimum wage or higher with benefits. These employees are utilizing their unique skills and abilities to become contributing members of society while obtaining increased incomes, financial assets and economic wealth. To celebrate October’s Disability Employment Awareness Month, we have invited our local Brandon MLA’s, as well as the MLA from Riding Mountain to tour and meet an employee (who happens to have a disability) at two local businesses.  The tours will be taking place on Friday October 27, 2017.  Rotary Villas Assisted Living will welcome Len Isliefson (Brandon East) and Greg Nesibitt (Riding Mountain) at noon.  Reg Helwer (Brandon West) will be joining Telus in the Brandon Shoppers Mall at 2 p.m. The local MLAs will be observing the work of the employees to see first‐hand the power of community‐integrated employment for people with disabilities. “Take Your MLA to Work Day” provides a powerful opportunity to showcase the skills and talents of Manitobans with disabilities in the workplace. The itinerary will be as follows: ‐ MLA will be provided a 30‐45 minute tour of their workplace highlighting where the employee works and the tasks they do, ‐ MLA will be introduced to the employee’s co‐workers and employer, if possible, and ‐ We will hear about this employment success story from both the employer and employee perspective. As part of Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), the Manitoba Supported Employment Network (MSEN) is championing the Take Your MLA to Work Day Campaign. This campaign is intended to raise awareness about the benefits of hiring Manitobans with disabilities by showing that integrated, community based employment and careers should be the expected and preferred outcomes of publicly funded services for those with disabilities. By highlighting these success stories, we hope to encourage more inclusive hiring practices, celebrate inclusive employers doing such, and highlight the contributions of Manitobans with disabilities to the workforce.

Manitoba Infrastructure reminds motorists that snow-clearing equipment will be on highways if and when adverse weather conditions develop. With a special weather statement having been issued for areas of the province, drivers are reminded all maintenance equipment uses flashing blue warning lights and motorists should stay well back of the equipment.  Slow down when passing approaching snowplows and do not attempt to pass a plow in operation from behind. Whether on a highway or in a community, the posted speed limit is intended for ideal road and weather conditions.  In bad weather or on slippery highways, motorists are requested to slow down and drive according to the conditions. For the most recent information on road conditions or highway safety, visit www.manitoba511.ca, call 511 or follow the Twitter account for road closures at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoads.  A Manitoba 511 app is now available for download from the Manitoba Residents Portal at http://residents.gov.mb.ca/apps/511.html.

Brandon Police Service Media Release The Brandon Police Service is investigating four incidents involving drug overdoses from this past weekend. All four of the individuals required immediate medical treatment and have since been released from hospital. Three of the instances are believed to be related and Brandon Police continue to investigate to determine the substances involved however heroin use is suspected in the three related incidents. At this time it is unknown if there was any presence Fentanyl. The fourth incident is believed to be a combination of Methamphetamine and Morphine use that resulted in overdose. Further testing is required and ongoing in these incidents. As these are private, medical matters the Brandon Police Service will not be commenting further on these investigations however would like to remind the public of the dangers associated to the consumption of drugs such as Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Heroin or other Opioids. The use of illicit drugs is illegal and when taken alone or in combination with other substances can result in overdose. These drugs can also unknowingly contain substances such as Fentanyl which when consumed,  can be fatal.

Please take notice that a Meadows-Waverly, University and Victoria Joint Ward Meeting will take place as follows: DATE: Thursday October 26, 2017 TIME: 7:00 p.m. LOCATION: Colonial Inn, 1944 Queens Avenue The following items will be discussed at the meeting: 1) 2018 Budget 2) Valleyview Community Centre 3) Ward Development – Hotel 4) City and Ward Issues Members of the Administration will be in attendance. Please plan to attend if you have any questions, concerns or comments with respect to the above issues. Councillor Barry Cullen Victoria Ward No. 3 Councillor Jeff Harwood University Ward No. 4 Councillor John Loregio Meadows-Waverly Ward No. 5