In an exciting development for public transportation, Brandon City Council has taken a proactive step to enhance the city’s public transportation network by bringing forward the purchase of a new bus, initially slated for 2026. This forward-thinking decision leverages an unallocated surplus just over $1 million, enabling the City to bolster transit services well ahead of the original schedule. The acquisition of an additional bus this year means immediate improvements to the City’s fleet, two years earlier than expected. This new bus will make a total of four new buses slated for purchase this year. These new buses will also contribute to lower emissions and significantly reduce ongoing maintenance costs. Advanced features and improved reliability will benefit riders, thanks to the latest advancements in transportation technology. “By advancing the purchase of a new bus to this year, we are not just addressing the immediate needs of our transit system, we are also taking a strategic step toward long-term financial sustainability”, says Mayor Jeff Fawcett. “More importantly, it demonstrates our commitment to improving the daily commute of our citizens by replacing problematic buses sooner rather than later.” The pre-qualification process for bidders is currently underway.  Once this phase concludes, the design work is expected to commence immediately. Delivery is expected within 18-24 months based on industry forecasts. Stay tuned for more updates on this initiative, which is set to mark a new era of efficiency and sustainability for Brandon’s public transportation.

On April 4th at 02:02 am police conducted a traffic stop in the 800 block of Brandon Avenue. A 28-year-old female and a 35-year-old male were arrested as drug paraphernalia was visible. Further search of the vehicle located a can of pepper spray, 50 grams of meth and over $400 in cash. The pair were later released for court on June 13th, 2024

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE”: Nicholas WANBDISKA FOR Assault. On August 11 2023, Nicholas WANBDISKA assaulted a female at a residence in the City of Brandon. WANBDISKA assaulted the female by grabbing her and throwing her against a wall. WANBDISKA’s whereabouts are unknown at this time, please contact Brandon crime stoppers with any information. ***************** The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Theft Under. On March 31, 2024, a customer at a business located in the 2600 block of Victoria Avenue left her wallet on the checkout counter. The female suspect was behind the customer and proceeded to take the wallet and placed it in her bag. The suspect then left the business but not before being captured on video surveillance. ***************** If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this person or anyone else “Wanted by Police” you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727-TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+your message to CRIMES (274637).  Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display.  Your call is not recorded and your identity will remain anonymous.  Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime.  

On April 2nd, 2024, police arrested a 24-year-old female for assault. On May 23,2023 there was a school division meeting held at an institution on McDiarmid Drive.  There were two opposing sides at the meeting. A 40-year-old male reported he was assaulted by the female. No serious injuries were reported. The investigative file was sent to the crown attorney for an opinion and the crown recommended a charge of assault be laid. The accused will appear in court on May 30th, 2024.

Budget 2024 delivers on the government’s commitments to rebuild health care across Manitoba and lower costs for families, Premier Wab Kinew and Finance Minister Adrien Sala announced today. “Six months ago, Manitobans put their trust in our government to rebuild health care and lower costs for families,” said Kinew. “Our first budget delivers on those commitments by hiring 1,000 new health-care workers and delivering cost savings for Manitoba families with a $1,500 Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit. We’re strengthening our province’s economy, with help for you and help for those who need it most.” Budget 2024 makes record investments in health care, with a plan to hire 100 doctors, 210 nurses, 90 paramedics and 600 health care aides over the next year, and investments to retain and train even more. It adds hospital and ICU beds, and opens new Minor Injury and Illness clinics and primary care clinics so more Manitobans can see a doctor when they need one. The premier noted it is a budget that will help take better care of seniors, invests in better health care for rural and northern communities, takes action to improve cancer care in Manitoba, and will help modernize health records and bring in plastic health cards for Manitobans. Budget 2024 builds on the government’s commitment to listen to and work together with health-care workers and staff up the health-care system with more doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, paramedics, allied health professionals and midwives. The budget more than doubles capital funding in health care, with money to begin the work to open the Victoria and Eriksdale emergency rooms. The minister added Budget 2024 saves Manitobans money by extending the gas tax holiday, providing renters and seniors with increased tax credits, expanding $10-a-day child care, providing free birth control, increasing funding for fertility treatment and providing rebates for electric vehicles. This budget will also make communities healthier and safer, Sala noted, with a $116 million investment in building and maintaining social and affordable housing, and investments in pools and community centres across the province. Budget 2024 will grow Manitoba’s economy, with more good jobs for Manitobans and a plan to ensure Manitoba’s agriculture can thrive, feeding Manitoba and the world. “The previous government left us with a huge mess to clean up – a historic deficit, a health-care system that’s been badly hurt by seven years of cuts, and a failure to strengthen our economy or support families who were struggling with years of rising costs,” said Sala. “We’re different. We’re making smart, targeted investments. We can take steps to fix health care and lower costs, and we can do it while being responsible with public money and charting a path back to balance. That’s what Manitobans can expect from our first budget.” Budget 2024 makes targeted, strategic investments to make life better for Manitoba families, with a focus on: rebuilding health care, lowering costs for families, healthier families and safer communities, growing our economy, and a government that works for you. More information about Budget 2024 can be found at www.manitoba.ca/budget2024.