The City of Brandon has received an Outstanding Achievement Award from Communities in Bloom and is a recipient of the Community of Gardeners Award. Communities in Bloom is a national volunteer and partnership-driven organization that encourages enhancements of green spaces, heritage conservation, and nurturing environmental sustainability. The objective for the Community of Gardeners Award is to recognize broad Community Involvement in gardening and horticulture projects. Brandon's numerous public gardens and greenspaces are held in high regard by the residents of Brandon with hundreds of volunteers taking part in making Brandon beautiful. These volunteers, in collaboration with city staff and a variety of community organizations, participate in maintaining public floral displays, managing community gardens, facilitating workshops, and events like Arbor Day, National Garden Day, Seedy Saturday, and the Open Garden Tours. “The City of Brandon is very appreciative of the acknowledgement of this award from Communities in Bloom,” says Perry Roque, City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Director. “We thank the many organizations and volunteers who form the foundation of our City’s Community of Gardeners. It would not be possible for Brandon to have such beautiful gardens and greenspaces without their efforts.” More information on the City’s Forestry & Horticulture Section or Community Gardens can be found on brandon.ca. To register for a garden plot or to receive email updates regarding garden workshops or volunteer opportunities, email recreation@brandon.ca.

On September 12, 2023, police received a report of a sexual assault which occurred at a workplace.  A 24-year-old male allegedly touched an adult female coworker for a sexual purpose without her consent.  Following an investigation into the matter police located and arrested the male suspect on November 28, 2023.  He was later released and will appear in court on February 12, 2024, on a charge of Sexual Assault.  

On November 28, 2023, shortly before 10:00 pm, police responded to a report of an erratic driver near the 900 block of 18th street N.  The driver was involved in a collision with another vehicle, before driving off, and driving over meridians.  There were no reported injuries following the collision. A witness led police to where the driver had parked his vehicle on Lark Street where police located and arrested the 31-year-old male driver.  Further investigation revealed that he had gone into his girlfriend’s apartment without her consent and taken the keys to her vehicle without her knowledge. He provided samples of his breath that were more than the legal limit.  He was lodged at Brandon Police Service to be released once sober on charges of Driving While Ability Impaired, Driving with More Than 80 mgs of Alcohol in Blood, Break and Enter and Take Motor Vehicle Without Consent.

On November 27, 2023, at approximately 3:00 pm, police responded to a report of the theft of merchandise from a business in the 1400 block of 18th street N.  Security footage assisted police in identifying the 25-year-old suspect who was located later in the day and arrested.  He was also wanted on outstanding charges of Carry concealed Weapon and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.  He was lodged at Brandon Police Service and will appear in court today.

Lots of updates over the past 10 days in Brandon. Sharon Shepherd, whom operated and worked at West-Fit Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, has left the company after 33 years.  She has left due to personal reasons and we have not been informed on the latest ownership and business structure.  Sharon has been a great supporter of many sporting events and will be missed. Trend Collection and Bailiff Services are in the process of moving to a new loication as they have been located at 921 Rosser Ave. Town Centre has been officially sold to JB Brar from Winnipeg for roughly 4 million dollars.  No future plans have been confirmed. Town Centre was owned by Don Williamson - Mazer - Fottingham and Doug Murray.  Local real estate mogul Kevin Gregory will take over leasing agreements for the new ownership group. Granite Dynasty will be opening soon in Brandon, no further details are available. Westman Promotions has opened a location downtown that features anything you and your business can desire. Golf shirts to pens to mugs to T shirts the list is endless.  Check them out at www.westmanpromotions.ca Address is 30 - 11th Street Any tips and information about local business let us know - Darryl Wolski / darryl@bdnmb.ca