Manitoba Consumer Protection and Government Services advises the 2024 rent guideline has been set at three per cent, effective Jan. 1, 2024. The guideline is determined annually based on the Manitoba Consumer Price Index and applies to most residential rental properties including apartments, single rooms, houses and duplexes. Despite inflation being higher than three per cent, the rent increase guideline is limited by the Bank of Canada’s target inflation range of one per cent to three per cent. This is the first increase since 2021, as the rate was held at zero per cent in 2022 and 2023. The guideline does not apply to the following: rental units renting for $1,615 or more per month; various types of social housing; rental units owned and operated by, or for, provincial, municipal or federal governments; rental units in buildings first occupied after March 2005; not-for-profit life lease units; co-operative units; and approved rehabilitated rental units. Landlords may apply for an increase above the guideline if they can show the guideline will not cover cost increases they have incurred. Tenants must receive written notice of a rent increase at least three months before the increase takes effect. For example, for a rent increase to take effect Jan. 1, 2024, tenants must receive notice by Sept. 30, 2023. With few exceptions, rent can only be increased once a year. Landlords and tenants are encouraged to contact the Residential Tenancies Branch at 204-945-2476 in Winnipeg or 1-800-782-8403 (toll-free in Manitoba) to learn more about rent increases and other rights and responsibilities. More information is also available at www.manitoba.ca/rtb.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE”: Sinjin SHORTING FOR Fail to Comply with Release Order. On July 16, 2023, Sinjin Shorting breached his release order for failing to comply with his daily curfew and the condition to reside at a specific address. Police have been unable to locate SHORTING, therefore a warrant of arrest has been issued for Sinjin SHORTING. ***************** The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Theft Under $5000. On July 13th, 2023, at approximately 3:30 P.M. a male entered a business in the 900 block of 18th Street North. The male concealed merchandise in a gym bag and exited the store without paying for the property. The suspect was captured on video with his photo attached to this release. ***************** 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.

Raelyn Masson, a Brandon elementary student was selected as a top ten finalist beating out more than 250 entrants nationally in a sustainable food program for her Superfood Salad (full recipe below.) Raelyn entered the prestigious Cheese4Change program last month, which supports healthy and sustainable eating among Canada’s youth, with a video of her making and discussing her Superfood Salad and sustainable commitments. Raelyn showcased locally grown spinach, cucumbers, raspberries and other seasonal fruits and vegetables along with Canadian feta to make her salad, landing her in the top 10.  Raelyn received a special prize and hand-signed card from the President of Tre Stelle Cheese congratulating her on her submission and encouraging her to enter again next year to win the grand prize of $5K for schools and $500 for students. A link to the recipe has been provided below. Raelyn - Cheese4Change Recipe

Police are asking for the assistance of the public in locating 33-year-old Markus HUNTINGHAWK. Markus is described as being approximately 6' tall, medium build, he has brown hair and brown eyes. He has not been seen or contacted his relatives for the past 2 weeks. If you know the whereabouts of Markus HUNTINGHAWK please contact the Brandon Police Service.

On July 17, 2023, at approximately 3:30 AM Police were called to a business at 1600 Block 1st Street North by security stating they had someone actively stealing from the business at that time.  Police attended and conducted a traffic stop of the accused as he left the area.  A check of Police records revealed that 30-year-old male was a subject of outstanding unendorsed arrest warrant for the charges of Theft under $5000 and Fail to attend Court. He was arrested under the strength of an unendorsed warrant. Police reviewed the video from the business and determined that he was stealing gas from some of the vehicles on the property. As a result, he was also arrested for Theft under $5000 and transported to BPS. He was lodged to appear in Court on 2023-07-18.