The Manitoba government is offering free entry to all provincial parks Labour Day weekend from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt announced today. “Our government is covering provincial park entry fees so all Manitobans can enjoy the outdoors this weekend,” said Schmidt. “Manitoba has over 90 provincial parks to enjoy hiking, camping or whatever outdoor adventure you choose. As we move into September, there are still a lot of outdoor activities to enjoy, and with free entry, this is a great time to get out and visit our beautiful provincial parks.” Visitors to Manitoba’s provincial parks will not require vehicle permits on Labour Day weekend this year. Nightly camping fees still apply, as do entrance fees to national parks. Individuals who wish to camp in a provincial park can make a reservation through the Parks Reservation Service at www.manitobaparks.com or by calling 1-888-482-2267. Park interpreters are offering free tours, star gazing, guided paddles and other family programs this weekend for visitors to connect to the natural features, culture and history in provincial parks. Interpretive program information is available online at www.manitobaparks.com or visitors can check with the local campground office for details on any activities happening in the park. Tips for visitors and campers at Manitoba provincial parks include: check the Manitoba Parks website at www.manitobaparks.com for advisories before travelling; all campers must check in at campground offices upon arrival to receive camping permits; be ‘Wildlife Smart’ by maintaining a clean campsite, keeping all food, trash, toiletries and cooking utensils locked in a vehicle or trailer, and pack out trash and recyclables before leaving; wear a life-jacket when participating in water-related activities, especially boaters, children and weak swimmers; keep all pets on leash; and keep all campfires in approved pits such as those found in campsites and check with the campground office for any campfire restrictions. Campers are reminded because the emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Winnipeg, no firewood can be transported outside the city. Transportation violations can result in charges and fines of up to $1,300 for individuals or $15,000 for businesses. Firewood is available for purchase from local retailers at most campgrounds. Watercraft users and beach goers are reminded to be vigilant against aquatic invasive species. Always clean, drain, dry and, if necessary, decontaminate watercraft and water-related equipment including all water toys and inflatables. Information on aquatic invasive species and decontamination station locations is available at www.manitoba.ca/stopais. Manitobans can stay up to date with provincial park news, activities and events by following Manitoba Parks on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MBGovParks or on X (formerly Twitter) at www.x.com/MBGovParks.

On August 23, 2024 at approximately 12:34 pm, officers responded to a domestic incident in the 200 block of Victoria Avenue East, where a 35-year-old male suspect assaulted a female victim, inflicting a stab wound to her head. The victim, who sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, was assisted by someone nearby, who called the incident in. The female victim was transported to the hospital to receive medical treatment. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the suspect's whereabouts, a heavy police presence was required to ensure public safety and his capture including the use of a drone and police K-9. The male was located and arrested at a second address at 1:58 hours.  He will appear in court today on charges of Assault with a Weapon and Assault Causing Bodily Harm.

Breach of Peace On the morning of August 21st police were alerted of a fight between two females in the 3100 block of Victoria Avenue. The two were determined to be sisters with ages of 26 and 31. Both were arrested and lodged for Breach of Peace. They were released last evening. On August 21st police were alerted of a disturbance at the Victoria Inn where someone was said to have bear spray. A 24-year-old male was identified to be the source of the problem however there was insufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charge. Arrested and lodged until sober to prevent further issue. On August 21st at 10:24PM police were called to a disturbance at a business in the 700 block of 10th Street. An uncooperative 37-year-old male was arrested and lodged to prevent further issue. On August 21st at 9:12PM police were made aware of a male who would not leave a female’s yard in 0 hundred block of 12th Street. With the help of K-9 Zues, the male was located, arrested without incident and lodged to prevent the continuation of the offence. Breach of Peace / LGCA Disorderly On August 21st police were called to the Clarion Hotel as a 42-year-old woman was causing a disturbance. Arrested, lodged and will be released once sober with conditions. Female now banned from establishment. Theft Under $5000 On August 21st at 6:21PM police were called to a business in the 800 block of 18th Street. An intoxicated 35-year-old female was found by police matching description, arrested and lodged for court in the morning. IPDA On August 21st at 2:53PM police were called to Clarion for a highly intoxicated female. A 46-year-old female was lodged and will be released once sober. On August 21st at 9:58PM police were called to Clarion for a female causing a disturbance. A highly intoxicated 24-year-old female was arrested and lodged. She will be released once sober. Brandon Police Service Media Release

Manitobans will see cost savings with the introduction of no-cost coverage of prescription birth control, beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today. “Prescription birth control is a right, not a luxury,” said Asagwara. “Money should never be a barrier to accessing reproductive health care. Starting Oct. 1, Manitobans will be able to get some of the most common and effective birth control without having to worry about the cost. This will save people hundreds of dollars and it will ensure you are fully in control of your body and your choices.” In Budget 2024, the Manitoba government announced a plan to make prescription birth control free for all Manitobans. The Manitoba Pharmacare Program will cover the full cost of about 60 commonly used birth-control methods including the pill, intrauterine devices, hormone injections and others. People can get a prescription from their doctor or a nurse practitioner at their regular appointment, walk-in clinics or in a hospital. “Today’s announcement will ensure that all Manitobans in need will have access to reliable contraception and secures their ability to make a reproductive life plan,” said Dr Jacqueline Gougeon, family physician. “It further empowers women to make decisions around their education and careers that are based solely on their own hopes and dreams and not around unintended pregnancies. This decision represents renewed choice and opportunity for so many of my patients, and removes a tremendous barrier to adequate health care and gender equity.” The program will save Manitobans hundreds of dollars a year on birth control costs, the minister noted, adding that someone who pays $25 a month for oral hormonal pills, the new free plan could save them as much as $10,000 over their lifetime. To obtain free coverage, eligible Manitobans who do not already have coverage from another federal or provincial program can present their prescription and their Manitoba Health Card at a pharmacy for a birth control product. Province of MB News Release

Theft Under $5000 X2 On August 20th at 3:00PM the Loss Prevention Officer from a store on the 900 block of Victoria Avenue reported that a male suspect stole approximately $100 in meat and fled. The male however returned additional times thereafter and was caught and arrested in the evening. He had a charge from a theft on August 6th as well. The 45-year-old male has a court date set for October 24th, 2024.   Failure to Attend Ident On August 20th at 8:00PM police located a 14-year-old male was located by police at an address in the 1000 block of McTavish Avenue. He had a warrant for Failure to Attend Ident. He was arrested, ident completed and has a court date of September 17th, 2024.   Assault / Failure to Comply with Undertaking On August 20th at 7:27PM security at the Clarion Hotel reported a couple fighting. Police attended and a highly intoxicated 27-year-old male was arrested on assault allegations and for Failure to Comply with Undertaking. (No contact). He was lodged for court in the morning on August 21st, 2024.   IPDA (Intoxicated Persons Detention Act) On August 20th at 11:33PM police were called to the Victoria Inn for an intoxicated female causing a disturbance. While there, police ended up dealing with multiple subjects and a 24-year-old female couldn’t find alternative arrangements for care so was lodged at BPS. Will be released once sober.   On August 20th at 5:30PM police were called to a disturbance at the Clarion Hotel. Parents attempted to speak to and control the 15-year-old male without luck. He was arrested and lodged. Parents will pick up in the morning.   Possession or Consumption of Liquor by a Minor On August 21st at 2:00AM security from the Clarion Hotel reported 3-4 people fighting in the front parking lot. Two male subjects, 17 and 15, were involved, highly intoxicated and still on scene upon police arrival. Both were charged, lodged and will be released in the morning.   Breach of Peace On August 21st at 1:48AM security from the Victoria Inn reported a disturbance from occupants in a room. An assault was alleged then taken back. They admitted to an argument and the highly intoxicated 34-year-old male was arrested to prevent any further issues. Will be released once sober.   On August 21st at 4:43AM security from the Clarion Hotel reported an ongoing disturbance in a room. A highly intoxicated 33-year-old female fled out the back door but was located quickly. She was lodged at BPS and will be released once sober.   On August 20th at 3:22PM members were called to a disturbance in the 500 block of 11th Street. A 33-year-old high female was found to be the problem. Arrested and lodged until sober. Will be released once sober.   Sexual Assault On August 20th at 10:46PM security at Clarion Hotel reported a highly intoxicated and underage female crying at the front desk stating she had been sexually assaulted. She admitted to being intoxicated by liquor as well as taking all her prescription meds. EMS was called. Steps taken by police to investigate situation. 14-year-old female was uncooperative with police and medical staff at the hospital refusing protocol and care. She was left in the care of ER staff to monitor her because of liquor and pills. Follow-up with female will occur.   Breach of Conditional Sentence Order X3 On August 20th at 10:00AM members were called to the 1500 block of Stickney Avenue for a male passed out in the back of a taxi. The 44-year-old male was found to be bound by a conditional sentence order – 3 conditions of which he was breaching. He was arrested and lodged for court in the morning.   Breach of Release Order X2 On August 20th at 2:19AM police were made aware of a 26-year-old male at the hospital with his partner of which he has a no contact with her. Male arrested and lodged for court in the morning.