On September 10, 2023, at approximately 9:10 pm, police conducted a vehicle stop in the 2500 block of Louise Avenue. The 29-year-old male driver was observed exiting the vehicle and throwing the keys in attempt to evade responsibility for operating the vehicle. After showing signs of impairment, he was arrested and later released to appear in court on September 18, 2023, on charges of Impaired Driving, Driver over .08, and Prohibited Driving.

A 19 year-old male driver struck a centre median traffic light standard at 18th St & Park Ave., at approximately 3:15 AM Sunday morning.  He fled the scene on foot, leaving the vehicle behind. Investigation located him in a room at a nearby hotel where he was arrested for impaired operation.  He subsequently provided breath samples showing a BAC more than one and one half times the legal limit.  He will be released from custody later today and is scheduled to appear in court on September 14th.

The City of Brandon and a team of investigators are continuing to assess the damage from the natural gas explosion that took place on Thursday, September 7th at the Civic Services Complex, located at 900 Richmond Avenue East. One employee was injured in the explosion with non-life-threatening burns and is in stable condition. The investigation is still underway by the Office of the Fire Commissioner to determine an exact cause. Early reports show that the blast originated from the building’s mechanical room. It appears that there is some damage to one of the load-bearing walls that support portions of the ceiling structure. The Civic Services Complex will remain closed until further notice. If you need assistance, please call 204-729-2285.

The City of Brandon is reversing 38 speeding tickets because of an error in process — and returning any fees, fines, and demerits that came with them. Since January 2022, a pilot project on Durum Drive between Aberdeen Avenue and 26th Street has reduced posted speeds to 40 kilometers per hour. This pilot project expanded to include the Parkdale and Riverheights neighbourhoods on June 1, 2023 as well as Princess Avenue East and Rideau Park neighbourhood on July 1, 2023. As a result of an error in process, an enabling bylaw was not passed by City Council before the pilot project. “We apologize for our error and feel the fairest thing to do is wipe the slate clean on those tickets,” said Mark Allard, General Manager of Development Services. The process for refunding any paid fines has started for those speeding in the reduced speed zones. People do not need to register to receive a refund. Residents with questions can call 204-729-2105. City Council will decide on the pilot project’s next steps, including considering a bylaw to lower the speed limit on September 18, 2023. For the time being, the 40 KM signs will remain in place in the pilot project areas. The goal of this pilot project has been to determine if the City should consider reductions of speed limits in all residential neighbourhoods as a way of reducing collisions that result in serious injury or fatality. “After all, fines are not our goal — keeping our roads safe is our goal,” said Allard.

On September 7, 2023, shortly after 10:00 am, police responded to a report of an assault at a residence.  The adult female victim received minor injuries after she was struck with a broom and choked by the 20-year-old male.  Before fleeing the residence, the male suspect broke her TV. The male was located and arrested at approximately 2:30 pm.  He was lodged at Brandon Police Service and will appear in court today on charges of Mischief Under $5000, Assault with a Weapon, and Assault by Choking.