On August 8, 2023 at approximately 11:43 pm, police and members of BFES responded to a report of an unconscious male in the 400 block of 12th street. Witnesses attempted to preform CPR on the male prior to the arrival of first responders; however, the adult male victim had serious injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. Brandon Police Service Major Crime Unit and Forensic Identification Unit continue to investigate.

At the request of Brandon City Council, the province’s Public Utilities Board (PUB) will come to Brandon to hold a public hearing on proposed water and wastewater increases. All Brandon residents are invited to participate on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Brandon’s City Hall Foyer (410 – 9th Street) from 6 to 8 p.m.  “This City Council wants Brandon families and businesses to make important decisions like this together. Everyone should have a chance to be heard,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett. The City of Brandon has an application before the PUB which would see rates double over three years. To continue to have an effective water and sewer system, the City of Brandon must collect for many years of deficit operations, as defined by unique accounting formulas, as well as fund proper operations and appropriate capital upgrades. The city must tackle a revenue shortfall in budgeted water and wastewater revenues which will continue to grow beyond $1.35 million in the final quarter of 2023. City Council was concerned with miscommunication and delays on this rate review in July but has since received clarification. Councillor Luebke says, "After reviewing the information provided by Administration and being given a comprehensive explanation, I have a better understanding of where communication went sideways. I feel confident on the matter going forward". City Hall has worked effectively with the provincial and federal governments to secure investments and keep Brandon’s costs down, but the City must expand and upgrade the water treatment plant to meet provincial standards and continue to deliver clean water to existing households. “Families have always been able to count on Brandon’s water systems. We want to keep it that way. You should always be able to trust that the water that comes from your tap at home is clean and safe,” said Fawcett. “But we also know that inflation has put pressure on everyone. So, before we move ahead, City Council has unanimously voted to ask the PUB to come to Brandon and hear directly from the people affected. I’m listening, and I’m asking the PUB to listen, too.”

On August 5, 2023 at 3:10am, police were dispatched to attend a theft that had just occurred at a convenience store located in the 800 block of 1st Street.  Police learned that a male had stolen a quantity of cigarettes and fled.  At 5:22am, police located the suspect at a convenience store located at 5 Willowdale Crescent.  The 29 year old male was arrested for the theft, as well as for failing to comply with his probation, as he was bound by conditions not to attend 5 Willowdale Crescent.  The male was conveyed and lodged at the Brandon Police Station where he was later released with a future court date.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is “WANTED BY POLICE”: Chance SCHMIDT FOR Break Enter & Assault, Fail to Attend Court. On August 22nd, 2022, SCHMIDT committed a break and enter to a residence in the City Of Brandon. Once inside the residence, SCHMIDT assaulted a female and fled prior to police arrival. SCHMIDT was subsequently arrested and charged, however; has failed to attend court and has breached many conditions on his release order. Chance SCHMIDT’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 Mischief to Property. On July 5th, 2023, an unknown male was captured on video surveillance defacing with graffiti a lamp post in the 400 block of 9th street. The males photo and video surveillance are attached to this release. If you have information about this or any other crime 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.

The City of Brandon is pleased to announce that applications for the Brandon Homebuyer Assistance Program are being accepted until Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 5 p.m. Funding for this program is provided by the Manitoba Government. For many first-time homeowners, one of the most difficult tasks is saving enough money for the down payment. Imagine if you could apply for a forgivable loan of up to almost $30,000. The Brandon Homebuyer Assistance Program helps those who are eligible to become homeowners by providing funding equal to a 10% down payment and a portion of the associated closing costs by way of a forgivable loan. The maximum forgivable loan for an approved applicant is $29,250 over a 5-year period. HOW TO APPLY: Check the eligibility requirements at brandon.ca/home-buyers-program. Get a mortgage pre-approval, with the assumption that you will have a 10% down payment without a guarantor or co-signor from a National Housing Act approved lender. Schedule an in-person consultation with us by calling 204-729-2120, or email housingandwellness@brandon.ca.  Let us know if you need interpretation or accessible services when scheduling your appointment with us. Fill out and submit your application package by Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 5 p.m. If your application is approved, then you can go purchase a house! Check out this YouTube video for a summary of the process.