Now that Mayor Jeff Fawcett and Brandon City Council have successfully secured funding from the province and the federal government, the City is taking the next step in upgrading and expanding its water treatment facility — so safe, clean water will keep flowing through Brandon families’ taps for years to come. On July 17, City Administration will table a new proposal for City Council to secure $15 million in borrowing, which will unlock the most recent $15 million in matching funds announced by the Government of Manitoba. “For generations, Brandon families have been able to count on clean, safe drinking water at home,” said Fawcett. “We owe it to ourselves and our children to keep that guarantee — when your kids turn on the taps to brush their teeth, or you fill your water bottle, you can be sure the water is clean, safe, and healthy. “Upgrading our water treatment facility is necessary to meet provincial standards, so we can’t and won’t let this important project wait — our families’ health is too precious. And this new step of contributing an additional $15 million to unlock those matching funds from the province is an easy decision because we do not intend to leave provincial money on the table, and we do intend to keep this project on track.” City Hall and City Council have worked effectively with federal and provincial governments to secure financial commitments, keeping Brandon’s share of the price tag down to about a third of the total cost of the new facility. “I want to thank the Government of Canada and Government of Manitoba for coming to the table, listening to Brandon’s needs, and ultimately coming through with the funding we need,” said Fawcett. “We’re taking this big step forward so we can get shovels in the ground, and protect our families’ clean, safe drinking water now, and for years to come.”

On July 1, 2023, shortly before 7:00 am, police attended to a residence in the 600 block of 10th street to check for an individual who was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant. While at the residence, police learned of unwanted/unauthorized individuals inside, and received a request to assist in removing them. While inside the home, police observed ammunition in plain view, which prompted them to obtain a warrant to further search the home. Members of BPS Major Crimes Section and Organized Crime Section assisted with the search warrant.  Located and seized were: Canadian currency Approximately 7 grams of suspected Cocaine Approximately 8 1/2 g of suspected fentanyl A dismantled New England 30-06 rifle 30-06 rifle ammunition Compound Bow and Arrows Bolt-action rifle Bolt-action rifle with the stock cut down Mortar Shell with firing tube, and a shell loaded into the tube Marksman repeater .177 Cal BB gun Various firearm parts Ruger .22 caliber rifle with barrel and stock cut down and a .22 caliber round loose in the chamber Armament airsoft Pistol A toolbox with equipment to strip and clean firearms A stolen Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun An SKS style airsoft rifle On July 1, 2023, a 20-year-old female, a 22-year-old female, and a 40-year-old male suspect were arrested from the home and lodged at Brandon Police Service.  They appeared in court and faced a variety of weapons charges including Possession of Explosives for Unlawful Purpose, Trafficking Cocaine and Fentanyl and Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon. On July 5, 2023, shortly before 2:00 am, police conducted a vehicle stop in the 2500 block of Victoria Ave.  One of the passengers of the vehicle was known to police to be wanted in connection to the above noted search warrant.  The 34-year-old male was arrested and the vehicle subsequently searched.  Police then located a loaded .22 caliber sawed off S/A rifle, and a machete.  The male was lodged at Brandon Police Service and will appear in court today on numerous weapons charges including Possess Weapon Dangerous, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in Motor Vehicle, Careless Storage of Firearm, Possess Prohibited Firearm with Ammunition, and several charges for breaching court ordered conditions.

The Manitoba government is once again offering free entry to all provincial parks for a full week in mid-July, including Canada’s Parks Day weekend, Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt announced today. “For the third year in a row, our government is providing week-long free provincial park access to coincide with Canada’s Parks Day,” said Nesbitt. “This initiative allows all Manitobans to enjoy our parks’ extraordinary natural beauty, intriguing historical sites and diverse recreational activities.” Vehicle permits will not be required to visit provincial parks from July 10 to 16. Overnight camping fees still apply, as do entrance fees to national parks. Manitoba’s provincial park entry fees are among the lowest in Canada, this week-long offer and other free park access at various times throughout the year help ensure that cost is not a barrier, noted the minister. The calendar of free interpretive events and experiences including guided hikes, historical tours and campfire talks, is available at https://gov.mb.ca/nrnd/parks/education-and-interpretation/event-listings.html. Several campgrounds have also organized special events to celebrate Canada’s Parks Day on July 15. Visitors can check with the local campground office for details on any activities happening in the park. 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. 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; 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 that 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. 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 Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGovParks.

On June 28, 2023 at 2:30 pm, police responded to a report of an individual who was failing to abide by his 24-hour curfew.  Police located the 19-year-old male suspect in the 700 block of Victoria Ave, drinking a beer, which was also contrary to his release conditions. Once the male was arrested, he was taken for medical clearance prior to being lodged at Brandon Police Service.  While awaiting to be cleared, he punched one officer and spit on another.  The officers did not receive any injuries. He was lodged at Brandon Police Service and will appear in court today on charges of Assault Peace Officer X2 and Fail to Comply with Release Order X2.

On June 23 and 24th 2023, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Brandon Police Service and the Winnipeg Police Service Counter Exploitation Unit entered into Joint Forces Operation regarding sexual exploitation in the City of Brandon Manitoba. The investigation was name Project Block . The investigation focused on street level and online sexual exploitation. Over a 30-hour period Police arrest 21 males for Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration, or communicating in any place for that purpose. These arrests took place on the street in the community and in local hotels in the area. The accused ranged from 30-84 years of age. In 14 of these arrests the accused vehicle was also seized under section 242.2(3) of the HTA (Prostitution related impoundment of a motor vehicle). All of the accused were released by way of Undertaking as mandated by the Criminal Code.