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.

Over the past weeks, multiple trustees have been accused of violating the Trustee Code of Conduct Policy 7.7 (Linda Ross, Jim Murray, and Kim Fallis), and Bylaw No. 9/2019 section 6.6 (Breanna Sieklicki, and Calistus Ekenna). These trustees have been issued reprimands by the board as a whole, and each member of the board has been reminded of the importance of following proper board conduct. Each Trustee has agreed to follow all division policies and bylaws going forward. The board looks forward to continuing to work together to serve the educational needs of our community. The Board passed the following motion during the regular Board Meeting on Monday, June 26, 2023: 59/2023 That trustees Linda Ross, Jim Murray, and Kim Fallis be reprimanded for breaching Policy 7.7, and trustees Breanna Sieklicki and Calistus Ekenna be reprimanded for breaching section 6.6 of Bylaw No. 9/2019.

Brandon Police By-Law members were in hot pursuit of a moose on the loose in Brandon’s west end this morning. By-Law officers were seen attempting to herd the moose towards the city limits, but the moose had other plans. It was last spotted making it’s way back into the Linden Lanes area with By-Law officers in tow.