Stories of the year 2024

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This article was published 31/12/2024 (256 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Questions over taxation, budgets and declining services in both health care, and city and provincial infrastructure overshadowed much of the news cycle for Manitobans in 2024, as governments and taxpayers alike grappled with rising costs, and tried to find novel ways to address them.

For Premier Wab Kinew, it was a year he could talk about the 14 per cent gas tax holiday he promised during the 2023 election and delivered upon from Jan. 1 to the end of the 12-month cycle — only to announce in December that he would bring it back to 12.5 per cent in the new year.

For Brandon City Hall, it was a year of having to come to terms with a decision to raise taxes by 9.4 per cent in February, while it sought to be guided by the “growth pays for growth” adage by increasing development fees for new construction in the city.

As a college and university town, Brandon began to register the fallout from the federal government’s decision last January, to implement a temporary two-year cap on international students to reduce levels by 35 per cent in 2024, with a further 10 per cent cut planned for 2025. International student enrolment at Brandon University was down 20.3 per cent in September of this year, and Assiniboine College in December reported a huge drop in revenue from international student enrolment, and cancellation of several courses as a result.

Issues of health-care staffing plagued the province’s regional health authorities and their hospitals, while striking workers in the health-care field, as well as the postal service and rail companies, hit the headlines. We also learned that the zebra mussel issue had finally affected Westman’s crown jewel in Riding Mountain National Park’s Clear Lake.

And throughout the year, citizen safety in Brandon’s downtown core and university remained at the fore, even as groups like the fledgling Downtown BIZ sought to bring more people downtown.

But there have been some good news headlines as well, including a promise by the province to improve 18th Street, which had been voted the worst road in the province this year. With that in mind, we invite our readers to join us for one last look at the year that was with our annual Year in Review.

Jan. 4: Roblin man appeals to Kinew about ER closure

By Michele McDougall

A 21-year-old man from Roblin said it frightened him when he learned that the emergency department at the Roblin District Health Centre will be closed on some days, and have reduced hours on other days, effective immediately. And that’s why Cole Nickell said he decided to write a letter to Premier Wab Kinew asking why the decision was made.

Jan. 6: BIZ looking to city for $150,000 infusion

By Michele McDougall

Determined to make the Brandon Downtown BIZ organization successful, a business owner is preparing to ask city council for funding to get it up and running again.

Jan. 9: $12M for tragic intersection

By Geena Mortfield

DAUPHIN — The Manitoba government has committed to spending $12 million to improve safety at the intersection where 17 Dauphin-area seniors were killed last June when the bus they were in collided with a semi-trailer.

Jan. 10: BU mum on School of Music renaming

By Michelle McDougall

Brandon University officials are not saying whether a name change is in the works for the conservatory of music and a national music competition after allegations came to light that Ferdinand Eckhardt was a Nazi supporter. The Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory of Music at BU was named after Eckhardt’s wife — musician and composer Sophie-Carmen Eckhardt-Gramatté — during a dedication in 1992.

Jan. 13: City proposes 10% hike in property taxes

By Colin Slark

Even though Brandon’s draft 2024 budget calls for an 11 per cent increase in property tax revenues this year, city staff told the Sun on Friday that the actual tax increases seen by residents will be lower. A four-year projection included in those documents show tax revenue increases of 11 per cent in 2024, 12 per cent in 2025, 10 per cent in 2026 and nine per cent in 2027.

Jan. 13: Bad year for Keystone

By Abiola Odutola

The Keystone Centre reported a net operating loss of $1.128 million at its Assembly Hall. Keystone Centre chair Bruce Luebke attributed the deficit to the ongoing recovery of the event, tourism and hospitality sectors from the COVID-19 pandemic. That recovery, he said, remains in progress, with industry experts projecting a potential five-year timeline for full recovery.

Jan. 16: Another $10-million donation for ACC

By Abiola Odutola

In a monumental stride toward advancing agricultural education and sustainable practices, Assiniboine Community College announced on Monday that it has received another transformative $10-million donation, this time from an anonymous philanthropist.

Jan. 17: City reduces development-charge hike proposal

By Colin Slark

The City of Brandon has lowered its proposed development cost charge increases after consultations with developers and construction industries stakeholders. At the end of a pre-budget special meeting of Brandon City Council, general manager of development services Mark Allard provided an update into the work being done to update the charges, which were first adopted in 2019 and have not been updated other than slight increases tied to Manitoba’s consumer price index.

Jan. 20: Brandon buses in rough shape

By Colin Slark

A presentation at council said eight or more buses from Brandon Transit’s 17-bus fleet were out of commission for roughly one-third of the days of service. Issues with many of the buses included their frames rusting, floors becoming spongy, engine and transmission issues, brake issues and engine doors falling off.

Jan. 20: Man in Brandon held because of B.C. investigation

By Geena Mortfield

A British Columbia man who was found not criminally responsible for a stabbing in a Victoria, B.C., park nearly a decade ago was found in Brandon this week after not reporting to a forensic psychiatric hospital.

A Brandon court judge made an order to have B.C. authorities bring Paul Cowie, 34, back to the West Coast.

Jan. 22: Downtown BIZ proponent leaves downtown

By Kyla Henderson

The Downtown BIZ’s most vocal and visible proponent said he’s moving his business to another part of town but that won’t stop him from continuing to work to improve the city’s core.

Jan. 24: Brandon’s aging schools take financial toll

By Kyla Henderson

She is one sweet old lady. École New Era School, at 116 years old, stands as the most senior and still functioning school in Brandon. Brandon School Division administration presented a sobering fact to trustees Monday night — 71 per cent of the division’s 21 original school buildings are more than 50 years old and the BSD is facing increasing amounts of repairs and costs to maintain them.

Jan. 31: NDP pledge $30M for school meal program

By Michele McDougall

Katherine MacFarlane, the principal of Prairie Hope High School in the Brandon School Division, says she’s excited about new funding for school meal programs promised by Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew on Tuesday. In a multimillion-dollar pledge to Manitoba’s schools, the province is investing $30 million to expand school lunch programs, along with additional funding for schools currently on a waiting list to receive other breakfast, lunch or snack programs.

Feb. 1: Record bust at Boissevain crossing

By Tyler Searle

A Winnipeg man was implicated in the largest drug bust in history on the Prairies — 406 kilograms of methamphetamine, which RCMP said could be sold on the street for $50.7 million. Canada Border Services Agency officers discovered the massive haul of meth while inspecting a commercial truck at the Boissevain port of entry in January.

Feb. 5: Brandon council hikes property tax 9.4%

By Colin Slark

Brandon residents received a larger property tax increase than the previous 10 years combined after city council approved a budget with a 9.4 per cent increase. The decision followed nine hours of deliberation. The previous 10 years combined rose the tax by about eight per cent.

Feb. 8: Brandon woman celebrates 112th birthday

By Geena Mortfield

The Titanic struck an iceberg off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland the year Hazel Skuce was born. And 112 years later, she celebrated her birthday at Hillcrest Place Personal Care Home. It made her the oldest living person in Manitoba and the third oldest in Canada.

Feb. 8: City of Brandon doubles parking-meter rates

By Colin Slark

The hourly rate for parking meters in Brandon was doubled. In February, staff finished manually adjusting all 668 of the machines in town. The move was made to raise city revenue by an estimated $100,000. The predicted new revenue for the 2024 year was $262,037.

Feb. 9: Cashier admits to stealing $8,000 from Brandon thrift store charity

By Geena Mortfield

A man who stole $8,000 from a Brandon charity while employed there was sentenced to six months of house arrest in provincial court. Matthew Moore, 35, apologized to the court and had already started to pay back the funds to SuperThrift Brandon on his own before his court hearing.

Feb. 10: Sioux Valley and partners sign MOU for casino

By Miranda Leybourne

Three Westman First Nations signed a memorandum of understanding to open a casino on land owned by Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. The plan involves joint ownership between the Sioux Valley Dakota, Canupawakpa Dakota and the Dakota Plains First Nations.

It aimed at a proposed site near Sioux Valley’s Petro-Can station on the corner of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 21, about 38 kilometres west of Brandon.

Feb. 15: Prairie Mountain Health hires new CEO

By Michele McDougall

Prairie Mountain Health hired a new chief executive officer to replace CEO Brian Schoonbaert, who planned to retire at the beginning of April. Treena Slate was employed by PMH as regional lead in acute care services and chief nursing officer at the time of her announcement as CEO. She had more than 30 years experience in health care and 15 years in a leadership role. During her medical career, Slate has been a staff nurse, educator, public health nurse, manager of nursing and director.

Feb. 15: International students plead for health coverage

By Maggie Macintosh

International students and recent graduates urged the NDP government to immediately fulfil a campaign promise to reinstate universal health coverage. Healthcare for All Manitoba hosted a news conference in February to renew calls for the province to cover the cost of all post-secondary students’ visits to the doctor, regardless of a patient’s citizenship status. The group also expanded its efforts to secure coverage for migrant workers and undocumented immigrants.

Feb. 28: BU without computer system after $6M investment

By Colin Slark

Brandon University pulled the plug on a four-year, multi million-dollar contract with a Florida-based computer firm after the company failed to deliver a new digital system to run the university’s academic and administrative records. The contract was connected to the “Renew BU” project, which involved the development and implementation of a new digital enterprise resource planning system to replace the university’s aging homegrown system that was created in 1978.

Feb. 29: Province pleas for nurses to rejoin workforce

By Danielle Da Silva

Manitoba’s health minister implored retired and former nurses to return to the beleaguered health system in February. The minister, Uzoma Asagwara, announced a suite of regulatory changes to make it easier for nurses who recently retired or quit practising to have their licences reinstated. “We want you back. We want you back in health care,” Asagwara said at a news conference at the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba.

March 1: Premier promises ‘tough on crime’ approach

The Manitoba NDP put forward a plan to reform the bail system, giving attorneys new marching orders. Premier Wab Kinew announced a plan to get “tough on crime and the causes of crime” backed by more cash for police and strengthened provincial bail policies.

March 2: Brandon officer charged with assault and theft

By Geena Mortfield

A Brandon police officer faced assault and theft charges after the province’s police watchdog concluded its investigation into his interactions with two young men last fall.

March 6: Food rescue store moving to The Town Centre

By Geena Mortfield

Brandon’s Food Rescue Store scheduled a move to a new location. The store set up to move across the street from its site on Rosser Avenue to a space inside The Town Centre.

March 8: First Nation owners intend to revive bus depot

By Abiola Odutola

Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation (WSFN) has acquired the former Greyhound bus depot in Brandon and intends to resume bus service out of the property. Chief Elwood Zastre said WSFN has forged a significant partnership with Mahikan Bus Lines to inaugurate intercity bus service as soon as the 10,734-square-foot building is prepared for operation.

March 8: City cheers immigrant-worker program expansion

By Colin Slark

An immigration pilot project was scheduled to be expanded and made permanent, a move local representatives called a positive step. Brandon is one of 11 communities across Canada that has taken part in Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot and just one of two in Manitoba.

March 13: 29 Brandon workers affected by Bell cuts

By Colin Slark

Layoffs at Bell MTS were set to affect 29 employees in Brandon, according to the union representing workers there.

March 14: Trustees OK purchase of 4 new buses

By Abiola Odutola

The Brandon School Division board of trustees voted to acquire four Blue Bird propane school buses.

March 14: More than $1.5M in federal funding boosts BU research

By Abiola Odutola

Brandon University will receive more than $1.5 million in federal funding for research. The funding, announced in March, included the renewal of two Canada Research Chair positions, providing $1 million in research support over five years.

March 15: School locked down as RCMP track suspect

By Miranda Leybourne

The superintendent of the Park West School Division was thankful for the RCMP’s quick thinking when it placed the Strathclair Community School in a hold and secure lockdown after RCMP received a report of an armed robbery in the area.

March 19: Sun nominated for 3 national awards

The Brandon Sun newsroom was nominated for three National Newspaper Awards (NNA), the annual honours that recognize achievements in print and digital journalism. The coverage of the deadly Carberry crash from June 15, 2023, which took the lives of 17 seniors from Dauphin, was nominated in the breaking news category. A team effort by the Sun and its sister paper, the Winnipeg Free Press, the coverage included five news stories as well as photographs from the scene at the intersection of Highway 5 and the Trans-Canada Highway.

In the editorial writing category, the Sun’s editor, Matt Goerzen, was nominated for three of his pieces: on the changes required after the deadly Carberry collision, Brandon’s growth on LGBTQIA+ rights, and why deficit numbers from the provincial government can’t always be trusted. Sun photographer Tim Smith was nominated in the feature photo category for his picture of women washing windows at the CanAm Hutterite Colony east of Minto, with the glass creating their mirror-images.

March 21: Open house hijacked by irate citizens

By Colin Slark

The City of Brandon’s open house for a proposed 30-year plan was hijacked by irate citizens who stood up in March to complain about high property taxes and run-down infrastructure.

March 28: First-of-its kind clinic coming to city

By Michele McDougall

Premier Wab Kinew and Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara were in Brandon to announce that a new minor injury and illness clinic would be coming to the Wheat City, sharing part of a $17-million investment along with seven other locations in the province.

March 30: BU faculty approves 4-year deal

By Colin Slark and Abiola Odutola

After lengthy negotiations that nearly led to a strike, Brandon University and the BU Faculty Association announced they had come to terms on a new four-year contract. The new agreement applied retroactively from April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2027 and includes pay increases of 2.5 per cent, 2.75 per cent, three per cent and three per cent over the four years.

April 3: Budget delivers ‘wonderful news’ to BU

By Matt Goerzen

Brandon came away with some major financial commitments from the province’s budget announcements in April, with the promise of new money to train doctors in an expanded science centre at Brandon University and provincial funding to rebuild the Park Community Centre.

April 5: City using surplus funds to buy transit bus

By Colin Slark

The City of Brandon ran an operating surplus of about $3.8 million and a utility deficit of around $250,000 in 2023, according to a financial return presented at Brandon City Council in April. Half of the surplus, $1.9 million, is being directed toward the future purchase of a second office building for the Brandon Police Service and a further $52,212 to buy new police radios. From the surplus, council approved putting $1,073,622 into the transit equipment reserve and spending $881,700 from it to move up the purchase of a new Brandon Transit bus from the 2026 fiscal year to this year.

April 8: Woman falls from burning building

By Miranda Leybourne

A woman was rushed to hospital in the early morning hours after she fell from the third floor of a burning building on 15th Street. At 1:34 a.m., police, fire and emergency services were called to a fire at a house on the 300 block of 15th Street, a press release posted on the City of Brandon’s website by the Brandon Police Service said.

April 9: Spectators line up to view solar eclipse

By Michele McDougall

Clouds blocked most of the solar eclipse in Brandon on Monday afternoon, but there were moments of clarity for the dozens of spectators who gathered at Brandon University with their faces turned to the sky, peering through telescopes and thick safety glasses. Western Manitobans saw a partial eclipse, not the total eclipse that other parts of North America experienced, when the moon passed between the Earth and the sun and obscured the view of the sun.

April 9: Apartment block fire displaces 5 tenants

By Geena Mortfield

Five people were displaced after a blaze tore through a Brandon apartment building. All five tenants were safely evacuated from the building after the fire broke out around 6 p.m.

April 10: School board approves purchase of computers

By Abiola Odutola

The Brandon School Division board of trustees approved more than $493,400 to purchase 625 laptop computers, 200 integrated pens and 200 desktop computers. The laptop computers and integrated pens total $365,346.75 plus taxes, with an additional $130,056 allocated from the 2023-24 operating budget for the desktop computers.

April 11: Brandon man convicted for posting intimate videos of ex on porn site

By Geena Mortfield

A Brandon businessman was found guilty of making intimate videos of his ex-fiancée publicly available on a porn site without her consent.

April 13: Province buying $585K replacement fire truck for Roblin

The province planned to buy the Municipality of Roblin a new fire truck from a Westman manufacturer, Municipal Relations Minister Ian Bushie announced in a media release in April.

The $585,000 truck was set to replace Roblin Fire and Rescue’s current pumper truck, which was purchased in 1991.

April 13: Legislative library adopts Sun archives

By Colin Slark

More than a century’s worth of the Brandon Sun’s archives found a new permanent home in Manitoba’s capital. In the last week of March, the Manitoba Legislative Library arranged for a moving team to pick up the archives and bring them to Winnipeg, where they will be catalogued and preserved. A Brandon-area minister said the library will be a good home because the library has professionals trained on how to preserve history. A spokesperson said the cost of moving the archives from Brandon to Winnipeg was around $1,800.

April 18: Health region short 40% of required doctors

By Michele McDougall

The Prairie Mountain Health region requires about 200 physicians — including general practitioners and hospitalists — to meet the needs of western Manitobans, but is currently 40 per cent short of that number, says CEO Treena Slate. “We are short approximately 80 GPs and hospitalists in the entire region,” said Slate.

April 19: Maryland Park School expansion to proceed

By Colin Slark

The Manitoba government has decided to proceed with the expansion of Maryland Park School and is hopeful that construction will begin later this year, Education Minister Nello Altomare told the Sun on Thursday.

April 24: Province pledges $2.6M to Squeal on Pigs

By Miranda Leybourne

The Manitoba government announced more than $2.6 million over the next four years into the Squeal on Pigs Manitoba initiative that aims to track and remove wild pigs across the province. Wild pigs threaten animal, environmental and human health, said Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn. The Squeal on Pigs program, he said, takes critical, proactive measures that will protect Manitoba’s pork industry.

April 27: Sun editor, photographer win awards

The Brandon Sun took home a pair of National Newspaper Awards in Toronto in April. Editor Matt Goerzen received the Claude Ryan Award for Editorial Writing and photojournalist Tim Smith came first in the feature photo category.

Goerzen won for his editorials on Brandon’s growth on LGBTQIA+ rights, the changes required after the collision near Carberry last June that led to the death of 17 seniors, and why deficit numbers can’t always be trusted.

Smith, now a three-time NNA winner in the feature photo category, won for his colourful photo of women washing windows at the CanAm Hutterite Colony east of Minto, with the glass creating their mirror-images.

May 4: Friendship Centre to open shelter on 12th St.

By Colin Slark

Brandon Friendship Centre was cleared to open a new shelter on 12th Street after the Brandon Planning Commission issued a zoning variance and one-year conditional-use permit. The residence at 450 12th St. was planned to create a youth lodge through the centre’s Gakina Abinoojiiyag Program (GAP), which will feature a hostel and shelter, transitional housing and a 24-hour safe space for people aged 16 to 26 years old.

May 8: Re-Fit Store to be converted to housing

By Colin Slark

Brandon’s Building Re-Fit Store shut its doors after 28 years to make way for affordable housing. The move aimed to convert the upper floor of the building into 16 affordable family housing units, with the main floor turned into office space for the organization, which has outgrown its current space at 1233 Rosser Ave.

May 9: 14 pickleball courts slated for indoor sport facility

By Colin Slark

The buyer of three city-owned properties said he intended to build an indoor pickleball and tennis facility at 1201, 1305 and 1411 Pacific Ave. The facility will be built with capacity for 14 pickleball courts, but eight of those courts will be dual use and can be converted into two tennis courts.

May 10: Watercraft banned from Clear Lake

By Carol Sanders

The federal government closed Clear Lake to all watercraft in an effort to stop the spread of zebra mussels in southwestern Manitoba. Per the ban, motorized boats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are barred from Clear Lake. Swimming and angling was still permitted.

May 11: Carberry ER reopens

By Michele McDougall

Carberry Health Centre’s emergency department was reopened after shutting down in 2023 due to staffing issues. Premier Wab Kinew told the Sun that the community groups worked together to find three doctors to staff the facility on a rotating basis.

Three new family physicians were coming from Brandon and Virden and were hired to work on a rotating basis at the hospital, in the ER and to also provide care to residents in the community’s 36-bed long term care facility.

May 15: Police seize $800K of crystal meth

Brandon Police Service seized about $800,000 worth of crystal methamphetamine from a commercial vehicle in May. During a traffic stop, police say a driver “became suspicious” and police believed that he may have been in possession of an illicit substance.

May 17: Kinew announces $7.4M for BU

By Colin Slark

Premier Wab Kinew came to Brandon for his state of the province address bearing gifts, announcing $7.4 million in funding for Brandon University and $2 million for Assiniboine Community College beyond what was promised in this year’s budget.

May 17: Westman acquires Dauphin-based Rionet’s wireless, fibre networks

By Abiola Odutola

Westman Communications Group acquired Rionet wireless and fibre networks in a move aimed to expand WCG’s operations in the Parkland region, the companies jointly announced in May.

May 22: 18th Street voted worst in province

By Michele McDougall

Brandon’s 18th Street has been named the worst road in the province, according to votes cast by Manitobans and counted by CAA Manitoba. Of the 137 municipalities in Manitoba, 71 participated in CAA’s annual Worst Roads campaign, with thousands of votes based on factors like potholes, no sidewalks or bike paths, congestion and traffic lights being out of sync.

May 23: City chips in $674K for transitional housing

By Colin Slark

After a tender for the construction of a new transitional housing facility on 16th Street North came in over budget, Brandon City Council voted unanimously to provide almost $700,000 in financial assistance to the 24-unit project.

June 3: Bridge dedicated to fallen Mountie

By Geena Mortfield

A refurbished bridge in Virden now honours an RCMP constable who was killed on duty in the community over 40 years ago. The Seventh Avenue North bridge in Virden — which spans Scallion Creek and connects the town to the main downtown business district — was reopened last fall.

June 4: 3 trustees resign, superintendent out

By Colin Slark

Three Mountain View School Division trustees resigned following the dismissal of Supt. Stephen Jaddock. In the wake of Jaddock’s dismissal, the Manitoba Métis Federation alleged in a media release that he had been let go because he allowed last weekend’s Dauphin Pride parade to start at a division school.

June 6: Another ridesharing company makes Brandon bid

By Colin Slark

Another ride-sharing company made a stab at entering the Brandon market. At Brandon City Council’s Monday meeting, Ravi Dhami of Uride connected remotely to pitch councillors on bringing Uride’s service to the Wheat City.

June 7: Carberry ER closing 14 days in June

By Colin Slark

The emergency department at the Carberry Health Centre was set to be closed for a total of 14 days in June, the second month since it reopened following an eight-month closure. The ER was previously closed from September 2023 to May 10, 2024, with the closure starting before last year’s provincial election.

June 7: ACC rebrands as Assiniboine College

By Matt Goerzen

Assiniboine Community College has now become Assiniboine College. Brandon’s 63-year-old college unveiled a whole new branding on its website at assiniboine.net, adding a new logo and a new name.

June 8: Walmart arson closes supercentre

By Geena Mortfield

An after-midnight fire left the entire front entrance to Walmart charred and forced the supercentre to close in June. It was later deemed an act of arson by officials.

June 11: Walmart reopens; youths charged with arson

By Geena Mortfield

The Brandon Walmart reopened days after an act of arson burned its front entrance, and after police charged two youths for starting the fire that damaged the store and forced its temporary closure.

June 12: 21 charged in sexual-exploitation bust

By Colin Slark

Twenty-one men in Brandon were arrested in two days in June as part of a police operation targeting sexual exploitation in the city. The focus was on street-level and online sexual exploitation, BPS said in a media release.

June 12: BSD trustees vote to end McCrae presentation

By Abiola Odutola

Three trustees excused themselves during a presentation by former city councillor James McCrae at the Brandon School Division’s regular board meeting in early June — and soon after, the remaining board members voted to end McCrae’s presentation.

McCrae, who served on Brandon City Council from 2010-13 and was a provincial cabinet minister in Gary Filmon’s PC government from 1988-99, had requested to address the board regarding alleged disrespectful abuse toward him at the May 13 regular board meeting. He told the division that he had been “accused of residential school denialism by the board chair and vice-chair” and said the word denialism “is hateful, abusive and vulgar and is contrary to the board’s rules.”

June 13: Tornadoes touch down in Westman

By Colin Slark

Phones in Westman rang out with emergency alerts in June as a powerful thunderstorm coming in from Saskatchewan brought tornadoes and loonie-sized hail.

June 13: Keystone celebrates its 50th

By Michele McDougall

The Keystone Centre planned a free outdoor family-friendly party to celebrate 50 years in Brandon. The day included music, a kids’ zone, a craft market, car show, barbecue and — to end the festivities — fireworks, said Jared McKenzie, Keystone’s director of marketing and ticketing.

June 13: Oversight panel named to advise MVSD board

By Colin Slark

A three-person oversight panel that includes a Brandon trustee has been appointed to help the beleaguered Mountain View School Division.

June 17: Brandon Pride March ends with a walk down the aisle

By Colin Slark

Wendy Friesen and Anastasia Jane Gibson affirmed their love for each other by getting married in a ceremony that served as the focal point for this year’s Brandon Pride celebrations after the traditional march from city hall to Rideau Park.

June 18: Wicked wind whips Westman

By Michele McDougall

Wind gusts of more than 100 kilometres an hour sheared off the roof of the Sinclair grain elevator in southwestern Manitoba in the middle of June, and knocked out electricity for thousands of Westman residents. The wind came from a series of thunderstorms, and Environment Canada said the strongest recorded winds were above 120 kilometres per hour. There were more than 3,000 customers across Westman, the Parkland and central Manitoba who were without power.

June 19: Brandon hosts 2024 Manitoba 55+ Games

By Michele McDougall

More than 1,000 athletes were registered to compete in Brandon for the largest multi-sport event in the province for those aged 55 and older. The opening ceremony for the Manitoba 55+ Games was held in the Dome Building to kick off the two days of competition. The games are held every year in June, the last time the games were held in Brandon was in 2016.

June 20: Researchers confirm six tornadoes

By Colin Slark

A storm that swept through eastern Saskatchewan and Westman in the middle of June spawned six tornadoes, researchers from the Northern Tornadoes Project determined. One tornado touched down near Saltcoats, Sask., two near Rivers, one in Spruce Woods Provincial Park and the final two near Saint Alphonse, according to a blog post from the project.

June 22: Ukrainian Orthodox church marks a century

By Michele McDougall

A 100-year-old Ukrainian Orthodox church in the Wheat City’s north end celebrated its centennial this year. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Holy Ghost, on the corner of Stickney Avenue and 11th Street North, has welcomed parishioners since 1924.

June 26: Ottawa invests $1.17M in Entrepreneur Hub

Westman Immigrant Services was set to receive a total of $1,168,170 for the continued operation of its Entrepreneur Hub at 902 Rosser Ave. The WIS project provides support to immigrants and newcomers moving to the community who wish to both start and to grow their businesses.

June 27: No charges in deadly Carberry crash

By Erik Pindera

Crown prosecutor Chris Vanderhooft said in June no criminal charges or Highway Traffic Act charges would be laid against the driver of the bus on which 17 seniors died resulting from a crash in Carberry in 2023.

RCMP said the collision happened because of a choice by the driver, but investigators cannot prove that choice was the result of anything criminal. The crown prosecutor said the driver may not have seen the truck due to a blind spot.

June 27: Assiniboine gets $2M to expand greenhouse facility

By Abiola Odutola

Assiniboine College received a $1-million investment through the Canada Foundation for Innovation and an additional $1 million from Research Manitoba to expand its North Hill Campus greenhouse facility.

June 28: Trustees accuse province of intimidation

By Colin Slark

Multiple Mountain View School Division trustees accused the provincial government of threatening to dissolve their board and the board chair threatened to resign unless the deputy education minister was allowed to speak at a late June meeting in Dauphin. “We’re under duress from the minister— under threat, actually — that if we don’t allow (the deputy minister), he’s going to dissolve us,” said vice-char Jason Gryba. He said it was disrespectful for the government to continue to threaten a board with dissolution if they don’t obey directives.

June 29: Company cancels Braecrest development

By Colin Slark

A planned housing development at the southwest corner of 18th Street North and Braecrest Drive is no longer being pursued because of the expense of connecting the property to the city’s sewer network, the developer says.

June 29: Assiniboine gets $500K donation for teaching robots

By Abiola Odutola

Assiniboine College announced a $500,000 donation from the Anthony Matlashewski Charitable Foundation to purchase teaching robots for its new mechatronics engineering technology program.

July 4: Transitional housing project breaks ground

By Geena Mortfield

Brandon John Howard Society announced that construction of the city’s transitional housing project has begun. Plans for the 24-unit facility have been in the works for two years, but shovels officially broke ground at the building site on the 300 block of 16th Street North this year.

July 4: Cyber-attack disrupts Co-op supplies

By Abiola Odutola

A cyber-attack on Federated Co-operatives Ltd. disrupted the supply of some grocery items at the Heritage Co-op store on Richmond Avenue in Brandon.

July 5: Cascadia Metals’ $25M expansion greenlit

By Abiola Odutola

The City of Brandon’s Planning Commission approved an application to rezone a property at 1600 33rd St. East, facilitating a $25-million expansion project by Cascadia Metals, a subsidiary of R&R Trading.

July 9: Survey finds majority want bike lanes on 26th St.

By Colin Slark

A majority of the public who provided feedback on the proposed reconstruction of 26th Street between Park and Victoria avenues were in favour of the addition of bike lanes, the City of Brandon said in July.

July 10: Maple Leaf splitting into 2 companies

By Abiola Odutola

Maple Leaf Foods unveiled a plan to split into two public companies in 2025, with a goal of increasing production in its Brandon plant by up to 20 per cent. The decision aims to create two independent entities — Maple Leaf Foods, and a new pork company in Brandon, whose name was yet to be revealed.

July 17: Roadside inspections discover zebra mussels

By Colin Slark

An aquatic invasive species inspection checkpoint set up at the Manitoba-Ontario border last month discovered vehicles carrying zebra mussels, Fisheries and Oceans Canada reported. Fishery officers stopped 398 vehicles carrying watercraft between June 21 and 23.

July 20: Zebra mussels ‘building a presence’

By Colin Slark

New evidence from Clear Lake’s main boat cove shows zebra mussels “are building a presence” there, Parks Canada announced in July. Snorkelers found one live adult mussel and a partial shell near Boat Cove on Wednesday.

July 24: Shoe repair shop up for sale after 95 years

By Abiola Odutola

Union Shoe Store announced the sale of a longstanding local institution that operates in the basement of its building at 618 Rosser Ave.

July 25: Grand chief re-elected in first ballot

By Matt Goerzen

The first female grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs was offered a strong showing of support and a second mandate by AMC First Nation members, winning re-election for a full three-year term in a first-ballot victory. Cheers and whistles erupted throughout a packed tent during the annual general assembly, held on Waywayseecappo First Nation lands just north of Brandon, when it was announced that Grand Chief Cathy Merrick had been re-elected after only one round of voting.

July 25: Curtains to be installed at Boat Cove

By Geena Mortfield

Curtains to isolate zebra mussels that were detected in Clear Lake were announced to be installed in late July at Boat Cove. Parks Canada snorkelers found one living adult zebra mussel and one partial shell on June 17.

July 25: City placing ‘hydration stations’ downtown

As Environment Canada issued a heat warning reminding residents to stay hydrated as temperatures soar, the city began a pilot of a new hydration program.

July 26: Grain bin wedged under Highway 10 overpass

By Colin Slark

Traffic on Highway 10 just north of Forrest temporarily came to a halt for a morning after an overheight metal grain bin being transported in the southbound lane got wedged under a CN Rail overpass. A tow truck pulled the bin out from under the bridge to the side of the highway.

July 27: Shilo troops deployed to fight Alta. fires

By Colin Slark

A company from 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry left CFB Shilo on a deployment to help fight wildfires in Alberta.

July 30: Parlow appointed acting city manager

By Michele McDougall

The vote was unanimous in Brandon City Council chambers to appoint Brandon Fire and Emergency Services Chief Terry Parlow as acting city manager effective Aug. 8.

July 30: Former BU instructor alleges widespread AI cheating

By Abiola Odutola

Former Brandon University instructor Matt MacDonald alleged widespread AI cheating among his students, but the university is defending its commitment to integrity and fairness.

Aug. 1: BU reaches 4-year deal with support staff

By Abiola Odutola

Brandon University reached a new four-year deal with more than 90 of its support staff. The contract included annual wage increases of 2.5 per cent on April 1, 2024, 2.75 per cent in 2025, and three per cent in both 2026 and 2027, among other things.

Aug. 2: Wildfire evacuees take refuge in Brandon

By Michele McDougall

Smoke from wildfires in northern Manitoba has forced the evacuation of more than 1,000 people from four First Nations, with 46 residents of the Manto Sipi Cree Nation taking refuge in Brandon, according to Canadian Red Cross spokesperson Jason Small.

Aug. 3: Public health unit closes restaurant, hotel pools

By Abiola Odutola

A report shows closures earlier in the summer of a restaurant at Deer Ridge Golf Course and the swimming pools at Travelodge Brandon and Colonial Inn by Manitoba Health on July 15, July 22 and May 24, respectively, due to health-code violations.

The Health Protection Unit report, published on the Manitoba Health website, stated the golf course restaurant’s violations included failure to maintain the establishment in good repair and cleanliness, failure to ensure food contact surfaces are clean and sanitized, and failure to protect these surfaces from contamination.

Aug. 3: Sioux Valley gets $1.5M from federal housing fund

By Colin Slark

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation became the second Westman community to receive funding from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. The self-governing First Nation situated about 50 kilometres west of Brandon received a promise of $1,552,000 to build 25 housing units over the next three years and 120 units over the next decade, according to a release sent out by the federal government.

Aug. 7: Council pay rose $48K last year

By Colin Slark

The 11 members of Brandon City Council earned a collective $374,839.09 in salary and other compensation last year, according to the city’s annual disclosure report.

Aug. 9: Teachers’ salaries to rise by over 12%

By Maggie Macintosh

Manitoba’s first mega-contract for public school teachers was set to raise general wages by more than 12 per cent and establish a standardized salary scale for 2026-27.

Aug. 14: BU wrestling with security incidents

By Abiola Odutola

Brandon University emailed faculty twice in less than a month to report on security issues and outline ongoing and potential safety measures, including restricting access to some parts of the campus. The emails included the removal of an individual mixing an unknown white substance near the Queen Elizabeth II Building, the discovery of drug paraphernalia (a crack pipe and syringe) in a washroom in the Knowles Douglas Building and the theft of an iPad from a printing room in the Knowles Douglas Building.

Aug. 15: Service reduced on three city bus routes

By Colin Slark

The City of Brandon planned to reduce bus service on three Brandon Transit routes effective Aug. 26 as city staff consider a strategy change in how the bus fleet is managed.

Aug. 16: Province bans cellphones in classrooms

By Abiola Odutola

The Manitoba government announced a province-wide ban on cellphone use in classrooms for kindergarten to Grade 12 students to start in September.

Aug. 17: RCMP investigate triple homicide in McCreary

By Colin Slark and Nicole Buffie

Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP were contacted about a dead man on Road 84 West in the municipality of McCreary at about 10:10 a.m. on Friday. Officers found a 41-year-old man dead from a self-inflicted wound. A half-hour later, RCMP were asked to check on the well-being of a 37-year-old woman. She was not at home when officers arrived. RCMP continued on to a nearby home in search of the woman and found the bodies of three people—a 35-year-old man, a 65-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman.

All three were homicide victims, Staff Sgt. Richard Sherring of major crime services said.

Aug. 20: Tyler Bates named police chief

On Oct. 15, Tyler Bates will assume the role of Brandon Police Service chief, Brandon Police Board chair Deb Arpin announced at Monday’s Brandon City Council meeting. Bates comes to Brandon from Regina, where he served as the RCMP’s chief superintendent of Saskatchewan’s south district.

Aug. 21: Suspect confirmed in McCreary killings

By Erik Pindera

The man linked to the killings of three people in a murder-suicide in a small Manitoba community was hit with a restraining order in 2023 by his estranged common-law wife — believed to be the daughter of two of the homicide victims.

Aug. 22: Russell celebrates cancer centre opening

By Michele McDougall

The official grand opening of the new $2.5-million Community Cancer Care Centre in Russell took place in August. The centre was built next to the Russell Health Care Centre.

Aug. 23: Hansen appointed to senior enlisted air force role

By Connor McDowell

A woman who grew up in Brandon sea cadets became the command chief warrant officer for Canada’s air force. Renee Hansen was appointed in August to the senior enlisted position in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Her appointment followed a career of service, including being deployed to Afghanistan twice.

Aug. 24: 1,000 wildfire evacuees now in Brandon

By Colin Slark and Connor McDowell

The number of wildfire evacuees in Brandon reached about 1,000 people in August, according to Mayor Jeff Fawcett. It was five times the figure provided by the Red Cross, which told the Sun earlier that month that around 200 evacuees were staying in Brandon.

Aug. 24: Suspect caught after woman stabbed in head

By Connor McDowell

A woman was stabbed in the head at a Brandon home, leading police to search nearby alleys with a drone and tracking dog. Brandon police communications officer Janet Reichert said a woman suffered stab wounds to the head after being attacked by a male suspect. The woman was being treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Aug. 29: DCCs could jump tenfold in established areas

By Colin Slark

City of Brandon staff proposed that development cost charges increase between 1.8 and three times in emerging areas of the city and between 9.8 and 16.1 times in established areas at a council meeting.

Sept. 3: Parade celebrates Hindu temple

By Connor McDowell

A parade of 1,500 celebrated the inauguration of the first Hindu temple in Brandon. Members of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple marched down 18th Street and Victoria Avenue, in a ceremony to show their gods around the city before entering the temple and consecrating the temple for its inauguration. More than 1,500 people attended the parade.

Sept. 4: 18th Street reconstruction kicks off

By Colin Slark

Manitoba’s worst road was finally set to be rebuilt, Premier Wab Kinew announced in Brandon on Tuesday. The province plans to spend $9.7 million on rebuilding 18th Street — part of Highway 10 — between Aberdeen and Rosser avenues. That stretch of road is around 2.9 kilometres long. Construction began following the announcement.

Sept. 6: BSD gets over $1M to feed students

By Abiola Odutola

The Brandon School Division received more than $1 million to provide students with a nutritious meal or snack as part of the universal school nutrition program. The funding came as part of a universal school nutrition program announced by Premier Wab Kinew and Education Minister Nello Altomare.

Sept. 7: AMC Grand Chief mourned after sudden death

By Carol Sanders

The flags outside the Manitoba Legislative Building were lowered to half-mast after the sudden death of Cathy Merrick, the first woman elected as grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Merrick collapsed while speaking with reporters outside the Winnipeg law courts. In the wake of Merrick’s sudden death, Westman First Nation leaders reacted with shock and disbelief.

Sept. 10: Illegal dumping raises councillor’s ire

By Michele McDougall

Brandon City Coun. Shaun Cameron (Ward 4) is “beyond frustrated” with people dumping their household garbage at a neighbourhood recycling and organic depot in the city’s west end.

Sept. 11: Minor injury clinic finds home downtown

By Michele McDougall

A downtown Brandon clinic that was closed for almost a decade is renovated and ready to operate as a new minor injury and illness clinic.

Sept. 17: PMH plans daycare centre in east end

By Michele McDougall

Prairie Mountain Health plans to use more than half a dozen residential properties in Brandon’s east to house a new daycare centre that could accommodate 125 to 150 child-care spaces. The new centre, to be called Brandon Day Care, is intended to provide daycare to PMH employees and the general public.

Sept. 20: Severe thunderstorms rake Westman

By Colin Slark

A tornado warning was issued for an area southeast of Brandon on Wednesday evening, but no reports of any touching down in Manitoba have been received, Environment and Climate Change Canada said Thursday. However, the same storm produced what appeared to be a tornado on the Saskatchewan side of the border, in the Langbank area.

Sept. 20: BU student to play ‘Star Wars’ score with WSO

By Connor McDowell

A dream came to life for Brandon University student Reilly Sutlic, who was called to play his oboe in a live symphony orchestra showing of “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.”

Sept. 23: BU international student enrolment plunges

By Abiola Odutola

Brandon University (BU) saw a 20.3 per cent decrease in international student enrolment in September 2024, president David Docherty reported to the board of governors.

Sept. 26: Premier pitches cut of gaming revenue

By Connor McDowell

The Manitoba government offered a cut of provincial gaming revenue to several Dakota First Nations on the condition that they do not develop casinos of their own, the Sun learned after interviews with several chiefs.

Oct. 2: Roof replacement needed at 10 BSD schools

By Abiola Odutola

The Brandon School Division informed the provincial government this year of 10 schools in need of roof replacement, but none of the projects has been approved, according to secretary-treasurer Denis Labossiere.

Oct. 3: Soldier killed in First World War identified

By Geena Mortfield

The grave of a First World War soldier in Ypres, Belgium, was confirmed to be that of a man who went to school and worked in Brandon, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces announced.

Oct. 4: 18th Street rehab to stretch into 2025

By Connor McDowell

The province has confirmed that some work on the 18th Street reconstruction project may be delayed until next year. That possibility later turned out to be the case, with work scheduled to continue next year.

Oct. 8: Mountain View brings in flag restrictions for schools

By Abiola Odutola

The Mountain View School Division board of trustees informed staff within the division of a new policy restricting the types of flags permitted to fly at its schools. During its Sept. 23 general meeting, the board passed a motion adopting a procedure to permit the flying of only federal and provincial flags, or flags featuring school logos, on school property.

Oct. 10: Downtown landmark eyed for housing

By Abiola Odutola

Brandon Fresh Farms scrapped its plan to convert the historic McKenzie Seeds building into a vertical farm and is now looking to transform the downtown landmark into studio apartments.

Oct. 15: Fire destroys Thanksgiving display

By Michele McDougall

A Thanksgiving display set to encourage people to take photos was destroyed by fire in Minnedosa.

Oct. 18: City buys old Esso station lot

By Connor McDowell

The city won the auction for the site of the old Esso gas station at 402 Rosser Ave., bidding $91,000. Brandon’s chief planner, Ryan Nickel, told the Sun that the intent is either to develop the land or turn it into green space depending on the results of mandatory environmental testing.

Oct. 19: Cornwallis council calls for reeve’s resignation

By Colin Slark

The council for the RM of Cornwallis passed a motion calling for Reeve Sam Hofer to resign after an investigation by the Manitoba Ombudsman allegedly found he had inappropriately shared privileged information.

Oct. 26: City down to four operable garbage trucks

By Colin Slark

The City of Brandon’s garbage collection was set to take longer for a period of weeks after a truck was put out of commission when damaged by a chunk of metal put in a resident’s black bin. Brandon’s director of public works told the Sun that a piece of metal punctured the body of the truck and ripped off hydraulic lines when it was being compressed inside the vehicle. The metal was not supposed to be in the garbage bin.

Nov. 2: Ollie’s open for business

By Abiola Odutola

The last day of October marked the debut of Ollie’s European Market at 363 First St., with a line of eager patrons ready to experience the European offerings prepared by the new establishment.

Nov. 2: BPS has seized 104 kg of meth this year

By Colin Slark

Officers reported seizing about 104.7 kilograms of methamphetamine by November of this year. Police Chief Tyler Bates, who just began in his role in October, said the statistic, as well as an increase in calls for service, help illustrate the substance abuse crisis within the city. As of the end of this September, calls for service are up 2.76 per cent compared to the same point last year.

Nov. 5: Assiniboine welcomes Edwards School’s new dean

By Abiola Odutola

Assiniboine College has welcomed Nicole Gaudette as the new dean of the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment.

Nov. 5: Teens arrested, 1 charged in Brandon man’s death

By Michele McDougall

A 16-year-old male from Swan River was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a 21-year-old Brandon man whose body was found in Swan River’s Legion Park last Friday night. Another 16-year-old male from Swan River is also expected to be charged, said RCMP Sgt. Paul Manaigre. He said a witness had come forward and that the victim and the suspect were known to each other.

Nov. 7: BU speed limit reduction approved

By Colin Slark

A speed limit reduction to 30 km/h for two streets going through Brandon University’s campus was given final approval by city council. The 1800 and 2000 blocks of Louise Avenue and 200 and 300 blocks of 20th Street are the latest to join Brandon’s vision zero traffic safety pilot project.

Nov. 8: Drugs found in food hamper

By Michele McDougall

Two baggies containing methamphetamine and marijuana were found inside a box of chocolates sent out in a food hamper from Samaritan House Ministries.

Nov. 13: Renovations planned for Reptile Gardens

By Connor McDowell

Westman Reptile Gardens was planning some renovations for alligators and crocodiles, which meant looking forward to wrestling the beasts out of their enclosures so that concrete can be laid.

Nov. 13: Ex-Wheat King earns commendation

By Connor McDowell

An RCMP officer who once played for the Brandon Wheat Kings received a commendation for returning to duty after being injured during a mission in Saskatchewan.

Nov. 14: Simard ‘excited’ about new role

By Connor McDowell

A cabinet shuffle has put Brandon East NDP MLA Glen Simard in a new role in the provincial government — minister of municipal and northern relations — just over a year after he was sworn in as minister of heritage, sport, culture and tourism. A mandate letter for his new role says to ensure municipalities and northern leaders understand Simard is their “point person” in the provincial government.

Nov. 15: Province unveils public safety strategy

By Matt Goerzen

A new public safety strategy unveiled by the Manitoba NDP government includes several initiatives aimed at improving policing and safety in rural Manitoba. Among the many new initiatives announced, the NDP are making good on an election promise by bringing forward a plan to build a new Centre for Justice in Dauphin that will include “culturally appropriate supports, educational resources and vocational training.”

Nov. 16: Dam upgrade delayed as cost rises

By Connor McDowell

The rehabilitation of the Rivers dam will be delayed two years and will cost 17 per cent more, the province announced.

Nov. 18: Brandon gets first snow of the season

By Abiola Odutola

Brandon witnessed the first snowfall of the season in mid-November, an unusually late time of year for flakes to first fall for the city. Environment Canada senior meteorologist Dan Fulton told the Sun that Wheat City’s weather patterns have been notably warmer for this time of year, which contributed to the delayed snowfall.

Nov. 19: Trans Health Clinic changes name

By Michele McDougall

A public health clinic in the Wheat City’s downtown underwent a name change after operating for nine years as Brandon’s Trans Health Clinic. Prairie Mountain Health said it was renaming the facility to the Gender Affirming Care Clinic in The Town Centre on Rosser Avenue.

Nov. 19: Multiple border crossings cut hours

By Connor McDowell

The border crossing at Boissevain will remain open to travellers 24 hours, seven days a week and is not affected by an announcement of changes to several ports of entry in Manitoba. The Canadian Border Services Agency announced a round of changes that month that affected 35 border crossings in Canada, including 12 in Manitoba.

Nov. 20: Brandon police looking for 20 new officers

By Michele McDougall

The Brandon Police Service announced it was looking to hire up to 20 new officers to shore up its ranks, and was offering paid training plus a $12,500 signing incentive for recruits who make the cut.

Nov. 20: Hologram Zoo open for business

By Abiola Odutola

A new chapter in Brandon’s entertainment landscape began with the opening of the Hologram Zoo at 1608 Park Ave., the former site of Just 4 Kidz.

Nov. 21: IIU says use of force justified

By Matt Goerzen

Brandon Police Service officers who subdued a male suspect during a domestic violence call in 2022 were justified in using force to do so, according to a final report published by the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba.

Nov. 22: Ankle monitor program to include Brandon

By Connor McDowell

The Province of Manitoba is expected to roll out a new GPS monitoring system to Brandon, aimed at curbing repeat probation violations and bolstering public safety. The new program is set to broaden the ambit of the Winnipeg electronic monitoring program to include Brandon and other municipalities.

Nov. 22: Swan River lands investigative unit

By Connor McDowell

A new team of investigative police was announced for Swan River as the province rolled out its public safety strategy. A unit of three officers was been announced to work on “serious and complex” crimes in the community about 335 kilometres north of Brandon. The section will put an emphasis on drug-related and violent crime, police said at a press event on Thursday.

Nov. 23: Cora’s Brandon opening a long time coming

By Abiola Odutola

Cora Breakfast and Lunch has opened its doors at 1350 18th St. Unit D.

Nov. 25: BU faces fiscal pinch due to pandemic and drop in students

By Michele McDougall

Brandon University is facing financial challenges, including a $9.6-million structural deficit, primarily due to COVID-19 impacts and reduced student numbers, said BU president David Docherty.

Nov. 25: Student robbed, hurt near BU campus

By Maggie Macintosh

A Brandon University student suffered serious injuries after what is believed to be a random attack and robbery near the downtown campus on Saturday night. David Docherty, president and vice-chancellor, alerted community members Sunday afternoon about an incident that took place around 10:30 p.m. A female student was en route to visit friends living in residence when she was attacked, robbed and seriously injured late Saturday, he said, adding other students were the first on the scene and did “exactly the right thing” by contacting 911. The victim has since received medical care and is recovering. University staff are liaising with all students involved to provide support where necessary, the president said.

Nov. 28: Ankle bracelets coming soon: Bates

By Matt Goerzen

The Manitoba government is getting ready to implement the expansion of its ankle bracelet monitoring program in Brandon as early as December, Brandon Police Service Chief Tyler Bates says. A key aspect of the province’s recently announced public safety strategy, the program was designed to rein in repeat parole violations using round-the-clock monitoring of certain bailed suspects through GPS-equipped ankle bracelets.

Nov. 29: Youth homes taxing city resources, Cameron says

By Connor McDowell

A Brandon city councillor flagged growing concern among city residents about the operations of high-risk youth homes in Brandon taxing the city’s limited resources.

Nov. 30: Shilo soldiers deploy overseas

By Connor McDowell

Two hundred soldiers have left CFB Shilo to begin a deployment to Latvia, where they will train military allies. Buses carrying the soldiers, who were escorted by police and firetrucks, rolled out of CFB Shilo on a Friday morning.

Nov. 30: Cornwallis suspends reeve

By Connor McDowell

The Rural Municipality of Cornwallis suspended its reeve following a year-long investigation that concluded he violated the council’s code of conduct.

Dec. 3: Needles major worry in Swan River

By Connor McDowell

Half a million needles were distributed in the community of Swan River between 2023 and 2024 as part of harm reduction initiatives. Town council became outspoken on the issue this year, and passed a resolution calling for “proper and responsible cleanup” programs to be put in place by the province before any more needles are distributed.

Dec. 4: Second search for missing man

By Michele McDougall

A search and rescue boat hugged the shoreline, pummeling the icy portions of the Assiniboine River as it made its way down the partially frozen waterway and passed under Brandon’s First Street bridge on Tuesday morning. The boat was looking for 39-year-old Brandon resident Jeffrey Floresco, who has been missing for 12 days.

Dec. 5: BU plans safety audit following student assault

By Connor McDowell

Brandon University was set to conduct a safety audit of its campus, following a vicious assault and robbery of a young female student just off campus on Nov. 23.

Dec. 6: Province commits $500,000 for women’s facility

By Michele McDougall

The Manitoba government is committing $500,000 to fund a new safe space for Indigenous women, two-spirit and gender-diverse people at risk of harm and violence in Brandon. The new facility, located on the 300 block of 10th Street in the city’s downtown, will be called “Franny’s Place.”

Dec. 7: Small business owners dreading GST holiday

By Connor McDowell

The federal government’s proposed two-month GST holiday was already giving some small business owners sleepless nights before it had been confirmed. Brandon toy store owner Amber Hagans told the Sun she would have to stay back after closing the store and spend the night revising GST status for her entire inventory if the proposal wins the Senate vote.

Dec. 10: Food banks struggle to meet growing demand

By Abiola Odutola

Food banks run by the Salvation Army and Samaritan House Ministries — both not-for-profit organizations — are wrestling with unprecedented challenges as demand for their services has increased exponentially, even as funding continues to dwindle.

Dec. 10: $3M tennis and pickleball facility breaks ground

By Abiola Odutola

Site work got underway for the new $3-million Wheat City Tennis and Pickleball Hub located at 1201 Pacific Ave., marking a “significant step” toward revitalizing downtown Brandon and expanding recreational opportunities for residents.

Dec. 11: Former Sun editor named to Order of Canada

By Connor McDowell

Former Brandon Sun managing editor Charles Gordon was chosen to be invested with the Order of Canada during a ceremony held in Ottawa. Gordon worked at the Sun from 1964 to 1974, including as managing editor, before moving to work at the Ottawa Citizen. In December, he was recognized for a lifetime of work in journalism, which has earned him a designation as a standout citizen. He was set to be inducted as a member of the Order by the Governor General in December.

Dec. 23: University, college feel financial pinch

By Abiola Odutola

Assiniboine College expects a steep revenue drop, with international student earnings for 2025-26 falling from $21 million to $6 million, says the college’s communications and marketing director Anya McNabb.

Brandon University (BU) is also grappling with the fallout from a decline in international student enrolment, a trend reverberating across Canada in the wake of recent federal policy changes.