City opts for ‘hygiene hub,’ nixes downtown loo

Brandon City Council has decided to cancel plans to build a 24-7 downtown washroom this year and opted instead to create a longer-term solution with more services.

Council unanimously agreed Tuesday to set up a “hygiene hub” instead of the previously approved Eighth Street washroom.

The new setup, which could take several years to create, would have multiple washrooms, showers and laundry services, a city staff member said.

In the meantime, the city will increase hours at a public washroom at Princess Park to keep it open 24-7.

Motorboats allowed back on Clear Lake

Parks Canada has announced that motorboats will be allowed back on Clear Lake this season — but they will be banned two days each week and during “quiet” periods at dawn and dusk.

The agency announced the return of motorboats under a mandatory tagging program in a bulletin on Wednesday morning.

The reinstatement comes after Parks Canada banned motorboats completely for the 2025 season.

The news drew positive reactions — as well as some caution — from the area’s Conservative member of Parliament and advocacy group Fairness for Clear Lake.

Let’s Do Something — April 9, 2026

TODAY

• 11:30 a.m. — The United Way Campaign Touchdown will be held at the Ukrainian Reading Association Hall (1005 Assiniboine Ave.) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come celebrate the impact of collective giving and mark the close of the 2025 Brandon/Westman Community Fundraising Campaign. Enjoy a Ukrainian buffet lunch and learn how your contributions are making a difference across the region. Tickets are $35.

• 1:30 p.m. — Taoist Tai Chi meets every Thursday afternoon at Trinity United Church (1515 Sixth St.) until 3 p.m.

• 6 p.m. — The South West Branch of the Manitoba Genealogical Society is holding its annual Heritage Dinner at Knox United Church. Supper at 6 p.m. followed by a presentation from Stella Fedeniuk entitled, “The Ukraine Experience: From Ukraine to the Perogy Belt in Canada.” Cost is $35 per person. To register, contact George 204-724-0968 or email sw-treasurer@mbgenealogy.com. Cheques may be mailed to 12 McLeod Dr., Brandon, MB R7A 6G1.

Career talk

The 22nd annual Interprovincial Association of Native Employment Indigenous Career Fair was held at the Shoppers Mall in Brandon on Wednesday.

More than two dozen employers and organizations took part in the career fair, giving visitors insights into various careers and opportunities.

» Photos by Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun

Revised data show jump in paramedic vacancies

Staffing shortages for entry-level paramedics in southwestern Manitoba were significantly higher in December 2025 than Shared Health recently reported, updated data show.

There were 78.5 full-time-equivalent primary-care paramedics working in rural Westman in December last year, with 60 unfilled positions, resulting in a vacancy rate of about 43 per cent, according to an amended response by the provincial health agency.

Shared Health provided the Sun with a revised breakdown of the staff vacancies for solely primary-care paramedics for the west zone in a letter on March 26.

The data reflect a drastic jump from the initial numbers the Sun received from an access-to-information request on Feb. 23, which showed a vacancy rate of 28 per cent in December 2025.

Man accused in arson and jailhouse beating seeks bail

A man accused of setting a fire inside a Brandon house and being involved in a serious jailhouse assault applied for bail in Brandon provincial court on Tuesday.

Melvin Mousseau, 27, is charged with aggravated assault in connection with a jailhouse assault that took place at Brandon Correctional Centre (BCC) on Jan. 7.

The Crown opposed Mousseau’s release, citing concerns over his risk to the public and whether he will come to court for his appearances.

Crown attorney Rich Lonstrup detailed the allegations, which haven’t been proven in court.

Judge cites ‘nefarious nature’ of firearm in denying bail

A Keeseekowenin Ojibway First Nation man accused of showing up at a home with a loaded sawed-off shotgun was denied bail in Brandon provincial court on Tuesday.

Isaiah Mintuck, 29, is charged with several weapons offences, including possessing a loaded prohibited firearm, removing a serial number and possessing a firearm for the purpose of transfer.

The Crown opposed Mintuck’s release, arguing his detention was necessary to maintain the public’s confidence in the administration of justice. The Crown also cited concerns over the risk he poses in the community.

The defence said the proposed bail plan addressed the Crown’s concerns.

Fred Fox making the rounds in Westman

Several Westman communities are getting a visit from the brother of Terry Fox this week.

Fred Fox toured schools in Inglis, Russell and Waywayseecappo First Nation on Tuesday as part of his mission to keep Terry’s story alive and give a first-hand account of his famous brother’s goal.

He is also set to present to schools in Rossburn, Shoal Lake and Strathclair today, Hamiota and Miniota on Thursday, and Birtle and Binscarth on Friday.

Fox said it’s important to get to smaller communities and not just the larger centres.

Break and enter; impaired charges after vehicle crashes into fire hydrant

Break and enter

Police arrested a man on Saturday after receiving a report of a break and enter.

The affected property was on the 500 block of Louise Avenue, and the complainant identified a suspect, the Brandon Police Service said in a news release.

Officers found and arrested a 33-year-old man who was in the area and charged him with breaking and entering to commit mischief.

Dinosaurs a big hit at Springfest

CFB SHILO — Families from CFB Shilo and neighbouring areas gathered at the base on Saturday for Springfest, a lively community event celebrating the arrival of spring.

The event, held in Building L25 and formerly known as EasterFest, featured a variety of activities designed for all ages. Attendees enjoyed an interactive dinosaur zone, mini putt, games, face painting and a free hot brunch, while a magic show drew a crowd of excited children and parents alike.

Springfest spokesperson Jolynn Carmichael said the event has continued to bring communities together for about two decades.

“This event is a combination of a celebration of spring and Easter. We run it every year, and it’s really for the CFB Shilo community and the surrounding area,” she said.