Brandon’s historic McKenzie Seeds building has officially been sold, with Blackbird Housing planning a $20‑million redevelopment that would transform the long‑vacant landmark into a 130‑suite seniors complex complete with medical services and on‑site amenities. The project would bring new life to the downtown core and add much‑needed seniors housing to the city.
The Brandon Humane Society is urging anyone considering adoption to step forward, as the shelter is once again nearing capacity. Executive Director Tracy Munn says they currently have 36 dogs and 38 cats, and at the current intake rate, that number could climb past 80 animals by next week. To help offset costs, the society covers spay and neuter procedures for adopted pets.
With the census deadline now passed, Statistics Canada is shifting into follow‑ups and verification. Some Westman residents may still receive a call or visit as the agency works to complete the count ahead of releasing early population totals later this year.
Downtown Brandon’s Summer Market is filling up fast, with organizers calling on local makers, bakers, growers, and creators to claim a spot before they’re gone. More details and vendor applications are available here.
Premier Wab Kinew will deliver his State of the Province address in Brandon on May 14 at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Keystone Centre. The event comes as Budget 2026 rolls out, projecting a $498‑million deficit and outlining major capital plans for highways, schools, and infrastructure.
Brandon’s RAAM clinic is reporting a dramatic rise in demand, with visits climbing from about 800 in 2020 to nearly 3,000 addiction‑related drop‑ins in 2025, most involving opioid use.
As construction season ramps up, Manitoba’s Safe Roads campaign is reminding drivers to slow down and watch for crews. The Construction Association of Rural Manitoba says dangerous incidents are increasing, including near‑misses, damaged signage, and rising verbal abuse toward workers. Last year, 240 workers were hurt in transportation‑related incidents, and construction‑zone injuries jumped 55 percent.
A 53‑year‑old man from Ste. Rose du Lac has died after his motorcycle left the road late Monday night. RCMP found him beside his bike in the ditch along Highway 276, where he could not be revived.
Manitoba Hydro and emergency crews are staging a pipeline emergency exercise near St. Lazare today to strengthen response plans for real‑world scenarios.
New Statistics Canada data shows Quebec leading the country in life satisfaction, Alberta ranking lowest, and Manitoba landing mid‑pack at about 46 percent. Rankings are based on a 0–10 scale factoring in income, mental health, and sense of community.
Reports of online luring have surged 344 percent across North America over the past five years. Child‑exploitation units say they’re now handling multiple luring and sextortion cases daily as offenders shift tactics across apps and gaming platforms.
Brandon Transit is calling on the province to restore 50‑50 funding, warning that service cuts may be necessary without increased support.
Manitoba Agriculture reports seeding is about 50 percent complete, while Saskatchewan continues to lag due to cold weather and lingering snow in the north.
And in Neepawa, the Salvation Army will officially open its new Community Services location this afternoon at 1 p.m.
