🛑 Brandon issues precautionary flood‑preparedness notices
Brandon is delivering flood‑preparedness notices today to homes in neighbourhoods identified as potential evacuation zones. City officials stress this is not an evacuation order, but a proactive step as the Assiniboine River continues rising. Residents are encouraged to pack essentials — ID, medications, chargers, clothing — in case conditions change quickly. Mayor Jeff Fawcett says that in a worst‑case scenario, a Flood Emergency Centre would be activated at the Keystone Centre to support displaced residents.
🏛️ City outlines evacuation responsibilities
Emergency Preparedness Manager Tobin Praznik says the city is responsible for housing evacuees for the first 72 hours, after which provincial supports take over. He notes Brandon has detailed maps showing which zones could be evacuated, available on the city’s website. The Assiniboine River is forecast to rise 7–8 feet by Monday, prompting increased monitoring and daily briefings.
🚗 MPI deploys mobile storm‑damage assessment units
Early‑week storms have resulted in more than 2,000 claims to Manitoba Public Insurance, prompting the insurer to deploy mobile assessment units to Boissevain and Killarney for the next month. MPI says severe weather across Manitoba has triggered over 30,000 claims in July alone — one of the highest monthly totals in recent years.
🚶 Lorne Avenue pedestrian‑only pilot begins July 19
Brandon will open 1.8 kilometres of Lorne Avenue to pedestrians and cyclists on select Sundays — July 19, August 16 and September 13. The city says the pilot aims to promote active transportation, community events and safer outdoor recreation.
🏨 Petition calls for stronger response to evacuee disturbances
A petition circulating in Brandon is urging the city to tighten its response to evacuees after last summer’s spike in disturbances near hotels. Residents reported fireworks hitting homes, open drug use, weapons, prostitution and other disorderly behaviour. The petition calls for stronger enforcement and improved supports for evacuees.
🌊 Westman communities expand AIS prevention
Rossburn, Harrison Park and Prairie Lakes are ramping up aquatic‑invasive‑species prevention with new wash stations, patrols and inspection programs. Provincial funding is helping staff decontamination sites, expand clean, drain, dry education and enforce one‑boat‑one‑lake rules during peak tourism season.
🏥 Province expands in‑person flood recovery support
Residents in Swan River and Swan Valley West will soon have access to walk‑in support for insurance claims, DFA applications, temporary housing guidance and other recovery needs. EMO and the Red Cross will release dates and locations in the coming days.
🪣 Sioux Valley Dakota Nation sandbags as water rises
Sioux Valley Dakota Nation spent Thursday sandbagging and evacuating several homes as rising water pushed into the community. Volunteers — including a team from Peguis First Nation — helped relocate dialysis patients and protect homes near the river and creek.
🌊 Minnedosa floodwaters finally receding
The town of Minnedosa is seeing floodwaters recede after days of high water from the Little Saskatchewan River. Mayor Ken Cameron praised staff and volunteers for their rapid response and extensive sandbagging efforts.
🌾 Farmers report major crop losses across Westman
Storms have wiped out hundreds of acres of crops across Westman, with producers near Wawanesa, MacGregor, Minto and Dauphin reporting losses ranging from 150 to 775 acres. Many expect write‑offs on up to half their fields, prompting a surge in insurance assessments.
🔥 Wildfire season quiet in Manitoba
Manitobans may have endured a soggy summer, but wildfire activity remains low, with just one active fire near Lynn Lake. Nationally, more than 3,100 fires have been recorded — slightly above last year — though the total area burned is significantly lower.
🌪️ Alberta tornadoes injure five after Manitoba warnings pass quietly
Manitoba’s tornado watches Thursday produced no confirmed funnels, but two tornadoes touched down near Paradise Valley, Alberta, injuring five people and sending three to hospital, one in life‑threatening condition.
☀️ Heat wave expected this weekend
Southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba are bracing for a hot, humid weekend with temperatures above 30°C and humidex values in the mid‑40s. Officials urge residents to watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including dizziness, nausea, thirst and severe fatigue.
🏥 Dauphin Regional Health Centre remains closed
Flooding caused extensive infrastructure damage to the Dauphin Regional Health Centre, forcing a long‑term closure. Prairie Mountain Health says restoring emergency and diagnostic services is the top priority. Emergency care remains available in nearby communities, and non‑urgent callers are encouraged to contact Health Links.
🎪 National Ukrainian Festival cancelled
Severe flooding in Dauphin has forced the cancellation of the 2026 National Ukrainian Festival. Organizers say ticket holders may request refunds or roll over passes to 2027. The board thanked performers, volunteers and supporters, saying they look forward to returning stronger next year.
📊 Economists await June jobs data
Statistics Canada releases June jobs data today. Economists expect 10,000 new jobs, keeping unemployment at 6.6%. RBC’s forecast aligns with expectations, though analysts warn the labour market has been volatile.
🦠 Michigan parasite outbreak not spreading to Canada
A cyclospora outbreak infecting more than 1,200 people in Michigan has not spread to Canada. Experts say the contaminated food may be locally sourced, limiting cross‑border exposure.
📺 Netflix premieres ‘Little House on the Prairie’ remake
Netflix debuts its remake of Little House on the Prairie Thursday. The series explores frontier life, rugged individualism and interactions with the Osage Nation. Season 2 is already filming, with a fan‑favourite character joining the cast.
