⛈️ Storms & Weather
Wednesday night’s severe thunderstorms across Brandon and the surrounding region did not produce any tornados, though a funnel cloud was reported near Napinka, about 120 kilometres southwest of the city. No touchdown has been confirmed.
The weather also forced the City of Brandon to postpone mosquito fogging to ensure the program remains effective. Fogging is now planned for 9:30 p.m. tonight, pending weather conditions.
⚡ Power Outages
More than 2,500 Manitoba Hydro customers in Brandon, Oak Lake and Wawanesa lost power Wednesday night after outages began shortly after 8 p.m. The cause remains under investigation, though the outages coincided with the passing thunderstorm. Power has since been fully restored.
🚨 Collision Charge
A 38‑year‑old Brandon woman has been charged with careless driving following a July 7 collision in which a 16‑year‑old pedestrian was struck while using a designated crosswalk on Richmond Avenue.
Police say the driver was travelling at the posted speed limit but was not paying attention to the road, leading to the collision.
🚗 Long Weekend Safety
With the long weekend approaching — and a new CAA study showing 98% of Manitobans have witnessed unsafe driving — CAA is urging drivers to slow down and take extra care.
Nearly 60% of respondents admitted to speeding themselves, making reduced speed one of the simplest ways to improve safety.
✈️ WestJet Labour Dispute
WestJet flight attendants could be on the picket line as early as Sunday after CUPE issued a 72‑hour strike notice affecting about 4,400 crew members.
WestJet responded with a lockout notice, though both sides say negotiations continue.
📊 Manitoba Tops Internal Trade Ranking
A new national report ranks Manitoba as Canada’s best‑performing province on internal trade, highlighting efforts to reduce red tape and improve the movement of goods and services. The province also earned a perfect score for direct‑to‑consumer alcohol sales.
🚓 Police Briefs
Stolen Vehicle & Scooter Brandon police are searching for a white 2012 Hyundai Veloster and an electric scooter taken from a garage on Hemlock Crescent earlier this week. More details and the license plate number are available on our website.
Crocus Plains Break‑In Police are investigating a break‑in at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School after suspects entered through a window early Saturday morning. Officers are reviewing security footage to identify those involved and determine whether anything was stolen or damaged.
🚉 Rivers Train Station Investment
A $98,000 provincial investment will support restoration of the Rivers train station, development of a Sekine bicycle museum, and research aimed at strengthening rural communities across Manitoba.
🌊 Brandon Flood Costs
Brandon’s July flood response is projected to cost $2.28 million, with the city expecting to recover $1.55 million (68%) through Manitoba’s Disaster Financial Assistance program.
Council has approved using reserve funds to cover emergency costs, including dike construction, Tiger Dams, sandbagging, contractor services and overtime staffing.
🎤 Open Mic Night Relocated
Flooding at the Discovery Centre has moved tonight’s Open Mic Night to Rideau Park, where the free community showcase still begins at 6:30 p.m.
Performers can bring any talent to the stage. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair and mosquito repellent.
♻️ FoodCycler Pilot Launch
The City of Brandon is launching a 12‑week FoodCycler pilot program, offering up to 100 residents in larger multi‑family buildings the chance to purchase a subsidized unit for $100.
The initiative aims to divert food waste from the landfill and evaluate future waste‑reduction options. Registration details are available on our website.
