News – Friday May 15, 2026

🔥 Grass Fires & Burn Bans

Strong winds downed hydro lines and sparked three separate grass fires Thursday, keeping crews from Oakland‑Wawanesa and Souris busy across the Brandon Hills and Wawanesa areas. All fires were brought under control thanks to coordinated response efforts.

The City of Brandon and surrounding western Manitoba RMs continue to enforce burn bans as dry, windy conditions push fire risk higher. A list of current fire bans is available online. Parts of Westman are experiencing one of the driest springs on recent record.

RM of Cornwallis Reeve Mike Waddell says low winter snowpack and ongoing dry weather have created “powder‑keg” conditions. Residents are urged to check their RM’s website daily for updates.

🌬️ Hurricane‑Force Winds in Westman

Southwest Manitoba saw winds near hurricane strength Thursday, with Deloraine hitting 119 km/h — the threshold the National Hurricane Center uses to define hurricane‑force gusts. Brandon recorded top gusts of 106 km/h, with winds expected to ease later this evening.

🌡️ Super El Niño Outlook

A developing Super El Niño is expected to shape Canada’s weather well into summer and fall 2026, bringing hotter‑than‑normal conditions to much of Western Canada. The last El Niño winter in 2023–24 broke warmth records across the country.

🎉 Keystone Centre Event Sell‑Out

The Keystone Centre’s “Legacy and Lights” event was a sell‑out, drawing more than 500 people to the Canada Room for its first‑ever celebration. Executive director Barry Cooper says the facility “holds a special place in the hearts of Brandonites,” reflected in the strong turnout.

🏛️ Premier Kinew’s State‑of‑the‑Province

At his state‑of‑the‑province address, Premier Wab Kinew highlighted progress on healthcare, education, infrastructure and cost‑of‑living measures delivered over the past two and a half years. Major energy projects — including wind farms, new power generation and the Churchill initiative — were framed as nation‑building efforts.

Kinew also spoke about his proposed social‑media ban for kids under 16, saying the province has jurisdiction through contract and consumer‑protection law. Legislation is expected this fall.

The Premier later joined the Moose Hide Campaign walk in downtown Brandon, calling for action to end gender‑based violence.

🏛️ Opposition Response

Manitoba PC leader Obby Khan pushed back on the NDP’s progress, arguing the province is worse off than when the government took office. He pointed to sluggish GDP growth and noted Manitoba ranked last among provinces in completing major projects.

🚤 New Boating Rules at Clear Lake

If you’re heading to Clear Lake this summer, Parks Canada has new rules in place. Motorized boats will return under a tagging and inspection program, along with expanded no‑wake zones to help protect the lake from invasive species.

🚨 New Charges in Rivers Collegiate Threats

A 14‑year‑old boy faces new charges stemming from threats made earlier this year against Rivers Collegiate. RCMP say further investigation uncovered evidence of conspiracy to commit murder and counselling to commit murder. The youth was re‑arrested at the Manitoba Youth Centre and will return to court in June.

🛒 Grocery Liquidation Trend

With food inflation still rising, grocery‑liquidation outlets are expanding across Canada as shoppers look for cheaper ways to stock up. Brandon doesn’t yet have a true liquidation grocery store, but Food Rescue at 800 Rosser Avenue offers discounted items and rescued food for budget‑minded residents.