🚌 Free Transit Coming for Brandon Youth
The Manitoba government is making public transit free for Brandon youth, including students up to age 21 who remain in high school. Officials estimate the change could save a typical family with two children approximately $1,400 per year, reducing transportation costs while improving access to school, work and community activities.
⏰ Manitoba Ending Seasonal Time Changes
Manitobans will no longer need to spring forward or fall back after the province announced it will move to permanent Daylight Saving Time this fall.
Premier Wab Kinew says the change will provide greater stability for families and businesses while supporting public health. Local reaction has been mixed but generally positive. Brandon Chamber Board President Emelio Brown says the practical impact on businesses may be limited, but he believes the willingness to make the change reflects a broader effort to respond to public concerns.
💰 Sunrise Credit Union Donates $250,000 to Community Organizations
Sunrise Credit Union is investing a quarter-million dollars in Brandon-area organizations.
The Keystone Centre Foundation will receive $50,000, while the YMCA of Brandon and YWCA Westman will each receive $100,000. Foundation Executive Director Barry Cooper says Sunrise’s community-focused values closely align with those of the organizations benefiting from the funding.
🎡 Wheat City Fall Festival Opens Today
The Wheat City Fall Festival gets underway today at the Keystone Centre grounds.
CEO and General Manager Connie Lawrence says organizers are excited to welcome visitors for a weekend filled with entertainment, exhibits and family activities. The festival runs through Sunday.
🌦️ Businesses Urged to Prepare for Climate Disruptions
Climate resilience expert Emilia Cameron delivered a warning to local business leaders during Thursday’s Brandon Chamber luncheon.
Cameron stressed that severe weather events can disrupt operations through flooding, power outages, road closures and supply chain interruptions, even when businesses avoid direct damage. She encouraged organizations to develop continuity plans and identify critical dependencies before an emergency occurs.
🚔 Two Weapons-Related Arrests in Brandon
Brandon police made two separate arrests this week following domestic-style disputes involving weapons.
In one case, a 47-year-old woman allegedly threatened a landlord with a knife after returning to an apartment from which she had been evicted. In a second incident, a 37-year-old woman was arrested after allegedly threatening her brother with bear mace during a disagreement over personal property.
🗳️ Municipal Election Campaign Continues
Brandon’s municipal election campaign is intensifying with candidates outlining their priorities ahead of the October 28 vote.
Mayoral candidate Len Isleifson says revitalizing downtown through increased housing, new businesses and more events should be a key focus, alongside stronger efforts to address crime and drug activity.
Incumbent Mayor Jeff Fawcett is highlighting infrastructure investments, saying residents can expect continued improvements as Brandon grows.
Meanwhile, realtor Ketan Patel has entered the Ward 8 race, citing road safety, taxes and snow clearing as key concerns. In Ward 3, realtor Quentin Derhak is making another run for council after narrowly losing in the previous election.
🏛️ Carney Meets with Liberal MPs
Prime Minister Mark Carney is meeting with Liberal MPs in Ottawa today as preparations continue for the fall sitting of Parliament.
The meeting follows discussions in Europe focused on expanding Canada’s trade and defence relationships beyond the United States. Experts say details surrounding a proposed new partnership with the European Union remain unclear, though officials have described it as a relationship built around shared priorities and economic strengths.
🏒 Wheat Kings Open Season Tonight
It’s opening night at Westoba Place as the Brandon Wheat Kings begin their new WHL season against the Saskatoon Blades.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. Fans will also see several players return from NHL training camps, including Brady Turko from the Anaheim Ducks camp and Jody Baumuller from the Columbus Blue Jackets organization. The Wheat Kings will be looking to start the season on a winning note in front of their home crowd.
🍂 MacGregor Gears Up for Fall Fun
Just east of Brandon, MacGregor is preparing for a weekend of fall-themed community activities and family fun.
Among the featured events is a Parent and Child Tournament at the MacGregor Golf Club on Sunday. Residents and visitors are encouraged to check the Municipality of North Norfolk’s events calendar for the latest schedule and activity details as the community celebrates the arrival of fall.
