Wind gusts and dry conditions have triggered a zero‑burn order today in the RMs of Cornwallis and Riverdale. Two grass fires near Brandon over the weekend came close to turning catastrophic, including a wind‑driven blaze at Pine Castle Farm that forced a major horse evacuation and destroyed equipment Friday afternoon.
Cornwallis’ reeve Mike Waddell says the level 2 fire ban in that municipality covers; “firepits, burning barrels, campfires and off‑road ATVs, unless equipped with a spark arrester. No permits will be issued, officials will be conducting daily checks of conditions and updating accordingly.”
On Saturday, another large grass fire south of Riverdale — in the valley off Highway 250 — drew crews from four departments, with help from local colonies, homeowners, Sioux Valley safety officers and a bulldozer team to hold the line.
Manitoba is now enforcing lifetime license suspensions for repeat impaired‑driving convictions, along with a new zero‑alcohol requirement for certain offenders. Penalties escalate with each breach and can include fines, added suspensions and vehicle impoundment.
Some communities saw wind gusts over 100 km/h this weekend; the strongest was 109 km/h in Manitou. Manitoba’s all‑time record remains 143 km/h, set at Grand Rapids in July 1996.
As summer roadwork ramps up, Brandon drivers can expect construction on major routes including PTH 10/18th Street and Trans‑Canada Highway approaches. No completion dates have been released for the 2026 season.
Producers across Westman say cool nights and uneven soil moisture are delaying early seeding, though agronomists expect most fields to get moving later this week if temperatures hold.
Canada added roughly 40,000 jobs in April, led by gains in health care and construction. Economists say rising wages could complicate the Bank of Canada’s next rate decision.
Neepawa’s community foundation is preparing for its 2026 fundraisers and is seeking golfers, sponsors and supporters for the JC Hard Hat Tournament and Giving Challenge.
Brandon residents can pick up free compost next week during International Compost Awareness Week. The giveaway runs May 5 from 9 a.m. to noon at Kin Park, and at Dinsdale Park on Wednesday and Thursday — first come, first served.
Planet Kia is temporarily relocating to 3620 Victoria Avenue West while construction begins on its expanded 18th Street North dealership.
Brandon is now officially on the FlixBus map. Beginning this Friday, May 8th buses will be stopping and departing from 1059 Middleton Avenue, adjacent to the Trans‑Canada Highway. The company says the new stop links local riders to its wider Manitoba and cross‑border network.
