📌 At a Glance
- Final advance voting day underway in Brandon.
- Mayoral candidates address business community concerns.
- Province faces criticism over North Hill roundabout timeline.
- Retail theft remains a growing concern.
- Brandon sees fewer 911 calls but more fire responses.
- Harvest reaches 86% completion across Manitoba.
🗳️ Mayoral Candidates Make Their Pitch to Business Leaders
The Brandon Chamber of Commerce hosted a mayoral candidates’ debate Wednesday, giving candidates a chance to outline their vision for the city’s future before the local business community.
Candidate Len Isleifson said his motivation for seeking the mayor’s chair is rooted in building a stronger community for future generations.
Incumbent Jeff Fawcett emphasized the importance of the mayor’s role in representing Brandon beyond city limits, arguing the city needs a mayor actively advocating on behalf of residents with governments, Indigenous partners and industry stakeholders.
✅ Final Day for Advance Voting
Brandon residents have one last opportunity to cast an advance ballot before the October 28 municipal election.
Advance voting is taking place today in the City Hall foyer from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Early voting participation is already on pace to set a new record in Brandon.
Voters are reminded to bring either one piece of government-issued photo identification or two documents showing proof of identity and residence.
🚧 Balcaen Criticizes Delay on North Hill Roundabout
Brandon West MLA Wayne Balcaen is criticizing the provincial government over what he says has been a slow rollout of improvements to the North Hill roundabout.
Balcaen says the redesign project at Braecrest Drive and 18th Street North has been discussed for years and should have moved forward sooner.
Construction is expected to begin next spring, with the project scheduled for completion in 2028.
🛒 Retail Theft Crackdown Proposed
Balcaen says a Progressive Conservative plan to hire 25 additional Crown attorneys would help tackle chronic retail theft offenders.
The comments come as the Brandon Chamber of Commerce reports a 40 per cent increase in repeat retail theft incidents. Balcaen argues dedicated prosecutors could focus on the relatively small number of repeat offenders responsible for the majority of retail crime.
🚒 Fewer 911 Calls, More Fire Responses
New figures from Brandon Fire & Emergency Services show overall 911 call volumes declined in 2025.
Nearly 180,000 emergency calls were received last year, down from almost 215,000 in 2024.
However, firefighters were busier, responding to 171 fire calls, compared to 142 incidents the previous year.
✊ Strike Votes Planned for Federal Workers
More than 100,000 public service workers could soon be in a strike position.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada says negotiations with the federal government have broken down, prompting strike votes beginning November 16.
Key issues include wages, job security, remote work arrangements and protections related to artificial intelligence.
🌍 Middle East Tensions Escalate
International concern is growing after Iranian state television reported that seven oil tankers were damaged in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the reports, four vessels caught fire and three others were disabled by naval mines in what would represent one of the most significant incidents in the strategic waterway since regional fighting intensified earlier this year.
🏡 Cameron Says Brandon Must Sell Itself Better
Ward 4 Councillor Shaun Cameron, who is seeking a third term, says Brandon needs to do more to convert visitors into future residents.
Speaking during Wednesday night’s Ward 4 debate, Cameron said the city should highlight its opportunities, amenities and quality of life to people travelling through the region.
He said the goal is for travellers to see Brandon as more than a stop along the highway, but as a place they may one day choose to call home.
🎤 Premier Kinew Visits Brandon
Premier Wab Kinew is spending the day in Brandon, beginning with a public forum at Brandon University.
The discussion is expected to focus on affordability, environmental issues, reconciliation, student engagement and Manitoba’s future.
Later this evening, Kinew will appear at the Westman NDP Gala fundraiser at the Keystone Centre.
🏒 Fans Split on Jets Goalie Question
A new poll suggests Winnipeg hockey fans are divided on what the Jets should do with star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
Results show respondents are nearly evenly split on whether the club should trade the franchise netminder, highlighting uncertainty surrounding the team’s future direction.
🇨🇦 Community Continues to Mourn Wainwright Tragedy
Canadians are awaiting further details following the deadly grass fire at CFB Wainwright that claimed the lives of four soldiers.
More than two dozen military personnel remain hospitalized, while communities gathered for vigils Wednesday evening to support affected families and honour those who lost their lives.
📱 Ottawa Defends Social Media Restrictions for Youth
The federal government says it is prepared to defend its proposed ban on social media access for children under 16.
Ottawa argues Bill C-34 is consistent with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and notes other age-based restrictions, such as voting and driving requirements, have withstood legal scrutiny.
🌾 Harvest Nearing Completion Across Manitoba
Harvest operations are entering the final stretch across Manitoba despite periodic rainfall and ongoing moisture concerns.
Provincially, harvest is now estimated at 86 per cent complete.
In Southwest Manitoba, harvest progress sits near 78 per cent complete, including:
- Spring wheat: 98% harvested
- Canola: 85% harvested
- Soybeans: 60% harvested
The Killarney area received the region’s heaviest rainfall over the past week with 29 millimetres recorded. Producers continue fertilizer applications and fall fieldwork when conditions permit, although excess moisture remains a challenge in some areas.
