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It was on this date in 1918 that a train arrived in Winnipeg bringing troops home from the war. No one realized until three days later (October 3) that an unwanted passenger on that train was the 'Spanish' flu.  
 
For Brandon, The Free Press of October 12, 1918 reported:  
 
"Brandon Taking All Necessary Precautions - While the present situation in regard to Spanish Influenza in this city is not considered serious, strong measures of public protection are being taken by the authorities.  
 
All theatres and churches are closed and everything in the way of public meetings has been prohibited. At a special meeting of the city health committee and the hospital board this afternoon arrangements were made for extra hospital accommodation and the Cornell residence on Victoria Avenue has been rented for that purpose"  
 
Four days later Brandon had two deaths and 29 cases (I can't seem to find any final figures for Brandon). It wasn't until December 12th that the ban on public gatherings was lifted.  
 
In the end 50,000 Canadians died of influenza, about 1,000 in Winnipeg alone. Most were between the ages 29-39.  
 
Brandon's most famous flu victim was Montreal Canadians player Joe Hall who died in Vancouver during the 1919 Stanley Cup finals. The series was called off an no cup was awarded that year.  
 
For more on the Spanish flu in Manitoba with pics and links:  
http://thiswaswinnipeg.blogspot.com/2008/07/spanish-flus-toll.html  
 
For more on Brandon's Joe Hall:  
http://westenddumplings.blogspot.com/2009/11/1919-stanley-cup-off-and-death-of-joe.html