The City of Brandon and Brandon Downtown BIZ are excited to announce the launch of a new outdoor art program in downtown Brandon. Funded by the City of Brandon and administered by the Brandon Downtown BIZ, this public art initiative will operate through an open granting process with the goal of enhancing the vibrancy and visual appeal of the city’s downtown core. Developed in collaboration with the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba, the program has been in development for several months. It is being led by Amanda Dupuis, Housing and Wellness Programmer for the City of Brandon; Emmy Sanderson, Executive Director of the Brandon Downton BIZ; and Lucie Lederhendler, Artistic Director of the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba. Applications for the task force will open next week through the Brandon Downtown BIZ website at brandondowntown.biz  and will be announced on their social media. Once the task force is in place and the program parameters are finalized, an open call for project applications will be launched by the Brandon Downtown BIZ. In the meantime, artists and property owners are encouraged to start brainstorming ideas so they’re ready to apply when the time comes. Many of Brandon’s beloved murals – such as those created under a 2019 initiative by the Brandon Neighborhood Renewal Corporation – have remained largely untouched by vandalism and continue to be a celebrated feature of the downtown landscape. “This outdoor art program is a direct reflection of City Council’s strategic direction to encourage the revitalization of downtown Brandon,” notes Mayor Jeff Fawcett. “Our partnership with the BIZ and the Art Gallery highlights the strength of our community and reinforces our commitment to building a stronger, more connected downtown.” “The BIZ is very enthusiastic and honoured to be working with the City of Brandon, and other community partners on such an exciting and impactful project for our downtown, and for the city as a whole,” said Sanderson. “Beautification of spaces is part of the BIZ mandate and in addition to creating beautiful spaces, projects like this have far reaching impacts on safety, community building, tourism, economics, and civic pride. We look forward to seeing community driven art come to life and are grateful to the city for entrusting us with this meaningful project.” Dupuis, a visual artist herself, notes that the inspiration for the program came out of the city’s graffiti removal program.  “Instead of focusing on erasing graffiti, I wanted to focus on building something—on creating a positive vision for what we want downtown to look like. This program is about lasting impact and building community.” “Outdoor art is powerful because it has the power to transform the way folks feel about their whole environment,” said Lederhendler. “This program is an exciting opportunity for our community's talented artists to show their stuff to a wide audience. We are happy to amplify the message that downtown Brandon - where we have been located for all of our 117 years - is a really artful place.” Interested participants can reach out to Emmy Sanderson at info@brandondowntown.biz or call 204-717-1380.

Details are few and far but a 48 unit Hotel / Motel will be built soon in Riding Mountain National Park. Owners and as well when construction will being will be announced soon. Roughly one block from the White House Bakery will be the location.

The Helping Hands Soup Kitchen faces a huge issue they need $225,000 to replace their roofs. So they are now in the process of a 50 - 50 draw to keep their doors open. Click below flyer for more details 5050 Flyer (4)

We are so grateful to the team behind the CPKC Hockey Tournament for choosing Westman Dreams for Kids as the recipient of this year’s tournament proceeds! 🏒 This donation is one of the largest donations in Westman Dreams for Kids History! 💙 This marks the first time the event has been hosted in Brandon. We are truly thankful for the support, generosity, and community spirit shown by everyone involved with CPKC and enormous applause to the host committee! This generous donation will help us continue making dreams come true for children in Westman living with serious health challenges. Thank you, CPKC, for your support, heart, and commitment to WDFK! (Pictured is WDFK President, Scott Major, CPKC host committee members: Brad McDonald, Jordan Campbell, WDFK’s Danna Rudniski, CPKC Assistant Superintendent of Brandon/Minnedosa, Clayton Goodwin, Joey Timmer, Drew Bertone & Teighan Fleming)

Planning Your Retirement, Why Not Killarney Manitoba? For senior citizens looking for a vibrant, supportive, and health-conscious place to live, Killarney, Manitoba offers an exceptional quality of life. One of the most critical factors in choosing a new community is the availability and accessibility of healthcare services, and Killarney stands out in this regard. The Killarney Health Centre is a fully equipped facility that includes a hospital, 24-hour emergency services, and access to both general and specialized medical care. The presence of dedicated healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and allied health staff, ensures that seniors receive timely and personalized attention. In addition to the hospital, the town is home to a fully staffed medical clinic that offers routine checkups, chronic disease management, and preventative care. For those requiring ongoing support, services such as home care and lab work are also available locally, reducing the need for travel and helping seniors maintain independence and well-being. Complementing the hospital and clinic are several additional health services that contribute to the town's well-rounded care network. Killarney has a fully stocked community pharmacy where residents can easily fill prescriptions, consult with pharmacists, and access over-the-counter medications and wellness products. This is especially valuable for seniors managing multiple prescriptions or looking for trusted advice on medication use. The town also features optometry services, with a local eye doctor offering routine exams, prescription glasses, and eye health monitoring — a vital service for aging residents. A local chiropractic clinic provides support for mobility, pain management, and spinal health, which can be particularly beneficial for seniors dealing with joint issues or back discomfort. Together, these services offer a seamless and comprehensive healthcare experience, allowing residents to access nearly all their medical needs right in town. Beyond its healthcare offerings, Killarney is a community that promotes joyful, active living with an abundance of entertainment and leisure options perfectly suited for seniors. The Shamrock Centre is more than just a recreation hub — it’s the heart of the community and a gathering place for all ages. Seniors can take advantage of indoor walking tracks during cold winter months, join gentle fitness classes tailored to their pace, or participate in hobby groups that range from quilting to pickleball. The Centre regularly hosts community dinners, concerts, and seasonal festivals, providing not only entertainment but meaningful opportunities to connect with others. The friendly atmosphere and variety of activities ensure that seniors have every opportunity to stay socially active and emotionally fulfilled. Volunteering is also common at the Shamrock Centre, and many seniors enjoy sharing their time and talents with others, helping build a strong sense of purpose and community pride. Outdoor recreation in Killarney offers even more ways to enjoy a rich and active lifestyle. The Killarney Lakeside Golf Club provides a scenic 18-hole course ideal for golfers of all skill levels, with a relaxed atmosphere that encourages regular play and social interaction. The lake itself is a focal point for the community — during the summer, residents can enjoy boating, lakeside strolls, and some of the best freshwater fishing in the region. In winter, the lake becomes a hub for ice fishing and skating. The curling rink and hockey arena offer opportunities to participate or spectate — curling is a favorite among seniors for its accessibility and camaraderie. Whether you're watching the local team or joining a senior league, these rinks are social spaces where community spirit comes alive. Combined with walking trails, community parks, and quiet scenic areas for birdwatching or reading, Killarney provides a well-rounded lifestyle where seniors can stay active, entertained, and engaged throughout the year. Killarney Lakeside Golf Course: https://www.killarneylakeside.com/ Killarney Samrock Centre: https://www.killarneyrecreation.ca/ Killarney Medical Clinic: https://www.killarneymedical.ca/ Killarney Health Services: https://www.killarney.ca/p/health-services Rhythm Cycle Club: https://www.mindbodyonline.com/explore/locations/rhythm-cycle-club Killarney Arts Council: https://www.killarneyarts.com/ Mountainview Apartments: https://www.vhproperties.ca/apartment/301-mountain-avenue/