Brandon’s The Keg Steakhouse has temporarily closed its doors as the popular steakhouse undergoes renovations aimed at modernizing and elevating the customer experience. The restaurant, located at 1836 Brandon Ave., closed during the final week of August and is expected to remain closed for several months. Management says it is currently aiming for a mid-November reopening. “It was time to modernize and elevate the restaurant,” management said when asked what prompted the renovations. While additional details will be released as the reopening approaches, customers can expect several noticeable changes when they return. Among the updates will be a new lobby, new guest washrooms — including a barrier-free washroom — and a semi-private dining room. The renovations are being completed with the overall guest experience in mind. “There are a lot of aesthetic changes and a great deal of back-of-house changes, all designed to elevate any night out at The Keg,” management said. The work will include changes both customers will see and improvements behind the scenes, with the goal of creating an updated atmosphere while maintaining the experience guests have come to expect from the restaurant. Additional information about the renovations and plans for the reopening will be shared as the project gets closer to completion. If the current timeline holds, The Keg is expected to welcome Brandon customers back in mid-November.

McDonald's Canada has named Myra Merino of the Brandon McDonald's restaurant at 1021 Middleton Avenue as a 2026 Outstanding Manager of the Year, recognizing them as one of the top five per cent of restaurant leaders across Canada. Merino has distinguished themselves through strong leadership skills, a commitment to providing high-quality guest experiences, and dedication to building a workplace where team members can succeed and grow. Merino started working for McDonald's in 2004 as a Guest Experience Leader in the Philippines while studying business administration and marketing. After leaving McDonald's and working at a bank for two years, she was given an opportunity to move to Canada. After a few years, she started at McDonald's Canada and has worked in Strathmore, AB; Regina, SK; Winnipeg, MB; and has now been serving the community in Brandon for ten years. "I am so honoured to receive this award. It's my first time winning Outstanding Manager of the Year," said Merino. "It's a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of my entire team. Every day, we focus on delivering excellent customer service, maintaining the highest standards of quality, and building a supportive team culture. This recognition belongs to all of us, and I am so grateful." Every year, McDonald's Canada franchisees and regional management nominate outstanding restaurant managers based on their dedication to quality, customer service, team development, and community support. This year’s honour reflects Merino's exceptional leadership and positive impact on both sides of the counter. "Myra is an outstanding leader who leads by example," said Jason Ammar, Brandon McDonald's Franchisee. "She has been dedicated to serving guests in Brandon for the last ten years and she's brought world-class service and standards of quality to our restaurant. This award is a well-deserved tribute to her relentless hard work, her passion for mentoring her crew, and her success in building a positive team culture." The Outstanding Manager of the Year award celebrates McDonald's Canada’s commitment to developing leaders and creating career pathways for employees of all ages and backgrounds. Candidates looking for restaurant positions with the opportunity for career growth and development can visit https://careers.mcdonalds.ca/ to find local job openings and apply online.

Western Hockey League fans will have a new — and free — way to watch their favourite teams this season. The WHL announced Wednesday that all 782 regular-season games during the 2026-27 season will be livestreamed for free on YouTube, moving away from Victory+ on an interim basis. The change comes amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Victory+, which had served as the WHL’s exclusive streaming partner since March 2025. The league says the move is designed to ensure fans continue to have easy access to WHL hockey when the regular season gets underway on September 18. “We continue to believe that providing easy access to games is of critical value and importance as we look to expand our reach and deliver WHL excitement to our fans,” WHL Commissioner Dan Near said. The 2026-27 season features all 23 WHL clubs playing a 68-game regular season. The Brandon Wheat Kings will open their campaign at home September 18 against the Saskatoon Blades. The WHL says more information about its YouTube streaming service will be released ahead of the start of the regular season. For local hockey fans, the change means following the Wheat Kings and the rest of the WHL will be more accessible than ever — and without a subscription fee.

The Manitoba government is offering free entry to all provincial parks for Labour Day weekend, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced today. “Labour Day weekend is a chance for Manitobans to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends before the busy fall season begins,” said Moyes. “Whether you're camping, hiking, paddling, spending time at the beach or attending an interpretive program, we welcome everyone to make the most of the long weekend in Manitoba's provincial parks.” Provincial park vehicle permits will not be required from Sept. 4 to 7. Nightly camping fees still apply. Entrance fees to national parks remain in effect. Individuals who wish to camp in a provincial park can make a reservation through the Parks Reservation Service at www.manitobaparks.com or by calling 1-888-482-2267. Select campgrounds remain open until Thanksgiving weekend. Park interpreters will be offering free guided hikes, campfire talks and other family-friendly programs this weekend and through the fall season, providing opportunities for visitors to connect with the natural landscapes, history and cultural heritage of Manitoba's provincial parks. Program schedules are available on the Manitoba Parks website or from local campground offices. Reminders for visitors and campers at Manitoba provincial parks include: check in at campground offices upon arrival to receive camping permits and have reservation confirmation and personal identification ready for check-in; keep all campfires in approved pits such as those found in campsites and check with the campground office for any campfire restrictions; never leave a campfire unattended and always fully extinguish fires by drowning ashes and embers with water before leaving. This includes safely disposing of ashes from wood stoves and charcoal briquettes; be Wildlife Smart by maintaining a clean campsite, keeping all food, trash, toiletries and cooking utensils locked in a vehicle or trailer, and pack out trash and recyclables before leaving; and keep all pets on leash. Backcountry hikers and paddlers are encouraged to register their trips using the free voluntary online registration form available on the Manitoba Parks website. Registration helps park staff locate backcountry users in the event of closures or emergencies but does not replace leaving a trip plan with a trusted contact. Campers are reminded that transporting firewood outside of Winnipeg is prohibited due to the presence of emerald ash borer and may result in fines. Firewood is available for purchase from local retailers at most campgrounds. Watercraft users and beachgoers need to be vigilant against aquatic invasive species. Always clean, drain, dry and, if necessary, decontaminate watercraft and water-related equipment. Information on aquatic invasive species and watercraft inspection station locations is available at https://www.manitoba.ca/stopais/. For updates and information on provincial parks, visit www.manitobaparks.com and follow Manitoba Parks on Facebook and X.

The City of Brandon is pleased to announce that the canteen at Brandon Community Sportsplex (30 Knowlton Dr.) is now open and serving delicious food made by Los Brothers! Construction and preparations have been underway since last fall, with the canteen ready to once again serve athletes, families, spectators, and visitors. Visitors can enjoy a variety of menu items, including traditional canteen favourites alongside the authentic flavours that have made Los Brothers a local favourite. The canteen is operating Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., depending on the day. The canteen may stay open longer if there is an event or a game happening. For Los Brothers owners Rick and Alma Yanes, the opportunity represents more than just opening a new location. “For us, cooking has always been about bringing people together,” said Rick Yanes, owner of Los Brothers. “Opening our canteen at Brandon's Community Sportsplex is an incredible privilege, and we want to thank the City of Brandon for believing in us and giving us this opportunity. We built Los Brothers on long hours, real passion, and food made with care. When athletes, parents, and visitors walk up to our counter, we want them to feel like family. Whether you are grabbing our signature Birria tacos, a fresh smash burger, or a warm drink between games, our promise is to serve you with pride and heart every single day. We are here to serve this community for years to come.” "We are excited to officially welcome Los Brothers to the Brandon Community Sportsplex," said Mayor Jeff Fawcett. "Having food service back is a great addition for athletes, families, spectators and visitors, while also supporting a local business in our community. It’s a win for everyone and another great way to make the Sportsplex an even better place for our community to gather and enjoy." Residents are encouraged to stop by, meet the Los Brothers team, and experience the new canteen while helping celebrate a new chapter at Brandon’s Community Sportsplex.