The Manitoba government is encouraging campers and nature enthusiasts to mark their calendars, as provincial park campground reservations will open over five days from April 7 to 11, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced today. “Spring is here and Manitobans are looking forward to spending quality time in nature,” said Moyes. “This year, as Canadians are choosing to explore closer to home, Manitoba’s provincial parks offer incredible destinations for adventure, relaxation and discovery. Last week, our government was pleased to announce in Budget 2025 we are making parks entry free for one year.” To accommodate high demand, reservations will once again open in stages over five days to make it easier to secure a spot at favorite provincial park campgrounds, noted Moyes. Before opening day, users are encouraged to check their online accounts, update passwords and review reservation rules. The Parks Reservation Service also offers campsite photos and descriptions to help campers choose the perfect spot. The Parks Reservation Service will start taking reservations at 7 a.m. each day online at www.manitobaparks.com and by phone at 204-948-3333 (in Winnipeg) or 1-888-482-2267 (toll-free) on the dates listed below: Monday, April 7. – reservations open for all cabins, yurts and group-use areas; Tuesday, April 8 – reservations open for campsites at Birds Hill, Winnipeg Beach and Grand Beach campgrounds; Wednesday, April 9 – reservations open for campsites in all campgrounds in Whiteshell Provincial Park including Betula Lake, Big Whiteshell Lake, Brereton Lake, Caddy Lake, Falcon Beach, Falcon Lakeshore, Nutimik Lake, Opapiskaw, Otter Falls, West Hawk Lake and White Lake; Thursday, April 10 – reservations open for campsites in all northern and western campgrounds including Asessippi, Bakers Narrows, Clearwater Lake (Campers Cove and Pioneer Bay), Duck Mountain (Blue Lakes, Childs Lake and Wellman Lake), Manipogo, Rainbow Beach, Rivers, Paint Lake, Spruce Woods (Kiche Manitou), Turtle Mountain (Adam Lake), Wekusko Falls and William Lake; and Friday, April 11 – reservations open for campsites in all remaining campground locations including Birch Point, Camp Morton, Hecla (Gull Harbour), Hnausa Beach, Lundar Beach, Moose Lake, Nopiming (Beresford Lake, Bird Lake, Black Lake, Shoe Lake and Tulabi Falls), St. Malo, Stephenfield and Watchorn. On opening days, online users will enter a virtual waiting room before 7 a.m. Depending on traffic, users may be placed in a queue to ensure a smooth booking process. Walk-in reservations and in-person payment arrangements can also be made at 1181 Portage Ave. in Winnipeg and will be available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning April 7 for the parks and facilities described above.

A few interesting things that have popped up over the last two weeks. 1 - Local hockey player Beau Calvert ( 7 years old ) somehow put up 48 goals in Portage at the Portage Cup in 4 games. Next closest goal scorer had 16 goals. Perhaps a new Bedard on the horizon. 2 - Freeze That on 18th Street will feature frozen foods and prepared meals. Check them out - https://www.freezethat.ca/ 3 - Sisson Auto has purchased a car wash that is basically across the road from their auto dealership. 4 - Sugar Shop opens March 27th now what is this business you ask it is hair removal and much more. https://www.instagram.com/sugarshopca/reel/DGv2L7Ty5rg/ 5 - Last point congrats to Tyler Crayston, Russ Paddock and Grant Wilson and the Bobcats Mens V Ball team on winning USPORTS National Championship on Sunday night. Been over 20 years since Jerry Hemmings brought a National Banner to Brandon. Be well all darryl@bdnmb.ca

Been a few quiet weeks of transactions: Ty Worthington's Pinnacle Events is now in the process of opening a Winnipeg office this year. Tents - Trade Shows - Events is what Pinnacle specializes in. Firehouse Subs is looking for a location in Brandon to expand to in the next 12 - 18 months. Bushel Plus a Brandon based Ag company will be expanding into the USA market this year. Bushel is a leader in harvest technology. darryl@bdnmb.ca

The new Rotary Villas addition that will open to the public on March 1, 2025. The new units are all one-bedroom suites and have full kitchens, in suite laundry and balconies. The existing building opened March 1, 2015, and features 108 units, those units do not have kitchenettes or laundry and three meals a day are provided. Since the new space has kitchenettes only supper is included in the rent, breakfast and lunch can be added to the service if desired by the residents. The existing building has a wait list of approximately 30 people, so far there 10 deposits for the addition and lots of interested people that want to see the finished product in the addition. The new addition is connected to by a second-floor sky walk. There are a few renovations going on in the existing building (first floor flooring replacement – underway) as well as expanding the dining room and relocating the bar to accommodate the new guests for meals. These renovations are expected to be completed in early March. Rotary Villas is a privately owned assisted living facility that offers seniors a sense of community while enjoying a locally curated menu, a diverse recreation program as well as a shuttle to get residents to appointments and events outside the facility. Tours are available now of the facility and a show suite has been set up so potential residents can see what a unit might look like with their belonging moved in. To arrange for a tour, please contact Tanis Low at 204-725-1340. The most common suite features 542 square feet of living space and the monthly rent starts at $3,750, which includes supper each day as well as all utilities including Cable TV, phone, and Internet. “I am very excited to expand our options for seniors that are looking to downsize but didn’t want to completely give up cooking or the ability to have in-suite laundry. I think these new units compliment the existing suites at Rotary Villas and allow for a bit more variety for seniors in selecting what type of living situation is best for their preferences. I am excited for our team that have worked hard in getting ready to welcome the new residents to the community as well as the existing residents who will see construction come to an end with minimal interruptions to their daily routines.” Here is an example of the menu for this week, it reminds me more of an all-inclusive resort more than a senior’s community: https://rotaryvillas.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RV-Menu-February-9-15-2025.pdf Here is the February recreation calendar: https://rotaryvillas.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-February-Newsletter-and-Activity-Calendar.pdf

Bits n Bites were pounding the pavement and came up with some interesting local news. Brandon’s Josh McPhail is now the President and Owner of Rona in Portage congrats to Josh. Jimmy Johns Sandwiches are coming to Canada with an expected 200 locations and Brandon has been confirmed. Location has not been confirmed. https://retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2024/11/jimmy-johns-opens-in-canada-with-plans-for-200-locations/ Sweet Tooth on 18th was sold last week to new owners. Rotary Villas has some new changes coming soon we will wait for photos and changes next week. Brandon Source for Sports their team and embroidery division are moving next door to where Daughter on Call was located on Brandon Ave.