The Manitoba government wants you to mark your calendar and start planning your getaway as reservations for campgrounds in provincial parks are set to open on April 8, Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt announced today. “Manitoba is home to some spectacular parks and as warmer weather approaches, more and more Manitobans are preparing to book quality time out in nature,” said Schmidt. “As a parent who takes their children camping every year, I know how important a fast, convenient reservation system is. Our government has taken steps to streamline the booking process so Manitobans can reserve their favourite sites headache-free.” Reservations will be staggered over five days to accommodate the high demand and make it easier for Manitobans to book at their favourite campground. Customers making online reservations are advised to check their user accounts and passwords prior to the opening days and review reservation rules. Customers can also browse the reservation service to view photos and descriptions of campsites. On opening days, an enhanced virtual waiting room and queuing system will be used to ensure a better experience for online users. For more information on how to prepare for opening day, visit www.manitobaparks.com. On opening day, the Parks Reservation Service, online and call centre services will begin at 7 a.m. online at www.manitobaparks.com, 204-948-3333 (in Winnipeg) or 1 888-482-2267 (toll-free). The Manitoba Parks Reservation Service will open over five days in April: Monday, April 8 at 7 a.m., reservations open for all cabins, yurts and group-use areas; Tuesday, April 9 at 7 a.m., reservations open for campsites at Birds Hill, Winnipeg Beach and Grand Beach campgrounds; Wednesday, April 10 at 7 a.m., 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 11 at 7 a.m., 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 12 at 7 a.m., 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. 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 8 for the parks and facilities described above. For more information on provincial parks, visit www.manitobaparks.com and follow Manitoba Parks on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Annual park vehicle permits for 2024-25 are available for purchase online at www.manitobaelicensing.ca as well as at retail outlets or provincial park offices. Manitoba Parks is also recruiting seasonal staff for the upcoming summer. Those looking for summer employment and career opportunities in provincial parks should visit www.manitobaparks.com frequently as more job opportunities are posted.

Get ready for a finger-lickin’, lip-smackin’ good time, the Western Canaa Rib Fest tour returns to the Riverbank Discovery Centre for three days in May. The annual event is an opportunity for BBQ lovers to enjoy delicious ribs hot off the rack from award winning and professional circuit BBQ experts. In addition to the ribs an assortment of other tasty items can usually be found on the menu’s including juicy chicken, delectable sausages, sweet and savory pulled pork, and a number of accompanying side dishes. In past years, the event also featured a beer tent, live music and a kids zone. The first RibFest in Brandon was held at the Riverbank Discovery Centre in August of 2017. No word, as of yet, as to who the participating “ribbers” will be in 2004. Friday & Saturday May 24-25, 2024 -11am-9pm Sunday May 26, 2024- 11am-7pm Admission: Free

The Westman Gaming Expo kicked off earlier today inside the Keystone Centre’s MB Room AND UCT Pavilion. The event is Westman’s biggest hobby Expo and takes place Saturday & Sunday from 10am-8pm. Check out the fantastic vendors, events and exhibitors while enjoying demonstrations with Knights and Vikings.  

The Westman Gaming Expo will be taking place weekend (March 2&3) in the Manitoba Room at the Keystone Centre. The weekend will be filled with thrilling battles, strategic showdowns, and non-stop gaming action including games like Warhammer: 40,000, Super Mario Smash Bros., Magic: The Gathering and more! There will also be many vendors onsite. A new addition to the event this year is a sports card and memorabilia section hosted by CK Sports Cards. Over 60+ tables of sports cards and memorabilia.

City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services would like to inform the public that the public skating oval located west of McGregor Avenue is closed for the season due to deteriorating ice conditions and recent warmer temperatures. “Oval Closed” signs and barricades have been placed at the oval and all associated flood lighting will be turned off. The Manitoba Hydro Power Smart Waterfall of Lights display has also been turned off. While we understand that this may be disappointing news for many, the safety of our community members is our top priority. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next season when the conditions are suitable for outdoor skating. The City of Brandon extends its gratitude to all users of its outdoor recreational facilities. Your respect and care for these spaces have ensured they remain in excellent condition for everyone to enjoy.