The opening of the outdoor Kinsmen pool has been postponed due to mechanical issues. The pool, which is 57 years old, was initially scheduled to open in mid-June. However, prior to the opening day, crews observed a 6-inch loss of water overnight and identified circulation problems. Subsequent tests and inspections revealed multiple cracks in the circulation pipes. Following continued testing and inspections, crews are continuing efforts to repair the pool to try and get it operational for the season. The City will provide updates to the public on potential opening dates. In the meantime, to provide our community more public swim options, two additional public swim times will be offered at Brandon’s Community Sportsplex pool Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 – 9 p.m. For a list of all public swim times, visit brandon.ca/parks-recreation/recreation-and-sports/swimming-and-pools. Additionally, several spray parks are open daily in various locations throughout the city. For locations and hours, visit brandon.ca. The City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services offers a range of recreational programs throughout the year. For additional summer programming, check out the Summer Recreation Guide at brandon.ca.

Dust off your cowboy boots and mark your calendars—rodeo season is coming to town. The Waywayseecappo Gas Bar Rodeo is set to return July 25–26, 2025, with a full weekend of adrenaline-fueled action, live country music, beer gardens, and family-friendly fun. The event has grown into a highly anticipated summer tradition for both locals and visitors. The rodeo features a large number of events like bull riding, bronc riding, team roping, and barrel racing.  A beer garden will be open throughout the weekend, and attendees can expect great food, music, and community atmosphere throughout the  three-day celebration. Fans will be treated to live performances by country duo Downtown Avenue on July 25 & 26. They are best known known for their high-energy acoustic sets and down-home charm. JJ Vos is also set to perform both evenings as well, rounding out the weekend’s entertainment lineup.  Families are welcome, and the event is being held in conjunction with the Waywayseecappo Gas Bar’s annual Customer Appreciation Days. The rodeo grounds are located just off Highway 10 north of Brandon, making it easily accessible for day-trippers and rodeo fans across Westman and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned rodeo enthusiast or looking for a unique summer outing, the Waywayseecappo Gas Bar Rodeo promises an unforgettable weekend of western hospitality, entertainment, and community spirit. For more updates, follow the Waywayseecappo Gas Bar on social media or visit their official event pages.  

Sunrise Credit Union, with its commitment to academic excellence and community development, offers 14 scholarships totalling $24,000 to students across southwestern Manitoba. The selection process was rigorous, with 60 applicants. A five-person committee scored each application on academics, leadership, extracurricular activities, volunteerism, community involvement, and essay quality. Dylan Radcliffe of Boissevain has been awarded the largest scholarship of $5,000, recognizing an outstanding high school graduate pursuing post-secondary education. A dedicated student, Radcliffe has maintained an academic average of 90% or higher throughout high school while actively participating in a variety of extracurricular activities. In her senior year, she served as captain of the varsity girls volleyball team and also competed in club volleyball and on the school’s softball team. Radcliffe’s dedication to personal growth and community service shines through her leadership in Student Government and Youth in Philanthropy, as well as her active volunteerism within both her school and the broader community. A gifted musician, she has studied piano for ten years and has been singing for eight. Additionally, her decade-long involvement with the local 4-H Variety Club has equipped her with practical life skills and meaningful experiences that extend well beyond the classroom. Radcliffe will attend the University of Winnipeg in the fall and is enrolled in the Pre-Health Sciences Technology program. While attending the University of Winnipeg she will complete the required prerequisite courses to apply to the Medical Radiation Technology program at Red River College. Her goal is  to become a Medical Radiologic Technician and work in the healthcare field. Each year, Sunrise Credit Union employs students in various positions throughout the organization. Danika Scharff of Virden received the $3,000 scholarship awarded to a Sunrise Credit Union Summer Student. Meanwhile, Claire Taoyu Jin of Brandon received the $3,000 scholarship for student continuing their education at Assiniboine College, and Jessica Voth of Cypress River received the $3,000 scholarship for a student continuing their education at Brandon University. Ten $1,000 scholarships were awarded to a diverse group of high school students from various communities in southwestern Manitoba. These students, each with unique aspirations and potential, are seeking post-secondary education this fall. The recipients include Adel Wiebe (Grandview), Amanda Mielke (Erickson), Annalyn Quesnel (Minnedosa), Calista English (Brandon), Clair Merckx (Boissevain), Dion Delichte (St. Alphonse), Hayden Mackedenski (Rossburn), Kathryn Gillis (Baldur), Rori Jacobson (Pierson), and Tylan Chalmbers (Reston). Sunrise Credit Union extends sincere thanks to all 60 scholarship applicants and heartfelt congratulations to this year’s recipients. We wish all applicants, and the entire graduating class of 2025, the very best in your future endeavours.

he City of Brandon invites everyone to a spectacular Canada Day celebration at the Riverbank Discovery Centre on Tue, July 1, 2025. Hosted by the City of Brandon's Parks & Recreation Services, this free community event will be filled with entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities. Festivities begin at 11 a.m., followed by official opening ceremonies at 1 p.m. A dedicated kids zone will run from 12 Noon – 8 p.m. featuring bouncy castles, giant lawn games, face painting, and arts & crafts. Market vendors will be on site from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., and food vendors will be available throughout the day. The celebration will conclude with fireworks at dusk. “Our Parks & Recreation Team is excited to bring this year’s Canada Day festivities to the community,” said Perry Roque, Director of Parks & Recreation Services. “Gather your family and friends, put on your red and white, and celebrate Canada Day in style at the Riverbank Discovery Centre!” Parking attendants will be on site to direct traffic at the Riverbank Discovery Centre. Kirkaldy Ave. from 18th St. to Knowlton Dr. will be closed to incoming traffic just prior to the beginning of the fireworks. For a full schedule of events, please visit brandon.ca.

The Royal Canadian Air Force will conduct flybys for several Canada Day events across Canada on July 1. These will be carried out by Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft throughout Canada at various times during the day. Alberta –Cold Lake (two CF-18 Hornets); Lloydminster (two CF-18 Hornets) and Spruce Grove (two CF-18 Hornets).  British Columbia – Courtenay (CC-295 Kingfisher); Mayne Island (CH-149 Cormorant); Parksville (CH-149 Cormorant); Qualicum Beach (CH-149 Cormorant); Sechelt (CP-140 Aurora); and Sun Peaks (CC-295 Kingfisher). Manitoba – Brandon (CT-142 Dash-8).  Newfoundland and Labrador – Happy Valley-Goose Bay (CH-146 Griffon).  Northwest Territories – Yellowknife (CC-138 Twin Otter).  Nova Scotia – Clark’s Harbour (CP-140 Aurora).  Ontario – Belleville (CC-177 Globemaster); Brighton (CC-177 Globemaster); and Wellington (CC-177 Globemaster).  Saskatchewan – Fort Qu’Appelle (CT-156 Harvard) and Regina (two separate flybys by CT-156 Harvard) The aircraft will fly at a minimum altitude of 500 feet above the highest obstacle along their flight path. Flybys conducted by Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft are carefully planned and closely controlled for public safety and are dependent upon weather and flying conditions.