A new outdoor rink is going up at Brandon’s Community Sportsplex! During the 2023 budget deliberations, City Council asked for an outdoor rink in Ward 1. While the board system didn’t arrive in time for the 2023/2024 season, it will be ready to go for the 2024/2025 season. Photos courtesy of Denali Robertson Installation crews are on site installing the board system in the track infield, West of the Sportsplex, and we are asking the public to steer clear of it at this time. Once the rink is fully installed, staff will begin the process of building ice. Mother nature is the boss when it comes to outdoor rinks, so there is no identified opening date at this time. More details on the usage of this new amenity will be coming soon. In the meantime if you are interested in volunteering to maintain the rink throughout the season, please reach out to us at recreation@brandon.ca.

Located at 1350 - 18th Street Canadian franchise Cora is now open for business. Open most days from 6:00 am - 4:00 pm Cora features a larger menu that expected. https://www.chezcora.com/en/menu/ Lots of room to meet with your friends and or family. Cora has 140 franchises in Canada and 4 in Manitoba.    

The 2025 Rockin’ The Fields Of Minnedosa will be held on August 1-3. Organizers of the annual event revealed the first round of the 2025 lineup today, which includes the Headstones, Loverboy,  Glass Tiger,  I Mother Earth, Trooper,  Haywire, Bif Naked, & Streetheart. Adding to the music, RFM provides great onsite vendors, camping opportunities and other activities. The festival site itself features an amphitheater with built in bench and folding chairs overlooking the main stage and lake.  With hot showers, vendors, ice, camping, water and septic service, garbage and recycling pick up, onsite security and first aid there are many ways to keep yourself comfortable. Presale starts TOMORROW, General on Sale starts Dec 6!

The Keystone Centre is pleased to announce its partnership with the Access 2 Card program, a national initiative designed to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This collaboration will allow Access 2 Card holders to receive complimentary admission for one support person when attending concerts, and Brandon Wheat Kings home games at Westoba Place. By integrating the Access 2 program, the venue aims to create a more inclusive environment, aligning with its ongoing efforts to support community engagement and participation in all hosted events. “The Keystone Centre is always looking for different ways to increase access to the incredible events we host,” says Connie Lawrence, Keystone Centre CEO & general manager. “We appreciate our place as a recreation hub in our region, and removing as many barriers to participation as possible is an integral piece of our commitment to the community.” The Access 2 Card program is facilitated by Easter Seal’s Canada, and is designed to provide individuals with disabilities access to various attractions and services across Canada. Launched in 2004, the program arose from the need to promote inclusivity and remove barriers for people with disabilities by enabling them to fully participate in recreational and cultural activities. “We’re thrilled to join the Access 2 Card program in partnership with the Keystone Centre and help make Wheat Kings games more accessible to our community,” says Mike Filipchuk, vice president of business operations for the Brandon Wheat Kings. “Hockey is a sport that brings people together, and this initiative ensures that fans who require support can enjoy the game alongside their companions without barriers. We’re proud to support this program and look forward to welcoming everyone to the Keystone Centre to cheer on the Wheat Kings.” The program goes in to immediate effect, with the first event being Friday, November 15th when the Brandon Wheat Kings take on the Regina Pats. Fans can find more information about the Access 2 Card program at www.access2card.ca

For the past 2 weeks, the people of Brandon have been enjoying a taste of Germany. Ollie’s European Market opened on November 1st and since then customers have been feasting on classic European food like Schnitzel, Rouladen and Bratwurst. Steffen Spiess, one of the owners of Ollie’s says they are overwhelmed and unbelievably thankful for the support they have received thus far. Ollie’s is located at 363 1st St, in the same building where an old Brandon favorite, Hansel & Gretel Schnitzel House used to operate. Ollie’s offers the same great Schnitzel that was served at Hansel & Gretel, and you can get platters of it for 2-8 people available dine in or takeout. The restaurant is currently open 11-6, but they are hoping to extend the hours very shortly. They offer a special lunch menu from 11-3 with lunch favourites like ghoulash soup and Bratwurst on a bun. In addition to the hot menu items that are available for lunch & dinner, you can get mouthwatering homemade desserts like Apple Strudel and Frankfurter Kranz. The restaurant isn’t the only thing you will find there, because they also have a market where you can purchase their 9 different brats and other European foods and spices including German chocolate.