The much-anticipated Brandon Brine Bash will not take place in 2026, with organizers announcing the festival will instead be rescheduled for Fall 2027. The event had previously been scheduled for August 22, 2026. Organizers say the decision follows “deep conversations” about the timeline and the challenges faced during the festival’s planning process. According to organizers, the event was disrupted during critical months of planning after the festival was required to change its original branding. The event was initially announced as the Downtown Brandon International Pickle Fest, but organizers were forced to move away from the name “Pickle Fest” due to trademark concerns. The change resulted in the loss of opportunities for grants, community partnerships, food vendors, entertainment and other resources. Organizers also said they had to put a full stop to merchandise plans connected to the previous event name. Despite the disappointment of postponing the event, organizers say the extra time will allow the Brandon Brine Bash to return at the size and quality that Brandon and Westman residents have been waiting for. “A good pickle takes time and love to ferment,” organizers said in the announcement, adding that volunteers are eager to begin planning again. The Fall 2027 Brandon Brine Bash is expected to take over downtown Brandon with activities, local entertainment, pickled food vendors and fun competitions. Like the former Downtown Brandon International Pickle Fest, the Brandon Brine Bash will continue its focus on community and giving back. Organizers say a portion of profits from the 2027 event will be donated to the Brandon Bear Clan, an Indigenous-led organization of volunteers that supports vulnerable residents in downtown Brandon and throughout the community. Organizers also announced that, with the assistance of Andrea and her team at Epp Law Offices, the name “Brandon Brine Bash” is now registered with the Manitoba Companies Office. More information about the festival will be shared through the Brandon Brine Bash social media pages and at community events as planning for the 2027 event gets underway.

Representatives from the City of Brandon, Keller Group, Sneath Keller Development, as well as project and community partners gathered today to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new residential market housing development in downtown Brandon at 1200 Pacific Ave. The project is the first project to break ground utilizing funding from the City of Brandon's Downtown Market Housing Incentive Program (DMHIP), which is supported by the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), a Government of Canada initiative delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). This development will contribute to Brandon's growing housing inventory while supporting downtown revitalization efforts. Through this development, the City will provide CMHC housing accelerator funded incentives of approximately $936,000 in construction milestone payments and offset eligible development charges estimated at over $230,000. In addition, the City will provide a grant that will offset 20-years of incremental municipal property taxes generated by the development. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. “Our government is committed to helping communities tackle local housing priorities. Through the Housing Accelerator Fund, we are providing incentives to local governments to remove barriers to housing supply and accelerate the creation of new homes. I’m thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of 1200 Pacific Avenue that will bring much-needed units to the community," said Kevin Lamoureux, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “This project represents the type of partnership and investment needed to address housing needs in our community,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett. “Through collaboration between the federal and municipal governments and the private sector, we are helping create more housing options while strengthening Brandon's downtown. This development demonstrates how targeted incentives and strong partnerships can turn housing goals into real projects that benefit our community for years to come.” "This project is a great example of what can happen when organizations come together around a shared vision for downtown," said Amanda Dupuis, Community Housing and Wellness Programmer with the City of Brandon. "We're excited to work alongside the many businesses, organizations, and community leaders helping make downtown Brandon an even more vibrant place to live, work, and build community." “We are excited to start on this development, which will bring 72 new rental homes to Brandon, including 36 one-bedroom, 18 two-bedroom, and 18 three-bedroom units to help meet the needs of individuals, couples, and families,” said Evan Keller, Keller Group. “The support available through the DMHIP has helped make this development possible. We are proud to be investing in Brandon's downtown and contributing to the community's long-term housing supply.” “Since moving to Brandon in 2013, we are proud to have played a significant role in the revitalization of Brandon's historic downtown,” said Robyn Sneath, CEO, Sneath Group. “Some notable past projects include the redevelopment of the historic Bass Building, the Chrest Fraser Block (SKIN Clinics), and Prairie Lofts. The Eddy is their first new construction we have undertaken in Brandon's downtown. After using 1200 Pacific as a parking lot and storage warehouse for the past decade, we are excited about redeveloping it into residential units together with the Keller Group."

Westman Communications Group (WCG) is transforming the  television experience for its subscribers. Starting today, customers can enjoy their favourite channels without the need for a traditional set-top box by downloading the new Connect TV  App +.  This launch offers subscribers the flexibility to watch live local news, network television, sports  broadcasts, and access over 300 free channels through TiVo+ and Plex, directly on the devices  they already own. The app is compatible with a wide range of platforms, including Smart TVs,  Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and mobile devices. By integrating  seamlessly into your existing home entertainment setup, WCG eliminates the need for  additional hardware and reduces monthly equipment rental costs.  “Our goal is to make live television fit naturally into how our customers already watch content,  and the Connect TV App+ delivers exactly that,” said John Quail, WCG’s Chief Operating Officer.  “We aren’t asking our subscribers to change their habits - we’re simply bringing live TV into  their existing streaming lineup. It’s their TV, their way, with no box required.”  The WCG Connect TV App+ features an intuitive interface, effortless self-installation, and  comprehensive channel guide integration. The app is available for immediate download in all  major app stores. For package options or registration details, visit Connect TV App | Westman.

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 23–26, 2026, with a full weekend of adrenaline-fueled action, live country music, beer gardens, food trucks, 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  four-day celebration. Fans will be treated to live performances by JJ Voss and the Damn Good Band playing live both Friday & Saturday night!   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.

Organizers of Canada's National Ukrainian Festival have announced the cancellation of the 2026 festival following the devastating flooding that has impacted Dauphin and surrounding Parkland communities. The festival, which was scheduled to take place from July 30 to August 2 at Selo Ukraina, made the difficult decision after assessing the ongoing effects of the disaster and the community's ability to safely host one of Manitoba's largest cultural celebrations. In a statement, the Festival's Board of Directors cited the unprecedented flooding, the continued local State of Emergency, and significant damage to critical infrastructure—including the Dauphin Regional Health Centre—as key factors behind the cancellation. Organizers said the health and safety of attendees, volunteers, performers, vendors, and local residents remained their highest priority. The cancellation marks a disappointing setback for thousands of visitors who travel to Dauphin each summer to celebrate Ukrainian culture through music, dance, food, art, and heritage. The annual festival has long been recognized as one of Canada's premier Ukrainian cultural events, attracting guests from across Manitoba and beyond. Festival organizers acknowledged the tremendous effort invested by performers, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, and community partners in preparing for this year's event. They also expressed gratitude for the continued support shown by the Ukrainian community during what they described as extraordinarily challenging circumstances. Those who purchased tickets for the 2026 festival will have the option of requesting a refund or carrying their tickets forward for the 2027 event. While the cancellation is a significant disappointment, organizers say their focus now is on supporting the Dauphin community's recovery and ensuring the festival can return stronger than ever next year. Plans are already underway for the 2027 edition of Canada's National Ukrainian Festival.