Westman Communications Group (WCG) has been awarded $8 million from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) Broadband Fund. This funding can potentially be used to bring fibre-based Internet to 16 rural communities in Manitoba, positively impacting nearly 1,500 households. “We are taking action to help ensure that all Canadians have access to high-speed Internet,” said Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, CRTC. “The projects announced will bring fibre Internet to 16 rural communities in Manitoba. This will improve access to health care and other government services, support small businesses, and create new economic opportunities.” The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) launched the Broadband Fund in 2019 to help connect rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Canada. Funding from the CRTC Broadband Fund is contributed to by large Canadian telecommunications service providers and is not derived from taxpayers. This additional funding will aid WCG in building over 300 kilometres of transport fibre infrastructure, further expanding the availability of reliable and high-quality Internet service. “The ability to bring fibre-based technology to more communities can allow for improvements to communication capabilities. It enables businesses to grow and participate in the global economy and helps to improve essential services such as health care,” said Eagle J. (Bud) Keys, President and CEO of WCG. “High-speed Internet is essential to community growth and sustainability. As a local Manitoba Cooperative, we are dedicated to connecting the Manitoba area and would like to thank the Federal Government for their shared commitment to our goal." WCG services over 80 communities and will continue to ensure that under-served areas receive the connection typically reserved for major urban areas. To learn more about WCG and the services they offer, visit www.westmancom.com.

The Keystone Centre is excited to announce a partnership with McCain Foods and Westman Communications Group to introduce 100% recyclable aluminum cups to all concession stands and bars in Westoba Place for the upcoming hockey and special events season. Starting this fall, fans attending events at the Keystone Centre will be able to enjoy their favourite beverages in eco-friendly cups that not only reduce waste but also provide a unique brand experience. Each cup will feature the logos of all three partners - McCain Foods, Westman Communications Group, and the Keystone Centre - as well as a QR code directing fans to a one-stop hub for ticket purchases, 50/50 tickets, and more. "We are thrilled to partner with McCain Foods and Westman Communications Group to bring this innovative and sustainable solution to our venue," said Connie Lawrence, CEO of the Keystone Centre. "As we continue to work on elevating the fan experience at the Keystone Centre, we are committed to finding new and creative ways to reduce our environmental impact. This partnership allows us to do just that, by introducing a premium product that is also better for the planet. We believe that by working together, we can make a positive difference in our community while also providing our fans with an unforgettable experience." The new aluminum cups will be used at all hockey games, concerts, and special events held at the Keystone Centre throughout the season. Fans will have the opportunity to scan the QR code on the cup using their mobile devices to access exclusive content, including ticket offers, 50/50 tickets, and more. “McCain Foods is proud to partner with the Keystone Centre and Westman Communications Group on this initiative," said Diego Fernandes, Plant Manager of McCain Foods Carberry. "We believe that sustainability is important for our business and for our community, and we are excited to bring this innovative solution to the facilities many attendees." “Westman Communications Group strives to improve eco-sustainability across the Westman region,” adds E.J. (Bud) Keys, CEO & President of Westman Communications Group. “I am heartened that the Keystone Centre shares our vision in our eco-awareness and is proud to partner with them on the Aluminum Cup initiative. Our cooperation in environmental awareness is key to ensuring a greener Westman.” Fans can check out the brand new aluminum cups at the upcoming Brandon Wheat Kings home games October 4th, and 5th, and at the return concert starring Sawyer Brown with Shenandoah and special guest George Fox, October 27th.

Manitoba cyclist Grant Hamilton headed to Tour de France for leukemia charity ride BRANDON, Man. — Manitoba cyclist Grant Hamilton will ride the entire Tour de France route next year, raising money to Cure Leukemia. Hamilton announced today that he has been selected as one of 25 amateur cyclists from around the world for Tour 21, the only charity ride officially affiliated with the Tour de France. The fully supported ride, in France, will follow the same route and distance as the professional race, exactly one week earlier. Hamilton is the only Canadian rider in this year’s charity ride, and only the second one ever. “The Tour de France is the toughest challenge in pro sports — and thankfully I don’t have to race it, just ride it. Our goal through this challenge is to finish, while raising money that will help cure leukemia,” Hamilton said. “The ride is daunting, and I have months of gruelling training ahead, but what keeps me motivated is knowing that we will be funding clinical trials to help beat blood cancer.” After being hit by a car while biking two years ago, Hamilton turned to cycling advocacy, including the formation of Bike Brandon, a seat on the city’s Vision Zero committee, and securing federally funds to reearch active transportation and improved public spaces in Brandon. “Sports build community and cycling is a great example of that, whether you’re biking up the Alps or down the street to A&L,” Hamilton said. “We’re bringing that same community spirit to bear on leukemia fundraising.” Hamilton is covering the significant entrance fee and other costs of the ride out of pocket and has partnered with A&L Cycle in Brandon, as well as Trek Bikes, to assist with gear and training expenses. “We knew right away that we’d be thrilled to support Grant’s ride. He’ll be spending a lot of time on the bike over the next few months, and we’ll be there for every kilometre,” said A&L Cycle co-owner Cam Wirch. “One of the most rewarding parts of being a local business is lending a helping hand or wrench for the community. That’s part of our DNA at A&L and we found the same with Trek Bikes.” The ride is for an important cause: to Cure Leukemia. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, it is estimated that 6,600 Canadians will be diagnosed with leukemia this year and 3,200 Canadians will die. “As a team, we are riding to raise £1 million that will go to funding clinical trials,” Hamilton said. “Those will have a direct and immediate impact on proving better treatments and getting us closer to a cure. My personal goal is to raise more than $55,000.” Anyone around the world can donate to Cure Leukemia in support of Hamilton’s ride. In Canada, a partnership with the Charities Aid Foundation ensures donors qualify for a tax receipt. Give online at CAFcanada.ca or directly at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/30925. Please make sure to select “Cure Leukemia” as the fund, and to dedicate your donation in honour of Grant Hamilton, to make sure your gift is properly credited. “The only thing I ask of donors is that you let me know!” Hamilton said. “The online platform doesn’t share your info with me, so when you drop me a line, I’ll be able to thank you properly for your support.” Hamilton is easy to find on social media or can be contacted by email at hamilton.grant@gmail.com. The 2025 Tour de France and Tour 21 charity ride to Cure Leukemia start in about nine months.  

Photo: Sloan Facebook Sloan, the iconic Canadian rock band from Halifax, is scheduled to perform at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (WMCA) in Brandon on Friday, January 17, 2025. The concert will begin at 7:30 PM. Sloan, known for their 30-year career filled with catchy power-pop tunes, has built a reputation as one of Canada's most celebrated rock bands. They've been instrumental in shaping the Canadian East Coast alternative scene and have garnered numerous accolades, including nine Juno nominations and a win for Best Alternative Album in 1997. Notable singles include Motor City Maniacs, The Rest of My Life, and Underwhelmed Tickets for the show can be purchased through the WMCA box office​ here.

A local pickup/delivery pizzeria is celebrating its s30th anniversary this year. Little Italy Pizzeria was started by Martin Dupuis in October of 1994. The popular pizza joint was originally located on Rosser Ave (323 Rosser Ave) until its move to 305-10th St in 2004. The business was sold in 2017 to a new ownership group (Farhan, Morgan & Saki). Martin felt comfortable handing over the keys to his business as the incoming owners had each been employed by the restaurant for several years. Over that time they had developed an extensive knowledge of both the menu and the customers. The secret behind Little Italy’s longevity lies in its commitment to quality. The menu, featuring a wide array of pizzas, pasta, oven baked subs, and appetizers, has remained true to its roots, with several new items sprinkled in a long the way. The owners have consistently fostered relationships with their customers, some of whom have been ordering pizza/pasta since day one. As part of its 30th anniversary celebration, they will be offering a free medium pizza (1-topping) with every food order of $35 or more (before taxes). To order online, please click here.