Vancouver, B.C. – One of Canada’s largest grocers, Sobeys Inc., has joined the Ocean Wise Seafood program as a new partner, adding more than 250 partner locations in Western Canada as the sustainable seafood movement continues to gain momentum. Customers at all Sobeys and Safeway stores in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia can now look for the Ocean Wise symbol for assurance they’re buying ocean-friendly seafood. “From day one of working together, Sobeys has demonstrated incredible commitment to the program, ensuring that their customers have a wide range of sustainable choices when shopping for seafood in their stores. We’re proud to call this storied Canadian company a partner, and continue to grow the Ocean Wise Seafood program into new communities from British Columbia to Manitoba,” said Ann-Marie Copping, Ocean Wise Seafood program manager. “Choosing sustainable seafood is vital to preserving healthy oceans, rivers, and lakes, whether you live on the coast or in a landlocked city. Ocean Wise and its valuable partners continue to make it easy for seafood lovers everywhere to make that choice.” Ocean Wise recommended seafood is now available at the fresh counter and in the frozen section at both retailers, and includes a wide range of ocean-friendly items; Alaskan Pollock, pole-caught Ahi tuna, farmed shellfish as well as B.C. lingcod and sockeye salmon are among the sustainable choices that shoppers can find in store. In total, there are nearly 700 Ocean Wise items, varying across locations. “Seafood is an important component in our offering and we’re committed to responsible sourcing practices to ensure sustainable seafood options are always available for our customers so they can Eat Better, Feel Better and Do Better,” said Jason Bater, Director of Category Management, Seafood of Sobeys Inc. “When our customers see the Ocean Wise Seafood symbol in our stores in Western Canada, they can feel confident they’re making an ocean-friendly seafood choice.” Sobeys and Safeway, which includes 185 Safeway locations and 85 Sobeys locations in its Western Canada region, have been proud sustainability advocates for years. Whether it’s lessening electric consumption or diverting waste from landfills, their efforts are rooted in ensuring the health of our planet and oceans for generations to come. The Ocean Wise seafood program continues to partner with like-minded restaurants, retailers and suppliers from coast to coast to coast. With this recent partnership, the Ocean Wise seafood program now has 279 retail partner locations in addition to 873 restaurant locations in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Alberta.

Reservations to Assiniboine Community College’s much-anticipated annual Grey Owl Restaurant are a hot commodity. So much so that the college has helped the Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) Foundation net $13,800 through auctioning off a single table of eight over each of the previous five years. In the past, the college has provided a complimentary table to the BRHC Foundation to use in its fundraising activities. This marks the sixth year that the BRHC Foundation will auction off a table to the 2018 Grey Owl at their annual fundraising gala on September 30. It’s likely the total amount raised in the six years will surpass $17,000. "ACC's incredible donation has helped us make a difference in the healthcare provided at the Brandon Regional Health Centre,” said Cindy Buizer, Executive Director of the BRHC Foundation. “Gala proceeds over the past five years have purchased a transport unit and transport ventilator, an infant ventilator, a Bipap respiratory unit, hysterscopes, and supported our fundraising projects.” “We are so very grateful to have been the recipient of this donation for a total of six years and extend our heartfelt thank you to the Assiniboine Community College for their generosity," she added. Assiniboine is now inviting other non-profit organizations and community groups to submit their proposals for a complimentary reservation at the 2019 Grey Owl restaurant. The organization selected by the college will be able to use the donated table for eight inside the private dining room to support their own fundraising efforts. “We’re constantly reminded of the support Assiniboine receives from the public,” said president Mark Frison. “And with our own Foundation, we know first-hand how much of a difference donations make towards realizing our goals and supporting students.” “We expect this Grey Owl experience will help a non-profit organization make good strides towards their own fundraising objectives and we’re keen to support the community in this way as we have for the hospital foundation. Those organizations and groups interested in submitting a proposal to the college may visit assiniboine.net/GreyOwl for details on submission requirements, allowed use and deadlines for proposals. Reservations to the 2018 Grey Owl are expected to open in December 2017. Details will be updated on the college’s website as they become available.  

A new life lease project from Vionell Holdings Partnership (VHP), has been announced for the North Hill, next to the Grand Valley Church.  The development will include 18 Life Lease units ranging from 1,048 square feet to 1,523 square feet and feature underground parking and storage lockers for each unit.  The price range is from $1,650 per month to $1,850 per month, plus the entrance fee of $150,000 which is fully refundable when the tenant vacates. If people are interested in leasing a unit, they can contact Jeff Temple (726-1681) at Vionell Holdings.  There will also be 18 bare land condo units (with amazing views of the city) on the parcel that J&G is developing.  VHP will be managing the condo corp on behalf of J&G.  For more information on the condo units, you can contact Nycolle Adams (728-2235) at J&G. For more information on life leases, please click link below. What is a Life Lease - The Summit

After three years of being in the highly competitive pizza business locally owned Fired Pizza has closed its doors on Victoria Ave. Jamie Munro, one of the owners and managers of Fired Pizza, let staff know that he felt it was time to "shut down the business" and wanted to ensure them that their pay cheques would be honored and nobody would be owed salary.

After 2 years Brown's Socialhouse in Brandon has closed effective this morning due to unforeseen circumstances. Sources close to BDNMB.CA have said they expect a new concept to open within 3 - 6 weeks. At this time this is all the information we have been able to acquire.