Expansion inside the Brandon Shoppers Mall continues as today Morguard Real Estate Investment released a statement saying that Shoppers Drug Mart had signed a lease agreement for 18,000 square feet inside the 18th Street mall. "We’re delighted to welcome Shoppers Drug Mart, who will be a perfect complement to our existing slate of more than 90 retailers," general manager Kim James said in a statement. "Our ability to attract new tenants demonstrates that Shoppers Mall is a central, vibrant hub for the growing Brandon community. We look forward to the next phase of our transformation." The Shoppers Drug Mart will be relocating from its current location, near the mall, and is scheduled to open in late 2018.  With the addition of the Shoppers Drug Mart the Shoppers Mall now has filled 70% of the space left vacant by Targets departure. The remaining space is expected to be filled by smaller retailers.

When it comes to buying or selling a home things can sometimes be a little overwhelming, but with the unique incentives offered by Commission Rebate Realty there’s a silver lining. Commission Rebate Realty owner Scott Rouire has been operating the locally owned company for three years. Along with coworker, Brent McDougall, they have close to 20 years of combined experience in the real estate industry. Their incentive program allows clients to earn cash back for the purchase on a home, condominium or commercial property. “We have the knowledge and expertise that our clients are looking for, but with the added bonus of our buyer Cash Back incentive program we’re also able to give back to our clients. It’s not something that people had heard of before, but now that we’ve been offering the program for a few years, the concept is really starting to catch on. People are hearing more about it and understanding how they can benefit,” said Rouire. In addition, Commission Rebate Realty offers those looking to sell property a complementary Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). It is a tool used to help with setting the list price based on current market conditions. "We are a full-service brokerage with a special focus on marketing and advertising our properties," said realtor Brent McDougall. Along with offering complete real estate services to clients in Brandon and the surrounding Westman region, the brokerage firm also provides flexible commission rates.

The Casa Blanca Motor Inn has been put up for sale. The motel situated at 2728 Victoria Ave is located in prime commercial space, situated in a high traffic area, between Tim Hortons and McDonalds. According to the listing, all the buildings and property will be posted for sale for a short period of time. The property is being listed as a 'Tender Sale” with offers being accepted until 5:00 p.m. on August 11, 2017. The location is also home to the Sushi Hut. Additional information on the sale of the building can be found here.

Jim Frederickson will be always known as a person who changed the fitness landscape in Brandon and Westman.  Starting out at Fitness Quest as a trainer, he worked with athletes prior to branching out on his own to set up a gym on 18th Street.  Jim, and his wife Jill, have been always fanatical about maintaining a clean and healthy gym where people regardless of their fitness level would find FPC home. Over the last 5 years FPC has branched out into being the only location in Western Manitoba to sell and stock LuLu Lemon products.  Additionally, they also expanded into carrying the Keto line of supplements, which have take the weight management world by storm. Dozens of WHL, NCAA, and pro players have Jim and his staff to thank for their success with achieving the highest level of training in the summer months, helping them prepare for the coming season. Tyler Sanjenko, a trainer at FPC, will take over as the new owner. Website

On Saturday July 22, 2017, every A&W restaurant in Canada will be pouring free frosted mugs of root beer from open to close. A&W Canada is looking to celebrate its roots, and are asking Canadians to raise a glass to the iconic beverage that day. "Root beer has a long history in Canada and A&W Root Beer has been a family tradition for decades," said A&W Canada's Senior Director of Marketing and Brand Communications, Tom Newitt. "On Free Root Beer Day we will be celebrating this, and our pioneering efforts to source simple, natural ingredients for the beverage." A&W has been on a relentless journey to source natural ingredients for all its menu options. The launch of A&W Root Beer crafted with natural ingredients earlier this month marked a significant milestone. A&W Root Beer is now made with natural cane sugar and natural flavours like sarsaparilla root, licorice, birch bark, and anise. About A&W Canada's Root Beer made with natural ingredients: Natural Cane Sugar: harvested from the sugar cane plant and identified by its caramel colour, natural cane sugar provides a fruity sweetness and floral aroma. Sarsaparilla Root: sarsaparilla is a plant with long vines and edible roots that lends distinct notes of vanilla, caramel and wintergreen. Birch Bark: light, fresh yet complex, birch bark brings a subtle earthiness to the smooth, delicious taste offering an almost delicate minty flavour. Licorice: natural licorice creates a richness of flavour in every sip with slightly bitter, sweet and spicy undertones. Anise: an aromatic spice delivering pleasant characteristics of fennel and tarragon, anise has been enjoyed as far back as ancient Egypt.