Westman Communications Group (WCG) has announced that it will expand its Internet, TV, and home phone services to the Wasagaming area in the coming months. Fibre lines will be installed within the community to ensure that residents and businesses have access to fast and reliable Internet speeds, as well as access to InfiniTV and Home Phone services. WCG was a successful candidate for the Government of Canada’s Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) and has received over $2 million to connect Wasagaming to high-speed Internet. “The ability to bring industry-defining fibre-optic technology to Wasagaming creates opportunities for families to stay connected and entertained in this remote area. It enables local businesses to grow and participate in the global economy,” said E.J. (Bud) Keys, President and Chief Executive Officer of WCG. “High-speed Internet is essential to community growth and sustainability. As a local cooperative, we are dedicated to connecting under-served communities, and we would like to thank the Federal Government for its commitment to this project.” Installation of fibre-optic cable within Wasagaming will be a three-phase process. Phase 1 will begin with installation concentrated in the southwestern commercial area, with an estimated completion date in November 2023. Phase 2 will be comprised of installation along the southeastern side of Clear Lake, primarily within the traditional cottage areas, with a start date in the spring of 2024. Phase 3 will connect the cabins and campsites of the north-western area of Wasagaming in the cabin areas/Old Campground. Upon completion, residents can enjoy the full suite of WCG services, such as Internet download speeds up to 950 Mbps. "I am pleased to announce an agreement with Westman Communications Group to bring fibre services to the community,” said Kevin Bachewich, Parks Canada’s Townsite Manager for Riding Mountain National Park. “Discussions with the community have been in the works for some time to provide enhanced connectivity, and (we) look forward to the community and businesses enjoying these new services.” Residents of Wasagaming will be able to raise questions about the expansion at the WCG Open House event on August 4, 2023. The event will be held at the Visitor Centre Theatre Room from 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M For more information about WCG and its Internet offers, please visit https://westmancom.com.

A new Indian “street food” restaurant recently opened in downtown Brandon. Royal Fork, which brands itself with the tag line “The Indian Streetary”, opened for business on June 22 at 935 Rosser Ave, formerly Little Bones Wings. The carefully crafted menu features Indian spices that are known throughout the world. There are appetizers, main dishes, sides, desserts and more available on the menu. Open 7 days a week from 11am-9pm, the Royal Fork is presently a dine-in or takeout restaurant. In the coming days their food will also be available via Ship the Dishes. A buffet option is also in the works, however a timeline for it's launch is unknown at this time.

A beloved drive-in restaurant (Dari Isle Drive-In in Minnedosa, MB) has new owners for the 2023 season. Upon acquiring the establishment located at 11 6th Ave NE, Zac Easton and Cass Cardy immediately went to work putting their stamp on the future of the business. While the restaurant had been take-out only for the previous two years the couple decided to reopen and renovate the dining room, giving it a whole new, retro look. The booths were fixed, new checkered floor tiles were installed, new prints were placed on the walls, and a music system was also added. While the interior underwent a makeover, the biggest change may have come from the kitchen. The couple introduced a number of new wrinkles to the menu including smash burgers with all-beef, no-filler patties made fresh (never frozen) daily and curds in their poutine. An ISLE STYLE burger, iconic FAT BOY burger, and a number of new ice cream specials (ice cream nachos & s'more parfait) were added to the menu. The food and summer ice cream treats are available for dine-in or takeout and outdoor seating is also available. The Dari Isle Drive-In season typically runs from mid-April to mid-September of each year. You can visit their Facebook page here. Web site link here. Hours of operation: Monday, Wednesday-Sunday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Tuesday CLOSED

Westland Insurance, one of Canada’s largest independently-owned brokerages, announced today that it acquired Andrew Agencies Ltd. With this addition, Westland continues its growth across Canada and significantly extends its reach in Central Canada. Established in 1913, Andrew Agencies is one of the largest and most respected full-service insurance and financial services firms in the Prairies. They operate 22 locations throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Andrew Agencies is well-known for its breadth of innovative insurance solutions and professionalized service across agriculture / farm, small to medium-sized commercial, homeowners, and auto business. “We’re thrilled to welcome Andrew Agencies Ltd. to Westland,” says Jamie Lyons, Westland’s President & CEO. “Their culture, reputation, leadership and impressive track record of growth and innovation is highly complementary to our national expansion strategy. We’re excited to add their deep capabilities in P&C insurance, as well as life insurance and financial services, to our growing platform in Central Canada.” “Andrew Agencies is very excited join the Westland team. We’ve followed Westland’s progress over the years, and they have a similar management philosophy to ours. They also have solid insurance industry family roots – just like the Andrew family,” says Scott Andrew, President and CEO of Andrew Agencies Ltd. “Andrew Agencies has served a growing client base since 1913 and we’re optimistic for the opportunities this acquisition presents to our clients, including expanded products and services, and the opportunities it brings for our employees. Westland’s recent capital partnership with Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan also makes it a ‘made in Canada solution’ which we fully support.” Dowling Hales acted as financial advisor to Andrew Agencies in the transaction. Westland continues to invest in and grow its business in Canada, both organically and through strategic acquisitions.

The Sweet Spot Bakery opened in Virden (445 7th Avenue) in February of 2021. Owner Sara Hope told bdnmb.ca that her dream as a kid was always to own her own bakery one day. She started working in a bakery in high school and had the pleasure of working in a couple others in adulthood.  In 2018 Sara took an interest in cake decorating as a hobby and started making cakes for friends and family and loved it. She started experimenting with different materials and edible mediums and watched A LOT of YouTube videos. And when 2020 rolled around, and we were all stuck in the house for covid, she found the bakery in Virden was for sale and decided to take a chance! Are items baked fresh daily, is it a rotating menu. The bakery is always baking something new and their display case is always changing. Sara loves coming up with new flavors and combinations. Presently they make everything from donuts, cakes, cupcakes, cookie sandwiches, and pies to pizza buns, soup, iced coffee, bubble tea and fresh squeezed lemonade. Their custom ordered cakes and decorated sugar cookies are what keep them the most busy but the donut section and cookie section are very popular areas as well. Pre-orders on any product are available and appreciated.