For two decades, Credit Union Place has been a cornerstone of recreation, activity and community connection in the Parkland region. Fusion Credit Union, a sponsor since inception in 2006, is proud to continue their commitment with a new 10-year sponsorship agreement as the exclusive naming partner of Credit Union Place. “Facilities like Credit Union Place play an important role in the vitality of our communities,” says Darwin Johns, CEO at Fusion Credit Union. “We’re incredibly proud to have supported this facility since day one and are excited to continue that partnership for the next decade.” Since its inception, Credit Union Place, located in Dauphin, MB and managed by Dauphin Recreation Services, has become a gathering place for sports, major events and activities that contribute to healthy, vibrant communities. “Partnering with local organizations such as Dauphin Recreation Services aligns closely with Fusion’s cooperative values and commitment to helping communities remain active, connected and economically strong.” says Johns. “Credit Union Place brings people together, supports active lifestyles and creates opportunities for connection and community pride.” Beyond recreation, Credit Union Place supports the regional economy by hosting major events and attractions that bring visitors to the area. “When communities have spaces that bring people together, the impact reaches far beyond the four walls of the building,” states Johns. “These facilities create economic activity, support local businesses and help foster the kind of vibrant, connected communities we’re proud to serve and live in.” The long-standing partnership between Dauphin Recreation Services and Fusion Credit Union symbolizes the power of collaboration to create lasting impact in our communities. “Investing in Credit Union place is an investment in the future of our communities,” says Johns. “When organizations come together with purpose, they create opportunities that shape brighter futures for everyone.” “We are incredibly grateful to have Fusion Credit Union returning as our naming sponsor for the next 10 years,” says Dauphin Recreation Services Assistant General Manager Lindsey Kyle. “As a true community-focused institution, they understand and reflect the values that matter most to the people we serve. There is no better symbol of community than Credit Union Place, a central hub that brings together residents from across our region for recreation, connection, and events. Fusion Credit Union is a natural partner, and we deeply appreciate their continued commitment and recognition of the value this partnership brings. Support from partners like Fusion is what allows us to continue offering a wide range of recreation opportunities and community events. We are proud to move forward together and look forward to building on this strong partnership for years to come.” For more information on Credit Union Place, visit Dauphin Recreation Services webpage at www.dauphinrec.com.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) recently announced  the five Manitoba students selected as the recipients of the 2026 WCG  Technology Scholarship. As part of WCG’s commitment to local connection, this  annual initiative provides a financial boost to students across the 80-plus  communities it serves as they enter technology-based post-secondary  programs.   This year, Westman Communications Group awarded their scholarship to five  deserving recipients:  Declan Welch from Forrest, who currently attends Elton Collegiate and  will be going to the University of Manitoba  Nyssim Gevais from Treherne, who currently attends Treherne Collegiate  Institute and will be going to the University of Manitoba  Mitchell Gudz from Brandon, who currently attends Neelin High School  and will be going to the University of Calgary  Kaius Kroeker from Onanole, who currently attends Erickson Collegiate  Institute and will be going to the University of Alberta  Quinn Baker from Kenville, who currently attends Swan Valley Regional  Secondary School and will be going to the University of Alberta  “Helping people in Western Manitoba connect to the world is our mission; we  believe in the power of connection to open up new opportunities,” said WCG  Marketing Manager Brandi Crowe. “We have a long history of supporting  students in the areas we serve in their journey to pursue higher education.  Through this scholarship program, we aim to help these students focus on their  studies rather than their finances. Congratulations to all of the scholarship  recipients; we wish you the best in your first year of higher education!”  For more information about Westman Communications Group or the WCG  Technology Scholarship, please visit westmancom.com.  

Music lovers and collectors will soon have a new destination to explore as Sunshine Records prepares to open its doors at Shoppers Mall in Brandon. The new store is expected to offer a wide selection of vinyl records, CDs, movies, collectibles, and pop culture merchandise, bringing a unique retail experience to shoppers in the city. The addition comes as Shoppers Mall continues to attract new tenants and diversify its mix of retailers. The mall is home to more than 80 stores and services and remains one of western Manitoba's largest shopping destinations. For vinyl enthusiasts, the arrival of Sunshine Records will provide a welcome opportunity to browse both new and classic albums without leaving the city. The growing popularity of vinyl records has helped fuel renewed interest in music-focused retail stores across Canada, with collectors seeking everything from new releases to timeless classics. In addition to music, the store is expected to carry a variety of entertainment-related products, including movies, gifts, and collectibles that appeal to a wide range of ages and interests. An official opening date has not yet been announced, but anticipation is already building among local music fans eager to see what Sunshine Records will bring to Brandon's retail landscape. The opening represents another positive addition for Shoppers Mall, giving residents and visitors another reason to visit the shopping centre while supporting the continued growth of retail offerings in the community.

Sunrise Credit Union is proud to announce that $53,500 will be awarded through the Spring intake of its Building Community Grant program.   Community organizations were invited to apply for funding in one of three categories: Facilities  Construction or Improvement Capital Grants, Individual and Community Wellbeing, and Arts, Culture and  Sport. Following a thorough review process by the selection panel, five projects were selected to receive  funding.  “This spring’s intake for the Building Community Grant program was our largest to date, with 88  applications requesting more than $1.6 million in funding,” said Tim Klassen, President & CEO of Sunrise  Credit Union. “The overwhelming response reflects the passion, innovation, and growing needs within  the communities we serve. Every applicant demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to making a  difference, which made the selection process especially difficult for the panel as they narrowed it down to  five projects.”  Treherne Minor Athletics will receive $10,000 under the Arts, Culture, & Sports category to replace the  aging rink boards at its facility. The current 40-year-old wood boards are structurally compromised with bowing and cracking creating safety concerns for players and spectators. The deteriorating boards also  require frequent maintenance and re-flooding to meet safety standards.  Under the Individual and Community Wellness category, the Minnedosa Regional Health Foundation has  been awarded $20,000 toward the purchase of new and additional surgical equipment to maximize the  number of operations that visiting specialists can perform per day. The investment will enhance care at  the Minnedosa Health Centre and help ensure more patients can receive treatment closer to home.  The Cypress River Fire Department has been awarded $3,500 to purchase a new set of turnout gear.  Consisting of a jacket and pants, turnout gear serves as a firefighter’s first line of defense in emergency  response situations.  Under the Facilities Construction or Improvement Capital Grant category, the Laurier Community Centre  will receive $15,000 to replace metal siding and add exterior Styrofoam insulation. The upgrades will  help extend the lifespan of the well-used, volunteer-run facility, which serves as the only venue in the  community able to accommodate more than 300 people. The centre regularly hosts events including  pancake breakfasts, weddings, craft sales, and other community gatherings. Also, under the Facilities Construction Or Improvement Capital Grant category, Hartney Sprouts Daycare  will receive $5,000 towards the installation of a play structure at their new centre. This centre will add 63  daycare spots for the community.  Since launching the Building Communities Grant Program in Fall 2023, Sunrise Credit Union has  supported 26 community projects and initiatives with more than $261,598.68 in funding - a meaningful  impact made possible through Sunrise’s ongoing commitment to supporting and strengthening the  communities it serves.  The next intake period for the Building Communities Grant Program will run October 1–31, 2026. Organizations or groups that have previously applied but were not selected remain eligible to apply  again. We look forward to supporting more organizations on projects and initiatives of all sizes, to  continue improving the communities we serve and to invest directly back into them – creating a brighter  future together

There are 1,500 Canadian restaurant owners who proudly own and operate 4,000 Tim Hortons restaurants from coast to coast. This year, 340 owners are investing their own money to build or renovate 480 restaurants across the country. 280 Canadian restaurant owners are investing in 400 renovations, with another 60 Canadian restaurant owners investing in 80 new locations. Every dollar of these investments stays close to home. Building and renovating restaurants across the country creates meaningful, ongoing work for local and regional tradespeople – electricians, plumbers, carpenters, masons, painters, tilers, mechanical companies, roofers, general contractors and more – in communities across every province. Renovation and construction material for Tim Hortons restaurants are sourced through Canadian-owned businesses, with most items manufactured on Canadian soil. Our custom restaurant furniture is handcrafted in Montréal from 100% Canadian-sourced maple. Every piece of signage is designed, fabricated, and installed by Canadian suppliers. And restaurant artwork is conceived by Canadian artists, creatives and brought to life by Canadian makers. "Tim Hortons was built in Canada by Canadians, and we are proud to continue investing in Canada to give our guests beautiful, modern restaurants to enjoy," said Axel Schwan, President of Tim Hortons. "These are Canadian families investing their own money in their own communities – and that's something we're proud of." Renovations and New Builds Improve the Guest and Team Member Experience Brighter, more beautiful restaurants: Guests want to visit and team members want to work in nice restaurants. With better lighting, layouts and design, renovated restaurants are more welcoming spaces for everyone. Improved restaurant layouts: Better layouts allow team members to serve guests faster and more accurately. Celebrating our Canadian heritage: As fixtures in communities for more than 60 years, it's important to reflect and celebrate Tims Canadian heritage and community connection. Canadiana and our commitment to supporting youth through Tim Hortons Foundation Camps is woven throughout the updated design. A standout baked goods showcase: Tim Hortons restaurants sell the most baked goods of any QSR in Canada. At the heart of each restaurant is a beautiful baked goods showcase that shows off our delicious donuts, cookies, Timbits, muffins and more. Improved digital ordering and pick up: Many guests choose to order using the mobile app or kiosk vs at the register. Renovated restaurants make it more clear how to order digitally on site or where to pick up mobile orders. Upgraded kitchen equipment: To ensure that guests always have the best food and drinks, served hot and fresh, renovated restaurants upgrade key pieces of equipment. 2026 Tim Hortons Renovations and New Restaurants* Province New TimHortonsRestaurants RenovatedTim HortonsRestaurants Total Alberta 17 49 66 British Columbia 8 43 51 Manitoba 3 10 13 New Brunswick 3 19 22 Newfoundland & Labrador 2 11 13 Nova Scotia 2 15 17 Northwest Territories 1 0 1 Nunavut 0 1 1 Ontario 26 188 214 PEI 1 1 2 Quebec 14 51 65 Saskatchewan 3 12 15 Total 80 400 480 *Current estimate as of May 2026 From St. John's to Victoria, Tim Hortons restaurants are woven into the fabric of Canadian life. With nearly 4,000 locations across Canada, Tims is more than where Canadians grab their morning Double-Double™ – it's also one of Canada's most significant economic engines and owners are proud to pour back into their communities.