As provinces across Western Canada take steps to re-open, Co-op Community Spaces is funding projects that will help bring our communities back together. This year, Co-op is providing $70,000 to fund the Co-op Community Pavilion which will offer accessible options for all children as well as a community garden. ”This singular grant allows us to proceed with the development of the playground, including two shelters that will be part of our park re-development. The project is designed to be an accessible park which means it can be used by everyone, including all children regardless of physical or mental capability. It even includes a senior’s corner. The 2 shelters will permit guardians to watch their children while enjoying the park atmosphere, and meeting with other members of the community. Quite simply, we could NOT have done this without the support of the Co-op Community Spaces Program”, said Frank Thomas, Kiwanis Club of Brandon Member.. Co-op Community Spaces has been developed to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada. As our community begins to re-open after the COVID-19 pandemic, we are reminded of the value these projects bring in connecting and improving our communities. “We are so excited to partner with the Kiwanis Club of Brandon through the Co-op Community Spaces program. The last 15 months have been very challenging, and it’s such an honor for our Co-op to contribute to creating a space for residents to safely come back together” explained Dennis Laing, General Manager of Heritage Co-op. “Investing in our community is central to our values as a Co-op. Partnering with community groups on important projects like this is a natural fit. We are creating beautiful spaces for our community to enjoy now and for years to come.” In 2021, the program is providing $1 million to 15 communities projects across Western Canada. Since 2015, Co-op has supported 147 projects with $10.5 million in capital funding. The giving program is administered by Federated Co-operatives Limited on behalf of more than 160 independent retail co-operatives across Western Canada that form the Co-operative Retailing System. For more information about Co-op Community Spaces or to view the complete list of 2021 funding recipients, visit www.communityspaces.ca. (submitted)

The very first edition of La Pizza Week recently concluded and Brandon's Fast Fired by Carbone franchise took home three awards including Saputo's choice as the "Best Pizza in Canada". The winning entry, The Pac Mac, is a Smoked & Sauced Food Truck collaboration made with a BBQ/Tomato Sauce combo, mozza, cheddar, boss-level Smoked & pulled pork, homemade mac & cheese, and some more full flavour BBQ Sauce. Nearly 1,000 restaurants participated in the competition, from May 1 to May 7, including entries from Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In addition to Saputo's choice as the "Best Pizza in Canada", The Pac Mac was also crowned as "The Cheesiest Pizza" and the "Best Pizza in the Prairies".  For additional information on La Pizza week, please visit this link.

Wing lovers in Brandon and the Westman area have been waiting for the opening of this restaurant for some time now. After a brief delay, the Little Bones Wings restaurant (935 Rosser Ave.) is set to open their doors to the public on Tuesday, June 22nd at 3 pm. Tuesday will also be #WingNight which means buy one/get one at 33% off on wings! The Little Bones Wings menu features 75 different flavors (in 3 menu categories: classic, original and gourmet) with vegan and gluten friendly options also available.  

Westoba provided funding to two community projects in Glenboro this week. The Gaiety Theatre Lobby Renewal and the Glenboro Community Primary Playground. “The Glenboro Gaiety Theatre has been in operation since 1941,” said Leanne Gates, Glenboro Gaiety Theatre committee secretary. “It is an integral part of the social fabric of our community, having a local theatre to offer a movie on a rainy day or just to get out of the sun is win-win for the province and our municipality!” The theatre lobby renewal comes at a critical time for the community. New health guidelines have created challenges for the theatre. “Since COVID-19 has been a part of our life, we have had to shut down completely since April 2020,” said Gates. “That has been a huge financial burden with respect to loss of revenue. To reopen, we have to comply with public health guidelines and the layout of our lobby currently does not allow that.” The committee is taking the opportunity of the current theatre closure to fund-raise and get started on the renovations, so they are ready to open when the health restrictions are lifted. The Glenboro Community Primary Playground project aims at replacing old and unsafe playground equipment as well as developing a small new build playground in the existing park area. “Putting a new primary aged, focused structure will be a huge asset to our small community,” said Kevin Newton, Glenboro Community Playground Executive Member. “The playground gives youth and families a place to go and spend time together while working on fitness, growth, and social interaction.” “Investing in our community is a priority for Westoba,” said Marie Bodnarchuk, Carberry & Glenboro Westoba Branch Manager. “We see so much value in both community facilities. Our staff is proud to support the work of these volunteers. (submitted)

Brandon Riverbank Inc. is proud to announce that as a thank you for getting the vaccine, you can currently book Fusion Credit Union Stage for HALF PRICE! Until June 30th, show your vaccine card (or proof of vaccination – either first or second dose) and receive 50% off the booking charge (bookings until end of 2021). As a bonus, for those who book the stage during this time, receive 25% off all souvenirs inside the Riverbank Discovery Centre/Brandon & Region Tourism Centre!