The Manitoba government is investing in stronger communities by supporting services, businesses and infrastructure like the Keystone Centre, which will be receiving up to $7.9 million over the next five years to support a new multi-year sustainability plan and a $3-million grant through the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community (ACSC) Fund, Premier Heather Stefanson announced here today while participating in the annual Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. “Our government is keen to collaborate with all levels of government, business leaders and our economic development partners to advance key initiatives that will support stronger, more vibrant communities and the continued growth of our economy,” said Stefanson. “The Keystone Centre is the heart of the Westman community and major economic driver for the region. This significant investment will help to ensure the Keystone Centre remains sustainable in the long term so it can continue to attract world-class events and provide ongoing cultural, recreational and economic opportunities for Brandon and the surrounding region.” The premier noted the $7.9 million in operating and capital support is part of a new $15.9-million five-year funding agreement between the Manitoba government, the Keystone Centre and the City of Brandon. “Thank you to both the City of Brandon and the Manitoba government for their commitment to this new and increased funding agreement,” said Jeff Schumacher, CEO and general manager, Keystone Centre. “Predictable and dependable funding is key to ensuring the Keystone Centre can continue to serve the community as a first-class destination for both local organizations and events of regional and national significance. As the building approaches 50 years of age, this new funding agreement will empower the Keystone Centre to maintain and improve the facility, ensuring we continue to bring Westman together through sports, banquets, conventions, concerts, fairs, trade shows and provide significant economic impact to the city and the economy.” The Keystone Centre is a unique multi-functional facility that hosts a variety of local, provincial, national and international events that contribute to the social, recreational, cultural and agricultural fabric of the region. Located on 90 acres in Brandon, the centre offers 540,000 sq.-ft. of multi-use space and hosts hundreds of events annually. Its main 5,102-seat arena, known as Westoba Place, is home to the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League, the annual Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, and contributes millions of dollars in annual economic activity for the province. “The City of Brandon is pleased to partner with the Manitoba government and contribute almost $8 million toward the Keystone Centre,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett, City of Brandon. “Today’s joint funding announcement ensures that the Keystone Centre is able to get the upgrades needed to sustain operations for decades to come.” The Manitoba government’s $3-million ACSC grant will go towards upgrades to the main arena in the Keystone Centre. Three phases of work will include upgrades to air conditioning, washroom renovations including improved accessibility, arena seating, sprinklers, and loading ramp improvements. The total renovation cost is estimated to be approximately $6 million. “This agreement reinforces the importance of the Keystone Centre as an event venue and an economic driver in our community. It also represents a significant contribution from both the City of Brandon and the Manitoba government to recognize the capital needs that the Keystone Centre currently has and will continue to have into the future,” said Bruce Luebke, board chair, Keystone Centre. “This agreement will give our board of directors and management team the ability to build a robust capital plan for the next five years and to have some certainty when we strategically plan for the Keystone Centre’s future.” Over 400 projects totaling $50 million were supported through the first round of applications of the ACSC fund in 2022-23, the premier noted. “Manitoba’s arts, culture and amateur sport organizations are at the heart of our communities and the Keystone Centre exemplifies where that heart resides,” said Stefanson. “Generations of Manitobans have come to this centre to celebrate and experience a sense of community and this funding will allow many more generations to do the same.” For more information on the ACSC fund, including applications for the second round of $50 million, visit manitoba.ca/acsc.

Two pickup trucks pulling trailers collided Thursday afternoon in the intersection of 26th St. and Victoria Avenue, destroying a traffic signal pole in the process. It appears that the pickup pulling a long flat-deck trailer collided with the wheel area of the second pickup's enclosed trailer. It is unknown what caused the collision, or if any injuries occurred. Power to the intersection's remaining traffic lights appeared to be cut, which affected traffic in the area. Brandon Police were on scene directing traffic while work was done to remove the traffic light and debris.

On December 24, 2022 a By-Law Officer, who was assigned to Animal Control duties attended to a Brandon residential address. The officer advised the caller that there was a surrender fee for the animals. It is alleged that the officer collected the money as a surrender fee, but they did not turn over the funds to the pound agent. On December 28, 2022, another BPS employee learned of this anomaly through a separate investigation they were conducting. The employee reported their concerns to their supervisor, which lead to a police investigator being assigned to the incident on January 9, 2023 after preliminary fact finding by the employee’s supervisor and a review by BPS Executive. The investigation lead to the discovery of four similar incidents between March and August 2022. During these incidents, money was collected for the surrender of animals but was not deposited with the pound agent. These incidents occurred on March 26, May 02, June 29, and August 22, 2022. As a result of this investigation, Neil Terence JORDAN, a 57-year-old male of rural Manitoba has been charged with five counts of Fraud Under 5000 dollars and five counts of Breach of Trust by an Official. Mr. JORDAN was first charged on January 16, 2023, with one count of each offence based on the initial investigation. On February 24, 2023, Manitoba Prosecution Services authorized the eight additional charges, based on the ongoing investigation. Mr. JORDAN’s first court appearance is set for April 24, 2023, at the Brandon Court House. During the course of the investigation, Mr. JORDAN was immediately relieved of any responsibility as an Animal Control Officer and has been on unpaid leave, at his request, since 25 January 2023. A review of our processes has been conducted. Protocols were in place when these occurrences happened. The employee chose not to follow these processes. Based on the review, our By-Law supervisor will be examining animal control calls for service on an ongoing basis. Our review remains ongoing to determine best practices to implement to ensure this type of situation does not happen again.

The City of Brandon has been working on the Brandon City Plan, a 30-year vision for the City of Brandon since January 2022. Over 100 public engagement sessions have been held by the Planning & Buildings Department with over 2,000 residents participating in the project and providing feedback that formed the vision. The project is currently in the final phase of community engagement where residents are being asked to view and confirm the vision. Recently, two public engagement events were held at community centres. A small group of citizens used these events to discuss theories not related to the Brandon City Plan project and city staff were treated disrespectfully. Democracy and freedom of speech is important to the City of Brandon. However, due to such inappropriate and unsafe behaviour, all Brandon City Plan public engagement has been paused. The City will continue the pathway to establish a City Plan that represents our entire community. Updates regarding the Brandon City Plan will be provided in the future.

CancerCare Manitoba Foundation is pleased to announce a gift that will enable construction of a new Centre for Hope at the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre in Brandon. The Paul Albrechtsen Foundation has donated $3.5 million to establish the Paul Albrechtsen Centre for Hope, providing care and support closer to home for people on a journey with cancer in the Westman region. The announcement was made this morning by Chair of the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Board Lee Meagher at a ground-breaking event for the facility. The Paul Albrechtsen Centre for Hope will offer expanded access to cancer services for hundreds of patients and their families living in the area. Services will include physical and emotional wellness programs, which are critical to improving patient experience and outcomes. In addition, the Centre will offer individualized education and resources for patients and families to help navigate their way through the cancer system. “It’s hard to put into words how impactful this gift is. It will change the cancer experience for Manitobans and their families for many, many years to come,” said Patti Smith, President & CEO, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. “I would like to extend my heartful thanks to the Paul Albrechtsen Foundation for believing in this vision and understanding the importance of supporting patients through all aspects of their cancer journey.” “Our support of the Centre for Hope builds on Paul’s well recognized legacy of philanthropy in Manitoba and continues his vision of enhancing and expanding important healthcare services for everyone,” said Judy Hill, trustee of the Paul Albrechtsen Foundation. “Paul began his career and built his business in the Westman area and I know he would be very proud to give back to the community in this way.” “Research and experience tell us when patients are well supported through their cancer experiences, clinical treatments are more effective, and recovery is more complete,” said Dr. Sri Navaratnam, President & CEO, CancerCare Manitoba. “On behalf of cancer patients and their families, we are very grateful to the Paul Albrechtsen Foundation for making this possible. This gift will bring an immediate impact to Manitobans who live in the Westman region.” Construction is set to begin immediately. Design plans for the Centre include approximately 3,000 square feet of dedicated indoor space, a solarium for yoga and other wellness activities, as well as an outdoor courtyard space and healing gardens intended to provide respite from the clinical environment.