It’s time to decide what’s next for The Keystone Centre and the Board of Directors and management team are asking the public for their input. Celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary this year and as the centre prepares to embark on the next 50 years of community service, we recognize that our future will be defined by what our community wants us to become. As with any organization that has grown and evolved alongside the community, we know that we need to think about our business for the next 25 to 50 years while delivering the wonderful events and opportunities that occur each day at the Keystone Centre. Our planning for the future needs to be complementary to the greater plans of our City and our key stakeholders. A plan is needed for the aging buildings that leverages infrastructure investment with the needs of the community, while ensuring fiscal responsibility. “This is about celebrating our past and planning for the future as the Keystone Centre recovers from the impacts of COVID-19 and embraces a new reality in the sport, entertainment, recreation, and conference and convention landscape”, said Bruce Luebke, Chair of the Keystone Centre Board of Directors. The organization is currently engaged in a Site Master Planning process to determine the future role and sustainability of the site and facilities for the next generation, while aligning with the greater City of Brandon Planning process. This plan looks at the potential for all development and future considerations. This report will develop a comprehensive approach to long-term solutions and recommendations for the facilities and the site. The Board has engaged a consulting firm that is conducting a review of best practices in other communities, along with a broad public engagement effort to capture the voice of the community on their future needs and aspirations for the centre. “Community is at the heart of everything we do, and building a future plan for The Keystone Centre will reflect the public’s input to ensure we remain relevant and provide value to our region,” said Luebke. “Our goal is to meet the needs of our community and for the next 50 years”. Situated in the heart of Brandon, the Keystone Centre sits on 90 acres that the community enjoys year-round for recreation, sporting events, concerts, agricultural and consumer shows and many other events that contribute to residents’ quality of life and make our community a better place. The project team plans to speak to at least 1,000 people throughout the public engagement process, with every idea welcomed and reviewed. “We are in the business of creating memorable experiences for our guests, and the public has a high degree of influence in deciding what that looks like,” said Luebke. There will be different ways for the community to provide input and be part of the conversation, including an online survey or a direct email address which can both be found at keystonecentre.com/pages/keystone-50-plus and by attending one of the five (5) public open house sessions: The Keystone Centre Lower Curling Club Lounge – ENTRANCE B ▪ Thursday, May 16: 1:15 PM and 6:30 PM And ▪ Friday, May 17: 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM The project team will compile all feedback to help develop a strategic plan that outlines top priorities for future development as identified by the community. Once completed, the Board will present the plan to the City of Brandon, the Province of Manitoba and the Provincial Exhibition Association to determine next steps.

On April 23, 2024, at approximately 2:30 pm, Brandon Police Service members conducted a traffic stop on a Commercial Motor Vehicle (semi-truck and trailer) which was observed to be swerving in its lane on the Trans-Canada Highway in Brandon. During the roadside check, Police conducted a cargo securement inspection. In doing so, Police learned the driver was transporting a large amount of contraband tobacco. The commercial motor vehicle was found to contain 26 pallets of unstamped tobacco. The suspect, a 26-year-old male driver from Winnipeg was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code for Trafficking Contraband Tobacco. He was subsequently released on an Appearance Notice to appear in court on July 15th, 2024. In total, 7.8 million unstamped cigarettes were seized with an estimated illicit market value of 4 million dollars. The Brandon Police Service would like to thank the Manitoba Department of Finance and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their assistance. This matter remains under investigation.

 Join the Alzheimer Society for their annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, taking place at the Riverbank Discovery Centre on June 6 at 5:30 pm. There will also be participating Walks in Winnipeg (May 25), Steinbach (May 29) and Selkirk (June 13). Manitobans can also join the “Walk Your Way” virtual option to get involved in their own way. The Walk is the Society’s largest annual, province-wide fundraiser that takes place across Canada in support of people living with dementia, their families, friends and care partners. “There’s an overwhelming feeling at the Walk that we’re all in it together,” says Erin Crawford, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. “Nobody should go through dementia alone. We want everyone to understand that the Alzheimer Society is a place to turn for support -- reach out to us, we can connect you with a community of resources.” The money raised during the walk allows the Alzheimer Society to provide families with the programs, resources and information they need to live their best lives possible, including one-to-one counselling, support groups, dementia-friendly programs, education sessions and more. For Laura Bishop, Team Captain of the IG Wealth Management North Central team, the Walk is an opportunity to come together as a community to support families living with dementia. “Every story with dementia is a little bit different, but the feelings of loss are similar. The Walk is somewhere I listen, learn and strengthen my understanding of dementia and the different ways it affects families, including the people I work with.” Here's how to get involved in the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s: Register online – sign up as an individual, team member or team captain at alzheimer.mb.ca/wfa2024. Start fundraising – share your fundraising page and your reasons for walking on social media using the official hashtag #IGWalkForAlz. Reach out to your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues (in-person and online) to ask for support. Participate in the Brandon Walk on June 6, 2024 – join dedicated people like you, who are committed to helping people living with dementia and care partners. “Come join us at the Walk this May and June. It’s more than just a Walk – it’s a chance to connect with others who know what dementia is like, show your support, and have fun along the way.” Erin says. Visit alzheimer.mb.ca/wfa2024 to learn more about the Walk and to register.

Ross Sheard's dream of a driving range / bar and grill comes to reality on Sunday. Located roughly 4 kilometers east of Brandon on the Trans Canada Highway the doors of Shanks will open to the public. This will be the first of it's kind in Manitoba. Derek Sobkow told BDNMB.CA "this place will be my new goto ..... food was solid" Photos courtesy Farran Munn and Peyton.

On April 24th at 6:30 pm an employee from a business in the 900 block of Victoria Avenue reports that two males were in the store loading their arms full of pizza pops and chocolate bars. A 32-year-old male was located a short distance away with the stolen items. He was arrested and held for court as he was also breaching his release order. He will appear in court on April 25th, 2024.