The Keystone Centre is pleased to announce that the Westoba Place seat replacement project has been awarded to Jacobson Commercial Ltd. This ambitious project includes the removal and selective demolition of the existing seats, installation of new seats throughout the arena bowl, construction of mini-loge boxes, and installation of adjustable and standard drink rails, and media platforms all designed to significantly enhance the fan experience at Westoba Place. "We are excited to partner with Jacobson Commercial on this important project that will bring a new level of comfort and luxury to Westoba Place," said Connie Lawrence, CEO & General Manager of the Keystone Centre. "Their expertise and dedication to quality work give us confidence that the end result will exceed expectations." Funding for the project was secured through the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Grant from the Province of Manitoba, announced in March of 2023. "We're thrilled about the upcoming enhancements to Westoba Place,” shared Jared Jacobson, Owner and Governor of the Brandon Wheat Kings. “This project represents a major investment in the fan experience, ensuring Westoba Place continues to be a premier venue for sports and entertainment. The Brandon Wheat Kings are proud to call Westoba Place home, and can’t wait to for our fans to experience a new level of enjoyment and comfort." The project was awarded following an open and competitive bidding process managed by TBD Architecture who also handled project design. Three bids were received with Jacobson Commercial’s being the most competitive at $2,037,819. "Being chosen for the Westoba Place seat replacement project is a great honor for Jacobson Commercial,” adds Jordan Funk, General Manager of Jacobson Commercial. “We're dedicated to delivering a high-quality project that will surpass the Keystone Centre's and its visitors' expectations. This initiative is about more than just new seats; it's about enhancing the overall experience for every attendee. We're excited to apply our expertise and passion for excellence to this project, contributing positively to the legacy of Westoba Place." Construction is scheduled to commence in May 2024, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Westoba Place, aimed at enhancing the fan experience of Westman residents and all who visit the Keystone Centre for its many events.  

The City of Brandon proudly announces the expansion of its partnership with the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporations (BNRC) Fresh Start Program. The Fresh Start Program provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment. By participating in this program, community members contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant city. The Fresh Start Program addresses litter, needles, graffiti, and maintenance issues while also offering services such as transporting abandoned items from public spaces. This collaborative effort creates a more welcoming environment for shoppers, business owners, social service providers, and the community at large. Previously, the “Downtown Fresh Start Program” operated exclusively during the summer months. However, in 2024, the program’s scope has broadened significantly to start in the spring and continue throughout the entire year.  Operating five days a week with two workers per day, the program also plans to extend its hours during the summer months to maximize impact. The program’s coverage spans priority areas from 7th Street to 10th Street, encompassing the region between Pacific Avenue and Lorne Avenue, with the ability to extend to other downtown regions as necessary.  The City of Brandon and BNRC will work together to continuously assess and refine program operations for sustainability and effectiveness. As we envision enhancing the future of downtown Brandon, initiatives like this one play a pivotal role. This expansion of the program underscores our commitment to realizing our vision of a downtown that is clean, vibrant, and inviting to all - one step at a time. For more information on the Fresh Start Program, visit bnrc.ca/fresh-start or contact (204) 729-2490.

On March 14th at 01:08 am Police conducted a vehicle stop in the 100 block of 20th street. The male driver of the vehicle provided a breath sample resulting in a warning. He was also found to be a prohibited driver. When the officer told the driver he was under arrest he ran, and a foot pursuit ensued. While effecting the arrest the driver struck the officer in the face. At this same time the female passenger jumped behind the wheel of the vehicle and drove away. Responding officers were able to locate the vehicle. The female showed signs of impairment but blew just under the legal limit. The 41-year-old female was arrested for obstructing police. She was released for court on May 24th, 2024. The 39-year-old male was arrested for assaulting an officer, prohibited driving, and resisting arrest. He will be released for court on May 24th, 2024.

The Manitoba government has introduced legislation that would lower the age a child is required to attend school and remove barriers to students enrolling in schools in the area where they live, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare announced today. “We want to make sure every kid is set up for success and that means making sure they have access to education, particularly in the critical early years,” said Altomare. “We know when kids attend school regularly, they are more likely to succeed, go to college or university, and get a good job that will help them build a good life. That is why we want to make sure they are able to go to school wherever they are living.” Currently, students must attend the school in the catchment area of their parent or guardian’s home. This can cause challenges for students who have other care arrangements, noted the minister. Bill 21, the Public Schools Amendment Act, would ensure that children living with a responsible adult are able to attend their neighbourhood school in the school division where they reside, even if there has not been a legal transfer of guardianship. The amendment would also clarify the right of temporary residents to send their children to their neighbourhood public school. Additionally, the amendment would lower the compulsory school age to six years old from seven years old and the right to attend school to five years old from six years old, bringing Manitoba in line with the rest of Canada. The Manitoba government will continue to work with school divisions to remove barriers to students attending school, said the minister.

Earlier today four Firefighter/Paramedics (Scotty Ryan, Brian Wenham, Wiley Speiss and Cody Young) took to the roof of the #2 Fire Hall as part of the official start to the 2024 Tri Charity (Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy and the Brandon Firefighters Charity Fund) Rooftop Campout and Boot Drive. The foursome will be will be camping out on the roof today until Friday. In addition to the boot drive at the firehall taking place from 8 am to 6pm daily, members on the BFES will also be at various intersections around the city collecting donations on those days from 3pm to 6pm. For more information, please visit the Brandon Fire Fighter Rooftop Campout Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/rooftopcampout/