City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services is excited to announce that work is underway to open the pickleball and tennis courts for the season. Crews are installing the nets for pickleball at Stanley Park (1410 Princess Ave.) and for tennis at Queen Elizabeth Park (200 – 26th St.). Both courts will be available for residents to start using this Friday, March 19th, 2021.   Residents using these spaces must follow the provincial health orders*, as well as the court rules.  For any questions or concerns, contact parks@brandon.ca or 204.729.2148.  City of Brandon Pickleball Court Rules  ·       Pickleball courts are open from dawn until dusk   ·       Courts are available on a first come, first served basis   ·       Tennis or soft-soled shoes only   ·       Players are required to observe proper pickleball etiquette   ·       If others are waiting to play, limit play time to 1 hour for singles and 1 1/2 hours for doubles   ·       No food or beverages on the court   ·       No rollerblades, skateboards, or bicycles   City of Brandon Tennis Court Rules  ·       Tennis courts are open from dawn until dusk   ·       Courts are available on a first come, first served basis   ·       Tennis or soft-soled shoes only   ·       Players are required to observe proper tennis etiquette   ·       If others are waiting to play, limit play time to 1 hour   ·       No food or beverages on the court   ·       No rollerblades, skateboards, or bicycles   *Provincial Health Orders  The City of Brandon stresses that access to the above facilities is with the expectation that users will adhere to the current Manitoba Public Health Orders, including:  ·       Limiting group sizes to 10 persons, not including coaching staff  ·       No multi-team tournaments are permitted  Masks are not required when using these outdoor spaces. More information on the Manitoba Public Health Orders can be found at manitoba.ca/covid19/restartmb/prs.  (City of Brandon PSA)

– The Expedition League made the announcement today that the Wheat City Whiskey Jacks will be relocated to Grand Forks, North Dakota for the 2021 summer baseball season. This temporary move is necessary due to the continued border closure between Canada and the United States and the restrictions on attendance at sporting events in Manitoba. The Whiskey Jacks, who were unable to play in Brandon last season due to the border closure and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, will be back in action with a full 64-game schedule as they call North Dakota home this season. “We’re disappointed that due to the continued uncertainty regarding the border closure, and possible limits on capacity at sporting events in Manitoba, we were forced to make a very difficult decision”, said Steve Wagner, Expedition League President and Whiskey Jacks owner. “We’re committed to the City and the great fans in Brandon and Westman and we have some amazing things planned for the 2022 season.  We can’t wait to be back in Brandon with Whiskey Jacks baseball and FUN in 2022”, he added. Ray Walker, Whiskey Jacks GM stated, "We've worked really hard to put together a great Whiskey Jacks club to play in 2021.  I'm sad I won't be at Andrews Field all summer, but so happy we can show our brand of baseball to the fans in Grand Forks. I can't wait until 2022!" The Whiskey Jacks will move from Andrews Field in Brandon to call Kraft Field home this summer.  The relocation to Grand Forks is a temporary one, as that North Dakota city is the newest expansion site for the Expedition League in 2022. The Expedition League begins play on May 25, 2021, with a full slate of 12 teams, including two new expansion teams… the Mining City Tommyknockers in Butte, MT and the Canyon County Spuds in Caldwell, ID.  The Expedition League’s 2021 All-Star Extravaganza will be July 19-20 at Mike Lansing Field in Casper, WY, home of the Casper Horseheads.  Keep following the Whiskey Jacks on Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and on our website at www.wheatcitywhiskeyjacks.com. (submitted)

n the fall of 2020 a third-party review identified deficiencies associated with the pool’s water, air circulation, and pool drainage systems. This review was required as a result of mechanical issues stemming from the 2016 renovations.  Continuous progress has been made in consultation with a third-party engineering firm, as well as Manitoba Health towards addressing deficiencies. Progress and construction is expected to continue through the spring and summer of 2021.  Further repairs that do not impact the permitting of the facility are expected to take place at a date yet to be determined. Repairs will align with Manitoba Health regulations for operating an indoor pool facility.  Management and staff of Brandon’s Community Sportsplex would like to thank all swimmers for their patience and look forward to seeing pool enthusiasts return in 2021.  (City of Brandon PSA)

Virden's Wyatt Kalynuk is one of seven defensemen dressed for the Chicago Blackhawks in this Saturday afternoon's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The smooth skating defensemen had registered six points over four games with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, prior to his callup to the active roster of the Blackhawks. Kalynuk was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 7th round (#196 overall) in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He spent the 2013-14 season with the Virden Oil Capitals, as well as 3 seasons in the USHL and 3 years at the U. of Wisconsin.

Brandon, MB - City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services would like to inform the public that due to warmer temperatures and deteriorating ice conditions, the public skating oval west of McGregor Avenue has been officially closed for the winter season. “Oval Closed” signs and barricades have been placed at the oval and all associated flood lighting will be turned off, as well as the Manitoba Hydro Power Smart Waterfall of Lights display has been turned off. The City of Brandon thanks all users of its outdoor recreational facilities for enjoying the spaces with respect and keeping them in good condition for all to enjoy.(City of Brandon PSA)