Keystone Centre Releases 2023-24 Annual Report Highlighting Growth, Investments, and Community Impact

January 9, 2025 – The Keystone Centre is proud to announce the release of its 2023-24 Annual Report, providing a detailed overview of its financial performance, key achievements, and strategic vision for the future.

This year, the Keystone Centre celebrated its 50th anniversary with a milestone community event featuring a free concert on the newly renovated outdoor stage, food trucks, a vintage thrift market, a classic car show, and a family fun zone, concluding with a fireworks display. Reflecting on this legacy, the Centre also looked to the future by initiating a Master Site Plan and completing an Economic Impact Assessment that demonstrated its $78.1 million annual contribution to the provincial economy, supporting over 2,000 jobs.

The fiscal year saw significant investments in infrastructure. Renovations to Westoba Place included new seating, the addition of 13 loge boxes, and long-anticipated air conditioning and dehumidification upgrades. These projects, made possible through the support of the Province of Manitoba’s Arts, Culture, and Sport in Community Fund, enhance the facility’s ability to host large-scale events year- round. Additional upgrades included replacing the North End Chiller and ongoing LED lighting upgrades in partnership with Efficiency Manitoba.

Operationally, the Centre experienced growth in tradeshows, conferences, special events, and concerts, including two sold-out shows. Rental revenue exceeded projections at $4.47 million, while total revenue generated exceeded $5.575 million.

Notably, the Keystone Centre secured the return of the Canadian National Arabian Horse Show through a three-year contract with a two-year extension. Adding to this success, the Centre will host the prestigious Global Champions Arabian Tour (GCAT), marking the first time the event will be held in the Western Hemisphere, solidifying Brandon’s position as a global event destination.

This year marked the promotion of Connie Lawrence to CEO and general manager, a role in which she has helped guide the Keystone Centre through a period of growth and opportunity. Reflecting on the year, Lawrence shared, “I am grateful for the support of our Board, the Province of Manitoba, the City of Brandon, and our community partners, whose contributions have been instrumental in our success in 2024, and whose ongoing collaboration we look forward to in 2025.”