Keystone Seeking Public Input, Planning Facility’s Future

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.