Keystone Centre Establishes Foundation to Enhance Community Impact

The Keystone Centre in Brandon, Manitoba, has officially launched a new foundation aimed at supporting the facility’s ongoing operations, enhancements, and accessibility. Announced on Thursday, the Keystone Centre Foundation intends to educate the community on the significance of this regional hub, according to Barry Cooper, the foundation’s volunteer executive director.

During the launch event, attended by local politicians, business leaders, and Keystone Centre staff, Cooper emphasized the centre’s role as a vital economic and cultural asset for both Brandon and the broader Westman region. “The Keystone is one of the best value-for-money investments we could ever make,” he stated. “And we need to talk more about this.”

The foundation, developed in partnership with the Brandon and Area Community Foundation, will manage donations that are eligible for tax receipts. The annual interest from these funds, or a portion of the capital, will be allocated for specific projects at the Keystone Centre.

Cooper stressed the importance of community awareness regarding the centre’s historical significance. “Being part of a community for over 50 years, it’s so easy to forget how truly important this building is,” he remarked. He posed a thought-provoking question: “What would Brandon, Westman look like if the Keystone Centre wasn’t here? What a scary thought.”

Focusing initially on community engagement, the foundation will gather feedback on how the centre can improve. “I’m not selling anybody anything. I’m just talking about the value of the facility,” Cooper added. He expressed hope that community members would recognize the centre’s impact on their lives and support its mission.

In her remarks, Connie Lawrence, CEO and general manager of the Keystone Centre, noted that the establishment of the foundation has been in planning for several years. She highlighted the necessity of ensuring the venue remains operational for future generations. “A 50-year-old building can be costly to maintain,” she explained. “Having a strong, structured foundation will hopefully help bring us prosperity.”

Lawrence acknowledged the financial challenges the centre has faced, including operating deficits in recent years. The centre has received assistance from both the city and provincial governments to navigate these difficulties. “By educating and teaching people the importance of the Keystone Centre, I think that gives people peace of mind of where they could invest their money,” she said.

She also pointed out the common misconception that the centre is merely an eyesore, stating, “If we don’t have events, what’s the attraction to Brandon? If our doors are closed, what happens to the hotel rooms? What happens to the restaurants?” Lawrence labeled the centre a “pillar in our community.”

To further promote its mission, the foundation announced two upcoming events aimed at raising awareness and community involvement. A free family fun day is scheduled for December 20, 2023, while the inaugural Keystone Centre Foundation Dinner will take place on May 14, 2024. The dinner will feature a keynote address by former NFL player and local resident Israel Idonije.

Local MP Grant Jackson, representing Brandon-Souris, emphasized the centre’s significance in the community. “As a small-town kid getting to come into a facility like this, you just don’t see that every day,” he remarked. He described the foundation as a “call to action” for residents to consider the centre’s impact and advocate for its continued presence.

Jennifer Ludwig, president of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, also shared her insights, stating that her understanding of the centre’s value grew after becoming an adult and business owner. “The Keystone Centre is an economic anchor of this community,” she asserted. “There is not another venue like the Keystone Centre in Manitoba, and dare I say, western Canada.”

The launch of the Keystone Centre Foundation marks a significant step towards ensuring the facility’s future and enhancing its role within the community. As it embarks on this new initiative, the foundation aims to foster a deeper connection between the Keystone Centre and the residents it serves.