Keystone Centre Establishes Foundation to Enhance Community Impact

The Keystone Centre has officially announced the formation of the Keystone Centre Foundation, aimed at supporting the facility’s ongoing operations, improvements, and accessibility. This initiative was unveiled during an event on October 26, 2023, attended by local politicians, business leaders, and community members.

During the announcement, Barry Cooper, the foundation’s volunteer executive director, emphasized the Keystone Centre’s role as a vital economic and cultural hub for the city of Brandon and the surrounding Westman region. “The Keystone is a key economic and cultural driver for Brandon and for Westman, one of the best value-for-money investments we could ever make,” Cooper stated, urging the community to recognize the importance of the facility.

The foundation will collaborate closely with the Brandon and Area Community Foundation. It intends to manage funds from tax-receiptable donations, allowing the Keystone Centre to utilize annual interest or portions of the capital for specific projects.

Cooper highlighted that it is crucial to remind the community of the centre’s 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 provocative question about the potential impact on the community if the centre were no longer operational, illustrating its integral role in local life.

Community Engagement Prioritized

Initially, the foundation will focus on community engagement before launching fundraising efforts. Cooper clarified, “I’m not selling anybody anything. I’m just talking about the value of the facility, and I hope that people see that as something they want to come on side with.” He expressed the sentiment that many individuals have personal stories tied to the Keystone Centre, strengthening its value within the community.

The foundation’s strategy will include soliciting feedback from residents on how the centre can improve and better serve their needs. Connie Lawrence, CEO and general manager of the Keystone Centre, mentioned that establishing the foundation has been a long-term goal. “We want to make sure that our doors stay open for years to come, and that your children and grandchildren get to use this magnificent facility,” she said.

Lawrence pointed out the challenges of maintaining a facility that has been operational for over 50 years. The centre has faced operating deficits in recent years, which have been managed with financial support from both the city and provincial governments. “I need to make sure it is properly funded as we move forward,” she stated, underlining the necessity for community investment in the centre’s future.

Events to Raise Awareness and Funds

The foundation is also planning two major events aimed at raising awareness and fostering 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 from former NFL player and Brandon native Israel Idonije.

Local MP Grant Jackson addressed the importance of the Keystone Centre in the context of community identity. He noted that as a small-town child, having access to such a facility was a unique opportunity. Jackson urged residents to reflect on the centre’s significance and to advocate for its continued support. “I think it is so important to go out there and do that hard work of asking the community, as well as governments, to invest in this facility,” he stated.

The conversation around the Keystone Centre’s impact extends beyond its physical structure. Jennifer Ludwig, president of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, reflected on her evolving understanding of the centre’s value. “The Keystone Centre is an economic anchor of this community. The value and economic stimulus from events that are hosted within this facility are remarkable,” she asserted, noting the absence of comparable venues in Manitoba and western Canada.

As the Keystone Centre Foundation begins its journey, the focus remains on engaging the community and ensuring that the facility continues to thrive for future generations.