Keystone Centre Establishes Foundation to Enhance Community Engagement

The Keystone Centre, a vital non-profit facility in Brandon, Manitoba, has unveiled plans for a new foundation aimed at bolstering its operations and ensuring better accessibility for the community. Announced on October 12, 2023, the Keystone Centre Foundation seeks to engage local residents and secure funding for future improvements.

During the official announcement, Barry Cooper, the volunteer executive director of the foundation, emphasized the importance of the facility as a key economic and cultural driver for Brandon and the surrounding Westman region. He remarked, “The Keystone is one of the best value-for-money investments we could ever make. And we need to talk more about this.” The event drew attention from local politicians, business leaders, and community members, all gathered to support the foundation’s mission.

The foundation will operate in partnership with the Brandon and Area Community Foundation. Its strategy includes investing tax-receiptable donations, allowing the Keystone Centre to utilize annual interest or a portion of the capital for specific projects. “It’s so easy to forget how truly important this building is,” Cooper noted, stressing the need for community awareness regarding the centre’s impact. He posed a thought-provoking question: “What would Brandon, Westman look like if the Keystone Centre wasn’t here?”

Connie Lawrence, CEO and general manager of the Keystone Centre, highlighted that establishing the foundation has been a long-term goal. She expressed a commitment to maintaining the facility for future generations, stating, “We want to make sure that our doors stay open for years to come.” Lawrence acknowledged the financial challenges posed by maintaining a 50-year-old building and the necessity of a strong foundation to foster prosperity.

In recent years, the Keystone Centre has faced operational deficits, which have been managed through support from both the city and provincial government. “I need to make sure it is properly funded as we move forward,” Lawrence added, underlining the importance of educating the community about the centre’s significance.

Lawrence also addressed misconceptions about the facility, which some perceive as a “big, ugly kid in the middle of the city.” She argued that closing the centre would significantly impact local businesses, questioning the viability of Brandon without events hosted at the Keystone Centre. “If we don’t have events, what’s the attraction to Brandon?” she asked rhetorically.

To enhance community engagement, the foundation plans to solicit feedback on how the Keystone Centre can improve. Cooper stated, “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 believes that the personal stories associated with the centre are integral to its value, saying, “Everybody has a story about this building and about these grounds.”

The foundation is set to host two signature events aimed at raising awareness and inviting community participation. A free family fun day is scheduled for December 20, 2023, followed by the inaugural Keystone Centre Foundation Dinner on May 14, 2024. The dinner will feature a keynote speech from former NFL player and Brandon native Israel Idonije.

Brandon-Souris Member of Parliament Grant Jackson emphasized the centre’s role in the community, recalling his own experiences as a youth. “As a small-town kid getting to come into a facility like this, you just don’t see that every day,” he said. Jackson encouraged residents to reflect on the centre’s significance and consider how they can support its future.

Jennifer Ludwig, president of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, shared her evolving perspective on the facility’s importance. “The Keystone Centre is an economic anchor of this community,” she stated, highlighting the remarkable value it brings through hosted events. “There is not another venue like the Keystone Centre in Manitoba, and dare I say, western Canada.”

The establishment of the Keystone Centre Foundation marks a proactive step towards ensuring the longevity and relevance of this essential community hub. By fostering dialogue and engagement, the foundation aims to solidify the Keystone Centre’s status as a cornerstone of cultural and economic activity in Brandon and beyond.