**$100,000 Invested to Improve Western Manitoba Women’s Centre in Brandon**
BRANDON, Manitoba – Taxpayers have contributed $100,000 to upgrade the Western Manitoba Women’s Centre’s new location in Brandon. This investment will enhance the centre’s capacity and enable it to offer more programs, Municipal Relations Minister Glen Simard announced Thursday at the grand opening of the facility.
“Investments like these are vital to the health and well-being of women, gender-diverse individuals, and their children by providing additional safe and welcoming spaces,” said Simard. He emphasized that the funding will help expand the centre’s capacity, ensuring women overcoming gender-based violence in western Manitoba have a safe space within the community.
The Western Manitoba Women’s Centre offers programs, services, and counseling addressing issues such as family violence. It also assists women in accessing services throughout the region. Counseling is provided in both English and Spanish, and the centre runs a breakfast program for women and children.
“This is more than just a building; it is a place of safety, connection, and hope,” said centre director Julia Krykavska. “We are proud to create a space where women and their children can find support, share their voices, and build brighter futures. This centre belongs to all of us and stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of people in western Manitoba.”
The new facility is located at 1233 Rosser Ave. Simard shared that he was approached about the need for a new site shortly after being elected in 2023.
“The staff contacted me right out of the gate, saying they were outgrowing their space,” Simard said, adding he’s very pleased to support them with this ground-up funding.
Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine attended the official opening and smudging ceremony, followed by a welcome song and drumming performed by staff members.
“People really believe in the work that they do, and in our culture, we say it’s heart work. That means it’s connected to heart and to spirit,” Fontaine told the Brandon Sun.
The Families Department also provides operational funding to the centre, amounting to $245,000 over two years.
*Source: Brandon Sun*
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/2025/09/18/revamped-womens-centre-opens-in-brandon