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This article has been published 28/10/2017 (1439 days ago), the information it contains may therefore no longer be up to date.
With its historic buildings, charming boutiques and lively pubs, Brandon is on the list of Canada’s trendiest downtowns.
The Expedia Canada travel blog ranked downtown Brandon fifth, just behind Winnipeg and ahead of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
JILLIAN AUSTIN / BRANDON SUN)
Downtown Brandon recently received accolades in a Top 10 ranking by Expedia Travel.
“We searched high and low for innovative art scenes, top walking scores and that little je ne sais quoi that makes a city unforgettable,” writes Carolyn Albee. “We’ve narrowed it down to 10 of Canada’s hottest downtowns, from the most promising to perennial favorites. Put them on your list, downtown lover.”
A few local businesses that caught the writer’s attention included the Abby Rose boutique, Ten Thousand Villages, The Global Market, Komfort Kitchen, and The Dock on Princess.
“I think it’s wonderful that we got a mention. Obviously I think our downtown area is great and has a lot of potential,” said Sara Grexton, owner of Abby Rose, adding that she hoped that the he article would help publicize downtown Brandon.
Abby Rose, as described by Grexton, is a luxury consignment boutique, offering quality women’s ready-to-wear clothing, bags, shoes and accessories.
“Most of our items that are new to our customers would be locally handcrafted items,” she said, adding that they also feature local artists.
JILLIAN AUSTIN / THE BRANDON SUN
The Abby Rose store on Rosser Avenue is one of the businesses in downtown Brandon that was highlighted in a recent Expedia Travel article.
Komfort Kitchen owner Derek Woychyshyn says their success is all about quality and consistency.
“I think you just have to have the recipes and stick with what we do best,” he said.
Brandon’s inclusion in the Expedia Top 10 list only reflects the mobile age we live in, Woychyshyn said.
“Anyone who goes somewhere, if they’re in it, they mark where they are, leave pictures, leave comments and notes,” he said.
Elisabeth Saftiuk, Managing Director of the Brandon Downtown Development Corporation (formerly Renaissance Brandon), was delighted to see downtown Brandon recognized by such a comprehensive travel website.
“I think this is indicative of the tremendous assets that we really find in our downtown area,” she said. “As for the arts and culture scene … the Southwestern Manitoba Art Gallery offers widely acclaimed gallery exhibitions and arts education in a state-of-the-art facility.
As revitalization projects continue, restaurants and nightlife become more and more exciting, she added.
“Downtown highlights like The Dock and Benny’s remain popular destinations, and there’s always a wait at the door at Komfort Kitchen for Sunday brunch.”
Saftiuk also mentioned the unique new destinations of Prairie Firehouse and Fraser Sneath Coffee. The pubs offer entertainment including live music, billiards and quiz nights.
“There is a lot going on in our downtown area that even Brandonites may not necessarily be aware of,” she said. “I think the inclusion of our downtown in this article is a great opportunity to let Brandonites know how really cool our downtown is, and it just keeps getting cooler.”
Downtown Brandon has also seen its fair share of setbacks, such as the failure of the McKenzie Towers project and the closure of the Wildflower Cafe. But Saftiuk noted that there was a lot to look forward to.
“I think any downtown area will suffer setbacks, but it’s extremely important to focus, first, on how we can address those setbacks and encourage investment in our downtown core at the end of the day. account, ”she said.
In early 2018, Chez Angela bakery and Muse Bridal Studio will open their doors downtown. Brandon University is working on its plans for a mixed-use development, which would include residential, commercial and academic uses.
Saftiuk pointed out that there have been many smaller scale projects that have taken place downtown over the past few years, including eight new residential units at Prairie Lofts, Tour Indoor Cycling, Pirhouette Active Wear, for n to name a few.
“Vibrant city centers create smart, healthy cities, and there is so much untapped potential in downtown Brandon,” said Saftiuk.
»Jaustin@brandonsun.com
»Twitter: @jillianaustin
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