Brandon women’s centre upgrade offers ‘safety, connection and hope’
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BRANDON — Manitoba taxpayers have chipped in $100,000 to improve a women’s centre in western Manitoba.
The money paid for upgrades to the new location of the Western Manitoba Women’s Centre in Brandon, to allow it to increase capacity and offer more programs, Municipal Relations Minister Glen Simard announced Thursday at the grand opening of the new location.
“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. “This funding will help add to the capacity of the Western Manitoba Women’s Centre, ensuring that women who are overcoming gender-based violence in western Manitoba have a safe space in our community.”
Terry Deller, one of the founding members of the Western Manitoba Women’s Centre, is surrounded by staff while cutting the ribbon during the grand opening Thursday. (Tim Smith / The Brandon Sun)
The centre programs, services and counselling on issues such as family violence as well as help women access services in the region. Counselling is offered in English and Spanish and the centre provides 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 said he was approached about a new site 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 happy about being able to support them with the ground-up funding.”
Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine was among the small crowd in front of the building who attended the official opening and smudging ceremony, followed by a welcome song and drumming 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,” she later told the Brandon Sun.
Fontaine’s department provides operational funding to the centre. The total amount over two years is $490,000.
— Brandon Sun
History
Updated on Friday, September 19, 2025 7:06 AM CDT: Adds photo
Updated on Friday, September 19, 2025 10:52 AM CDT: Clarifies amount of operational funding