Why the Riverbank is so gosh darn cool

So… I’d like to preface by stating the person writing this article is a bit biased.

My name is Lanny Stewart and I’m the director of marketing and communications for Brandon Tourism, who just so happens to have an office at the Riverbank Discovery Centre. The Brandon & Region Tourism Centre is located inside the RDC and I have first-hand knowledge of this place since I started my post just a few years ago.

It’s cool. You should probably visit.

How’s that for creative marketing? LOL

All kidding aside, Brandon Riverbank is more than just green grasses, benches and a place to buy cool souvenirs of the city.

“It’s so cool because I’m the GM and I’m cool,” said a smiling lighthearted James Montgomery, before immediately jumping in with “Just kidding.”

Not to pump the man’s tires, but it’s Montgomery’s hard work along with the work of Riverbank staffers not named Stewart as well as local partners who have worked tirelessly over the past few years to help build on an atmosphere that’s both inviting and, quite frankly, fresh and new considering all the recent changes that have been happening both inside the centre and on the grounds.

The Riverbank has a storied history but floods in both 2011 and 2014 certainly wreaked havoc and it hampered progress on a 20-year master plan project put forth by Riverbank officials several years ago. However, it’s evident over the past few years, this plan, which consists of numerous projects aimed at rejuvenating the area, is really starting to bear fruit.

“Well there’s just so much to see and do and there’s so much potential here,” Montgomery said. “The history of the Riverbank is interesting and its connection as a gathering place for Indigenous people since long before Brandon was incorporated, and now today as a gathering place for recreation, education and celebration for families, students and people looking to enjoy nature right here in the city.”

Montgomery noted recent additions to the grounds such as an outdoor amphitheatre, new picnic shelters, improved walking trails and wetlands, a new playground for children and an all nations sharing circle to go along with noted improvements inside the Riverbank Discovery Centre facility have really given the area a much-needed facelift.

“Building strong partnerships and relationships with our community and its people is the most important thing we’ve been able to accomplish since I started as the GM,” Montgomery said.

In a non-COVID year, Montgomery says the Riverbank gets upwards of 100,000 visitors a year, which goes to show you it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike.

“If we stay on this trajectory we will be in good shape for years to come,” Montgomery concluded.

Visit the Riverbank today! You won’t regret it.

For more information on Brandon Riverbank, visit their website at www.riverbank.mb.ca or follow them via their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.