Brandon (Man.)

Brandon () is the second-largest city in the province of Manitoba, Canada. It is located on the banks of the Assiniboine River in Western Manitoba, approximately 214 kilometres (133 mi) west of the provincial capital, Winnipeg, and 120 kilometres (75 mi) east of the Saskatchewan provincial border. The city covers an area of 77.41 km2 (29.89 sq mi) with a population of 51,313, and a census metropolitan area population of 54,268. Brandon is the primary commercial centre for the Westman Region and parts of southeastern Saskatchewan, a trading area with a population of more than 190,000 people. The City of Brandon was incorporated in 1882, having a history rooted in the Assiniboine River fur trade as well as its role as a major junction on the Canadian Pacific Railway. Known as The Wheat City, Brandon's economy is predominantly associated with agriculture, alongside major sectors in education, food processing, manufacturing, health care, business services, and transportation. Brandon's post-secondary institutions include Brandon University, Assiniboine College, and the Manitoba Emergency Services College. Canadian Forces Base Shilo is located 30 km (19 mi) east of Brandon and maintains close ties with the city. Brandon's Keystone Centre is one of the largest consolidated entertainment, recreation, convention, and agriculture complexes in Canada, and is the home of the Brandon Wheat Kings and the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair.