Brandon's bid for WestJet service falls short

Despite a major push by the city of Brandon, WestJet will not be making stops in the prairie city.

The airline recently announced it was expanding its services, and Brandon immediately threw its hat in the ring.

An online petition was established to try to get the airline to stop at Brandon Airport.

On Monday, WestJet announced it will be expanding to Fort St. John, B.C. and not Brandon.

Daily flights will be scheduled between Fort St. John and Vancouver, as well as between Fort St. John and Calgary.

WestJet will launch the new regional service, called Encore, in June.

Airline officials said they will add additional routes when their fleet is bigger.

Despite not winning their bid for service to the Brandon airport, Brandon city officials said the Fort St. John choice is encouraging because it shows the airline is dedicated to service in western Canada.