ValleyBiz Story | Formo Motors is rocking a brand new piece of functional art – a formation of mountain rocks that also serve as a display platform for their vehicles. The masterpiece is the work of travelling artist Pierre St-Germain. “Basically what I do, is I drive all over the country and I carve concrete [...]

ValleyBiz Story | The Minitonas area was pelted with large hail, strong wind and heavy rain on August 3, 2018 beginning just before 4:15 pm. Before the storm … ominous clouds begin to build. Pictured below: Photos submitted by Edwin Crook of the storm approaching Minitonas (click for a larger version). We also received reports [...]

The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) is investigating after a 26-year-old man was admitted to hospital following his arrest by the Swan River RCMP. On August 2, 2018, the IIU was notified by the RCMP of an incident that occurred the previous evening. The RCMP advised that on August 1 they were advised to be on [...]

ValleyBiz Story | Chariot and Chuckwagon races at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition are a crowd favorite and this year was no exception. Four days of racing drew in the crowds for many heart-pounding heats.

ValleyBiz Story | The grandstands were full and the action was fast during the 2018 Northwest Roundup Rodeo events. Cowboys and Cowgirls competed in a variety of rodeo events. Barrel Racing Bull Riding Bareback Bronc Saddle Bronc 12-Horse Hitch Brett Fulford, born and raised in the Swan Valley (son of Ken and Linda Fulford of [...]

Submitted by: June McKenzie | On July 25, 2018 two judges from Communities in Bloom toured Swan River. The judges were Roswitha Nowak who is with the West Kildonan Horticultural Society and Tanya Wiebe who is the Youth Coordinator tor Take Pride Winnipeg. On the way to Swan River, they also judged Minnedosa and Birtle. [...]

ValleyBiz Story | The Northwest Roundup and Exhibition is a place of wonder and excitement for youngsters. The Down on the Farm exhibit lets kids get up close and personal with a larger variety of farm animals. It is a great place to take a break from the heat of the day and relax with [...]

ValleyBiz Story | On July 24, 2018 a dedication ceremony for the newly named Rex Leach Museum trail was held at the Swan Valley Historical Museum. Dr. Andy Maxwell provided some background on the trail and explained that Rex Leach was instrumental in expanding the cross country ski trail on the south side of the [...]

ValleyBiz Story | Click pictures for a larger version. The Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce Parade took place on July 27, 2018 at 10 am – a time honored tradition as part of the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition. Many have passed this tradition on to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each year the parade is [...]

Submitted by: Sheree Soura | With additional pictures by ValleyBiz On July 23, 2018 despite the cool weather and a threat of rain, about 190 people attended the annual Garden Walk sponsored by the Swan River Ladies Golf Club. Eight beautiful yards in the town of Swan River were on display. It was a pleasure [...]

Submitted by: Debbie (Bell) Soloway | The annual Renwer-Fisher’s Siding Annual Old Fashion Picnic took place Sunday July 22, 2018. This year the weather caused everyone to play a different version of musical chairs. The chairs were set up outside the school and then along came a short rain shower so the chairs were quickly [...]

Submitted by Lynda Parsons | The Swan Valley Credit Union held their annual Beef on a Bun on Friday, July 6, 2018. We fed a total of 532 people and raised $2,660 to invest back in the community. Recipients this year are WAMMA Swan River for $609.34, this will be used to purchase a competition [...]

ValleyBiz Story | The Farmers Market was overflowing with shoppers as it opened for the season on Thursday July 19, 2018. A rush of people looking for the season’s first taste from the garden quickly snapped up new potatoes, carrots, onions, beets and berries as was well as honey, homemade baking, jam and other local [...]

Province of Manitoba News Release | The Manitoba government will provide more than $848,000 in grants to community development projects across the province, Municipal Relations Minister Jeff Wharton and Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for the status of women, announced July 19, 2018. Swan Valley Hometown Manitoba Project Recipients $1,000 Barrows Community Council [...]

Submitted by: Sandra Yaknovich | The North-West Regional Library held a successful semi-annual Garage Sale and BBQ on Saturday July 14, 2018. We would like to thank everyone and the businesses for the generous donations. A special Thank you to the volunteers that helped set up and oversee the sale and BBQ, and also a [...]

Media Release Swan Valley Co-op invests $2.2 million to construct Agro Centre at The Pas MB Swan Valley Co-op is pleased to announce the construction an agricultural inputs facility in the RM of Kelsey Industrial Park near The Pas MB. The facility will feature crop inputs, dry fertilizer, as well as animal health and feed [...]

Submitted Story | The Swan River Host Committee for the 2019 Manitoba 55 Plus Games is pleased to announce the dates selected for the 2019 event. The Games cover a wide variety of events, including various card games, five-pin bowling, floor shuffleboard, pickleball, horseshoes, golf, track, cycling, slo-pitch and many more. There will also be [...]

Pictured above (L to R): Delbert Davy, Donna Martin, Community Foundation of Swan Valley Executive Coordinator, and CFSV Board Members Shauna Klekta, Teresa McKay and Barry Stephen. Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) recently received a donation of $50,000 from Delbert Davy. The endowment will become [...]

Submitted by: Rubieann Kluke | Canada Day in Benito was a success. The day started off with a pancake breakfast, put on by the Benito Fire Department, which was enjoyed by all. There were 5 slow pitch teams entered to play ball. Each team played two games entertaining the afternoon crowd. Alongside this were Kids [...]

Submitted by: Rhonda Kitch | It was a beautiful day for a duck race! 326 ducks floated down the Swan River. Rachel Miller’s duck #421 came in first place winning $366. Rick Loat’s duck # 604 came in second place winning $183 Gord Zamzow’s duck #362 came in third place winning $61 Thank you to [...]

Happy Canada Day from ValleyBiz! Wishing you a Happy Canada Day however and wherever you choose to celebrate the day. Take in some of the many activities around the Valley and enjoy your time with friends and family.

Submitted by: Corinna Medwid | The Karma for MS event scheduled for June 24, 2018 did not take place as, unfortunately, there was no one in attendance. We would like to seek feedback from the community regarding our annual Karma for MS event to help us determine if this is something our community wants and [...]

Submitted by: Darby Blazenko | The Urban Forest Committee would like to thank everyone that came out to join us on June 13, 2018 for Arbor Day! It was a beautiful day spent doing some much needed maintenance at the Tree Nursery.

ValleyBiz Story | On June 19, 2018 the Minitonas Skipping Club presented their year end performance at Minitonas Early Years School in Minitonas. The group consists of Jenna Smith, Cassidy Kurtz, Selina Copeland, Madisen Houle, Tina Copeland, Malikai Dietz, Hallie Kichuk, Felicity Grandfield, Taylor Finlay, Karlee Beals under the instruction of Carla Kurtz. The skipping [...]

Submitted by: Teresa McKay | Because of inclement weather on June 23, 2018, we were unable to hold our planned activities for the National Gardeners week in our Village Square in Minitonas. There is a saying that when the rain comes it gives the gardeners a chance to clean house. We have had several weeks [...]

Pictured above: Representatives from Swan Valley Coop and Swan River Valley Agricultural Society ValleyBiz Story | On Monday, June 25, 2018 an official sod-turning ceremony took place at the future site of a new outdoor entertainment shelter at the Swan River Valley Agricultural Society fairgrounds. The Co-op Community Spaces Program is providing $30,000 to help [...]

Submitted by: Gloria Kutynec | It is summer break for the SRVHA! Here is a review of the past several month’s accomplishments. Our biggest fundraiser so far has been the Annual Strawberry Tea and Bake sale. We had a lovely turnout for the delicious strawberry shortcake dessert and coffee. The variety of baking on the [...]

Submitted by: The Royal Canadian Legion Birch River Branch #48 | With bright sunny skies on Sunday morning the Birch River Royal Canadian Legion was humming with activity as our volunteers made sure all would be fed well! We opened at 9am and we had a steady stream of visitors from around the valley and [...]

Congratulations Donna & Calvin Watson on celebrating your 65th Wedding Anniversary June 26, 2018 An Anniversary is the day of celebrating the memories of yesterday, the joys of today and the lovely hopes of tomorrow. You have set a great example for our family. Please join us in wishing them a special day. With Love [...]

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2018 Swan Valley Regional Secondary School June 22, 2018 Chase your dreams. Burst out at the seams. Live life to the fullest and give it nothing but your best. Be Like a Tree: Stay grounded. Connect with your roots. Turn over a new leaf. Bend before you break. Celebrate [...]

Submitted by: 2019 SVRSS Band Trip Fundraising Committee | The fundraising garage sale held at the SVRSS cafeteria on June 15 & 16, 2018 was a great start to our fundraising efforts, bringing in over $1,100. It was a busy weekend with lots of events and activities taking place around the valley, but there was [...]

Submitted by Debbie Soloway: The Pine River LUD Committee held their fifth Annual Summer Start Sale (Town Wide Yard Sale) on Saturday June 16, 2018 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. This year there were seven exhibitors. The town was busy with everyone looking for that special bargain. There were treasures for all ages and [...]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Folk Festival took place at the curling rink on June 15 an 16, 2018. Walking into the Folk Fest was a feast for the senses. People were able to taste and smell a variety of dishes from many cultural backgrounds. Booths were decorated with traditional items from their host [...]

Pictured above: Rick Wowchuk attended the Bocce tournament to wish Team Toba well. L-R Helena Dyck, Rick Wowchuk, Ricky Zimmer, Phillip Bialk and Team Toba Bocce Coach Joe Grande Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region hosted its first Bocce Tournament on Saturday, June 2, 2018 which was to be held at [...]

Submitted by: Susan Ross | On Saturday June 16, 2018 local 4H members participated in the Valleys North 4H Showcase held at the Swan Valley Ag Society fairgrounds. Projects from 3 multipurpose clubs as well as one beef club were displayed in the home crafts building. There was also a 4H horse show on site. [...]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin | Swan Valley Animal Protection League (SVAPL) hosted a Barbecue on Sunday June 17, 2018 for the 4H schooling show at the fairgrounds. Everyone enjoyed delicious Bison burgers from Atkinson Farms and homemade smokies from Valley Meats. The Kinsmen provided the grill for us to use. The dad’s at the 4H [...]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Stock Car Club held their season opener on June 15, 2018 with a second day of racing on June 16. Fans gathered to cheer on their favorite drivers, catch up with friends and neighbors and satisfy their craving for tasty concession treats. Randy Lewis, a Trackchaser from San Clemente, [...]

Pictured above: Mckenzie Currie, Kailey Currie, Tyler Petelski , Kaleigh Currie, Danica Hrycyk, Jillian Hrycyk, Sierra Urban Submitted by: Angela Mullin | The Big Woody Light Horse & Beef Club had a very busy weekend on June 16 & 17, 2018! Saturday the club hosted a BBQ at the Valleys North Showcase. The Ag Society [...]

Pictured above: Special Olympics Parkland Region’s youngest volunteer, 4 year-old Kaylee Miles with volunteer Doreen Miles ready for customers. Submitted by Shirley Todosichuk | What great support from the Swan Valley community at the 4th Annual Special Olympics Fundraiser BBQ at Swan Valley Home Hardware on June 13th. Over 500 BBQ lunches were sold pulling [...]

ValleyBiz Story | On June 13, 2018 grade 6 students from across the Swan Valley School Division participated in Indigenous Outdoor Education Day at the Swan Valley Historical Museum. Over the course of the day, students visited 6 different stations including Indigenous Games, Flint Knapping, Story Telling, Indigenous Crafts and Singing/Drumming. Students were served bannock [...]

ValleyBiz Story | On June 14, 2018 Richardson Pioneer presented a cheque in the amount of $15,000 to CBF Christian School (CBFCS) for the construction of a multi-sport pad. The multi-sport pad will have a rubber surface that allows for drainage and can be used all year round for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and other activities. [...]

ValleyBiz Story | “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the closing of the Minitonas Fiddling Program.” announced Shirley Todosichuk, the current coordinator of the program. The announcement was made during the closing ceremony for the Minitonas Early Years School on June 8, 2018. The fiddling program was established by Peter and Christina [...]

Swan Valley Co-op Media Release | Co-op is helping to build a place for everyone in Swan River, MB., with funding for the Swan River Valley Agricultural Society. The Co-op Community Spaces Program is providing $30,000 to help build an outdoor entertainment shelter at the agricultural society’s fairgrounds. The permanent structure replaces a temporary shelter [...]

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun | A big thank you to all that came out to the Down Home Tea and Bake Sale last Saturday, June 9, 2018. We had a great time trying all the freshly baked biscuits, muffins, jams and jellies!

Submitted by: Violet Plett | The 5th Annual Barrows Gospel Jamboree was held on June 8,9,10, 2018. This seemed to be a good choice of weekend. People attending and bands thought it worked well. Of course we know that others couldn’t come because of various other events and commitments, but I’m sure that would be [...]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin | On June 8-10, 2018 the Ag grounds were once again alive with Rodeo action. Youth from all over Manitoba, Eastern Saskatchewan, North Dakota & Ontario came to Swan River to compete for provincial bragging rights & a chance to represent Manitoba at Canadians in Merritt BC & Nationals in Rock [...]

ValleyBiz Story | Minitonas Early Years School (MEYS) held a small farewell ceremony for the school in conjunction with their final family picnic on June 8, 2018. Approximately 75 community members attended the ceremony along with the students to bid farewell to the facility. The MEYS school will be closing and students will be joining [...]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin | Swan Valley Animal Protection League’s Plant Nights, held on June 6th and 7th, 2018 at Lynn’s Plants and Things, were a big success! Everyone that attended had great fun building their planters, and the results showed such imagination and ingenuity. Lynn had a wide variety of pretty stones, fairies, miniature [...]

ValleyBiz Story | On May 31, 2018 the Swan Valley School Division held the grand opening of their Trades Building, the newest addition to a growing campus that also includes the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School, Heavy Duty Shop and University College of the North Regional Centre. The new 8,400 square foot facility will support [...]

Submitted by: Carla Dixon | The Association for Community Living – Swan River held their 57th Annual General Meeting at the Westwood Inn on Tuesday June 05, 2018. Approximately forty people enjoyed the luncheon which was catered by the Westwood Inn at 12 PM with the meeting beginning at 1 PM. Representatives from the Town [...]