Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain held Wednesday, December 21st, 2022 at the Rural Municipality of Mountain Council Chambers in Birch River, MB. Members Present: Reeve: Keith Behrmann Councillors: Wilmer Malcolm, Stephen Nadolney, Nestor Rizok, Jarrett Mosiondz, and Brad Wyatt Councillor Pedersen was absent with notice. CAO Paige […]

Coffee and a Chat recap of session Jan 10/23 WSFN and Jan 12/23 SR Senior Citizen Centre. The first two sessions of the Winter-Coffee and a Chat of 2023 were well received with 33 people attending the two venues. Services to Seniors Connie Beaudry started the sessions with introducing the guest speakers and welcoming the […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) The CFSV awarded the Swan Valley Animal Protection League (SVAPL) a grant to complete the interior framing and finishing in the animal shelter building making it fully operational. This benefits the community by allowing SVAPL to continue and expand serving the Swan Valley area and surrounding communities […]

Government of Manitoba Media Release | The Manitoba government has established the inaugural Intellectual Disability Issues Advisory (IDIA) Council to create a collaborative partnership with community stakeholders to better support Manitobans with an intellectual disability, Families Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for accessibility, announced today. “Our government looks forward to the expertise and passion the […]

Swan Valley Coop Media Release | We are excited to announce renovations of the former fashion gallery will begin shortly to improve our facilities and services. Renovations include creating a permanent home for our Click & Collect and food delivery teams. The new space will allow our team to work efficiently and collaboratively. The project […]

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen A candle lighting ceremony took place at the Birchwood Cemetery on December 23, 2022. Memorial candles were placed in memory of loved ones to shine a light of remembrance throughout the Christmas season.

Jenna Koutecky, Program Coordinator SVCTC Our Annual Toys 4 U gift drive went very well this year. Swan Valley Communities that Care (SVCTC) received overwhelming support from local individuals. businesses, groups, and volunteers. This year we had three gift drive events: Two Stampeders games, where individuals could bring in Toys in exchange to win a […]

Whatever is beautiful. Whatever is meaningful. Whatever brings you happiness. May it be yours this holiday season and throughout the coming year. Wishing you all the happiness in these holidays. Merry Christmas from ValleyBiz

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) A recent grant awarded to the ESRSS Daycare Centre provided a Safe Guard Area for the playground. This Safe Guard Area provides a safe outdoor area for the children to learn through play. This project benefited the Swan Valley Community to provide a safe, warm, and inviting […]

Submitted by: Swan River & District Community Resource Council Inc. – Service to Seniors The third set of sessions of the Winter-Coffee and a Chat were well received with 25 people attending the two venues. Services to Seniors Connie Beaudry started the sessions with introducing the guest speakers and welcoming the participants. Candice Braun started […]

Pictured above: Fire Suppression/Maintenance Building Submitted by: Swan Valley Co-op The Swan Valley Co-op held a training night at the Swan River agro and corporate bulk petroleum facilities on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. The almost 30 attendees included members of the Swan River, Benito and RM of Mountain Fire Departments along with the Swan Valley […]

Submitted by: Phyllis Friesen The Swan Valley Community Carol Festival rang in the Christmas season with a variety of musical selections at Temple Baptist Church on December 11, 2022. The community gathered to enjoy the music of the season performed by many talented musical artists from around the Valley.

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater (Minish) After 3 long Covid19 years, the Swan Valley Community Band was back in full swing with their annual Christmas Concert held Friday, 9 December 2022 at the Ecole Swan River South School. A substantial number of people enjoyed “Music for Christmas” from our group. And, to round out the evening, […]

Submitted by Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) This year’s giving challenge took place November 14-20, 2022. During this time, all donations gifted to the Community Foundation were boosted by the Winnipeg Foundation and Manitoba Government (to a maximum of $2,000 each) stretching each donation made to the foundation. Thanks to the strong community support […]

Prairie Mountain Health Release | Physician Assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. They complement existing services and aid in improving patient access. Recently, National Physician Assistant (PA) day was recognized. Prairie Mountain Health also acknowledges and says “thank you” to its Physician Assistants who work in our […]

Pictured above: Highly Strung, Ladies Ukulele Group Submitted by: Donna Leming, Pictures by: Linda McCullough A big thank you to everyone who braved the cold weather on Saturday, Dec 3, 2022 to attend and participate at the Seventh-day Adventist Christmas Hymn Sing. Several enjoyed the light lunch and fellowship following the program. Proceeds from an […]

Submitted by: Bethany Matejka Thank you to everyone who came out for the Steeprock Bay Bible Camp AGM. It was a great evening of worship, camp stories, yummy food, and camp business.

Submitted by: Kimberley Knowles | Valley Stage Players were excited to get back into the swing of things with the production of “Deputy Jan” by playwright Richard Gremel. All three productions were a success and the crowds enjoyed the play! The proceeds will go to the Swan River Valley Ag Society! Thanks to everyone who […]

Submitted by: Diane Buhler | The Tinsel and Tidings Christmas Market was held at the Swan Valley Museum on November 26, 2022. We had more than 30 vendors and a steady stream of happy shoppers in and out of the doors during the sale. We collected non-perishable items for the Swan Valley Food Bank at […]

Submitted by Barry Fawcett: On Wednesday November 16, Men’s Shed at the Swan Valley Museum sponsored a Pyrography (wood burning) demonstration by Barry Fawcett. Although small in number, those who attended were interested in the information and asked several questions. The formal presentation was followed by a show and tell of completed art. For more […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) The CFSV Annual Gala took place on Saturday November 12, 2022 at the Veterans Community Hall. It was a beautiful night to gather together as a community and celebrate the important work the foundation has done over the years. This year’s Gala featured delicious hors d’oeuvres and […]

Submitted by: Services to Seniors The Coffee and a Chat session planned for November 8, 2022 at WSFN Birch River Reserve was unfortunately canceled due to poor weather. The weather cooperated November 10 for the Swan River session. Andrea Evans gave a talk and visual aid of exercises that are beneficial to people with arthritis, […]

Submitted by: Jena McKee Swan Valley Farmers Market thanks all of the vendors and shoppers who came out to the Christmas Sale at the Swan Valley Museum on November 18, 2022. We had a fantastic turn out, and the lunch provided was absolutely delicious! It was great to see so many people coming for lunch […]

City of Lethbridge News Release – November 10, 2022 Skateboarders, inline skaters, BMX and scooter riders will soon be shredding at the Wade Galloway Skate Park as City Council approved a new multi-year sponsorship deal with the Wade Galloway Foundation. The site, formally known as the SLP Skate Park, was a passion project for Galloway […]

Submitted by: June Jamieson | The hockey book giveaway went ahead as scheduled on November 6, 2022 in spite of the blowing snow and treacherous road conditions. Several avid hockey book readers came out to add to their collections, but there is still a lot left for a future giveaway, so watch for a more […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) With the help of a grant from the Community Foundation of Swan Valley Inc., the Benito & Area Drop In Centre was able to complete a much needed roof replacement. The Centre plays an important role in the community by providing adults a place to spend their […]

ValleyBiz Story | A march down Veterans Way marked the start of the 2022 Remembrance Day Service in Swan River. Wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph, followed by a Service of Remembrance at the Veterans Community Hall. Pastor Bob Lewis, Chaplain for the Royal Canadian Legion – Swan River Branch, delivered a Remembrance Day message […]

Submitted by: The Association for Community Living – Swan River The Association for Community Living – Swan River has just hosted the 41st annual Calico Corners sale on November 4th, 2022. Crafters from around the area came together to display & sell their wares. It was wonderful to see the crowds of people come out […]

Submitted by: Kari Goethe Approximately 50 curlers participated in the Curling Clinic held at the Swan River Curling Club on Oct 28-30th, 2022. Instructors, Chris and Lorne Hamblin from the Cargill Curling Training Center in Morris, MB were here to instruct interested curlers on how to improve their skills and learn more about the game. […]

Submitted by: Jenna Koutecky, Community Coordinator Swan Valley Communities That Care This year’s Spooktoberfest was a great success, with nearly 1100 people in attendance over two days. This is a new Spooktoberfest record, as the event had previously taken place over three days rather than 2. On the first night of the event, we were […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Outdoors Association After a two year hiatus the Swan Valley Outdoors Association banquet and auction took place once again on Saturday, October 22nd. Similar to our prior events, the banquet was a sellout with the continued generosity of our community, at all levels, on display through the sponsorships, donations, ticket sales, […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) Hornbeck Family Fund Gordon Hornbeck and Dale Wiebach created the Hornbeck Family Fund to honour Gordon’s parent’s belief in community support. Our dream at the foundation is to help community minded individuals invest in building a strong and resilient place to live, work and play. We fund […]

Submitted by: Services to Seniors The first two sessions of the Winter-Coffee and a Chat were well received with 31 people attending the two venues. Services to Seniors Connie Beaudry started the sessions with introducing the guest speakers and welcoming the participants. Brittany Schroeder started the session with Question and Answers from the participants. Unfortunately […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) The Birch River Recreation Committee was awarded a grant allowing this group to upgrade the skimmer and heater at the BR pool which were starting to fail. CFSV was happy to support this upgrade to allow Valley residents a space to enjoy the outdoor swimming season. The […]

Pictured above L-R Karen Kosolowski (Flute), Lorraine Malcolm (Tenor Sax), Julie Kooistra (Director, French Horn, Trumpet), Kim Kosokowsky (Trumpet) Submitted by: Jayne G. Leadbeater (Minish) On Wednesday, 21 September 2022, the Swan Valley Community Band had their Beginning Day after a forced Covid19 hiatus. Our numbers are small, but mighty! Our Group is hoping for […]

Submitted by Tanya Powell | On October 30, 2022 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre held a walk to bring awareness, to remember, to honour, and commemorate residential school survivors. Sylvia Grier and Fred Stevens shared their own experiences with going to Day Schools and Residential Schools. Thank […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik, Picutres by: Tina Copeland The Cowan Trail Celebration once again occurred on the fourth Saturday of August, being August 27, 2022 this year, after a two year hiatus. On Friday night, as usual, the Cowan Hall parking lot slowly filled with trailers, horses, and campsites. By Saturday morning, everyone was eager […]

Click picture for a larger version. Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater L-R BACK ROW Brian Oleksyn, Rob Falk, Keith Woolford, Lorne Henkelman, Leonard Harapiak (teacher), Doug Ter Horst, Peter Terekoff (Tea.), Lesley Stevens Henkelman, Barrie Hrappstead, Wilda Davy Teichroeb (Tea.), Al Poole, Gloria Olfrey Bewski, Wayne How, Lee Eggie, Bob McKay, Pete Hume, Terry Neely MIDDLE […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) Donald and Lorna Spicer Fund The Donald and Lorna Spicer Fund was started in 2022 by Lorna Spicer. The fund will allow their family to leave a lasting legacy for the Swan Valley through the support the CFSV provides to non-profit organizations and charities. The family has […]

Submitted by: Stacey Archuk The Swan River Terry Fox Run took place Sunday, September 18, 2022 at 1:30 pm. Various groups and individuals participated making it overall a great day.

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) Coming to a new country can be a scary process and not having a command of the English language can make it more difficult. CFSV was pleased to be able to assist the Immigrant Services Branch in Swan River with the purchase of English as a Second […]

Submitted story | Pictured above left to right: Councillor Leanne Hutman from the RM of Minitonas Bowsman, Mayor Lance Jacobson from the Town of Swan River, Councillor Carrie Blosha from Swan Valley West, and Acting Reeve Stephen Nadolney from the RM of Mountain. Representatives from the councils of RM of Mountain, Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman, Municipality […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin Minitonas 4H Beef Club & Peavey Mart Swan River teamed up for a fundraiser BBQ on Saturday August 20, 2022. Members from the Minitonas 4H beef club sold Smokies on a Bun and a drink to raise awareness of the 4H program in Swan River. The funds raised will be used […]

Submitted by: Community foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) It’s not fine dining, but a recent grant awarded to the Swan River & District Community Resource Council allowed them to purchase a supply of paper products for the Congregate Meal Program. The delivery of a nutritious midday meal continued under extended COVID-19 restrictions. Good nutrition equals […]

Submitted by: Bethany Matejka | We enjoyed a great turnout and a beautiful day at Christian Fellowship Church’s 60th anniversary celebration on Sunday August 7, 2022. The day started off with a service where we were blessed by the wonderful singing and the encouraging preaching of Ralph Unger. After a delicious lunch, we had a […]

Submitted by: Jenna Wintoniw On Saturday June 23, 2022, All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Church held their annual Praznyk with Father Joakin Rac conducting the Divine Liturgy followed by the Blessing of Water. The members and guests were then invited to a delicious lunch. Part of the Praznyk celebrations also included blessing of family graves.

ValleyBiz Story | The Northwest Roundup Rodeo returned for 4 action packed days July 28 – 31, 2022 and the grandstand was packed for all the popular rodeo events. As always, there were plenty of broncs, bulls and barrels and ValleyBiz had a front row seat to bring you up close and personal with all […]

Pictured above: Lilies in the garden of Lance and Coralie Jacobson Submitted by: Audrey Showdra with additional pictures from ValleyBiz | Although light cloud prevailed and a couple light rain showers fell, it certainly did not prevent many, many people from enjoying the Garden Walk sponsored by the Swan River Ladies Golf Club on July […]

ValleyBiz Story | Following the Northwest Roundup parade on July 29, 2022 a few of the participants made their way through the Tim Hortons Drive Thru. It was an unusual sight to see a collection of riders on horse back and a wagon pulled by miniature ponies pull up, place their order and continue on […]

ValleyBiz Story | The streets in Swan River were lined in anticipation as the Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce Parade returned on July 9,2022. The parade and the Northwest Roundup had been cancelled the last 2 years due to the pandemic. The parade theme was Horsing Around sing 1902 – Then and Now and some […]