Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley Tread the Thunder Bike Club received a grant from the Community Foundation of Swan Valley to purchase a trail groomer. This new equipment will help maintain the extensive trail network at Thunderhill throughout the winter months, ensuring they remain accessible for snowshoeing, fat biking, cross-country skiing, and winter […]

Submitted by: Swan River & District Community Resource Council Inc. – Service to Seniors Hello to all, 88 people attended the three days of Coffee and a Chat this month. It was great to see you all again and meet the new people who came. Donna Martin had a chat with us about the Community […]

Submitted by Jayne Leadbeater: Beginning Day for some dedicated musicians, who are members of the Swan Valley Community Band, occurred this past 17 September 2025. There was some excitement this September with new members choosing to join us. To the delight everyone, 4 new people have expanded our numbers. Invitations to dust off instruments and […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley The Swan Valley Easy Lopers 4H Club received a grant for a portable washroom. This project enhances accessibility and comfort for all members. The Swan Valley Community Foundation is happy to support a project that promotes inclusion, supports youth development, and improves the overall experience for participants and […]

On Sunday August 24, 2025 the Museum welcomed adults and children alike with free admission to our beautiful grounds and a perfect day filled with things to see and do. In addition to regular displays on display in the main building and pioneer village, the day also included live demonstrations of heritage skills and machines. […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley The Benito & District Recreation Centre Inc. received a grant for kitchen and hall upgrades. This area is used by Valley residents hosting family gatherings, community events, and other special occasions. The upgraded amenities have created a more functional, welcoming environment that will benefit the community for years […]

ValleyBiz Story | A large number of vintage vehicles made an appearance at the Chamber of Commerce parade held on Friday, July 25, 2025 as part of the kickoff to the 2025 Northwest Roundup and Exhibition. Below is a gallery of entries in all their former glory. Click any picture for a larger version.

ValleyBiz Story | There was something for everyone at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition hosted by the Swan River Valley Agricultural Society on July 24-27, 2025. From the parade on Friday morning, fair rides, local exhibits, horse shows, the Down on the Farm petting zoo and great local food booths, there was an abundance of […]

ValleyBiz Story | On the morning of Friday July 25, 2025 rodeo weekend in Swan River kicked off with one of the largest parades in recent years. The theme of this year’s parade was “Canada: True North Strong and Free” and was fittingly led by the RCMP, Swan River Legion and Swan River Canadian Rangers […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Monday July 21, 2025, the Ladies Golf Club hosted their Annual Garden Walk, featuring the private gardens of community members. From expansive, perfectly manicured lawns, to water features and cozy garden sitting areas, each garden had it’s own special charm. Each detail reflected the love and care that went into the […]

Pictured above: Cindy Ghostkeeper-Whitehead from James Smith Reserve in SK. All those who were able to attend the Jamboree were blessed. The crowd was smaller than usual, but we heard some reports of people not being able to attend because of the smoke. Maybe this also kept others away that we have not heard of. […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley Swan Valley Youth Soccer received a grant for portable team bench shelters. This project helps to keep the youth out of the elements (rain or shine) and gives them a safe space to store belongings. The Community Foundation of Swan Valley is happy to support youth recreation in […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater On Wednesday, the 14 May 2025, the SVRSS CAFETERIA had an audience of almost 100 people enjoying the performances of the Swan Valley Community Band and guests, the Swan Valley School Division’s Tour Band. This group is comprised of Grade 8-12 Band students from ESRSS, SVRSS, and Minitonas School. Because our […]

Submitted by: Carla Werbicki Bowsman School hosted its annual Mother’s Day Breakfast, and it was such a joy to see so many families come out to celebrate together. The event was filled with smiles, laughter, and appreciation for all the amazing moms and mother figures in our students’ lives. Guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast, a […]

Submitted by: Renate Wille The Little Woody Art Show held May 3, 2025 was a success. Like every year we had a good number of people coming out to enjoy the art and the fellowship time over coffee and good food. The exhibitors were: Naomi Nemez Wilma Barkman Barb and Terry Filuk Melodie Hunt Julie […]

Submitted by: Savanna McKay | The Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers held their annual year end concert on April 12, 2025 at the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School gymnasium. There was a great turn-out of family, friends and community members to enjoy the impressive display of athleticism, choreography and culture. The event began with the procession of […]

Submitted by: Scott Tibble On March 22, 2025, Yamaha enthusiast from as far away as British Columbia to as far east as Ontario gathered at Duck Mountain Lodge to celebrate 57 years of Yamaha snowmobiles. Free lunch, Yamaha swag and limited edition T-shirts for the event were offered in the final ride hosted by Yamaha […]

FRONT: Referee in Chief Kolton Leslie SECOND: Jarrett Gingras, Faron Cook, Terry Fullerton, Mark Munroe, Pat Morden, Randy Mateika, Doug Sagert, Lyle Eggie BACK: Henry Barkowski, David Eggie, Rodney Redhead,Marc Kunjumpa, Carl Giesbrecht, Stephen Natyna, Dennis Kalynuk, Blair Mosiondz, Eldon Hart, James Waldner, Steve Windsor, Glenn Nichiporuk MISSING: Faron Genaille, Calvin Campeau, Chris Cook, Jerry […]

Submitted by: Alyssa Pitura The 94th annual women’s bonspiel, hosted by the Swan River Curling Club, took place March 14-16, 2025. Twenty four teams participated in the event. 1st Event – Sponsored by Rogers WINNERS (Pictured Above) Kate Patterson, Calli Goethe, Lexie Leadbeater, Bailey Mangin/Mac Moore RUNNERS-UP Kari Goethe, Charlene Fothergill, Kristy Ashcroft, Caitlynd Sutherland […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley The Benito School (SVSD) received a grant for their strings music program to purchase instruments. The Community Foundation of Swan Valley is happy to support this project, helping provide students with more opportunities to develop their musical skills and passion. The Community Foundation of Swan Valley is a […]

Submitted by: Beverly Ajtay, Events Director We could not have asked for a better day for our Western Manitoba Sled for Eternity Ride in Swan Valley on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Mild temperatures and sunny, blue skies brought out many walk up registrations that morning, and we had 63 riders on the trails. Our route […]

Respectfully submitted by Debbie Soloway This year the Renwer Fisher’s Siding Picnic took place July 21, 2024 during a very hot spell. But if you know anything about Renwer I’m sure you would say it’s always windy there! Sunday was no different and we were blessed with a wonderful breeze. This allowed us to enjoy […]

Submitted by: Violet Plett Barrows Gospel Jamboree was again a blessing to all who attended. Due to the unstable weather we have had, we had to run the whole event inside the hall, instead of outside at the outdoor stage. Some were disappointed it was inside, but most adapted well, and some even said we […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) The Benito Vesselli Dance Club received a grant to purchase new regional costumes to represent Ukraine during their performances. These costumes will not only serve their current dancers but future dancers for many years to come. The Community Foundation of Swan Valley is proud to support a […]

Submitted by: Sharla Haluschak Our Ride for a Reason Poker Run was successful again this year! Our little bike group with a big heart, along with awesome support from the Valley was able to donate $10,000.00 to Robert MacLeod and $2,000.00 to Nelson Church for their medical needs. Winners of the Poker hands: 1st Karen […]

Submitted by: Gloria Stesenko| Benito was a fun and exciting place to be on June 1, 2024 for the 2nd annual Community Garage and Sidewalk Sale. Huge crowds of people went to the 45+ sites that offered great bargains for everyone. The kids had lots of fun in the Bouncy Structures and enjoyed the animals […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley The Swan River Kinsmen Nursery School received a grant to build a fence surrounding their outdoor playground. Having the fence in place gives the kids a safe environment to learn and play outdoors. The Community Foundation of Swan Valley is happy to support a project that gives the […]

Submitted by: Korbin Proctor Our Arbor Day celebration on May 21, 2024 was a success! In total 15 trees were planted. Most of the work was done by Kari Goethe’s grade 9 to 11 classes, along with other members of the Urban Forest Committee. We were able to plant all the trees and enjoy some […]

Town of Swan River Media Release | The Town of Swan River and the Swan Valley Legacy Committee have entered into a formal agreement to work together, in an effort to provide a proposed new Arena Facility in the Swan River Valley. Although this project is in the very early stages of development and consultation, […]

Submitted by: Audrey Showdra A lovely crowd attended Easter Matins at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Holy Ascension, Swan River on May 4, 2024, celebrated according to the Julian Calendar with Fr. Yurii officiating. Pictured left, one of the many baskets brought to be blessed at the Easter service. The baskets contain several different foods, […]

Submitted by: Laurie Evans Thank you to everyone that came out to the first Minitonas School PAC Coffee House on Saturday May 10, 2024. It was a great turnout and the performers did not disappoint with their wide range of music from country to opera and everything in between. It was a true showcase of […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater On the May 8, 2024, in the SVRSS Cafeteria, the Swan Valley Community Band performed their “Spring Thunders In!” Concert for over 100 in attendance. Included in the audience were the many faithful patrons who have enjoyed being entertained by the Community Band for the last 30 years. There were also […]

Submitted by: Gloria Stesenko Benito Drop In Centre had lots of activity on Saturday, May 11, 2024 with the Mother’s Day Quilt Show and Tea. There were 24 beautiful quilts on display. Tracy Kerr and Brenda Forman did a wonderful job of serving with Vickie Atkinson helping in the kitchen. A big thank you goes […]

Submitted by: Kari Goethe The 2024 Waldo event hosted by the Swan River Curling Club was another successful fundraising event for the Swan River Community Center. There were people of all ages with 34 teams and approximately 200 people that entered to find the 20 Waldo’s that were dressed in costumes hiding in various locations […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association (Swan Valley West) received a grant for Phase 2 of their shop to complete the concrete, insulation, and interior finishes. This shop will serve the community by providing the club with a place to repair and maintain the equipment needed to keep the […]

Submitted by: Stephanie Wigley With an amazing turn out, the Swan Valley Animal Protection League held their annual banquet on April 13, 2024. With just under 200 people in attendance the night went off without a hitch. With excellent food and wonderful prizes patrons partook in a variety of activities. The catering was done by […]

Back L-R: Lyle Eggie, Chris Hart, Ryan Cooke, John Pasternak, Hilbert Nerbas, Dale Anderson,Blair Mosiondz, Rodney Redhead, Jay Barkman, Cam Hart, Henry Barkowski, Tyrell Koehn, Jax Penner Middle: Roman Koehn, David Thiessen, Drew Penner, Rob Nesbitt, Faron Genaille, Tim Grazier, Colin Baldwin, Front: Brian Laforce, Chris Penner, Faron Cook, Jarrett Gingras, Chris Thompson, Brad Stewart, […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) The Swan Valley School Division (SVSD) received a grant for athletic jerseys for Ecole Swan River South School (ESRSS). The jerseys will be used for all student sports, fostering a sense of unity among the students of ESRSS. The Community Foundation of Swan Valley is happy to […]

L-R Back Row; Faron Cook, Pat Morden, James Waldner, Greg Hunt, Eldon Hart, Carl Giesbrecht, Blair Mosiondz, Faron Genaille, Abel Gott, Bryon Fried, Lyle Eggie Front: Kolton Leslie, Randy Mateika, Terry Fullerton, Marc Kunjumpa, Dennis Kalynuk, Jarret Gingras, George Oberlin, Steve Windsor, Henry Barkowski. Missing: Doug Sagert, David Eggie, Jerry Copapay and Chris Cook Submitted […]

Submitted by: Keith Behrmann Our 24th Billy Beal Derby is now in the history books. I can honestly say, without a shadow of doubt, this event would not be possible without the countless volunteer hours put in by our Valley Lions members, community volunteers, and the generosity of our sponsors. Having said that, our success […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) The Minitonas & District Arena Inc. received a second grant for their Accessibility Project. Automatic door openers were installed, steps/ramps added to the bleachers, and grade changes/exits painted yellow for easy identification. The Community Foundation of Swan Valley is happy to continue to support this community project […]

The Benito Vesselli Dance Club With a sold out crowd, the club was overwhelmed with the support from the community and surrounding area. Guests were entertained with live music played by Bill Macooh as they entered the hall for cocktails. All 28 Vesselli Dancers gathered to welcome everyone to Malanka 2024 and say Grace. A […]

Submitted by: The Community Foundation of Swan Valley The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their AGM and Fall Granting Night on December 6, 2023. The 2023 fall grants were awarded to local community projects followed by presentation of Donor Advised Fund and Designated Fund annual payouts. Kyla Tibbett of PKHC Chartered Accountants was […]

Submitted by: Donna Leming | An inspirational Christmas program was held on Dec 16th at the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The program featured various talents from members of the Swan Valley. Pastor Bob Lewis shared his testimony titled “By the Grace of God. The evening ended with a delicious meal. A big thank you to all […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Valley Stage Players presented their annual dinner and dessert theatres this past weekend, November 24-26 with their production of “Farce of Nature” by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten. The play was set at a struggling fishing lodge in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas which was surprised with […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | Once again, the Swan Valley Community Band had their Beginning Day the 3rd week in September 2023 which started their 30th year in operation (including the Covid19 Hiatus). Under the direction of the former Swan Valley School Division Music Director at many of its Schools, Julie Kooistra, who was also […]

Submitted by: Kari Goethe | The Swan Valley Co-op was a very busy location on Tuesday, Sept 19, 2023 for the Co-op Fuel Good Day! There were people filling up their gas tanks with fuel and many filled their stomachs with a Beef on a Bun lunch. Thank you to the workplaces that placed pre-orders, […]

Submitted by Rose Kovachik | The annual Cowan Trail Celebration was held on August 26, 2023, keeping its traditional date of the fourth Saturday of August. On Friday, the night before the main event, as usual, the Cowan Hall parking lot slowly filled with RV trailers and horses. Campsites also slowly speckled the area with […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) The Swan River Golf & Country Club recently received a grant to upgrade their outdoor washroom facilities. As the golf course is becoming a year-round attraction, this upgrade helps to enhance the experience for people partaking in physical activity both on the trails, and on the golf […]

Submitted by: Brent Erlendson A crowd of 140+ enjoyed a great meal and entertainment at the Swan River Legion Clubroom Friday August 25, 2023 Dinner was served starting at 6:00 pm followed by Steve Hillis playing an excellent, energetic tribute act to many great country and classic rock performers. For the remainder of the evening […]