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 […]

Submitted by: Lexi Penner We as the Swan Valley Health Auxiliary would like to thank everyone that came and participated in our Fundraiser BBQ! We were able to raise over $3,000, which we will be donating to go towards the CT Scanner that the Hospital is getting! The fundraiser was a huge success, and we […]

Neighbours, families, and friends visited along the parade route as they waited for the Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce Parade to get underway on July 28, 2023. People listened for the sirens to indicate the approach of the parade, led by the RCMP. The theme of the parade was Diversity in the Swan Valley and […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway On Sunday July 23, 2023 the tiny village of Renwer welcomed family and friends to celebrate and visit on the grounds of the former Fisher’s Siding School now owned by Brian Lewicki. Lawn chairs and tables were set up outside and the Canadian flag raised. Everyone enjoyed a great afternoon of […]

Submitted by: Sharla Haluschak Our Ride for a Reason Poker Run was a great success. We decided this year to donate our proceeds of $4000.00 to the Swan River Senior Centre. As a group we agreed that even though we are always looking towards the future, these folks have given so much toward the community […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) The Swan River Adult Education Inc. recently received a grant from the Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) to purchase privacy window coverings for the Adult Learning Centre. The recent installation of the privacy window coverings allows an outside view for those in the building, while at […]

Pictured above: Celebrities were spotted on the course as ‘Donald Trump and Joe Biden’ drove around greeting golfers while offering refreshments in their travels. Submitted by: Patty Gattinger | The Swan River Golf and Country Club held a fundraiser golf bonanza on Saturday, June 24, 2023. With a beautiful day in store the morning began […]

Submitted Story | The Grade 6-8 class at CBF Christian School did a canteen fundraiser at their school this year. The class raised $118.24 and donated the proceeds to Swan Valley Animal Protection League.

Submitted by: Lynda Parsons | On Friday July 7th, 2023 Swan Valley Credit Union held its annual Beef on a Bun in support of two important community groups: North West Regional Immigrant Services – Summer Engagement Program and the Swan Valley School Division Band Program. In addition, we took a moment to acknowledge a very […]

Submitted by: Swan River & District Community Resource Council Inc. We are back on track holding Coffee and A Chat, this series of sessions were at the Birch River Drop In Center, Benito Drop In Center and the Swan River Senior Center. They were held June 27, 28, 29th 2023, at Birch River, Benito and […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) The CFSV recently awarded a grant to the Swan Valley Hobby Shed Club for tool upgrades to enhance the safety of its members. The club purchased a new table saw that provides them with the most up to date safety features to prevent serious injury to hands […]

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2023 Swan Valley Regional Secondary School June 23, 2023 Be Like a Tree: Stay grounded. Connect with your roots. Turn over a new leaf. Bend before you break. Celebrate your unique natural beauty. Keep Growing! Swan Valley Regional Secondary School Graduating Class of 2023 Barker, Damien Gage Barker, Nathan […]

Pictured above: Jeff Reimer family from Ridgeville Submitted by: Violet Plett | We had a great weekend of listening to Gospel Music, and visiting with neighbors and friends, and meeting new friends. The attendance overall wasn’t very big, but we did count about 60 people there at one point. We had several bands and others […]

Submitted by: Sharla Haluschak The Swan River Ride for a Reason Poker Run took place on June 10, 2023 with all proceeds donated locally. It was a good turn out for our first Ride For A Reason Poker Run. Thank you to the Minitonas Lions for putting on the pancake breakfast. Thanks to all the […]

Submitted by: Stephanie Wigley The Grand Opening of the Swan Valley Animal Protection League’s (SVAPL) new shelter building was held on June 17, 2023. It started out with a ribbon cutting ceremony where we had both Dave Theunissen and Audrey Sercombe do the ribbon cutting. Both of these individuals have been monumental in getting SVAPL […]

Submitted by: Gloria Stesenko The Village of Benito was bustling with activity when large crowds of people attended the first Community Garage and Business Sidewalk Sale. With 28 locations, some of the streets where so congested that it was hard for vehicles to drive around so a lot of the visitors just parked and walked […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) | The Swan Valley School Division was recently awarded a grant for equipment to enhance student skills of physical literacy through gymnastics at Taylor School. The aim of daily physical activity is to provide students with a balanced program that helps them to develop the knowledge, skills, […]

Submitted by: Tanya Staniland Mamma Mia! A huge SUCCESS! What can 40+ students, 20 community members, and 25 SVRSS staff members do…..put on one heck of a show! This production was full of drama, song, live music, and talent! Over 900 people were entertained from Thursday to Sunday for the SHORT 3-hour production. Saturday night […]

Submitted by: Renate Wille | The Little Woody Baptist Church Art Show took place on May 6, 2023 at 1:00 pm. It was a beautiful event with nice weather and a lot of people enjoying the Art and coffee time. Exhibitors were: Naomi Nemez, Barb Labbe, Suzanne May, Wilma Barkman, Julie Kooistra, Candace Balbo, Melanie […]

There was a great turnout at the Spring Vendor Market on May 6, 2023 with a lot of happy shoppers. If you couldn’t make it to the market, and are needing a gift for someone, support a local vendor.

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | Wednesday Evening, 3 May 2023, the Swan Valley Community Band performed its annual Spring Concert “NOTES OF SPRING” at the Ecole Swan River South School Gym. The audience enjoyed a repertoire of 10 concert selections depicting different genres. This included music representing a number of countries, like Norway, Canada, and […]

Pictured above: Dax Mullin gets direction on clipping his steer from Richard Hillmer. Submitted by: Angela Mullin The Minitonas 4H members are busy getting ready for the 69th Swan Valley Show & Sale. Members met at the Hillmers farm on Sunday April 30, 2023 to work together on grooming & clipping their projects. The day […]

Submitted by: Ara Bartel The Swan River Dolyna Dancers held their year end Ukrainian Dance concert on April 22. The dance concert was a huge success with dancers of all age groups. The crowd enjoyed 22 dances including a special guest performance by the Dolyna adult dancers. Refreshments and danties were enjoyed by all. There […]