Government of Manitoba Media Release | Manitoba Families has appointed six new members to the Vulnerable Persons’ Hearing Panel and increased the board size by two members. The purpose of the hearing panel is to provide the vulnerable persons’ commissioner with independent and objective recommendations regarding applications for substitute decision-makers. The hearing panel has members […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Primary Care Centre (SVPCC) is now operating an Advanced Care Clinic every Monday from 4pm to 7pm to see patients with urgent problems who may have typically sought care through the emergency department. Beginning January 8, 2018, a Physician and a Nurse practitioner will be available Mondays from 4 […]

Media Release | At an open house on December 20, 2017 Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River, announced that the Manitoba government is investing in important infrastructure in the Swan River constituency. Through the Small Communities Fund, the Progressive Conservative government is providing $26,400.00 for Handi-Van Storage. Wowchuk was joined by Robert Sopuck, Member of […]

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Swan Valley West, held in the Council Chambers at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba, this 12th day of December, 2017 at 7:02 p.m. Present: Reeve: William Galloway Councillors: Carrie Blosha, Brian Burick, Glen Foster, David Minish, Terry Neely, Irwin Steen Interim-Acting […]

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, December 19th, 2017 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor McKenzie presiding and Councillors Friesen, Whyte, Jacobson, Moriaux, Delaurier and Sakal present.   1 Call to order 2 Adoption of Agenda Resolution No: 2017.591 Moved By: David Moriaux Seconded By: Jason Delaurier RESOLVED that the Agenda for the […]

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Swan Valley West, held in the Council Chambers at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba this 30th day of November 2017 at 7:45 p.m. Present: Reeve: William Galloway Councillors: Carrie Blosha, Brian Burick, Glen Foster, David Minish, Terry Neely, Irwin Steen Interim […]

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor McKenzie presiding and Councillors Jacobson, Whyte, Moriaux, Delaurier and Sakal present.  Councillor Friesen was absent with permission. 1 Call to order 2 Adoption of Agenda Resolution No: 2017.565 Moved By: David Moriaux Seconded By: Jason Delaurier RESOLVED […]

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen | A memorial candle lighting service was held at the Birchwood Cemetery on December 23, 2017. The candles flickered over Christmas in memory of loved ones. Proceeds from the candle purchased will go towards Communities in Bloom.

Submitted by: Dave Statkewich | Ukrainian New Year’s Eve Supper and Dance January 13, 2018 Happy Hour 6:00 pm Supper 7:00 pm Benito Rec Centre The Old Country Lads, entertainment (Benito Ukrainian dancers) and general dance to follow. The dance is in support of the Benito Knights of Columbus and the Benito rec board. Tickets […]

Submitted by: Anna Fullerton and Billie Werenich | We were able to provide a great Christmas supper for about 26 people on December 25, 2017. Close to 50 people registered, but because of the sudden, severe, cold weather, some were unable to make it. Rides were given to those with no transportation. We really appreciate […]

ValleyBiz | The weather outside wasn’t frightful for the Minitonas Downtown Christmas Party on December 22, 2017, but the fire was delightful. As people filled the streets of Minitonas they were able to enjoy the last of the moderate temperatures before the frigid weather covered the area over throughout much of Christmas and New Years. […]

Submitted by: Judy Kostyshyn | Swan River NDP Annual General Meeting Sun. January 21, 2018 Ethelbert Drop In Centre Registration 2:30 p.m. Meeting 3:00 p.m. Potluck Supper to follow $10/person For further information contact: Judy Kostyshyn (204)742-8818 Everyone is Welcome!

Media Release | At an open house on December 20, 2017 Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River, announced that the Manitoba government is investing in important infrastructure in the Swan River constituency. Through the Small Communities Fund, the Progressive Conservative government is providing $250,000.00 in the Town of Swan River 6th Avenue Waste Water Pump […]

ValleyBiz Story | Some Town of Swan River (TSR) Councillors have been advocating to eliminate the business tax to make Swan River more competitive with most other municipalities in the province that have already done so. A delegation from the Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) recently attended a TSR Council meeting to voice their opinion regarding […]

Reflecting on 2017, we look back on close to 700 local articles and events posted on ValleyBiz. Thank you to our site users, contributors and advertisers for giving ValleyBiz the opportunity to share your stories across the Valley and around the world. A special thank you to Paull Funeral Home and Swan Valley Funeral Services […]

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, November 21st, 2017 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor McKenzie presiding and Councillors Friesen, Whyte, Jacobson, Moriaux, Delaurier and Sakal present.   1 Call to order 2 Adoption of Agenda Resolution No: 2017.548 Moved By: David Moriaux Seconded By: Jason Delaurier RESOLVED that the Agenda […]

Submitted by: Diane Rooks | It was a great night of shopping for those last minute gifts and stocking stuffers on Friday, December 22, 2017. The Minitonas Christmas Market was held at the Minitonas Community Hall and featured many different vendors including Barefoot Books, Discovery Toys, Tupperware, 31 Bags, Norwex, Epicure, Arbonne, Jamberry and much […]

Submitted by: Beverly Polon | Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) wishes to thank members of the Swan Valley Community for their generous donations to the 2017 Swan Valley CTC Toys 4U Toy Drive. There were donation boxes located at eight local businesses in order to collect community donations of toys and money. As well, […]

Merry Christmas! from ValleyBiz During this festive season of giving, let us take time to slow down and enjoy the simple things. May this wonderful time of the year touch your heart in a special way. Wishing you much happiness not just today, but throughout the New Year.

Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of the Rural Municipality of Mountain held Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 in the R.M. of Mountain Council Chambers in Birch River, Manitoba. Members Present: Reeve: Marvin Kovachik Councillors: 1 – Wilmer Malcolm 2 – Stephen Nadolney 3 – Nestor Rizok 4 – Connie Forbes 5 – Jesse Larocque 6 […]

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, November 7th, 2017 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor McKenzie presiding and Councillors Friesen, Whyte, Jacobson, Moriaux and Delaurier present.  Councillor Sakal was absent with permission.   1 Call to order 2 Adoption of Agenda Resolution No: 2017.515 Moved By: David Moriaux Seconded By: Jason Delaurier RESOLVED that […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) hosted a luncheon Community Information meeting in the SVRSS Muti-Purpose room on December 14, 2017. Approximately 35 community members, students and SVCTC Board members participated in this event. This meeting was held in order to share the Data results from the SVCTC Youth Survey […]

Back Row: Liam McArthur; Middle Row: Nolan Woodward, Brandon Grazier, Carter Addis, Jack Mullin, Henry Branconnier; Front Row: Jett Cook, Noah Weir, James Parsons, McKenna Gray, Crystal Zamzow, Mackenzie Lukey; Missing: Comrie Quill Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | On the weekend of December 16 & 17, 2017 the Pee Wee B Stampeders encountered a stiff […]

Submitted by: Diane Rooks | Minitonas Christmas Market Friday December 22, 2017 6pm to 9pm Minitonas Community Hall Great chance to pick up those last minute gifts or stocking stuffers! Vendors include Barefoot Books, Discovery Toys, Tupperware, 31 Bags, Norwex, Epicure, Arbonne, Jamberry and much more!!

Submitted by: Beth Gust, Pictures and Video by Kevin Penner | Swan Valley Museum was the venue last Saturday, December 16, 2017 for a Live Nativity Event. Valley churches organized the scenes which included a marketplace manned by local vendors showing their wares and a manger scene, complete with the Biblical characters, musicians, and live […]

Pictured above: Crowd Favorite, Solid Rock Youth Group Tree Submitted by: Maureen Bowles | The North-West Regional Library was dressed for the Christmas Season at the Festival of Trees on December 5th to the 9th, 2017. It was a very festive atmosphere with decorated trees, gingerbread Houses, Christmas music, cookies and hot apple cider. Eighteen […]

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen | Memorial Candle Lighting Birchwood Cemetery December 23, 2017 5:00 pm Remember a loved one with a candle. Candles available at: Buds N Blossoms $10.00 per candle Proceeds go toward Communities in Bloom Swan River

Swan Valley School Division Executive Summary of the December 11, 2017 Regular Board Meeting Submitted by: Tim Mendel Superintendent/CEO 1. The Superintendent reported that he met with the President of Living Word Bible College to inquire about the College renting space at Birch River School. The Board was told that Living Word had no interest […]

Submitted by: Judy Kostyshyn | The annual Swan River Constituency NDP Christmas Supper was held at the Swan Valley Museum on Sunday, December 10th, 2017. Following cocktail hour, guests enjoyed a delicious ham supper with all the trimmings. Ron Kostyshyn, President, welcomed Wab Kinew and his wife, Dr. Lisa Monkman, on behalf of all who […]

Submitted by: Jan Fawcett | Members of the Royal Purple Elks Lodge #185 filled boxes of delicious goodies to fill orders received from the community. Proceeds from the 2017 sales will go to Phase 2 of the Bocce Ball Court in Legion Park – signage, benches & plantings. Thank you to everyone who supported our […]

Submitted by: June Jamieson | Celebrating Christ’s Birth Through Word & Song was the theme of the Hymn Sing at the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sunday, December 10, 2017. More than sixty people got together to sing carols and listen to the Christmas themed presentation by various musicians from through the Swan River Valley. We […]

Submitted by: Derek Henkelman | Swan Valley Peewee A Hockey Tournament December 15-17, 2017 Swan Valley Centennial Arena Friday, December 15, 2017 12:00 pm Swan Valley vs The Pas   1:45 pm Dauphin vs Flin Flon   3:30 pm Thompson vs Swan Valley   6:00 pm Dauphin vs The Pas (Minitonas)   7:45 pm Thompson vs Flin Flon (Minitonas) […]

Corey Grandfield with the SVRSS Varsity Hockey Team receiving a grant for hockey jerseys. Submitted Story | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their annual granting night on December 7, 2017. “We are here tonight to harvest the fruits of philanthropy in the Swan River Valley,” said CFSV Board Chair Lorne Henkelman. Since […]

Submitted by: Aaron Murray | FXR Sled for Eternity Snowmobile Ride February 10, 2018 Swan Valley Historical Museum Swan River, MB Registration: 8:30 am – 10:00 am 2017-18 Snopass required Early bird registration $50 before January 13th ($75 after). Passenger is $35. If you’re not a registered rider but would like to come for the […]

Submitted Story | The Minitonas Knox United Church held their Ladies Christmas Program on Monday, December 4, 2017. The evening included some beautiful special music by Brenna Smith on violin. The short program told the wonderful sweet Christmas story featuring various candies and Christmas Carols throughout. First, there was the “Rocky Road” travelled by Mary […]

ValleyBiz Story | On December 9, 2017 the Municipality of Swan Valley West (SVW) held a ceremony at the Thunderhill Ski Club turn off to dedicate a Commemorative Road Sign in honour of the many contributions made by Mr. John Cotton, long time member and founder of the Thunderhill Ski Club and Thunderhill Ski Facility. […]

Submitted by: Angie Henkelman |The Swan Valley Peewee A Stampeders hockey team enjoyed spreading Christmas cheer to Swan River residents on Friday, December 8, 2017. The team sold Carol-grams (singing Christmas Carol telegrams) for $20. At departure on Friday, they had more than twenty bookings including stops at the Hospital and Lodge, Lions Manor, Westside […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | Entertainment was the Theme for this year’s Christmas Concert of the Swan Valley Community Band on December 5, 2017, with performances from the Band, a Quintet, and a Solo. Brass Qunitet “Tarnished Brass” Kevin Salmi, Jayne Leadbeater, Julie Kooistra, Kim Kosokowski, David Gnida Rick Houle performing his Solo–“Wooden Heart” About […]

Regular Meeting of the members of Council of the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman held in Council Chambers, in Minitonas, Manitoba this 21st day of November, 2017 A.D. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Reeve – C. Eisner Councillors: G. Bartel, J. Caruk, C. Densen, L. Hutman, L. Mychalchuk & S. Walmsley C.A.O. – K. Chartrand Delegations: 7:00 pm […]

Swan Valley School Division Executive Summary of the November 27, 2017 Regular Board Meeting Submitted by: Tim Mendel Superintendent/CEO 1. The Board spent a few hours before the Board Meeting discussing the survey results of the Community Meetings. There were 382 responses. The Board had Doug Coulthart, Transportation Supervisor, present at the meeting in order […]

Submitted by: April Maxwell | The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association held its 54th annual Carol Festival on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Temple Baptist Church in Swan River. This concert takes place the first Sunday in December every year and is the only non-adjudicated festival that we organize. The program showcased a variety […]

Submitted by: Tanya Powell | Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre Christmas Craft Sale Sat. December 9, 2017 9am – 3pm 1413 Main Street Over 40 tables. Knitting, sewing, jewelry, soaps, barn board art, oils, baking, teas, jams, Christmas shopping galore, something for everyone. Lunch will be available proceeds to 4H Club. Contact Brenda 204-734-2823

Submitted by: Susan Hrycyk | Lenswood had a great turn out on Sunday, December 3, 2017 for their annual Santa Brunch. It was well attended once again. There were lots of pancakes, sausage, coffee and desserts. All the kids were excited to see Santa so they could tell them what they wanted for Christmas this […]

Submitted by: Edwin Crook | St. James Anglican Church held a well attended Christmas tea on December 3, 2017. Great weather, greater conversation and visiting and greatest sandwiches, dainties and beverages made for an enjoyable afternoon for one and all. There was also a bake table for those wanting to take home a treat.

Submitted by: Beth Gust | Live Nativity Event December 16, 2017 4pm – 8pm Swan Valley Museum Free admission. Come back to Bethlehem, browse the marketplace, and follow the shepherds into the manger. Listen to the angel choir, see the wisemen, and experience a bit of the night that Jesus was born.

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Swan River Dolyna Dancers put on a short and sweet presentation of what they’ve been working on so far this year. The evening was also a chance for our youngest dancers, the Sadochuk’s to get a taste of dancing in front of a crowd. These little ones are always […]

Submitted by: Derek Henkelman | Swan Valley PeeWee A Hockey Team Presents Christmas Carol-gram Fri. December 8, 2017 Between 4:30 pm & 8 pm Swan River, MB Cost $20 Wish someone a Merry Christmas with Christmas Carols sung by the members of the SV PeeWee A team! Contact: Angie Henkelman Email: anggrier8888@hotmail.com Call or text: […]

Submitted by: Blaine Campbell | On Saturday, December 2, 2017 Swan Valley Minor Hockey Association and the Swan Valley Jr. A. Stampeders teamed up to bring in the Montreal Canadiens Alumni team to play a group of local hockey players. Early indications are that approximately 675 fans came out to witness some ex-NHL players play […]

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun | Benito Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Tea & Bake Sale December 9, 2017 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Benito Legion Hall Door Prize and 50/50 Draw Draws made at 3:15 pm

Pictured above: Bill Woytkiw and his son were 1st in line for Martha Verhoek’s peanut butter squares while Rose Chernenkoff dropped off her baking at the United Church table. Submitted by: Karen Gade | The balmy temperatures encouraged shoppers to attend one of the most successful Benito United Church Craft and Trade Show’s on Sat, […]