ValleyBiz Story | On March 31, 2020 the Province of Manitoba announced that classroom learning for kindergarten to Grade 12 students is suspended indefinitely for this school year to help ‘flatten the curve’ and reduce the impact of COVID-19. The Swan Valley School Division (SVSD) has indicated they will be continuing the organization towards distance […]

Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our doors are closed to the public in order to protect our staff, clients and community. Our staff are still at work and are here to assist you with your ongoing or new legal matters. We are pleased to work with you by phone or email and […]

Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Interagency Committee Open House The Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Interagency Committee (MWSP) hosted an open house on March 11 in Swan River. It was an opportunity to share with the Swan Valley community information about their committee, and the ways they are involved in their communities. In the afternoon, […]

Town of Swan River Press Release | March 23, 2020 Citizens of the Town of Swan River, And the Swan Valley, In light of the recent escalation of government actions toward dealing with COVID-19, the Town of Swan River is taking the following steps: ➢ Municipal office will close to the public effective at 12:00 […]

“Well, doctor. Don’t you think people are overreacting just a bit? Blowing things out of proportion?” That is a question I’ve been hearing a great deal lately. It appears that there are two types of responses to the spreading of Covid-19: downplaying, or buying all the toilet paper. Perhaps the most appropriate response is somewhere […]

Please note that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and adhering to Health Canada protocols, as well as out of the general health and safety of our team members and the community, our office is temporarily CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC Our staff is still at work and want to help you! We would be pleased […]

Swan Valley Co-op COVID-19 State of Emergency News Release: Effective Friday, March 20th at 4 pm, due to the provincially declared state of emergency for COVID-19: • We are now limiting the number of customers allowed in our store at the same time. Our maximum capacity has been set to 50 guests at any given […]

Submitted by: Prairie Mountain Health | NEW ACUTE CARE FACILITY VISITOR RESTRICTIONS For all acute care facilities, including acute mental health facilities, in Manitoba, visitor access is being suspended immediately. Visitor restrictions took effect today – March 19 – at 3 pm. Exceptions for compassionate reasons for end of life will continue to be made […]

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | Thank you to everyone that came out and supported our Irish Stew lunch. Over 30 people can out for delicious stew,biscuits,lots of yummy desserts. Glad to see so many stayed and enjoyed lots of friendly conversation. Hope to see everyone again next year.

Town of Swan River Press Release | March 16, 2020 Citizens of the Town of Swan River, And the Swan Valley, The Mayor and Administration met this morning to determine our steps going forward with regards to the COVID-19 virus. After the meeting and in continuing consultation with the Council via email, it was determined […]

Submitted by: Jo-Anne Saunders. Education Director. SRAE. | Due to the evolving situation around the COVID-19 pandemic, Swan River Adult Education will be closed as of March 17 until further notice. This includes Site 1 (128-5th Ave. N.) and Site 2 (in the EC Friendship Centre). Phone 204-734-9391 for info.

Submitted by: Minitonas Figure Skating Club Thanks to all the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbours and community members that came out to support the Minitonas Figure Skating Club’s annual Carnival “An Enchanted Evening” on March 6 th , 2020! A big thank you to skating coach Alison Burgess. Also thank you to all the Senior […]

Submitted by: Beverley Leach | The World Day of Prayer is an international ecumenical Christian lay women’s initiative which is celebrated in 170 countries annually on the first Friday in March. Seven congregations in the Swan Valley gathered in St. James church in Friday, March 6 to join in prayer for peace and justice. This […]

Submitted by: Hannah Koetting | Weight to Wellbeing is a program unique to Swan River and developed locally by a team of registered dietitians, physicians, mental health workers and health promotion. The topics covered throughout the program include nutrition, physical activity, sleep and mental wellbeing. Thus far, feedback has been positive. The program began early […]

Submitted by: Tracy Boychuk | The SVRSS Tigers played one heck of a game February 28 versus the Killarney Raiders. The Centennial Arena came alive with school pride, spirit and support for their local high school hockey team. The score might not of been what the Tigers were hoping for falling 7-4 to the Raiders […]

A friendly reminder from ValleyBiz that Daylight Savings Time begins tonight. The official time to set your clocks ahead 1 hour is: 2:00 am Sunday, March 8, 2020 Set your clock to: 3:00 am Each year, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

Submitted by: Rachael Stober | The CBFCS Parent Advisory Council put on another Dessert Night/Duelling Pianos/Silent Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, February 15. This was the second time the PAC held this event. The first one raised funds for the multi-sport pad that was successfully built in 2018. This year the event raised just over […]

Pictured above: 1st Event Winners – Sponsored by TD Canada Trust: Bernice Karton, Donna Martin, Janie Coulter, Caroline Willis Submitted by: Deanna Chess | The 2020 Bowsman Ladies Curling Bonspiel was held from February 21-23, 2020. This year we had a great turnout of 22 teams for our “Night at the Movies”. The weekend included […]

Submitted by: Sherry Markle In the summer of last year, Swan Valley Animal Protection League sent a letter to the Municipality of Swan Valley West to request that the road upon which their new shelter will be located be renamed “Dave Theunissen Drive”; in honor of Dave Theunissen who is a long time member of […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Benito Firemen’s Supper was held on Sunday, February 23. Over 200 people attended the supper hosted by the local fire fighters and their families. Turkey, ham, mashed, stuffing, salads and the ever popular turnips were on the menu along with a great assortment of desserts. Along with a well […]

Pictured above: Back Row: Erin Klatt, Avery Blosha, Hailey Ledoux, Ady Blosha, Neva Zamzow. Coach: Lise Fraser 2nd Row: Ainzlee Stinson, Ellie Oakes, Kaylee Keefe, Aurora Dunn, Katie Smith Floor: Payton Brightnose, Chloe Formo Submitted by: Lise Fraser | JV girls were finalists in the Neepawa Collegiate Basketball Tournament on February 13 and 14th, 2020. […]

Submitted by: David Ogram | An introductory meeting for the “Breathe-Free” 5-Day Stop-Smoking Program was held in the Basement Meeting Room at the Swan River Seventh-day Adventist Church (1200 1st St South) on the evening of Thursday, February 20, 2020. Five people attended the meeting but two of them had to leave early to attend […]

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | On Sunday February 16, 2020, around 50 people come together to enjoy a delicious German supper put on by the Birch River Senior group. Lots of different tasty dishes and desserts were enjoyed as well as lots of friendly chat. Nice to see everyone that came out and hope to […]

Submitted by St. Andrew’s United Church Our Loving Hearts Supper and Entertainment was held on February 1st. 120 folks enjoyed an evening of visiting, great entertainment and a delicious supper catered by Julie Nahnybida. The Entertainment kept toes a tapping with the Ukelele group singing a few songs and strumming their hearts out, followed by […]

Submitted by: Treena Rooks | Timbits Hockey, presented by Tim Hortons, features twelve timbits hockey teams and four ringette teams randomly selected to play during the intermission of a Winnipeg Jets home game. A parent on our team had entered us into the draw, and on January 8, 2020, we had received notification that the […]

Submitted by: Violet Plett | The Kene and Milly concerts, held in the Swan Valley from January 21-23, 2020, were a very big blessing to those who attended. People in each location (Barrows, Sapotawayek, Birch River and Swan River) told Kene and Milly how much they appreciated them coming. Each evening the singers sang many […]

CFSV Media Release | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) is pleased to announce the Spring Granting Period for both the Community Foundation of Swan Valley & Youth in Philanthropy (SVRSS). The Spring Grant Intake will open on February 1st, 2020 and closes February 28th at 5 p.m. Organizations are reminded that only one […]

Media Release | The Manitoba government will continue to lay a foundation for private-sector investment and job creation in Dauphin and the wider Parkland region with several exciting initiatives this year, Economic Development and Training Minister Ralph Eichler announced. “Our government’s Manitoba Works plan has established a target for creation of 40,000 new jobs in […]

Pictured above: Pat Dietrich, chairperson of Roblin COPP and Twyla Ludwig, Roblin COPP member and Secretary-Treasurer of Manitoba COPP answer questions from attendees. ValleyBiz Story | On Thursday, January 16, 2020 a presentation was held at the Veterans Community Hall to provide information about the Citizens On Patrol Program (COPP). The COPP objective is to […]

The Swan River Dolyna Dancers held their second annual Malanka Concert January 13, 2020 at the SVRSS Cafeteria. Each dance group performed a dance in front a full audience of family and friends. The Sadochuk, Beginner and Junior groups started the evening off with each group dancing a Poltava. This was followed by an intermission […]

ValleyBiz Story | Approximately 40 people attended the Provincial Pre-Budget Consultations held in Swan River on the afternoon of January 14, 2020. Minister Scott Fielding began with a presentation of the budget priorities for 2020, focusing on five areas committed to in the 2019 Provincial Election including: – reducing taxes, – $2 billion in healthcare […]

Submitted by: Joyce Trevellyan | The community was treated to a delicious Ukrainian Christmas Eve Supper at Y Not Johnny’s on January 6, 2020. Many traditional dishes were featured. All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Church is grateful to Y Not Johnny’s for his generous support of our parish’s fundraising event. Also thank you everyone who were […]

Submitted by Anna Fullerton and Billie Werenich | Once again we are very grateful for Swan Valley residents who helped in any way to present the 5th annual ALONE AT CHRISTMAS supper at the Elks Hall on December 25, 2019. For all the volunteering of cash, time, driving or food donations we are truly appreciative. […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley The Community Foundation of Swan Valley held their Fall Granting Night & AGM on Thursday December 5, 2019. A total of 12 Community Grants were awarded, followed by presentation of Donor Advised Funds, Designated Funds and Field of Interest Funds. Chairperson Lorne Henklemen opened the evening with a […]

Submitted by: Keith Behrmann | Pictured above (from left to right) are Bowsman and District Lions members; Lion Lynn Cook, Lion Don Mullin, Lion Ken Darbyshire, Lion Bruce Currie, and Lion Ken Sutherland who were recently recognized for 35 years of service. Other members achieving this milestone were Lion Wayne Hanke, Lion Barry Stephen, Lion […]

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen | On December 23, 2019, a candle lighting ceremony took place at the Birchwood Cemetery. Memorial candles were lit in memory of loved ones to casting their glow of remembrance over Christmas.

Province of Manitoba Media Release | Three new members and two returning members have been appointed to the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund (FWEF) Committee’s Fish Enhancement Subcommittee (FES) and Wildlife Enhancement Subcommittee (WES). Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen made the announcement December 11, 2019. “The subcommittees of the FWEF provide critical input […]

Submitted by: Crystal Duchesne | The Christmas season is a time for goodwill. Thanks to generous donations from the community, the Christmas Cheer Board was able to provide 40 Christmas Hampers to less fortunate families in the Swan River Valley. Pictured above: Riverdale School packaging hampers. Pictured above: Volunteers sorting the turkeys and hams.

Submitted by: Sandra Yaknovich | Our first year of Christmas tree and Gingerbread House display was held on December 14 – 21, 2019. We had a successful turnout of 16 Gingerbread Houses and 6 Christmas Trees and the event was well attended.

“What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal and that every path may lead to peace.” —Agnes M. Pharo From all of us at ValleyBiz, we wish you a Christmas filled […]

Pictured above: Red Apple collects toys to fill Santa’s sleigh. Submitted by: Lorri-Ann Munro | Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) wishes to thank members of the Swan Valley Community for their generous donations to the Swan Valley CTC Toys 4U Toy Drive. Once again, this year the SVCTC Toys 4 U Toy Drive were […]

Submitted by: Kathleen Sterma The library saw some wonderfully unusual trees and wreaths entered in the Festival of Trees this year. We had a total of 16 trees and 10 wreaths on display from December 3-7, 2019. By peoples choice the winner of the tree competition was SVRSS Environmental Management, and the winner of the […]

Submitted by: Catherine Wenstob | On the evening of December 8, 2019 the Swan River NDP held their annual Christmas supper. The Swan Valley museum has been our location for a number of years. This year it was even more festive with the addition of Christmas light on historic buildings in this beautiful setting. The […]

Pictured above: Valley Stage Players (VSP) Vice-President, Denis Beaudoin; Swan Valley Curling Club President Gary Slack; VSP President Lloyd Gilchrist, VSP Secretary, Kimberley Kowles ValleyBiz Story | On Wednesday, December 11, 2019, the Valley Stage Players presented a cheque in the amount of $7,854.25 to the Swan River Curling Club. The cheque represents the proceeds […]

Pictured above: Nigeria was represented by the Ojo and Omosebi families Submitted by: Donna Leming | A multicultural Christmas program was held at the Seventh-day Adventist church on Saturday December 7, 2019. Each group sang a Christmas Carol and shared how they celebrated the birth of Jesus and traditions in their country. Czech Republic was […]

Submitted by: Minitonas Knox United Church The Minitonas Knox United Church presented their annual Ladies Christmas Program on December 2, 2019. The program is held early in early December each year and, for many in the community, marks the start of the Christmas season. This year’s program told the Christmas story from the viewpoint of […]

Submitted by: Candace Balbo | Over 750 people braved the cold to enjoy the Mistletoe Magic event at the Swan Valley Historical Museum on Saturday December 7, 2019. And a magical night it was with the return of a long time Valley favorite in the Kern Christmas display – refurbished and installed on the Museum […]

Submitted by: Malcolm Shaw | Saturday, December 7, 2019 was Santa Day at the Swan River Elks Hall. People stopped by sit with Santa and have some treats. Thanks to all that donated to the Elks Fund for Children.

Submitted by: Bev Leach | There was much chatter and laughter in St. James Anglican Church on December 7, 2019 as many local residents enjoyed the annual St. James Christmas Tea and Bake Sale. Pictured above: Diane Sylvester and Marilyn Staples were managing the bake sale table as the guests began to arrive for tea. […]

Submitted by: Gloria Kutynec | December 6th, 2019, the Swan River Valley Health Auxiliary (SRVHA) had another successful annual Christmas Bake sale, Grocery Hamper raffle and Novelty table. There was a wonderful attendance and it wasn’t long before all the baking was gone. The day brought in $765.00. The grocery hamper was won by Shirley […]