Submitted by: Jennifer Leon | On September 1-2, 2018, Minitonas First Baptist Church celebrated its 90th Anniversary. Saturday festivities were held at Minitonas Arena with fun activities for all ages including a crokinole and bocce tournament, frisbee throwing competition, face painting, parachute games, cotton candy, bubble making and train rides. It was followed by a […]

Submitted by: Rhonda Kitch | Thank you to everyone who came out and supported our Swan Valley Youth Travel Club BBQ at KAL TIRE on Friday, August 31, 2018. It was a very blustery day!

Pictured above: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 39 Swan River Volunteers Submitted by: Lori Zagrobelny – Parent Pack Member | The Parent Pack held a .25 cent Opportunity Sale on Saturday, August 25, 2018. Members of the Swan Valley Parent Pack LOVE putting on these .25 cent OPPORTUNITY SALES each year. Proceeds from this sale went […]

Submitted by: Judy Kostyshyn | Swan River NDP hosted their annual summer BBQ in the Cowan Community Centre on Sunday, August 19, 2018. As constituents socialized throughout the afternoon, a delicious potluck supper was being organized in the kitchen with a variety of salads & desserts accompanying the barbecued pork. A Silent Auction consisting of […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik | With pictures from ValleyBiz and Penny Boychuk The annual Cowan Trail Celebration once again occurred on the fourth Saturday of August (being August 25, 2018) this year and marking it the 20th. The event began on Friday night, as usual, with the Cowan Hall parking lot slowly being filled with […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Historical Museum held their annual Harvest Festival on August 26, 2018. It was a day appreciated by many generations. From those who remember the era when technology was in it’s infancy to children still to young to understand the significance of the past. Attendees of all ages were able […]

Submitted by: Allen Martin | The Swan Valley Flying Club held their Annual Pancake Breakfast on August 26, 2018 at the Swan Valley Municipal Airport. Approximately 60 people that came out to the airport. Weather was excellent for the day. Everyone enjoyed the chance to visit with aviation enthusiasts.

ValleyBiz Story | The week of August 13, 2018 KTA Tribal Kinetix Daycamp was held at the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School. From Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4pm the kids in attendance practiced stunts, acrobatics, parkour, magic tricks and circus acts such as plate spinning, juggling, staff spinning and flower sticks. The […]

ValleyBiz Story | On August 20, 2018 CJ104 posted a statement on Facebook claiming they received an anonymous threat indicating they “had one week to pack up and leave Swan River or else their buildings would be looted and burned.” Bill Gade, owner operator of CJ104 Radio, has a long history of enraging communities by […]

Below are some research archives from various regulatory bodies and publications pertaining to William (Bill) Gade, owner of CJSB/CJ104.5 FM, CJIE/CJ107.5 FM, CJVM/CJ103.3 FM, CJBP/CJ97.1 FM and 83 North Inc. (CJ Radio Group) Due to recent events there has been an increased interest in background information regarding Bill Gade. These links are provided for ease […]

Government of Manitoba Media Release | The Manitoba government will provide $3.7 million in grants to projects for non-profit and community-led organizations, Municipal Relations Minister Jeff Wharton announced August 16, 2018. “Investing in non-profit organizations helps to build Manitoba’s communities while encouraging economic development across the province,” said Wharton. “Our government is pleased to provide […]

ValleyBiz Story | In recognition of the 120th Anniversary of Tent Town, Claren Turner joined up with the Minitonas Seniors to put together a celebration of the past. “I thought, we want to remember Tent Town.” said Turner. “The idea was to have an 1898 meal and to have pictures from that time period.” Turner, […]

Carly Minish-Wytinck with Grandpa, Glen Henderson ValleyBiz Story | What started as a thoughtful Christmas gift has turned into a growing business for food entrepreneur Carly Minish-Wytinck. Family has always been at the heart of her love of food and has been an important ingredient each step of the way. “I was inspired by food […]

Government of Manitoba Media Release | Manitoba Education and Training advises it has appointed five new members and re-appointed two members to the University College of the North (UCN) governing council. Cameron Mateika, of Minitonas, has been appointed to the board as chair. Mateika is the director of research and technology for Swan Valley School […]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | Photos by ValleyBiz and Submitted On Aug 12, 2018 Durban held their annually Demo Derby. With only a few more cars than last year the demo still went ahead. A couple cars were delayed in arriving but still made the event. Most cars were from previous years so there wasn’t […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Birch River Riding Club held their 23rd annual trail ride on August 11 and 12, 2018. Many people stayed at the base camp the night before and the day started off with breakfast and registration. The ride has built a loyal following over the past 23 years with many attendees travelling […]

ValleyBiz Story | Formo Motors is rocking a brand new piece of functional art – a formation of mountain rocks that also serve as a display platform for their vehicles. The masterpiece is the work of travelling artist Pierre St-Germain. “Basically what I do, is I drive all over the country and I carve concrete […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Minitonas area was pelted with large hail, strong wind and heavy rain on August 3, 2018 beginning just before 4:15 pm. Before the storm … ominous clouds begin to build. Pictured below: Photos submitted by Edwin Crook of the storm approaching Minitonas (click for a larger version). We also received reports […]

The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) is investigating after a 26-year-old man was admitted to hospital following his arrest by the Swan River RCMP. On August 2, 2018, the IIU was notified by the RCMP of an incident that occurred the previous evening. The RCMP advised that on August 1 they were advised to be on […]

ValleyBiz Story | Chariot and Chuckwagon races at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition are a crowd favorite and this year was no exception. Four days of racing drew in the crowds for many heart-pounding heats.

ValleyBiz Story | The grandstands were full and the action was fast during the 2018 Northwest Roundup Rodeo events. Cowboys and Cowgirls competed in a variety of rodeo events. Barrel Racing Bull Riding Bareback Bronc Saddle Bronc 12-Horse Hitch Brett Fulford, born and raised in the Swan Valley (son of Ken and Linda Fulford of […]

Submitted by: June McKenzie | On July 25, 2018 two judges from Communities in Bloom toured Swan River. The judges were Roswitha Nowak who is with the West Kildonan Horticultural Society and Tanya Wiebe who is the Youth Coordinator tor Take Pride Winnipeg. On the way to Swan River, they also judged Minnedosa and Birtle. […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Northwest Roundup and Exhibition is a place of wonder and excitement for youngsters. The Down on the Farm exhibit lets kids get up close and personal with a larger variety of farm animals. It is a great place to take a break from the heat of the day and relax with […]

ValleyBiz Story | On July 24, 2018 a dedication ceremony for the newly named Rex Leach Museum trail was held at the Swan Valley Historical Museum. Dr. Andy Maxwell provided some background on the trail and explained that Rex Leach was instrumental in expanding the cross country ski trail on the south side of the […]

ValleyBiz Story | Click pictures for a larger version. The Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce Parade took place on July 27, 2018 at 10 am – a time honored tradition as part of the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition. Many have passed this tradition on to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each year the parade is […]

Submitted by: Sheree Soura | With additional pictures by ValleyBiz On July 23, 2018 despite the cool weather and a threat of rain, about 190 people attended the annual Garden Walk sponsored by the Swan River Ladies Golf Club. Eight beautiful yards in the town of Swan River were on display. It was a pleasure […]

Submitted by: Debbie (Bell) Soloway | The annual Renwer-Fisher’s Siding Annual Old Fashion Picnic took place Sunday July 22, 2018. This year the weather caused everyone to play a different version of musical chairs. The chairs were set up outside the school and then along came a short rain shower so the chairs were quickly […]

Submitted by Lynda Parsons | The Swan Valley Credit Union held their annual Beef on a Bun on Friday, July 6, 2018. We fed a total of 532 people and raised $2,660 to invest back in the community. Recipients this year are WAMMA Swan River for $609.34, this will be used to purchase a competition […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Farmers Market was overflowing with shoppers as it opened for the season on Thursday July 19, 2018. A rush of people looking for the season’s first taste from the garden quickly snapped up new potatoes, carrots, onions, beets and berries as was well as honey, homemade baking, jam and other local […]

Province of Manitoba News Release | The Manitoba government will provide more than $848,000 in grants to community development projects across the province, Municipal Relations Minister Jeff Wharton and Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for the status of women, announced July 19, 2018. Swan Valley Hometown Manitoba Project Recipients $1,000 Barrows Community Council […]

Submitted by: Sandra Yaknovich | The North-West Regional Library held a successful semi-annual Garage Sale and BBQ on Saturday July 14, 2018. We would like to thank everyone and the businesses for the generous donations. A special Thank you to the volunteers that helped set up and oversee the sale and BBQ, and also a […]

Media Release Swan Valley Co-op invests $2.2 million to construct Agro Centre at The Pas MB Swan Valley Co-op is pleased to announce the construction an agricultural inputs facility in the RM of Kelsey Industrial Park near The Pas MB. The facility will feature crop inputs, dry fertilizer, as well as animal health and feed […]

Submitted Story | The Swan River Host Committee for the 2019 Manitoba 55 Plus Games is pleased to announce the dates selected for the 2019 event. The Games cover a wide variety of events, including various card games, five-pin bowling, floor shuffleboard, pickleball, horseshoes, golf, track, cycling, slo-pitch and many more. There will also be […]

Pictured above (L to R): Delbert Davy, Donna Martin, Community Foundation of Swan Valley Executive Coordinator, and CFSV Board Members Shauna Klekta, Teresa McKay and Barry Stephen. Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) recently received a donation of $50,000 from Delbert Davy. The endowment will become […]

Submitted by: Rubieann Kluke | Canada Day in Benito was a success. The day started off with a pancake breakfast, put on by the Benito Fire Department, which was enjoyed by all. There were 5 slow pitch teams entered to play ball. Each team played two games entertaining the afternoon crowd. Alongside this were Kids […]

Submitted by: Rhonda Kitch | It was a beautiful day for a duck race! 326 ducks floated down the Swan River. Rachel Miller’s duck #421 came in first place winning $366. Rick Loat’s duck # 604 came in second place winning $183 Gord Zamzow’s duck #362 came in third place winning $61 Thank you to […]

Happy Canada Day from ValleyBiz! Wishing you a Happy Canada Day however and wherever you choose to celebrate the day. Take in some of the many activities around the Valley and enjoy your time with friends and family.

Submitted by: Corinna Medwid | The Karma for MS event scheduled for June 24, 2018 did not take place as, unfortunately, there was no one in attendance. We would like to seek feedback from the community regarding our annual Karma for MS event to help us determine if this is something our community wants and […]

Submitted by: Darby Blazenko | The Urban Forest Committee would like to thank everyone that came out to join us on June 13, 2018 for Arbor Day! It was a beautiful day spent doing some much needed maintenance at the Tree Nursery.

ValleyBiz Story | On June 19, 2018 the Minitonas Skipping Club presented their year end performance at Minitonas Early Years School in Minitonas. The group consists of Jenna Smith, Cassidy Kurtz, Selina Copeland, Madisen Houle, Tina Copeland, Malikai Dietz, Hallie Kichuk, Felicity Grandfield, Taylor Finlay, Karlee Beals under the instruction of Carla Kurtz. The skipping […]

Submitted by: Teresa McKay | Because of inclement weather on June 23, 2018, we were unable to hold our planned activities for the National Gardeners week in our Village Square in Minitonas. There is a saying that when the rain comes it gives the gardeners a chance to clean house. We have had several weeks […]

Pictured above: Representatives from Swan Valley Coop and Swan River Valley Agricultural Society ValleyBiz Story | On Monday, June 25, 2018 an official sod-turning ceremony took place at the future site of a new outdoor entertainment shelter at the Swan River Valley Agricultural Society fairgrounds. The Co-op Community Spaces Program is providing $30,000 to help […]

Submitted by: Gloria Kutynec | It is summer break for the SRVHA! Here is a review of the past several month’s accomplishments. Our biggest fundraiser so far has been the Annual Strawberry Tea and Bake sale. We had a lovely turnout for the delicious strawberry shortcake dessert and coffee. The variety of baking on the […]

Submitted by: The Royal Canadian Legion Birch River Branch #48 | With bright sunny skies on Sunday morning the Birch River Royal Canadian Legion was humming with activity as our volunteers made sure all would be fed well! We opened at 9am and we had a steady stream of visitors from around the valley and […]

Congratulations Donna & Calvin Watson on celebrating your 65th Wedding Anniversary June 26, 2018 An Anniversary is the day of celebrating the memories of yesterday, the joys of today and the lovely hopes of tomorrow. You have set a great example for our family. Please join us in wishing them a special day. With Love […]

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2018 Swan Valley Regional Secondary School June 22, 2018 Chase your dreams. Burst out at the seams. Live life to the fullest and give it nothing but your best. Be Like a Tree: Stay grounded. Connect with your roots. Turn over a new leaf. Bend before you break. Celebrate […]

Submitted by: 2019 SVRSS Band Trip Fundraising Committee | The fundraising garage sale held at the SVRSS cafeteria on June 15 & 16, 2018 was a great start to our fundraising efforts, bringing in over $1,100. It was a busy weekend with lots of events and activities taking place around the valley, but there was […]

Submitted by Debbie Soloway: The Pine River LUD Committee held their fifth Annual Summer Start Sale (Town Wide Yard Sale) on Saturday June 16, 2018 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. This year there were seven exhibitors. The town was busy with everyone looking for that special bargain. There were treasures for all ages and […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Folk Festival took place at the curling rink on June 15 an 16, 2018. Walking into the Folk Fest was a feast for the senses. People were able to taste and smell a variety of dishes from many cultural backgrounds. Booths were decorated with traditional items from their host […]

Pictured above: Rick Wowchuk attended the Bocce tournament to wish Team Toba well. L-R Helena Dyck, Rick Wowchuk, Ricky Zimmer, Phillip Bialk and Team Toba Bocce Coach Joe Grande Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region hosted its first Bocce Tournament on Saturday, June 2, 2018 which was to be held at […]