Elevating Access: A Magic Carpet Lift For All Ages and Abilities at Thunderhill Ski Club is one of 14 projects that have received a portion of $1 million as a 2024 recipient of Co-op Community Spaces. “This investment reflects Co-op’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents by providing inclusive, year-round […]

Submitted by: Gillian Mcgrath | Swan Valley FolkFest took place May 31 and June 1, 2024. The event was attended by around 500 kids from the schools free of charge on Friday with an additional 780 people attending on Friday and 750 on Saturday. Swan Valley FolkFest was an opportunity to celebrate our Valley’s diversity […]

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: Connie Beaudry Community Resource Coordinator, Services to Seniors Swan River Spring weather brings on thoughts of fire and personal safety here at Services to Seniors. April 23 at Birch River, Dave Forbes District Fire Chief at the RM of Mountain Municipality talked about the need for fire extinguishers and the need to know […]

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: Kendra Thiessen | Horseplay is equestrian program where kids can learn to ride horses, expanding their skills both on the ground and in the saddle. The beginner riders are taught how to start, stop and steer the horse. As they progress we work on trotting and looping with control. Barrel racing and pole […]

Manitoba Media Release | A new computed tomography (CT) scanner at the Swan Valley Health Centre will soon bring key diagnostic services closer to home for residents of the Swan Valley region while expanding local access to health care, Premier Wab Kinew announced in Swan River on May 2, 2024. “This is a beautiful corner […]

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: Lorrelei Graff A group of small home-based businesses and craft vendors had a most enjoyable day at the Veterans Hall in Swan River on March 30, 2024. Even with the previous day’s snowfall, many people came out to enjoy, visit and support the vendors and get 50/50 tickets. A delicious lunch was available […]

Submitted by: Kari Goethe Thank you to everyone who attended the Learn to Curl Clinic on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 and a special thank you to the junior instructors. This was an opportunity for people to try curling so that they might consider curling next season. The Swan River Curling Club will be looking at […]

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 […]

Submitted by: Alyssa Pitura | The circus came to town March 15-17, 2024 when the Swan River Curling Club hosted its 94th annual women’s bonspiel. We want to extend a thank you to the following businesses and individuals for their event contributions: Swan Valley Consumers Co-op, New Era Ag, MNP, Marge Williamson, Swan Valley Pharmacy, […]

Submitted by: Prairie Mountain Health The CT Scanner unit has arrived in Swan River. The new unit was brought into the Swan Valley Health Centre on Tuesday (March 19, 2024). Renovations to the hospital space that will hold the new piece of diagnostic equipment are nearing completion. Mechanical and electrical work will continue through March. […]

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: Swan Valley School Division On March 18, 2024 The Board of Trustees of the Swan Valley School Division unanimously passed a resolution to reconfigure: Heyes School as a Grade 3-4-5 school and Taylor School as a K-1-2 school The plan will begin with finalizing staffing and establishing the renovation schedule. The move will […]

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: Swan River & District Community Resource Council Inc. – Service to Seniors February Coffee and a Chat had us all thinking of how we and the people we know handle occasional or extensive loneliness, isolation and solitude. A quote from Mother Theresa “the most terrible Poverty is Loneliness and the feeling of being […]

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 10, 2024 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: Donna Leming | The Seventh-day Adventist church hosted the 2024 World Day Of Prayer program with The United, Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran churches participating with the readings. The program was prepared by a group of ecumenical Palestinian Christian women. The service was based on the theme “I Beg You … Bear With One […]

Swan Valley Fire Department Weather Statement March 3, 2024 | This does not happen very often but roads within the Swan Valley area are closed due to the blowing snow and hazardous driving conditions. Driving anywhere on the highways and backroads are not advised! Stay at home and watch some movies, spend time with family! […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) Heyes Elementary PAC (SVSD) recently received a grant to purchase new skates and helmets for the school. The Community Foundation of Swan Valley is happy to support this project that enhances the well-being and recreational opportunities for students, ensuring that every student has access to the essential […]

Submitted by: Linda Carpentier With crime on the rise in the Swan Valley, several residents have decided to be proactive in an effort to deter it. For this reason Swan Valley Citizens On Patrol Program (SV COPP) was started in 2021. SV COPP is part of MB COPP that started in Manitoba in 1991. The […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Services to Seniors We are happy to have Birch River Northern Neighbors Drop In Center, Benito Drop In Center and the Swan River Senior Citizen Center host our presentations in January. The topics were budgeting and Income Tax Information with CPA Bruce Hardie and Aging as a Spiritual Journey with pastor […]

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 […]

SVSD Announcement | After extensive consultation, our search for a new Superintendent/CEO has led the Swan Valley School Board of Trustees to Rob Tomlinson. We are pleased to announce that Rob will be assuming his new role July 1, 2024. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to his leadership as […]

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: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) The Town of Swan River Recreation Department received a grant to create a family friendly outdoor skating rink. This outdoor rink was built with the purpose of giving families a safe place to skate with their children. The CFSV is happy to support this community project that […]

Submitted photo A candle lighting ceremony was held at the Birchwood Cemetery December 22, 2023. The warm glow of the candles, lit in remembrance of loved ones, carried their memory throughout the Christmas season.

We wish you a holiday season filled with peace, joy and love. May the magic of Christmas fill your heart and carry you throughout the New Year! From all of us at ValleyBiz

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: Lesley Sembaluk Minitonas Metis Local Christmas coffee house on December 15, 2023 was a huge success!! There were 97 people in attendance listening to and performing great music. Our MC’s for the evening were Tayler LeClaire and Sydney Fleming. Door prizes were won by Mae Bercier, Desiree Desrosier, Sydney Fleming and Kyra Sikora. […]

Submitted by: Barry Fawcett On December 2, 2023 the Hobby Shed at the Swan Valley Museum group hosted an Introduction to Leatherwork. Those in attendance showed interest in the information shared about crafting with leather. Barry Fawcett talked about some of his projects and provided the material and tools for those who wished to try […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater, PR/Secretary/Communications Under the Direction of Julie Kooistra, the Swan Valley Community Band presented their Christmas Concert on Wednesday December 7, 2023 that was held in the SVRSS Cafeteria. The “Halls were Decked with Music” for almost an hour. Over the last 29 years, which also include those dreaded Covid19 ones, our […]

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry Coffee and a Chat had a full set of sessions November 28th in Birch River, November 29th in Benito, November 30th in Swan River. The fall prevention topic was delivered by Debbie Schulz, NP. Statistics show 1 in 4 people fall. No one plans to have a fall, but we can […]

Pictured above (L to R): Swan Valley Snowmobile Club President, Ted Corbett; Draw Winner, Callan Senyk, Flin Flon; Swan Valley Snowmobile Club Vice President, Sheldon Strilaeff Submitted by: Tammela Bobick The Swan Valley Snowmobile Club (SVSC) draw day on November 30th, 2023 was full of excitement, with non stop online raffle sales starting at 6am […]

Submitted by: Jena McKee The Swan Valley Farmers Market held their Christmas Market at the Swan Valley Historical Museum on Friday November 17th, 2023. Shoppers browsed the wares of 25 different vendors selling locally produced items.

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen The Swan Valley Carol Festival took place on December 3, 2023, featuring a variety of musicians and many different musical selections.

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley “A Magical Evening,” hosted by the Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) left guests spellbound in a night of celebration and community support. The event, held at the Veterans Community Hall, was a testament to the power of community spirit and a night that will be fondly remembered. […]

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: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) The Swan River Senior Citizens Centre recently received a grant to replace the sidewalk. The CFSV is happy to support the safety and well-being of our community members using the centre. The Swan River Senior Citizens Centre is an important part of our community providing a clean, […]