Town of Swan River Notice | On January 19, 2026, the Town of Swan River Council met with officials from Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI), including members of the roundabout project team, to receive an update following the recent public consultation regarding the proposed intersection changes. In 2022, after MTI advised Council that they would […]

Submitted by: Amy Hofford On Sunday, December 21st the Bowsman Community Skating Arena hosted their annual Community Christmas Party. A heartfelt thank you to the Bowsman Lions for their generous contribution to our event, which allowed us to provide free hot dogs and hot chocolate to everyone in attendance, along with treat bags for the […]

The Town of Swan River received funding of up to $225,000 through the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for Municipalities (Manitoba GRO) program for the Swan River Legion Park Revitalization Project. The funding will be used to upgrade lighting for improved safety, resurfacing and widening paths for accessibility, and enhancing stage facilities to support cultural […]

Submitted by: Kari Goethe The Swan River Curling Club was buzzing with activity on Boxing Day as families and friends gathered for the annual Family and Friends Funspiel. A total of 12 teams took to the ice, featuring curlers of all ages—from enthusiastic juniors to seasoned seniors, and everyone in between—eager to get moving after […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their AGM and Fall Grant Night on December 4th, 2025 at the Westwood Inn. The 2025 fall grants were awarded to local community projects along with the presentation of Donor Advised Funds and Designated Funds. Patti-Henkelman, Board Chair welcomed new […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley North-West Regional Library Inc., received a grant from the Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) to upgrade their computers. These upgraded computers will support both public access and administrative needs, improving digital access, reliability, and daily operations at the library. By supporting this project, the CFSV is proud […]

Submitted by: Willetta Hoffman An afternoon spent with songs readings and silences was enjoyed by those who attended Advent In A Minor Key. It was a time to take a break from the busyness of the season and enjoy songs that seem to touch your soul.

Submitted by: Donna Leming A full house enjoyed the Seventh-Day Adventist annual Christmas program on December 13, 2025 followed by a delicious supper. We want to thank everyone for sharing your time, talents, and donated food. Thank you very much for the generous offering received for “The Bags of Love” project. We praise God for […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | Photography by Esther Nesbitt Another Christmas Concert is behind the Swan Valley Community Band after 31 years performing. Technically this would be their thirty-second since Christmas of 1994. The musical evening on Wednesday, 10 December 2025 was a resounding success that included a standing ovation! Unfortunately, the new SVRSS Concert […]

Submitted by: Candace Balbo Mistletoe Magic 2025 – brought to you by the Swan Valley Historical Museum. Despite the cold, nearly three hundred people attended the opening night celebrations on December 6, 2025 at the museum, enjoying the beautiful lights throughout the museum complex and warming up with free hot chocolate & hotdogs, AND a […]

Submitted by: Michelle Baudin The Birch River Legion Hall was filled with fun at the Family Turkey Bingo held December 12, 2025. The event was very well attended and it was so much fun for families!

Submitted by: Phyllis Friesen The Christmas Carol Festival took place on December 7, 2025 at Temple Baptist Church in Swan River. The afternoon featured a variety of musical selections from community groups and individuals. It was a great way to start the Christmas Season.

Submitted by Swan Valley Funeral Services Ltd. Our 28th Annual Angels Among Us service was held on December 3, 2025, it was very well attended this year. The evening consisted of singing by the Swan Valley Mennonite Choir, a message by Reverend Kathy Highmoor, placing of carnations and presentations of mementos for families to take […]

Submitted by: Swan River & District Community Resource Council Inc. – Service to Seniors Hello to all, 62 people attended the three days of Coffee and a Chat this November 2025. It was great to see you all again and meet the new people who came. Dave Forbes, the Birch River Fire Chief, gave us […]

Submitted by: Mandi Homeniuk The Benito School Craft Sale & Trade Show was a tremendous success! We welcomed over 25 vendors, all of whom were such a pleasure to work with. Our students were amazing—they sold popcorn by the bag, delivered lunch to the vendors at their tables, and even sold off the last of […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley The Durban Community Cemetery received a grant from the Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) to build a Cemetery Information Centre. This new facility will provide visitors with access to information about grave locations, and the cemetery’s history. By supporting this project, the CFSV is proud to help […]

Submitted by: Association for Community Living Swan River Sincere thanks to all the volunteers who contributed in so many ways to the success of our 44th Annual Calico Corners Craft & Bazaar Sale. Our thanks to all the numerous businesses and individuals who donated food and items towards our Silent Auction. We would like to […]

Submitted by: Swan River & District Community Resource Council Inc. – Service to Seniors Hello to all, 58 people attended the three days of Coffee and a Chat this month. It was great to see you all again and meet the new people who came. Donna Martin had a chat with us about the Community […]

Submitted by: Kari Goethe The Swan River Curling Club hosted a Come Try Curling night on Wednesday, November 5th, welcoming about 20 curlers of all ages to the ice. Participants had the chance to learn the basics, throw some rocks, and experience what makes curling such an enjoyable and social sport. A big thank-you goes […]

Submitted by: Diane Rooks | The Minitonas Christmas Market was held at the Minitonas Town Hall on November 1, 2025. It was a great day, with many people supporting our local vendors and picking up unique gifts and treats!

Submitted by: Swan Valley Outdoors Association The Swan Valley Outdoors Association held their 7th Annual Fundraising Banquet and Auction on Saturday, October 25, 2025 to a near sold out crowd. Upon entering the guests were guided to the raffle and auction tables where tickets could be purchased or bids were placed. As guests mingled, appetizers […]

Submitted by: Michelle Baudin The Birch River Legion is fall craft sale and lunch took place on October 25, 2025. The event featured many vendors with lots of delicious food! It was a great event for the Birch River Community!

A friendly reminder from ValleyBiz that Daylight Savings Time ends November 2, 2025 The official time to set your clocks back 1 hour is: 2:00 am Sunday, November 2, 2025 Set your clock to: 1:00 am Each year, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in […]

Submitted by Beverley Polon We hope that you took the opportunity to visit the Spooktober Halloween event on October 17 and 18, 2025 at the SV Historical Museum grounds. It was hosted by the North-West Regional Library and offered a Halloween experience for all ages. The Museum Main Hall provided many experiences for those choosing […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley Tread the Thunder Bike Club received a grant from the Community Foundation of Swan Valley to purchase a trail groomer. This new equipment will help maintain the extensive trail network at Thunderhill throughout the winter months, ensuring they remain accessible for snowshoeing, fat biking, cross-country skiing, and winter […]

Submitted Story | Swan River hosted another medical student Rural Interest Group (RIG) weekend on October 3-5, 2025 for 26 first and second-year medical students. Students were exposed to ‘hands on stations’ such as casting and suturing with physician preceptors from Swan River and Brandon. The preceptors provided many opportunities for the students to ask […]

Submitted by: Swan River & District Community Resource Council Inc. – Service to Seniors Hello to all, 88 people attended the three days of Coffee and a Chat this month. It was great to see you all again and meet the new people who came. Donna Martin had a chat with us about the Community […]

Submitted by Jayne Leadbeater: Beginning Day for some dedicated musicians, who are members of the Swan Valley Community Band, occurred this past 17 September 2025. There was some excitement this September with new members choosing to join us. To the delight everyone, 4 new people have expanded our numbers. Invitations to dust off instruments and […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley The Swan Valley Easy Lopers 4H Club received a grant for a portable washroom. This project enhances accessibility and comfort for all members. The Swan Valley Community Foundation is happy to support a project that promotes inclusion, supports youth development, and improves the overall experience for participants and […]

Submitted by: Swan River & District Community Resource Council Inc. – Service to Seniors Hello to all, we are happy to be back with Coffee and a Chat, I know it was a beautiful summer day and people are still wanting to be outdoors, thank you to all who took the time to attend. We […]

On Sunday August 24, 2025 the Museum welcomed adults and children alike with free admission to our beautiful grounds and a perfect day filled with things to see and do. In addition to regular displays on display in the main building and pioneer village, the day also included live demonstrations of heritage skills and machines. […]

Submitted by: Prairie Mountain Health Physician recruitment efforts continue within Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region. Collaborating with the Province, Shared Health and community partners, PMH continues to strategically enhance access to physician and primary care services within the Region. One of the initiatives the region utilizes as part of overall physician recruitment strategies includes the […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley The Swan River Valley Agricultural Society received a grant for a wheelchair ramp. The Community Foundation of Swan Valley is proud to support a project that enhances accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring everyone in our community can participate in local events and enjoy shared spaces. The Community Foundation of […]

Submitted by Prairie Mountain Health| It’s summertime, and for some eager students, early exposure to health care careers can be a valuable experience that influences their future decisions. Discover Health Careers Manitoba (formerly the ‘Home for the Summer’ program) offers term positions to students within the health region to provide a ‘hands-on’ experience in clinical, […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley The Benito & District Recreation Centre Inc. received a grant for kitchen and hall upgrades. This area is used by Valley residents hosting family gatherings, community events, and other special occasions. The upgraded amenities have created a more functional, welcoming environment that will benefit the community for years […]

ValleyBiz Story | A large number of vintage vehicles made an appearance at the Chamber of Commerce parade held on Friday, July 25, 2025 as part of the kickoff to the 2025 Northwest Roundup and Exhibition. Below is a gallery of entries in all their former glory. Click any picture for a larger version.

ValleyBiz Story | There was something for everyone at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition hosted by the Swan River Valley Agricultural Society on July 24-27, 2025. From the parade on Friday morning, fair rides, local exhibits, horse shows, the Down on the Farm petting zoo and great local food booths, there was an abundance of […]

ValleyBiz Story | On the morning of Friday July 25, 2025 rodeo weekend in Swan River kicked off with one of the largest parades in recent years. The theme of this year’s parade was “Canada: True North Strong and Free” and was fittingly led by the RCMP, Swan River Legion and Swan River Canadian Rangers […]

Submitted by Debbie Soloway. Welcome to Renwer, a quaint little town with four street lights and a population of under a dozen. Here you will find one of the last still standing old one room country schools called Fisher’s Siding. Brian Lewicki owns the property and gets the yard site prepped for the picnic day, […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Monday July 21, 2025, the Ladies Golf Club hosted their Annual Garden Walk, featuring the private gardens of community members. From expansive, perfectly manicured lawns, to water features and cozy garden sitting areas, each garden had it’s own special charm. Each detail reflected the love and care that went into the […]

Submitted by: Swan River & District Community Resource Council Inc. We are happy that 65 people took home some knowledge of this weeks Chat’s, Benito Drop in Centre and the Swan River Senior Citizen Center. They were held June25th and 26th, 2025, and all started at 10 am. Benito hosted Craig Larson with an entertaining […]

Town of Swan River Media Release | On June 19, 2025, Deputy Mayor David Moriaux proudly announced two new streets, Glen McKenzie Bay and Dick Walker Trail, to celebrate two remarkable men whose dedication and service helped shape our community. Moriaux presented these street signs to Glen McKenzie and Bob Walker, in honour of his […]

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2025 Swan Valley Regional Secondary School June 20, 2025 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 2025 Adetola, Ayooluwa Judah Baskier, Arden […]

Submitted by: Gloria Stesenko The Benito Annual Community Garage and Sidewalk Sale was held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 with a huge amount of bargain hunters and shoppers in for the day. The community was full of activity as 38 plus sites set up their tables and displays. Businesses where very active with special sales […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley | On April 20, 2025, the Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their 6th Annual Spring Grant presentation and information night at the Swan Valley Museum Hall. The audience was greeted with a special guest performance by talented local vocalists Harper Dahl, and Terri Boyd. Over $89,000 […]

Pictured above: Cindy Ghostkeeper-Whitehead from James Smith Reserve in SK. All those who were able to attend the Jamboree were blessed. The crowd was smaller than usual, but we heard some reports of people not being able to attend because of the smoke. Maybe this also kept others away that we have not heard of. […]

Submitted by: Glenda Foster | The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39 hosted a supper for Fire Evacuees and Host families on June 6, 2025. We had an overwhelming response to our supper and fed approximately 260! We would like to recognize and thank the following sponsors of our event – we cannot thank our community […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley Swan Valley Youth Soccer received a grant for portable team bench shelters. This project helps to keep the youth out of the elements (rain or shine) and gives them a safe space to store belongings. The Community Foundation of Swan Valley is happy to support youth recreation in […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater On Wednesday, the 14 May 2025, the SVRSS CAFETERIA had an audience of almost 100 people enjoying the performances of the Swan Valley Community Band and guests, the Swan Valley School Division’s Tour Band. This group is comprised of Grade 8-12 Band students from ESRSS, SVRSS, and Minitonas School. Because our […]

Submitted by: Gloria Stesenko The Mother’s Day Quilt Show and Garden Tea held in Benito on May 10, 2025 was a huge success. People’s choice award for an entered quilt was sponsored by the Empty Bobbin: Quilt and Fabric Shop. The first prize winner was Joan Mohr and Second prize winner was Sonja Frampton. Thank […]