Submitted by: Connie Beaudry | A total of $5,200.00 was given away in cash prizes at the 2018 Bellsite 39th Annual Poker Derby on February 25, 2018. An estimated 200 sleds attending with 209 registered drivers. Lisa Towers wins 10% of prize money($1,040.00) with 300 ghostriders (the most ghostriders prize). Honourable mention to Bert Sutherland […]

Pictured above: The final for the 1st event had the youngest team and the oldest team pitted against each other with Presley Sagert’s rink versus Joyce Trevellyn’s rink. Back row: Penny Stadnick, Emily Gillies, Presley Sagert, Eden Betcher Front row: June McKenzie, Joyce Trevellyn, Bryn Zamzow, Madison Sagert Submitted by: Deanna Martin |The 2018 Bowsman […]

ValleyBiz Story | Some of our users may have had trouble accessing ValleyBiz.ca beginning February 27, 2018. If you received a message that ValleyBiz has expired there is no need to panic. ValleyBiz has no plans of discontinuing service to the Swan Valley. The company we pay to host the ValleyBiz website had their internet […]

Submitted by: Craig Zamzow and Angela Mullin | Pictured Above, Pee Wee B Stampeders: Back Row – Brandon Grazier, Jett Cook, Liam McArthur, Jack Mullin, Henry Branconnier, Comrie Quill, Carter Addis, & Noah Weir Front Row: Crystal Zamzow, Mackenzie Lukey, James Parsons, McKenna Gray, Nolan Woodward On the weekend of Feb 24-25, 2018 the Pee […]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | Eight community centres across the province will receive more than $84,000 to purchase and install commercial-grade kitchen equipment to support local food entrepreneurs, announced Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler. “With this funding, our government is investing in the future of food innovation, product development and Manitoba’s entrepreneurial spirit,” said Eichler. […]

Media Release | Nine charities and organizations in southern Manitoba will be the beneficiaries of national accounting, tax and consulting firm MNP’s Reach Out – Pay it Forward program for the next year. Starting February 1, 2018 and running until January 2019, for every client referral provided to our southern Manitoba offices, MNP will reach […]

Pictured above: 1st in the 1st Event Winners sponsored by the J.A Lyons Memorial Trophy. Presenter Tom Lyons congratulates Skip Neil Watkins, Third Marty Anderson, Second Carter Watkins and Lead Karter Meyn Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Benito Recreation Complex was a busy place this past week. On February 13-18, 2018, the Complex hosted […]

Submitted by: St. Andrew’s United Church | The 7th Annual Loving Hearts Supper and Entertainment was held on February 10, 2018. The Veterans Hall was decked out in red decorations and many hearts! The entertainment was wonderful and they performed for a very appreciative crowd. The roast beef supper with all the trimmings as delicious! […]

Submitted by: Rachael Stober | The CBFCS Parent Advisory Council put on a Dessert Night/Duelling Pianos/Silent Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, February 10, 2018 and raised $2500 for a multi-sports pad project that will benefit the entire community of Swan River. Almost 100 people in attendance enjoyed fabulous desserts from our local Swan Valley Co-op […]

Swan Valley School Division Board Announcement February 14, 2018 | The Board conducted Community Meetings throughout the Valley sharing some of the challenges it faces over the next few years. During these Community Meetings, the Board solicited feedback from attendees and invited all Valley residents to participate in a survey to provide suggestions to the […]

Submitted by: Kim Lowes | We had an absolutely amazing day at our 2nd annual Swan River Sled for Eternity on February 10, 2018! We had 68 registered riders out on the trails and we were blown away by the faithfulness of our fundraisers with our final total coming in at close to $80,000 raised. […]

Submitted by: Lise Fraser | JV Girls Basketball Team travelled to the Yorkton Raiders Basketball Tournament this past weekend and posted an undefeated record. The Tigers’ first opponent of the tournament was the home team, Yorkton Raiders. Yorkton was big and fast, jumped out for an early lead and were ahead by 9 points at […]

Submitted by: Wade Kovachik | The Winter Blues Dance was held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the Cowan Community Centre. Pure Country (featuring Kenny Thompson and Brittney Moore) put on a good show by filling the Centre with music till approximately 1:30 am. Even though it was a chilly night, people came from near […]

Submitted Story | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) is pleased to announce a new Spring Granting Period. The initial Spring Grant Intake is now open and applications are being accepted from organizations who did not receive a grant during the Fall 2017 granting period. “We recognize that groups have spring and summer projects […]

Pictured above: Clinicians perform during the final Jazz concert. ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley School Division (SVSD) Band Council held their Sixth Annual SVSD Jazz Retreat and Improvisation Workshop on January 19 – 20, 2018. Students from across the Valley worked with esteemed music educator Graydon Cramer (drums) from Brandon, Kyle Wedlake (tenor saxophone) […]

Town of Swan River Public Notice February 2, 2018 6:16 pm | This issue only affects Town residents and businesses. Issue Update: The well specialists have flushed and inspected the well cribbing of well #2. They have confirmed that the cribbing is compromised above the pump level. We cannot put a new pump in the […]

Town of Swan River Public Notice February 1, 2018 9:00 pm | This issue only affects Town residents and businesses. Issue Update: The well specialist company has successfully removed the pumps and related pipes from both failed wells. Work is now focused on flushing the wells and reinstalling a complete new pump and related hardware. […]

Submitted by: Jeff Hay | Bingo at the Elks Hall in Swan River will proceed as scheduled despite the ongoing water situation in the Town of Swan River. Doors open at 6:00 pm Thursday & Friday February 1 & 2, 2018 If any questions, or for more information, call the hall at 204-734-4879.

Town of Swan River Public Notice January 31, 2018 9:45 am | This issue only affects Town residents and businesses. Everyone is reminded and it cannot be stressed enough that the water emergency is NOT over. This situation is still very critical. While we are still able to produce small amounts of SAFE water, this […]

Submitted by: Patti Henkelman | A meeting was held on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at the Town of Swan River Committee Room for anyone interested in the future of trails in the area for skiing, biking, walking, snow shoeing etc. Approximately 25 people attended the meeting. An update was provided on the current situation for […]

Town of Swan River Public Notice January 30, 2018 9:30 am | Town This issue only affects Town residents and businesses. Issue Update: Work crews are making excellent progress in isolating the multiple issues at the wells and sending water to the water treatment plant. There has been significant progress in replenishing the reservoir with […]

Submitted by: Jo-Anne Saunders Education Director Notice: January 29, 2018 Swan River Adult Education (both sites) will be closed for the remainder of the week due to the water emergency. We will reopen on Monday, February 5, 2018

Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre Media Release January 29, 2018 | In order to conserve water and help in the community efforts to restore the water facilities in the Town of Swan River, the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre will be cancelling the following services and community events until at least Thursday February 1, 2018. Programs and […]

Town of Swan River Public Notice January 29, 2018 10:00 am | This issue only affects Town residents and businesses. Issue Update: The issue has been identified as multiple issues in multiple wells in providing water to the treatment plant. The current water level in the reservoir is critically low. At this time safe water […]

Swan Valley School Division Notification | Due to the Town of Swan River local state of emergency affecting the water and sewer system, schools in Swan River will be closed Monday January 28, 2018 and SVRSS Exams will be postponed. All other community schools will run as normal. For further updates please refer the SVSD […]

Submitted by: Jo-Anne Saunders Education Director Swan River Adult Education will be closed tomorrow (Monday, January 29, 2018) due to the State of Emergency declared by the Town of Swan River in regard to the Town water supply. UPDATE: Town of Swan River Sets Up Water Supply Station Town of Swan River Declares State of […]

ValleyBiz Story | The State of Emergency continues in the Town of Swan River (TSR) as they continue trying to identify the source of the problem that caused a reduction of pressure in the Town water system. The state of emergency was declared earlier this morning and the TSR has requested that residents conserve water. […]

Submitted by: Judy Kostyshyn | The Swan River NDP Constituency held their Annual General Meeting on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at the Ethelbert Senior Citizens Club. Socializing and registration began at 2:30 with the meeting starting at 3:00. Ron Kostyshyn, President, called the meeting to order, welcoming everyone and thanking all volunteers for their continued […]

ValleyBiz Story | Submitted photos | Ring of Fire Jalapeno Garlic Sausage (ROF) sales are on fire, with each batch selling out quickly, since the GrindHouse Fine Foods (GrindHouse) product hit store shelves in the Swan Valley in December 2017. The GrindHouse brand and ROF product are the creation of local entrepreneur, Corey Hurren. Hurren […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Three swimmers from the Special Olympics Parkland Region Tiger Sharks Swim Team had their 1st meet of the season at the Winter Waves Swim Meet in Winnipeg on November 25, 2017 and all did very well. (Pictured above: L-R) John Schabert won 4-1sts in the 25m, 50m + 100m freestyle […]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin | Swan Valley Animal Protection League held their AGM at the Northwest Regional Library on January 16, 2018. The meeting was attended by approximately 15 people, all very interested in the direction the group is taking. Val Bertram was present on behalf of Rick Wowchuk’s office. Val and Rick were keen […]

Submitted by: Dave Statkewich | The Ukrainian New Year’s Eve Supper and Dance on January 13, 2018 at the Benito Rec Centre dance was well attended despite the cold weather. Supper was preceded by some carols in English and Ukrainian. Grace was then offered by father Warren from Kamsack. We fed approximately 200 people for […]

Submitted by: Lise Fraser | Back Row: Erica Sembaluk-Hart, Lauren Klatt, Cheyenne Clemons, Adria Bateman, Ireland Staples, Brynlee Spencer, Brenna Schure, Coach Lise Fraser Front Row: Sydney Gilroy, Caitlyn Stewart, Sydney Fedorchuk, Bryn Zamzow, Josie Black The JV Girls Gr 10s Basketball Team travelled to Brandon early morning on Friday, January 12, 2018 to participate […]

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 $16,667.00 for Veterans Community Hall Upgrades. Wowchuk was joined by Robert Sopuck, […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk By Jakki Lumax This article is re-published with permission from the Swan Valley Star and Times The Parkland Special Olympics team is gearing up for an exciting year with six athletes having been chosen to represent Manitoba in two separate national events: the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Bowling Championships (SOCBC) in […]

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 […]

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: 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. […]

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 […]

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, […]

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: 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 […]