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 […]

Submitted by: Jan Fawcett | Members of the Royal Purple Elks Lodge #185 filled boxes of delicious goodies to fill orders received from the community. Proceeds from the 2017 sales will go to Phase 2 of the Bocce Ball Court in Legion Park – signage, benches & plantings. Thank you to everyone who supported our […]

Submitted by: June Jamieson | Celebrating Christ’s Birth Through Word & Song was the theme of the Hymn Sing at the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sunday, December 10, 2017. More than sixty people got together to sing carols and listen to the Christmas themed presentation by various musicians from through the Swan River Valley. We […]

Corey Grandfield with the SVRSS Varsity Hockey Team receiving a grant for hockey jerseys. Submitted Story | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their annual granting night on December 7, 2017. “We are here tonight to harvest the fruits of philanthropy in the Swan River Valley,” said CFSV Board Chair Lorne Henkelman. Since […]

Submitted Story | The Minitonas Knox United Church held their Ladies Christmas Program on Monday, December 4, 2017. The evening included some beautiful special music by Brenna Smith on violin. The short program told the wonderful sweet Christmas story featuring various candies and Christmas Carols throughout. First, there was the “Rocky Road” travelled by Mary […]

ValleyBiz Story | On December 9, 2017 the Municipality of Swan Valley West (SVW) held a ceremony at the Thunderhill Ski Club turn off to dedicate a Commemorative Road Sign in honour of the many contributions made by Mr. John Cotton, long time member and founder of the Thunderhill Ski Club and Thunderhill Ski Facility. […]

Submitted by: Angie Henkelman |The Swan Valley Peewee A Stampeders hockey team enjoyed spreading Christmas cheer to Swan River residents on Friday, December 8, 2017. The team sold Carol-grams (singing Christmas Carol telegrams) for $20. At departure on Friday, they had more than twenty bookings including stops at the Hospital and Lodge, Lions Manor, Westside […]

Submitted by: April Maxwell | The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association held its 54th annual Carol Festival on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Temple Baptist Church in Swan River. This concert takes place the first Sunday in December every year and is the only non-adjudicated festival that we organize. The program showcased a variety […]

Submitted by: Susan Hrycyk | Lenswood had a great turn out on Sunday, December 3, 2017 for their annual Santa Brunch. It was well attended once again. There were lots of pancakes, sausage, coffee and desserts. All the kids were excited to see Santa so they could tell them what they wanted for Christmas this […]

Submitted by: Edwin Crook | St. James Anglican Church held a well attended Christmas tea on December 3, 2017. Great weather, greater conversation and visiting and greatest sandwiches, dainties and beverages made for an enjoyable afternoon for one and all. There was also a bake table for those wanting to take home a treat.

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Swan River Dolyna Dancers put on a short and sweet presentation of what they’ve been working on so far this year. The evening was also a chance for our youngest dancers, the Sadochuk’s to get a taste of dancing in front of a crowd. These little ones are always […]

Submitted by: Blaine Campbell | On Saturday, December 2, 2017 Swan Valley Minor Hockey Association and the Swan Valley Jr. A. Stampeders teamed up to bring in the Montreal Canadiens Alumni team to play a group of local hockey players. Early indications are that approximately 675 fans came out to witness some ex-NHL players play […]

Pictured above: Bill Woytkiw and his son were 1st in line for Martha Verhoek’s peanut butter squares while Rose Chernenkoff dropped off her baking at the United Church table. Submitted by: Karen Gade | The balmy temperatures encouraged shoppers to attend one of the most successful Benito United Church Craft and Trade Show’s on Sat, […]

Submitted by: Karen Peters | A big thank you to the Swan Valley and area for their support of this year’s Ten Thousand Villages Christmas sale on November 16-18, 2017. Thank you to our volunteers Lena & Lorne Friesen, Karen Peters, Lowell & Jenny Friesen, Betty Warkentin, Doris Reimer, Dorren Miles, Nasseem Mousavi, Jake & […]

Manitoba PC Caucus Media Release | Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River, welcomes the announcement by the provincial Progressive Conservative government of an investment in the Community Mobilization intervention program that ensures at-risk individuals in Swan River can reduce contact with the law, establish healthy life goals and become successful members of society. “Our community […]

Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | On the weekend of Nov 24th-26, 2017 the Pee Wee B Stampeders travelled to the Wescana Inn Pee Wee tourney. Pictured above: Back Row: Coach Derrick Lukey, Coach Craig Zamzow, Liam McArthur; Middle Row: Nolan Woodward, Jack Mullin, Crystal Zamzow, Brandon Grazier, Carter Addis, Jett Cook, Coach Warren Gray; Front […]

Submitted by: Marty Thomas | Pictures by: Chris Yelinink va4sky | The Ham Radio Meeting held on November 18, 2017 at the Swan Lake Watershed Building was attended by 9 individuals. 3 hams and 3 that are thinking of getting into the hobby attended in Swan River and 3 called in on the teleconference from […]

Submitted by: Joyce Trevellyan, Swan River Royal Purple Elks Lodge # 185 | We are overwhelmed by the generous support the community has provided towards the construction of a bocce ball court. The Legion Park is the venue of this outdoor facility that can be enjoyed by community groups, family and individuals of any age […]

Submitted by: Susan Hrycyk | We had a great turn out for the Lenswood Harvest Wind-up dance on Saturday Nov. 18, 2017. We had approximately 160 people attend the social with ages ranging from a few months old to 70+ years old. It is always nice to see families come out and enjoy themselves, we […]

Submitted by: Jennifer Simpson | On Sunday, November 19, 2017, St. Andrew’s United Church held their annual fall supper. A new menu of ham, meatballs, perogies, cabbage rolls, beet leaf rolls and many other items were enjoyed by everyone who attended and the many who ordered their meal for delivery. The desserts were fabulous, with […]

Submitted by: Susan Ross | On Friday Nov. 17, 2017 Swan Valley Band Boosters held a Holiday Shoppe. This event featured 16 home business, baking and craft booths as well as a sweet shoppe concession stand. Shoppers had a chance to win door prizes and enter a basket raffle. Band booster used this evening to […]

Submitted Story | The Swan Valley Splash park recently received a donation from another generous Swan Valley business. Del Davy of Swan River Salvage is pictured above with Splash Park Board Member, Jaimie Walker. The donation will go toward the building of a splash park in Swan River. Planning To Make A Splash In The […]

Submitted by: Meghan Rose | The Benito Child Care Center board, staff and parents would like to thank all who attended our fundraiser supper and auction on Saturday, November 18, 2017. The generosity of local businesses was seen in the wide variety of auction items sold during the evening. Many local valley businesses also donated […]

Submitted by: Diane Rooks | It was a great day at the Minitonas Christmas Market on Saturday, November 18, 2017! Lots of people came out to shop and have lunch. Even Santa came to check out what was there and take some pictures with the kids.

Submitted by: Heather Nielsen, RISE Economic Development Officer | Swan Valley RISE, partnering with Swan Valley Sport Fish Enhancement, would like to announce the approval of the Partner 4 Growth grant for trail mapping. The project is budgeted for $24600 with $12200 coming from the province and $12400 being shared between Swan Valley RISE and […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway | It had been several years since the community centre hosted a fall supper, therefore the committee decided to hold a fall supper by selling advance tickets only. This allowed their small group of volunteers the ability to cater to a specific number of guests and prepare a predetermined amount of […]

ValleyBiz Story | The opening ceremonies for the 2018 Canadian Mixed Curling Championship presented by Westman Communications Group, were held at the Swan River Curling Club on Sunday, November 12, 2017. Lloyd Lawson from the 1979 Provincial Championship team from Swan River threw the first ceremonial rock along side team members Lorraine Goodman, Mary Todorchuk […]