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 […]

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, […]