Submitted Story | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their third annual Cultural Gala on November 10, 2017 at the Veterans Hall in Swan River. The sold-out event was once again an evening to remember. As guests walked in the door they were surrounded by elegance in a room richly decorated in red […]

ValleyBiz Story | On November 11, 2017 a small crowd gathered at the cenotaph in Swan River as wreaths were laid in honor of the fallen. Following the laying of wreaths, a Remembrance Day service was held at the Veteran’s Community Hall in Swan River. “We are gathered today to remind ourselves again, that there […]

ValleyBiz Story | They were young, as we are young, they served, giving freely of themselves. To them we pledge, amid the winds of time, to carry their torch and never forget. We will remember them. On November 8, 2017 about 180 grade 5 and 6 students heard these words as they gathered to place […]

Submitted by: Brenda Fisher | Our 38th Annual Calico Corners Craft Sale held on November 3, 2017 was a huge success. The wintery weather definitely got everyone into the festive shopping mood. There was a large variety of crafters displaying their wares for the browsing public. Shoppers could then enjoy a delicious warm bowl of […]

Submitted by: Al Berkan |The 55th Annual Rotary Radio Auction was held on November 2, 2017. The bell rang 140 times as individuals got the item they were hoping to acquire. These items donated by local businesses resulted in us raising over $13,000 to be used to support local Rotary projects. The main projects this […]

Submitted by: Barb Lewis | Dispute the snowy weather, the Swan Valley Air Cadets Squadron #519 had a good turn out for the garage sale on November 4th, 2017! We want to thank everyone who donated and who shopped, ate chili and drank coffee!! The cadets also sold poppies at various sites throughout Swan River […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway | On Saturday October 28th, 2017 the Pine River Community Centre opened the doors to celebrated Canada’s 150th birthday with just under 50 people in attendance. The centre was decorated in Canadian pride with red and white balloons decaled with maple leaves and Canadian flags. The balloons were placed in vases […]

The following information is provided in response to an editorial on CJ104 Radio where Bill Gade criticizes a news website in the Valley. While his incomplete accusations did not include the name of the website, we thought we would clarify our readership numbers to remove confusion. ValleyBiz Main Page October 2017 Averages 34,000 pageviews per […]

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | On Saturday, October 28, 2017 the Birch River Senior Group held their annual craft sale. Over 20 tables of crafts, baking, sewing, knitting, local frames, pictures available for sale. Thank you to everyone that came out. Lots of Chili and visiting was enjoyed by all. A BIG Thank You to […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley School Division (SVSD) is facing some difficult challenges. Citing declining divisional enrollment, schools operating under capacity and a reduction in provincial funding, the school board has indicated significant changes will be necessary to improve the “possibility of long term viability of the SVSD”. “We feel as a board that […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | We hope you had a chance to visit the Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) Spooktober- Fest Haunted House! It was a smashing event which offered a Halloween experience for all ages. There were over 1640 visitors, who attended Spooktober-Fest at the SV Historical Museum over the three days of […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan River Valley Agricultural Society (SRVAS) invited representatives from various community groups and organizations for a “Community Conversation” to help determine the desired future for the Ag Society. About 40 people attended the planning session on October 26, 2017. Liz Roberts, President of Liz Roberts & Associates, a consulting firm out […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The 5th Annual Benito Fireman’s Steak Supper was a great success as the Fireman served and fed close to 300 hungry supporters. Neighboring communities with volunteer services were also in attendance to show their support and appreciation of the work these men and women do. Over and above the ticket […]

Submitted by: Susan Ross | Pictures by Jennifer Simpson | On Friday October 27, 2017 Swan Valley Band Booster held a new and exciting fundraiser. A paint night with local artist Suzanne May was held at the SVRSS cafeteria. In just 2½ hours participants received step by step instruction to complete a beautiful fall themed […]

To our family, friends and community members, You have truly touched our hearts with your love and friendship. Special thanks to Colinda, Corina, Crystal and Darlene for organizing such a wonderful fundraising supper Saturday, October 21, 2017. Special thanks to Lee Graff, Tripp Family, Murley Family, Emerson Family, Lana Sagert, Louisiana Pacific, Minitonas Community Store, […]

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun | Big thank you to the community for coming out and supporting the Ladies Auxiliaries Fall Tea and Bake Sale at the Benito Legion hall. We hoped all who came enjoyed the warm homemade biscuits and muffins!

Submitted by: Jason Delaurier | On the Morning of Saturday, October 21, 2017 the party faithful from the Swan River constituency gathered at the Elks Hall in Swan River for their 2017 Brunch and AGM. The attendees were entertained by local fiddling talent Brittney Moore and guitarist Ken Thompson. After a brunch of eggs, bacon, […]

Submitted Story | Minitonas Knox United Church held their fall tea on October 21, 2017. Our youngest helper cheerfully revealed the winner of each of the silent auction items. Guests were treated to pie and coffee or tea and many visitors took home some yummy treats from the bake table. The young servers kept the […]

Submitted by: Patty Gattinger |The Swan Valley Outdoors Association Inc. held their 1st Annual Banquet and Auction on Saturday, October 21, 2017 to a soldout crowd. Envirothon students mingled throughout the crowd serving appetizers as the attendees checked out the auction items for purchase. Numerous raffles were on display as well for everyone to participate […]

Submitted by: Mike Hobson | The Swan River Golf and Country Club held their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, October 18, 2017. The meeting went very well and there was lots of positive feedback which was great to hear. Overall the year was a success as we have improved in most revenue streams. The pro […]

Submitted by: David Ogram | On the evening of Monday, October 16, 2017 seventeen people were present at the first of 4 vegetarian cooking classes being held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Guest Speaker was Glenda Nischuk, a Registered Nutritional Consultant Practitioner, who operates a business in Yorkton called Better Living Nutrition at the […]

Submitted by: Glenda Foster | The Flea Market and lunch hosted by the Birch River Royal Canadian Legion on September 30, 2017 was enjoyed by the community and many treasures were shared!

Submitted by: Crystal Nepinak | On behalf of the Leason family, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone for all the love and support provided through Taryn’s Hope for Sight Fundraiser on October 14, 2017. After expenses, we were able to contribute $5,622 to the Medical Trust Fund. We had a great […]

Media Release | Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River, announced October 18, 2017 that the Manitoba government is investing in important infrastructure in the Swan River constituency. Through the Municipal Road Improvement Program, the Progressive Conservative government is providing $60,000.00 for municipal road improvements in the Rural Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman for road rehab on #147N. […]

Submitted Story | ValleyBiz Picture | Swan Valley Co-op put out the call and the community answered. As part of Fuel Good Day on Sept. 19, 2017, 7 cents from every litre of fuel purchased at Swan Valley Co-op Gas Bars were donated to the Swan Valley Splash Park. At the end of the day, […]

Submitted by: Bob Lewis | For the past bunch of years many people of the churches of Swan River and area have gathered together to worship God. We did again. The Swan River Community Church Service took place at the Veterans Community Hall on October 15, 2017. We are thankful for the voices and music […]

Submitted by: Tanya Powell | The Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre Craft and Small Business Sale held on October 14, 2017 was a great success. The sale was attended by over 300 eager shoppers. There were over 35 tables of goods displayed and many new crafts to choose from.

Submitted by: David Ogram | On the evening of Thursday, October 12, 2017 a small group of people attended a video presentation/discussion called “Hurricanes, Earthquakes and a Soon Coming Rapture?” at the Swan River Library. The presentation compared the recent hurricanes, earthquakes and other world disasters to a prediction made by Jesus when He was […]

Pictured above: CMHA Regional Director, Marv Fried holds a picture of local missing woman Lorlene Bone Brass ValleyBiz Story | Over 60 people from the Swan Valley area attended a luncheon at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre (ECFC) on October 4, 2017 to honour lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. “Lord, hear […]

Submitted by: Al Berkan | Lumber River Quartet from Lumberton, N.C. USA presented a concert at Temple Baptist Church in Swan River on October 8, 2017. Considering it was thanksgiving weekend, there was a good number of people out that enjoyed good southern gospel music. Their gospel songs they sang were reflective of their goal […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Swan Valley Hoedowners square dance club have swung into a new season of dancing with two special dances. The club welcomed new dancers on September 27 and October 11, 2017 at the Swan River Senior Centre. New dancers enjoyed these two free dances in order to experience the fun […]

Pictured above Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba Click for a larger version. ValleyBiz Story | Swan Valley RISE (RISE) and the Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce, along with Travel Manitoba hosted a Tourism Planning Session on October 4, 2017 during which Travel Manitoba and RISE presented their strategic tourism plans. Travel Manitoba […]

ValleyBiz Story | Special Thanksgiving greetings to all of our readers and thank you to everyone who helps make ValleyBiz a positive part of our community. We express our sincere appreciation for your confidence and loyalty. Thank You to our Contributors. Thank you for letting us share your stories and community events. Your stories are […]

Submitted by: Mark Matejka | Pictures by ValleyBiz The Swan Valley Band Directors once again joined forces to hold the SVSD’s annual Beginner Band Workshop on Sept. 29-30, 2017. This opportunity is annually offered at no cost to parents and students, thanks to the Swan Valley Band Booster Parents’ fundraising. There were about 39 beginning […]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | On Oct 1st, 2017 Durban Community had their fall supper starting at 4:30 and ending at 6:30, a busy time serving over 300 hungry patrons. Everyone helped themselves to breaded chicken breast, meat balls, cabbage rolls, and of course perogies, and with all the other complements, plus angel food cake […]

Submitted by: Terri Fahrenschon | The Kinsmen Nursery School fundraising event held on September 30, 2017 was a great success! Several community members came out to enjoy the BBQ, home based business show and Ford Drive 4UR School event.

Submitted by: Joyce Trevellyan | Royal Purple Elks Lodge #185 hosted about 30 guests to the grand opening of the Bocce Ball Courts on Thursday, September 28, 2017 in Legion Park. Special Olympics Coach Bev Lumax explained the goals & rules of Bocce play. Members of the Swan River “Fireballs” team did a demonstration. One […]

Submitted by: Lynda Leslie, Tent Town Garden Club (TTG Club) | With additional pictures by ValleyBiz Our goal was to have our Canada 150 Circle of Friends cement pad, sidewalk and sign installed before the snow and it is completed and beautiful! The existing material was removed, the cement forms were installed, and the next […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley | Last year the Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) Cultural Gala wowed guests with stunning decorations, fantastic food, superb service and spectacular entertainment. Above: 2016 Community Foundation Cultural Gala Planning for this year’s must attend event began last fall and it promises to be another night to […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik | The Cowan population exploded on Sunday, September 24, 2017 as a crowd of people formed in and around the Cowan Community Centre in hopes of tasting some of the delicious items that the Cowan Ladies have been preparing. At approximately 5:00 pm, the Fall Supper buffet table was opened with […]

News Release | On September 29, 2017, Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River announced funding for renovations to Swan River Friendship Centre Housing in the Town of Swan River. MLA Wowchuk was joined by board members from the Swan River Friendship Centre (SRFC) Housing Corporation to deliver the announcement. SRFC Housing is receiving $336,000.00 in […]

Submitted picture: (l to r) Dr. Baher Gendy, Dr. Serena Nelko, Dr. Stephanie Butterworth, Deb Schulz, NP ValleyBiz Story | Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) recently announced that three new physicians from the Northern/Remote Residency Program and a nurse practitioner have been recruited to practice at the Swan Valley Primary Care Centre (SVPCC). Dr. Stephanie Butterworth […]

Submitted by: Erin Brown | Swan River is pleased to be hosting the 2018 Canadian Mixed Curling Championship. The curling takes place November 12 – 18, 2017, and will have 14 teams from across Canada join us here in Swan River for a great event! And everyone knows, you can’t host a national mixed curling […]

Submitted by: Henry Barkowski | Approximately 35 people attended an Open House on September 2, 2017 at the Pioneer Lodge in Minitonas. The purpose of the event was to inform seniors living in Minitonas of services, supports and opportunities available to them. Pictured above: (left-right) Marlene Lasuik, Carroll Henderson, June Hart, Ida Theodore, Pat Foster, […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | On September 20, 2017 the Swan Valley Community Band had their 24th Beginning Day with new members joining the group. SVRSS Band Room is our venue for rehearsals, with performances either in the MPR or Cafeteria. Having just finished 23 years, the Band is anticipating another successful year of activity […]

Media Release | Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River, today announced that the Manitoba government is investing in important infrastructure in the Swan River constituency. Through the Municipal Road Improvement Program, the Progressive Conservative government is providing $40,000.00 for municipal road improvements in the Rural Municipality of Mountain for road rebuild on #145W, #189N AND […]

Submitted Story | For the first time ever, the Tigers have claimed the MHSAA provincial golf title and will have a banner to hang in the SVRSS gymnasium. The Tigers Girls foursome travelled to the Gilbert Plains Country Club on Friday, September 22, 2017 after earning the zone crown the previous week. They would face […]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin | SVAPL enjoyed a very successful and sold out banquet on September 23, 2017. Everyone had a great time visiting before dinner and checking out the items on the auction tables. Click any picture for a larger version. Dinner was a delicious meal catered by Verneece Eggie and her crew. Nobody […]

ValleyBiz Story | A situation unfolded in Swan River this morning, with multiple RCMP Officers approaching FAS Gas with guns drawn. It appears one individual was taken into custody. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Submitted photos and video. Click for a larger version. Update: Swan River RCMP Make Arrest During Robbery […]

Submitted by: Gloria Kutynec | The Swan River Valley Health Auxiliary held a “Ladies Nite Out” on September 18, 2017. The room in the Westwood Inn looked inviting with candles and fall leaves and berries. Click any picture for a larger version. Gayle Dunnett, president of the Swan River Valley Health Auxiliary, welcomed everyone to […]