Government of Manitoba Media Release | The Manitoba government has appointed new boards for the five provincial regional health authorities to guide the provision of health-care services across the province, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today. “Regional health authority boards are responsible for the resources and performance of the health-care system, […]

Submitted by: Cramer Coulthart | The Valley Axemen got off to a roaring start in their first season in the North Central Hockey League this weekend. Squaring off against the Foxwarren Falcons, the Axemen trailed early but led by the Riddell boys stormed back to a 5-3 win. It was a physical game Friday night […]

Submitted by: Corey Hurren | The annual Bowsman Community Halloween Party was put on by the Bowsman Lions Club at the Bowsman Legion Hall on Halloween night. Click any picture for a larger version. There were prizes for costumes, a pumpkin carving contest, and door prizes as well as drinks, hot dogs, and treats. The […]

Submitted Story | The Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman held a logo contest this summer and a few submissions were received. Council reviewed all submissions and while there were some good entries, the one that appealed to Council the most was submitted by the Tent Town Garden Club. Pictured above: Reeve Clint Eisner with Tent Town Garden […]

A friendly reminder from ValleyBiz that Daylight Savings Time ends November 6, 2015 The official time to set your clocks back 1 hour is: 2:00 am Sunday, November 6, 2015 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: Jacee Zbirun | The Benito Ladies Auxiliary would like to thank everyone who came out to support their first annual Fall Craft Sale. Hope to see everyone next year! Click any picture for a larger version.

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | The annual craft sale held by the Birch River Northern Neighbors was again a success. 20 plus tables with all kinds of goodies to choose from. Click any picture for a larger version. Once you were done looking at all the baking, knitting, jams, jellies and endless crafts that all […]

Swan Valley School Division Announcement | We are pleased to announce that Mr. Mark Simpson has been appointed to the position of Principal of both the Minitonas Early Years School and the Minitonas Middle School effective January 9th, 2017. Mark has been a valued member of our Division since 2001. He has been a teacher […]

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. Click any picture for a larger version. There were over 1,450 visitors, who attended Spooktober-Fest at the John […]

Submitted by: Rob Ter Horst | On Oct. 23rd, 2016 Temple Baptist Church hosted Potter’s Clay, a Male Quartet that sings Traditional Gospel Music. There were approx. 175 people in attendance. Thank you to all who attended, it was an encouraging evening of uplifting music.

Submitted by: Patty Gattinger | The Swan Valley Ducks Unlimited Committee held their 35th Annual Banquet and Auction this past Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the War Veterans Community Hall. Click any picture for a larger version. The gathering of 160 people were welcomed into the hall by being served lovely appetizers as they viewed […]

Submitted by: Tanya Powell | The Friendship Centre craft sale held on Saturday, October 22, 2016 was a huge success with close to 300 people stopping in to take a look. Click any picture for a larger version. There were over 35 tables and lots of great Xmas ideas and food samples on hand. Don’t […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley | Building on the success of last year’s event, the Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) is gearing up to host their second annual Cultural Gala on November 18, 2016. Valley residents are once again invited to attend a formal evening of delicious food served during a showcase […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Friday, October 11, 2016 Finance Minister Cameron Friesen was in Swan River to host a public, pre-budget consultation from 5pm to 7pm at the Westwood Inn. Local MLA Rick Wowchuk acted as the moderator for the evening. Click any picture for a larger version. Pre-consultation meetings are taking place in several […]

Submitted by: Jackie Mayuk | More than one hundred people have stood up to show their support in fighting hunger in the Swan Valley, by attending Formo Motors’ third annual We Scare Hunger barbecue. Click any picture for a larger version. In partnership with global charitable organization WE, with generous support from Y Not Johnny’s, […]

Submitted by: Gloria Kutynec | Another successful Ladies Nite Out was held on Oct 17, 2016 at the Westwood Inn. The evening opened with President of the Swan River Valley Health auxiliary, Gayle Dunnett welcoming all the ladies in attendance, then the Auxiliary Prayer was recited, as it is at the beginning of every Auxiliary […]

Submitted by: Kay Markle 51 seniors attended the Mature Driver Workshop hosted by Services to Seniors at the Anglican Church on Monday night (Oct 17, 2016). Click the picture for a larger version. Guy Jeanson, from Mb Safety Services, led a very full and informative session designed to help seniors keep driving confidently and safely.

Submitted by: Bert Sutherland | During the month of September, Redline Chrysler donated $50 from every new or used vehicle sale to the Bowsman Lions Club Medical Initiative, and wrapped up the fundraiser with a barbecue on September 30, 2016. Click picture for a larger version. Pictured above are Tasha & Greg Ashauer, the owners […]

Submitted by: Rev Dr. Jenny Sprong on behalf of the SVMA The Swan Valley Ministerial Association organizes an Annual Community Service for the Swan River Churches. This year, the service once again took place on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Click any picture for a larger version. The service was held on October, 16th at 10:00am […]

Submitted by: Brenna Minish-Kichuk | The Sunflower Early Learning Centre in Minitonas held it’s grand opening on Tuesday, October 4, 2016. It was great to have some kids there using the new facilities. Click any picture for a larger version. We would like to say a special thank you to our director, Robyn Jacobs, our […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Swan Valley Hoedowners square dance club started their season off on October 5 and 12, 2016 with a great opportunity for new dancers to come and experience what square dancing is all about. Click any picture for a larger version. On October 5, caller Linda Gilchrist led the dancers […]

Submitted by: Christopher Thompson | On October 4th and 5th, 2016, Manitoba Foster Family Network hosted a conference at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre for local foster parents, children in care, local community agencies, such as Child & Family Services, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Addiction Foundation of Manitoba (AFM) as well as Manitoba Foster […]

Submitted by: Shannon Reynolds | An Evening in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women took place in Swan River on October 4, 2016. The event was well attended by over 100 guests. Click any picture for a larger version. In attendance were community social services providers and family who’s loved ones are among the […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) has announced that their annual holiday shopping event will be a Black Friday Weekend Sale and will take place Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26, 2016. While the retail sales event will no longer be called Midnight Madness, Swan Valley bargain hunters can still […]

Submitted by: Bert Sutherland | It was a beautiful, warm and sunny day for the Redline Fundraiser BBQ on September 30, 2015. The BBQ went over very well with Lion’s members did all the cooking as approximately 100 people came for lunch. Click any picture for a larger version. Redline donated the proceeds from the […]

Submitted by: Rob Ter Horst There were approx. 60 people that participated in the Couples Night Out on September 27, 2016 with comedian Steve Geyer on Tuesday night. The event was hosted in partnership with World Vision. There were many laughs throughout the evening as well as helpful insights on building better communication within your […]

Submitted by: Kimberly Evans | Canada Purple Shield & Paull Funeral Home hosted an event on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at The Westwood Inn in Swan River. Click picture for a larger version. Along with a complimentary breakfast, guests were given information on how pre-planning their funeral can reduce stress for their families, save money […]

ValleyBiz Story | Curling Canada has announced that Canada’s best four-player mixed curling teams will be headed to the Swan Valley in Manitoba for the 2018 Canadian Mixed Curling Championship. Photo Source: swanrivercurling.ca The Championship will be played at the Swan River Curling Club, Nov. 12-18, 2017 with the winner advancing to the 2018 World […]

Submitted by: Jason Delaurier | On Saturday Oct 1, 2016 the board Swan River Progressive Conservative Constituency Association was busy cooking up delicious pancakes and sausages for about 80 people from around the constituency. Click any picture for a larger version After starting off the day with a delicious breakfast, the Annual General Meeting of […]

ValleyBiz Story | Tread the Thunder Bike Club (TTT) hosted “Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day*” at Thunder Hill on October 1,2016. It was a great way to spend a fall day, get some exercise and enjoy the gorgeous colors from the top of the Valley. Click any picture for a larger version. The day […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik | Sunday, September 25, 2016, brought a crowd of people to Cowan – all with the intention of tasting some of the delicious items that the Cowan Ladies have been preparing. Photos: Rita Cryderman Click any picture for a larger version. It was a nice fall day that followed some unwelcomed […]

Submitted by: Corey Hurren | The Bowsman and District Lions Club held our 13th Annual Bowsman Bull-A-Rama Rough Stock Rodeo on Saturday, October 1st, 2016 and this medical equipment fundraiser was another huge success. Pictures by Corey Hurren and ValleyBiz.ca Click any picture for a larger version. It was a beautiful fall day when things […]

Submitted by: Jacee Zbirun | The CNIB Tea and Bake sale was a cozy place to go on a rainy Saturday afternoon in Benito. Delicious desserts and great company made this a worth while community event a success! Click any picture for a larger version. Winners of the hampers were Mary Harness and Linda McCrea. […]

Submitted by: Holly Urban and Sherry Markle | Once again, the SVAPL banquet was completely sold out. It is always nice to see the community coming out to support a great cause. Click any picture for a larger version. Murray Wenstob was invited to give the blessing before the meal commenced. The crowd enjoyed a […]

Submitted by: Jan Fawcett | On Saturday September 24, 2016 the Bowsman United Church Quilt Group led a workshop “A Trip around the Quilt” at the Bowsman Legion Hall. Click the picture for a larger version. Sessions led by Group members provided an overview of the process of making a quilt from choosing fabric, cutting […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | On Wednesday, 21 Sept 2016, Swan Valley Community Band launched their 23rd year of existence with Beginning Day, at the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School Band Room. Click picture for a larger version. At this time, new members are welcomed into our midst, new music is handed out, and returning […]

ValleyBiz Story | Although the day started out damp and dreary, about 60 dedicated participants and volunteers gathered to take part in the Terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 18, 2016. Just as the walk began, the rain cleared for most of the duration. Click any picture for a larger version. The total amount raised […]

ValleyBiz Story | In the short-term, a change has been made for those wishing to visit at Swan Valley Health Centre during regular visiting hours. Visitors are asked to check in with the reception desk during regular visiting hours (2- 8 p.m.) A spokesperson at health has provided the following statement, “Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) […]

Submitted by: Falon Cooke | We had a beautiful day and a great turn out with many people coming to take test drives. A big thank you to Buick and their team for their organization and enthusiasm during the event. Click any picture for a larger version. Thank you to the parents and teachers who […]

Submitted by: Rev Kevin Sprong | The first harvest and flower festival held at the United Church in Swan River delighted visitors on September 9 through 11, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. Flower festivals are common in the United Kingdom but something new to the Valley, so when Rev. Dr. Jenny Sprong […]

Submitted by: June McKenzie | “She”nanigans was the theme on September 13, 2016 for the last event nite for Tuesday nite gals golf. Each golfer could only chose 3 clubs to golf with which made for some “awesome” shots. Click any picture for a larger version. Everyone enjoyed the evening which included a delicous rib […]

Submitted by: Carla Dixon, ACL Swan River A Proclamation was issued by Scott Fielding, Minister of Families declaring the week of September 11 – 17, 2016 “Direct Support Professional Recognition Week” in Manitoba. ACL Swan River employs 54 Direct Support Professionals who provide support to adults living with an intellectual disability in our community. Direct […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik | The annual Cowan Trail Celebration once again occurred on the fourth Saturday of August, being August 27, 2016 this year. Pictures submitted by: Rose Kovachik and Rita Cryderman What is Cowan Trail? – many people have asked. Well it is an event that was started some 18 years ago by […]

Submitted by: Michelle Buck | The Blue Sky Arena wrapped up their season this past weekend with a trail ride on Saturday, September 10, 2016 and a team cattle penning jackpot on Sunday, September 11, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. Pictures by Carmi Hrabarchuk an Michelle Buck Saturday’s ride started and ended […]

Submitted by: Teresa McKay | The annual Tent Town Garden Fruit Festival was held Saturday, September 10th, 2016 at the Minitonas Town Hall. Many enjoyed pie and coffee with a variety of baking, vegetables, preserves and flowers for sale. Click any picture for a larger version. Door prizes and a chance auction also brought some […]

Submitted by: Carol Silverthorn | The Bowsman Community Skating Arena and the Bowsman Community Curling Club would like to thank everyone who came out to The Chase the Ace on Friday night, September 2, 2016, to help us celebrate our one year of hosting this event. Click any picture for a larger version. To date […]

ValleyBiz Story | Aspire Dental Centre held their grand re-opening on August 25, 2016. Mayor Glen McKenzie cut the ribbon for the new facility along with owner Dr. Gurinder Kler, former owner Dr. Siggi Sigurdson, many staff members and several town councillors. Click any picture for a larger version. Aspire Dental Centre is the new […]

Submitted by: June McKenzie | The Ultimate Challenge on August 16 was a huge success. If you wanted to combine golf and construction, this was your chance. Greens may have had pylons, hoses, or toilet seats. Now that was a challenge!! Click any picture for a larger version. After the golf, the ladies enjoyed a […]

Submitted Story | Prairie Mountain Health and the Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit (PFMRU) congratulates Dr. Tyler Burnside of Swan River, Manitoba for being recognized amongst his peers with a national resident leadership award. Dr. Burnside, Chief Resident for the Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit for the 2015/2016 academic year, has been named as the […]

ValleyBiz Story | The sun peaked through the clouds and the pouring rain came to a stop shortly after 4:00 pm on Saturday August 13, 2016 allowing the outdoor Metis Day games and eventsto get underway at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre. Click any picture for a larger version. The obstacle course was a hit […]