Submitted by: Lise Fraser | The Swan Valley JV Girls Basketball Team played Virden on March 2, 2016 in Swan River for a berth at the AAA JV Girls Provincial Championship. The Tigers controlled the game from the beginning to the end, winning convincingly 44-25. Pictured above: JV Girls Team – Front Row: Julia Arp, […]

Submitted by: Dr. Leah Koetting Some of you may remember me as the resident doctor who worked with Dr. le Roux in the fall of 2014. Some of you know me now as your family doctor. Some of you think I look far too young to be doing this. Don’t worry! That will change with […]

Submitted by: Brenna Kichuk On March 4, 2016, the Minitonas Figure Skating Club hosted its annual carnival. The carnival was themed “On the Silver Screen”. Click any picture for a larger version. The evening contained many wonderful performances from approximately 25 skaters to songs from a variety of movies including The Minion Movie, Charlie and […]

Submitted by: Teri Martin | On March 2, 2016, the Swan Valley Lions Clubs were commended in a Manitoba Legislative Assembly Member’s Statement by Minister Rob Kostyshyn for their dedication, service and community leadership. Pictured above are: Minister Kostyshyn with Lions Wayne Markel, Alex Haluschak, Ken Sutherland, Bert Jones, Al Karton and Bert Jenner Click […]

Submitted by: Marni Zamzow | 12 teams from the Swan River and Bowsman Junior Curling Clubs competed in the Swan River Junior Bonspiel on March 6, 2016. The day was filled with great curling and sportsmanship! Click any picture for a larger version. Pictured Above: Group A winners were the Presley Sagert team defeating Team […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk The Benito Firemen’s Association hosted their Annual Fireman’s Supper. The event was held at the Benito Rec Centre on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016. Pictured above: Fire Chief William Woytkiw. He washes up the last of the dishes, and calls this years supper a success. Click on picture for a larger version. […]

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry | Bellsite’s 37th Annual Poker Derby took place on February 28, 2016. We had a fresh cover of snow to start the day. Prime winter temperatures gave us a near perfect day to be on the trail. Click any picture for a larger version. Good sponsorship from local businesses for donations, […]

Submitted by: Rachele Anderson | The Bowsman Ladies Curling Club held their annual bonspiel February 26-28th 2016 at the Bowsman Curling Rink. A total of 16 rinks entered the bonspiel. Click any picture for a larger version. Pictured above are the TD Canada Trust 1st Event Winners were Darlene Beck, Joanne Hart, Shelley Jersak and […]

Submitted by: Colin Baldwin | The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association held their 9th Annual Vintage Ride on Saturday, February 27, 2016. The day started out with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Bowsman and District Lions, which once again was a great success. Click any picture for a larger version. The vintage ride, even with […]

Submitted by: Mile Jones | On February 25, 2016 the Swan Valley School Division Middle Years School Valley Basketball championships were held at the SVRSS. The Minitonas Mustang girls team won the championship. Click picture for a larger version. Back (left to right): Madi Sagert, Alexa Stupak, Mr. Jones, Justyna Vandepoele, Ella Hart, Ellie Oakes, […]

Submitted by: Heather Neilsen | Swan Valley RISE in partnership with Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce and Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre, and also with a donation from the now inactive Swan Valley Action Committee, hosted a community presentation February 25, 2016 on 13 Ways to Kill Your Community. Approximately 80 people attended mainly comprised of […]

Submitted by: Lise Fraser | The Swan Valley Girls JV Tigers basketball team poses for their ‘sink the ship’ moment. The Tigers beat Dauphin for the Zone Championship in two games straight. Click picture for a larger version. The Tigers will face Virden on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 4:00 pm at SVRSS in an […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Birch River Grade 6-8 class, taught by Ms. Kayla Vibe, received official notification on February 11, 2016 that they were selected as the winner of the Election Manitoba CitizenNext Video Challenge in the grade 7-8 category. Click picture for a larger version. As the winners in the category the class received […]

ValleyBiz.ca Story | Today is Day of Pink – anti-bullying day. Bullying is happening in our community. It happens to children, teenagers and even adults. Bullies attempt to gain power over their target through persistent threats, insults and humiliation. Bullying is a form of abuse. Click play to see what you can do to help […]

Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | The Swan Valley Atom Broncos faced the Roblin Stars in round one of the best of three Parkissimo League playoffs. The Broncos had home ice and hosted game one vs the Stars on Thursday, February 11, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. The Broncos’ Brady Burghart opened the […]

Submitted by: Kristen Harness | The Benito Childcare Centre held a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the Benito Recreation Centre. All proceeds of the fundraiser breakfast went toward the Benito Childcare Centre. Click any picture for a larger version.

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | On Sunday, February 14, 2016 the Special Olympics Manitoba Swan Valley Tiger Fire Floor Hockey team played host to members of the Swan Valley Stampeders at SVRSS. Click any picture for a larger version. The Tiger Fire was very excited to be playing the Stamps and the energy level was […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The 9th Annual Mixed Bonspiel was held in Benito from Feb. 9-14, 2016 hosted by the Benito Rec Centre. 30 teams from around the Swan Valley & bordering Saskatchewan communities came together to compete in 4 events. Click any picture for a larger version. The week of activities consisted of […]

Submitted by: Paul Deneer | 180 individuals packed the Westwood Inn on Friday, February 12, 2016 for the annual North Mountain Riders Pickerel Supper fundraiser. Three flavours choices of pickerel was prepared for the hungry crowd. Click any picture for a larger version. The fundraiser included: A Chinese Auction, 50/50 and Live Auction. Marilyn Collinson […]

Submitted by: Lise Fraser | The Tigers have been successful in the last two tournaments, Dauphin Invitational on February 5 & 6, 2016 and then in Flin Flon, Haptnot Collegiate Invitational on February 12 & 13, 2016 winning second place in both tournaments. Click any picture for a larger version. Dauphin Tournament Feb 5 & […]

Submitted by: Community Futures Parkland | Service Canada is currently accepting applications for funding for the 2016 Canada Summer Jobs program. Application period: January 4, 2016 to February 26, 2016. Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative that provides funding to help employers create summer job opportunities for students. It is designed to […]

Submitted by: Brendan Sigurdson | Approximately 50 farmers attended the Canadian Wheat Board Alliance meeting on the evening of Wednesday, February 10, 2016 in Swan River. The presenters were: Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba Agriculture Minister and MLA for Swan River; Kyle Korneychuk, former elected CWB director and farmer from Pelly, SK; and Ken Sigurdson, farmer from […]

Submitted by: Beverley Leach | On February 9, 2016 nearly fifty people attended the Seniors Financial Literacy presentation held on hosted by Services to Seniors and sponsored by Community Futures Parkland. Click any picture for a larger version. Lynn, Citizen Service Specialist with Service Canada, explained to those present the features and benefits available through […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region was very excited to receive a $2000 donation from the Swan Valley Credit Union’s Jeans Day Charity. Accepting the cheque for Special Olympics are Coach June Mosiondz and athletes Ricky Zimmer and Andy Brass. Presenting the cheque is Melissa Sollis, Swan Valley Credit Union Member […]

Editorial by: Shauna Klekta | In a desperate attempt to regain lost advertising revenue and market share, Bill [Gade] has agreed to keep his self-proclaimed “Offensive” editorials off the air if his list of demands is met. In an email to Swan Valley businesses, Bill “Challenges” that to stop him from airing his editorials, someone […]

Submitted by: Lise Fraser | The Swan Valley JV Girls Basketball team traveled to The Pas on January 30, 2016 to take part in the MBCI Invitational Basketball Tournament. Click picture for a larger version. In the first game on Saturday morning, the Tigers played Frontier Collegiate Institute. The Tigers played a stingy man to […]

Submitted by: Mike Yablonski | The Swan Valley Refugee Committee is now accepting donations and has set up The Swan Valley Refugee Fund at the Swan Valley Credit Union. The account # is: 110030323296. Money can be deposited into the Credit Union account but tax receipts can not be issued. For individuals requiring tax receipts, […]

Submitted by: Janet White-Riddell | The Swan Valley Tigers Varsity Girls Basketball team hosted the 2nd annual Swan Valley Credit Union Classic tournament on Friday and Saturday, January 29 and 30, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. Five teams out of town teams participated and our home team made it to the finals […]

Government of Manitoba Media Release | Ten non-profit sport and recreation organizations, sport associations and community facilities in the northern and Interlake regions of the province will benefit from funding aimed at creating positive recreational opportunities for area residents, especially young people, Children and Youth Opportunities Minister Melanie Wight announced January 18, 2016. “Providing quality […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Credit Union Aquatic Centre | Richardson Recreation & Wellness Swan Valley Credit Union Aquatic Centre hosted its first ever “Free” Parent & Tot swim on Monday, January 25, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. Over 50 were in attendance and it was a “splashing” success! Thanks to all who […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | On Saturday, January 23, 2016 the Manitoba Provincial Team and Brandon Wheat City Wings came to Swan River to participate in the 2nd Annual Special Olympics Parkland Region Floor Hockey Tournament. Click any picture for a larger version. The tournament was hosted by the Swan Valley Tiger Fire Floor Hockey […]

Government of Manitoba Media Release | The Canada and Manitoba governments are providing up to $500,000 for 12 projects that will increase the use and development of biomass fuels, Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture, Food, and Rural, Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced January 18, 2016. “Making investments that promote the use and […]

ValleyBiz Story | Minister Ron Kostyshyn attended the offices of the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman on Saturday, January 16, 2016 for the formal presentation of Disaster Finacial Assistance (DFA) funding in the amount of $1.589 million. Click any picture for a larger version. The funding was for the installation of a new bridge on road number […]

Submitted by: Wade Kovachik | A Ukrainian New Year’s Dance was held on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Cowan Community Centre. The Adrienne Gaudry Band from Brandon put on a good show and played into the early morning hours. The attendees may have been few, but the dance floor was full most of the […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley has been without a long term solution for scheduled air service since Keystone Air shut down its scheduled flights between Winnipeg, Dauphin and Swan River in 2005. Swan Valley resident, David Moriaux, plans to change that. Moriaux is in the planning stages of establishing a locally owned and operated […]

Submitted by: Community Futures Parkland | Community Futures Parkland is now accepting nominations for Adult and Youth Volunteer Awards. The nomination deadline is March 31, 2016 Volunteerism has a HUGE impact on our communities and because of this Community Futures Parkland is showing their appreciation! Do you know someone that should be taking a bow […]

Submitted by: Mike Yablonski | The Inaugural Meeting of the Swan Valley Refugee Committee was held on January 13, 2016. Mike Yablonski, Lorne Henkelman, Lesley Henkelman, Steve Black, Gillian McGrath, MaryAnn Friesen, Jenny Sprong, and Flo Fried attended. Illustration: generic photo of Syrian Refugees. Reports were given by Jenny, Mike and MaryAnn on 3 different […]

Province of Manitoba Release | Jan. 12, 2016 | In its continued efforts to provide specialized clinical services closer to home for all Manitobans, the province is expanding the MBTelehealth program to 16 additional locations in rural communities, Health Minister Sharon Blady. “The province always strives to find innovative solutions to ensure that health-care services […]

Submitted by: Community Futures Parkland | Community Futures Parkland is now accepting applications for 2016 Community Projects Grants. The application deadline is March 31, 2016 Program Objective The 2016 Community Projects Grant is a competitive program intended to support ideas that fall under the categories of: – Tourism – Events – Education (e.g. entrepreneurship, financial […]

Submitted by: Blaine Campbell | The Swan River Novice Colts finished 4th at the 2nd Annual A&W / Funky Threadz Novice Tournament in The Pas during the weekend of January 8-10, 2015. Click picture for a larger version. Three round robin games were followed by a 3rd place vs 4th place game for the B-side […]

Submitted by: Carol Silverthorn | The Bowsman Community Skating Arena and the Bowsman Curling Club are excited to announce the winner of the first Round of Chase the Ace. Pam Therrns was the lucky winner of $3,598. Click picture for a larger version. We are hoping to begin a new round within the next two […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin Swan Valley Novice Broncos skated to the A side Championship undefeated at the 21st annual Novice Hockey Tournament A&W/Funky Threadz Cup hosted by The Pas from Jan 8-10, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. The Broncos 1st game on Friday was played in the GLMC, home of the OCN […]

Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | On January 8-10, 2015 the Swan Valley “B” Stampeders travelled to Flin Flon to participate in the Jason Morran Memorial Atom tournament. The team had enjoyed some practices, but this would be their first game action of the season. Click picture for a larger version. Back Row (L to R): […]

ValleyBiz.ca Story | On December 18, 2015, Swan River MLA Ron Kostyshyn (left) presented store owner Barry Waito (right) with a cheque that will be used toward exterior upgrades to the Minitonas Community Store. Click picture for a larger version. Waito received the funding under the 2015-2016 Hometown Manitoba grant program for Hometown Main Streets […]

Submitted by: Carolyn Baldwin | Thunderhill Ski Club Inc. opening day on January 1, 2015 was a huge success. 91 people enjoyed a beautiful day on the slopes with frosted trees making it very scenic. Click any picture for a larger version. The conditions are very good, Markin Trail is excellent skiing and the Hogs […]

Swan River Fire Department Release | On Sunday, January 3, 2016, Swan River Fire, Prairie Mountain EMS and Swan River RCMP were dispatched to a structure fire on Lorraine Street in the East end of town. On arrival the building was well involved with flames visible from quite a distance. Extensive damage occurred to the […]

Submitted by: Jenny Sprong | A small committee organised a scrumptious Christmas Feast for around 30 people at the Seniors Center on Christmas Day, 2015. Anna Fullerton and Barbara Belcher were two of the women on the team. Click any picture for a larger version. Others helped with decorations and other preparations and cleaning up […]

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen | On Wednesday, December 23, 2015 a Memorial Candle service was held at the Birchwood Cemetery. The beautiful red memorial candles were designed to burn through Christmas and 65 candles were placed in memory of loved ones. Proceeds from the sale of the memorial candles were directed toward the Richardson Recreation […]

Submitted by: Richardson Recreation & Wellness Swan Valley Credit Union Aquatic Centre | The Richardson Recreation & Wellness Swan Valley Credit Union Aquatic Centre held their Winterfest December 19 to December 24, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. The afternoons were filled with festive crafts, fun games and holiday themed activities for all […]

Submitted by: Ron Kostyshyn, MLA for Swan River Rural Manitobans know better than anyone how important it is to have safe, good quality infrastructure. Every day, truckers, farmers and drivers — you might be one of them — count on our roads, highways and bridges to be safe, well-maintained and designed to keep traffic moving. […]