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. […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman hosted an old fashioned, downtown Christmas party in Minitonas on the evening of Friday, December 18, 2015. Neighbors gathered around the cozy fire to catch up and wish each other a Merry Christmas. Click any picture for a larger version. Hot dogs and hot chocolate were provided and […]

Pictures submitted by: Reverend Jenny Sprong | Earlier in December a live nativity was presented in Swan River. The event was initiated by Durban Covenant Church and came together with other churches and many volunteers from the community! Click any picture for a larger version. The journey to meet the baby in the manger began […]

Submitted by: Crystal Duchesne | The Swan Valley Christmas Cheer Board once again coordinated the delivery of hampers to help share the holiday spirit with 44 families. Click any picture for a larger version. Many volunteers assisted in packaging the hampers, including students from Community Bible Fellowship, Riverdale and Swan Valley Regional Secondary School. Town […]

Submitted by: June Jamieson Eighty people braved the snow to attend the Christmas program at the Seventh-day Adventist Church held on December 19, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. All enjoyed the congregational carol singing and the individual and small group musical presentations. Pastor Rick Harwood presented a message on the Birth of […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Friday, December 18, 2015 St. Andrews United Church hosted an information meeting to assess the interest and discuss the feasibility of sponsoring refugee families from Syria. Click any picture for a larger version. Reverend Jenny Sprong, minister of St. Andrews United Church, welcomed approximately 45 attendees including Swan River MLA Ron […]

Submitted by: Darlyn Hunt | Darlyn Hunt and Jenni Sandilands, daughters of Rene Di Stefano, AKA “Rambler”, believe their father was killed over the Fentanyl prescribed to manage his pain from cancer. Di Stefano was found deceased inside his home on August 8, 2015 following a suspicious fire that fully engulfed the residence. RCMP Major […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) wishes to thank members of the Swan Valley Community for their generous donations to the Swan Valley CTC Toys 4U Toy Drive. Click any picture for a larger version. There were donation boxes located at nine local businesses in order to collect community donations […]

Submitted by: Province of Manitoba | Ten Grade 12 students from across the province are being recognized for outstanding contributions to healthy living in their communities, Premier Greg Selinger announced December 17 at the 2015 Premier’s Healthy Living Award for Youth ceremony. “It is truly uplifting to see so many young Manitobans, the future leaders […]

Submitted by: Susan Hrycyk | A good time was had by all at the Lenswood Community Club’s Santa brunch. It turned out to be a perfect day for Santa’s arrival, just before Santa arrived it started to SNOW!!! Click any picture for a larger version. There was a great turn out for the event. We […]

Submitted by: Karen Peters | Almost 900 were privileged to attend and take part in the Live Nativity at the Swan Valley Museum on Saturday, December 12, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. As you walked into the building, the census people were there to count you in and immediately you came upon […]

Submitted by: Jen Patterson | Swan Valley Communities That Care has completed its initial cycle of the Guiding Good Choices parenting program. Twelve parents/caregivers participated in the program, which ran from November 10 to December 8, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. Swan Valley Communities That Care hosted the workshop and provided families […]

Sutmitted by: Teri Martin | On December 1, 2015, Dale Jersak was commended in a Manitoba Legislative Assembly Member’s Statement by Minister Rob Kostyshyn for saving the life of Henry Natyna on May 5, 2015. Pictured: Ron Kostyshyn (R) commending Dale Jersak (L)for his actions. Click picture for a larger version. The Member’s Statement reads […]

Submitted by: Kurtis Twilley | Swan Valley is one of 4 finalists competing for the title of best snowmobile destination in western Canada for 2016. The Swan Valley beat out 15 other Manitoba destinations to become the Manitoba finalist. Click here to vote and defend Swan Valley’s title as the top snowmobile destination in Canada. […]

Submitted by: Maureen Bowles The North West Regional Library was a busy spot as the host the Festival of Tree December 1 -5, 2015. The public support was tremendous. Hot apple cider , cookies and Tim Bits were enjoyed by all. Pictures by ValleyBiz Click any picture for a larger version. Fifteen trees were decorated […]

Submitted by: Carol Silverthorn | The winner from last week’s Chase the Ace consolation prize hosted by the Bowsman Skating Rink and Bowsman Curling Club was Mitch Bordian. The prize was presented by Cliff Cook. Click image for a larger version. The game continues every Friday night from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm at the Bowsman Hotel. […]

Submitted by: Beverley Leach | Sounds of chatting and laughter filled the hall in St. James Anglican Church on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the Christmas Tea and Bake Sale. Click any picture for a larger version. This annual event was well attended and enjoyed by everyone involved. The ACW sincerely appreciates all who helped […]

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers held their annual Old Fashioned Christmas Concert Monday December 7, 2015 at the SVRSS Cafeteria. Click any picture for a larger version. Each dance group performed one dance and gave the crowd a glimpse of what they’ve been working on and what’s to come at our […]

Submitted by: Karen Gade | Blue skies and above 0 temperatures on December 5, 2015 made the trek to Benito for the annual Craft and Trade Show very enjoyable. Over 35 exhibitors were set up and ready for the 10 a.m. start. Click any picture for a larger version. Popular stops were Skyler Blosha’s cookies, […]

Submitted by: Blaine Campbell | The Swan River Novice Colts traveled to Flin Flon during the weekend of December 4-6, 2015 to compete in the annual Mel Pearson Memorial Novice hockey tournament. Click picture for a larger version. After 3 round robin games and a final game, the Swan River squad emerged victorious with the […]

Submitted by: Vivian Rooks On Thursday, December 3, 2015 the Community Foundation of Swan Valley held their annual meeting and granting night at the Westwood Inn at 7:00 P.M. Click any picture for a larger version. Mark Provencher, of BMP Chartered Accounts, was present and summarized the financial position of the foundation. In his summation […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | A near capacity crowd gathered to enjoy the Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival’s fifty-second annual carol festival held Sunday, December 6, 2015 at the Temple Baptist Church. Click any picture for a larger version. President of the festival association, Janene Stewart, welcomed the audience and expressed her thanks for all […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Special Olympics has teamed up with Western Corporate Solutions to provide high quality framed sports and entertainment memorabilia for sealed bid auction. Click any picture for a larger version. Unveiling the Jets Opening Night Triple Play Framed Print at the Super 8 in Swan River are Special Olympic Athletes (L-R); […]

Submitted by: Bev Lumax | Another successful baking Fundraiser was enjoyed this season. The order deadline for the Royal Purple Christmas Baking fundraiser was November 29, 2015 with orders picked up December 5, 2015. All monies raised are donated back to the community.

Submitted by: Connie Gray | On Saturday, November 28, 2015 the Annual Swan River NDP Christmas Supper was hosted at the Swan River museum. After the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed a delicious roast pork supper. Pictured above, left to right: Nolan Low, Brittney Stratuliak, Ron Kostyshyn, Madison Stratuliak, Johnathon Stratuliak Click any picture for a […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Valley Stage Players’ production of Billy St. John’s comedy, “Senior Follies” played to very appreciative and enthusiastic audiences on November 27, 28 and 29, 2015 at the Veterans Hall in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger version. The comedy told the hilarious tale of two con artists […]

Submitted by: Evelyn Bredin | Carolle Cowan is pictured receiving the 2015 National Volunteer of the Year Award presented by Federation of Canadian Music Festivals at the 2015 National Music Festival in Edmonton, Alberta. Click picture for a larger version. Pictured with Carolle is William Gordon, President of the Associated Manitoba Arts Festivals (AMAF), who […]

Submitted by: Beverley Leach | Board members of Services to Seniors are very grateful for the many volunteers who came to help at the Cookie Walk which took place on November 28, 2015 at St. James Anglican Church. Click any picture for a larger version. The wonderful assortment of cookies was made possible by generous […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Farmer’s Market | The Elbert Chartrand Friendship Center was a hub-bub of activity on Friday, November 20, 2015 when the Swan Valley Farmer’s Market held their Annual Christmas craft sale. Click any picture for a larger version. Thirty five vendors were present to sell their homemade treasures. What a variety of […]

Submitted by: Carol Silverthorn | The nightly winner in last week’s Chase the Ace fundraiser hosted by the Bowsman Skating Rink and Bowsman Curling Club was Connie McKay. The prize was presented by Bowsman Rink member Carol Silverthorn. The game continues every Friday night from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm at the Bowsman Hotel. The accumulating jackpot […]

Submitted by: Karen Peters Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit fair trade organization that markets handcrafted products made by disadvantaged artisans from more than 120 artisan groups in more than 35 countries. Click any picture for a larger version. The Ten Thousand Villages Craft sale took place in Swan River on November 19-21, 2015. Thank […]

Submitted by: Vaughn Behrmann | The fund rasier had approximately 300 people attend the evening with the Kinsmen donating their bar tending services for the evening with many jokes and pokes taken and passed on to deserving participants. Click any picture for a larger version. Vaughn Behrmann was the MC for the evening and it […]