Submitted by: Jen Dahl | Well the 2014 camp season for Wellman Lake Bible Camp has drawn to a close. We had a wonderful season, with amazing weather, a great staff of enthusiastic directors and councilors and many wonderful volunteers. Click any picture for a larger version. New friendships were made and old ones renewed […]

ValleyBiz Story | It was hard to miss the change in Durban this weekend on Sunday, August 10, 2014. Cars filled up the old schoolyard and lined nearby streets. The sound of cheering fans and grinding metal filled the air. Click any picture for a larger version. The annual demo derby offered lots of action, […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk Special Olympic Manitoba Parkland Athletes, coach and executive were presented a BIG cheque for $5420 by Don Formo and staff for the successful Drive 4 UR Community fundraising event held May 31, 2014. Click picture for a larger version. A very big Thank you to Formo Motors Ltd. for supporting Special […]

Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler The Shaker City Disc Golf Course in Benito has been in use just over a year now. Interest and participation in this sport has far exceeded expectations. As long as the weather is decent, there are people on the course day and night. Click any picture for a larger version. Bug […]

ValleyBiz Story | Premier Greg Selinger was in Swan River on August 1, 2014 to announce that construction and renovations will begin this fall on a new primary care centre to enhance and better co-ordinate health services for people living in the Swan River Valley region. “We are bringing health care closer to home for […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater This is the fifth year St. Andrew`s United Church has offered a venue for the many Rodeo Parade spectators to eat & socialize after the Parade. Another busy & successful Rodeo Lunch was held. St. Andrew`s United Church appreciates all those who helped and attended our annual event. A lot of […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Northwest Roundup was the place to be this weekend for lots of great riding, roping, wrestling rodeo action. The fast paced events were sure to get your adrenaline pumping and send your boredom packing. Click any picture for a larger version.

ValleyBiz Story | If you visited Down on the Farm and the Homecraft & Horticulture Exhibits during the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition you were rewarded with unique way to explore and celebrate some of the traditional aspects of rural life. Click any picture for a larger version. Interactive displays and activities provided kids with a […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Pony Chariot and Pony Chuckwagon races at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition offers 4 days of racing excitement. The fans came out rain and shine to enjoy the fast paced action and to cheer for their local favorites. Click any picture for a larger version.

ValleyBiz Story | Although rain pounded the Valley this weekend, the weather was just right for the Northwest Roundup Chamber of Commerce Parade on the morning of Friday July 25, 2014. With a variety of entries and lots of candy, the parade is great family fun. Click any picture for a larger version. The humorous […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Monday, July 21, 2013 the Swan River Ladies Golf Club hosted their annual Garden Walk. Each year the walk provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the beauty, character and tranquility of some Swan Valley’s lovely private gardens. Above picture by Autumn Klekta. Click any picture for a larger version. The […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway The Renwer – Fisher’s Siding Annual old fashion picnic and potluck supper took place on Sunday July 20th, 2014 in Renwer at the old Fisher’s Siding School. Click any picture for a larger version. The small committee sponsored a special celebration back in 2002 and have held the annual picnic on […]

Submitted by: Gloria Stesenko Hundreds of people attended a very large Garage Sale and Barbeque on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at the Benito Branch of the North-West Regional Library. Click any picture for a larger version. The public donated to the Garage Sale a huge amount of items that were new and gently used. Lots […]

Swan River Fire Department Media Release | On July 18, 2014 at 11:37 am, Swan River Fire, RCMP and EMS were called to a structure fire in the RM of Swan River. On arrival a large pole shed containing bales and some equipment was on fire. Swan River Fire Department deployed attack lines and with […]

Submitted by: Village of Benito The late Ken Schenk, former Fire Chief of the Benito Fire Department, had a dream. He envisioned that someday the Benito Fire Department would have a Rapid Response unit in the fleet. Click picture for a larger version. Donations and fundraising events have been ongoing for the last four years. […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Stock Car Club held a stock car points race and 4 cylinder mini crash derby on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at the Swan Valley Speedway. Families, friends and fans gathered for an exciting day of racing, demo and tasty concession treats. Click any picture for a larger version. Two […]

Submitted by: Amy Hofford The Swan Valley Farmers’ Market held the first sale of the season on Thursday, July 10, 2014. Tables were filled with tasty treats, home made jams and jellies, pork, fresh garden produce and much more! Click any picture for a larger version. Music was enjoyed by customers as they shopped the […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist Nova Scotia’s Greg Simm and Saskatoon’s Kim de Laforest brought a very varied “ east meets west” concert to Swan River on the evening of Wednesday July 9, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. A near capacity crowd at the former Wildflower enjoyed a musical evening running the gamut […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region Athletes were the happy recipients of the proceeds from the Pump Gas Fundraiser held at the Swan Valley Co-op Gas Bar on June 18, 2014. Click picture for a larger version. General Manager of the Swan Valley CO-OP, Don Declerq presented the donation of $442.96 […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk Angie Ferland has been counting down the days to the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver and on Sunday, July 6th she will begin her making her way to the West Coast for the Games from the 8th to the 12th. Pictured above: Angie Ferland (right), Team Manitoba 5-Pin Bowling […]

ValleyBiz is excited to announce the addition of more local content on our website. The two new features, a picture rich tourism website and local directory, showcase many things to do and places to go around the Valley. We encourage you to rediscover what is great about our community by exploring the tourism site and […]

ValleyBiz.ca Story | The Grandstand at the Swan River Ag Grounds was bursting with excitement in Celebration of Canada Day. The fireworks got underway just after 11:00 pm delivering a unique and colorful display. Click any picture for a lager version.

Submitted by: Rob Ter Horst | On June 26, 2014 Link Union held a bluegrass concert at Temple Baptist Church in Swan River. There were 170 people (including kids, youth and adults) at the concert. The family is so talented and they put on a great performance. Everyone enjoyed the music, and hopefully we’ll have […]

Submitted by: Gillian McGrath On June 26, 2014h June Lyn Bobbick of Service Canada gave a presentation to some of the Valleys Newcomers on the services provided by Service Canada and the CPP and OAS. The presentation was organised by Settlement and Immigrant Services.

Submitted by: Cherlye and Jaci Zbirun On the afternoon of Sunday, June 29, 2014 the Benito Women’s Auxiliary hosted a Bridal Show at the Benito School. Gowns featured were from present day and dating back to 1906. Click any picture for a larger view. People of all ages came out to watch. The gowns were […]

Submitted by: Gillian McGrath | On Canada Day, 15 Swan Valley residents joined 115 New Canadians from 26 different countries to be sworn in as new Citizens. The ceremony was held at Clear Lake in the Riding Mountain National park. Click the picture for a larger version. From left to right, Katharina Brown, Friederike Nuefeld, […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The skies opened and the sun was out for a beautiful Canada Day Celebration. The Benito Rec Centre hosted a terrific day full of fun events for all ages. Click any picture for a larger version. Starting the day was a pancake breakfast hosted by the Benito Volunteer Fire Dept. […]

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen | In Swan River, Canada Day was celebrated in the Legion Park. We had great day, beautiful sunshine and lots of people. Click any picture for a larger version. There was live entertainment, rides in the Lions train, kids bouncers, ice cream and more. Everyone seemed so happy to get outside […]

ValleyBiz Story | During spring cleanup of Minitonas area public parks and gardens by the Tent Town Garden Club and community volunteers it was observed that small tiller would be a beneficial tool to assist in ongoing maintenance. Picutured above: Wayne Ames, Lynn Kublick, Kevin Hohen, Lorraine Duschanek, Barry Waito, Connie Waito, Brenda Lychuk, Kevin […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway The Pine River LUD Committee held their first Annual Summer Start Sale on Saturday June 21, 2014. The last week of rainy weather limited the number of participants but there were still eight exhibitors. Click any picture for a larger version. The town was busy with the hustle and bustle of […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Thursday, June 26, 2014, under the sunshine in the courtyard of the Swan Valley Lodge, Lynn Coupland donated a beautiful flower planter. The labor of love contains hundreds of plants that take the shape of a pink cancer ribbon. Click any picture for a larger version This planter is a gift […]

Submitted by: Rob Ter Horst Illusionist Greg Wood entertained children and adults alike at the Comedy Family Fun Show hosted by Temple Baptist Church on June 22, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. Greg was hilarious! We all enjoyed his magic tricks and his witty sense of humor. Following the show, families enjoyed […]

Submitted by: Rhanda Caruk Kal Tire celebrated their 10th Anniversary in Swan River with a customer appreciation BBQ on Friday, June 20th. Click any picture for a larger version. Burgers, smokies, chips, drinks, curly fries and cake were served with 75 door prizes given out and a chance to win a $500 Kal Tire gift […]

Submitted by: Maureen Bowles The North West Regional Library hosted an afternoon of walking down memory lane with archival photographs from the Association of Manitoba Archives. Click any picture for a larger version. All photos were related to recreation and set in rural and northern Manitoba. Also for viewing are archival photographs from the Swan […]

Submitted by: Gillian McGrath Swan Valley Settlement and Immigration Services hosted a Newcomer Welcome Potluck on June 14, 2014. The supper was well attended by 60 individuals. Click any pictures for a larger version. Newcomers present were from the Philippines, Ukraine, England, Germany, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Jamaica, and South Africa alongside several people from the Valley […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | On June 11, 2014 Richard Genaille, Northwest Metis Council Board Member presented a $500 sponsorship to Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region. The High Performance Athlete sponsorship will be used to help with travel expenses for Angie Ferland, local Cobras Bowler, who will be representing the Parkland Region on Team Manitoba […]

Submitted by: Jason Delaurier, President, Swan River Progressive Conservative Constituency Association At lunch time on Friday, June 13, 2014, dozens of Progressive Conservative party supporters from across the Swan River Constituency stopped in at the Elks Hall in Swan River for a soup and sandwich luncheon fundraiser. After a delicious lunch prepared by the Westwood […]

Submitted by: Shasta Scott The Swan Valley Chapter of the Compassionate Friends held a balloon release at the Legion park on June 8, 2014. Despite the cool day, they had a good turnout. It was a very beautiful and moving event and we would like to thank everyone that helped and all those that attended. […]

Submitted by: Sandi Bass Parkland Regional Assistant Alzheimer Society of Manitoba A small but mighty group raised $973.00 for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba on Saturday June 7, 2014. Money that is collected in the Parkland stays in the Parkland to help support the services that help people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Submitted by: Karen Gade | On Sunday June 8, 2014 more than 200 people enjoyed a delicious supper of turkey, ham, assorted salads and desserts prepared by the Benito United Church. Click any picture for a larger version. Pictured above: Rev. Erin McIntyre Garrick and Edwin Cotton greeted everyone with a friendly smile as they […]

Submitted by: Maureen Bowles Rene Coultier shared his expertise and photo collection to an enthusiastic crowd, answering the question: “How to take a better picture?” Click a picture for a larger version. Through the generosity of the Brick a 42″ television was available for the slide show presentation, ensuring the high quality of photos for […]

ValleyBiz Story | With 600 pounds of lobster fresh from Halifax, NS, piles of steaks and 150 pounds of mussels, nobody went hungry at Kinsmen Lobsterfest at the Swan Valley Historical Museum on Saturday, June 7, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. The Swan River Kinsmen and their spouses looked after the preparations, […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Over 200 people test drove a 2014 Ford vehicle to raise money for Swan Valley Special Olympics Athletes during the Drive 4 UR Community event on Saturday, May 31, 2014. Click any image for a larger version. There was a good mix of entertainment on the talent stage during the […]

Submitted by: Cindy Tibble Swan Valley 4-H Beef Show & Sale took place Saturday, May 31, 2014 at Valley Livestock Sales. Approximately 28 members took part. Click any picture for a larger version. Best of 3 Maria, Ben & Joe Slepicka Best Pair of Animals Robyn & Parker Tibble Grand Champion Female Martina Tibble Grand […]

Submitted by: Barb Holms | On Sunday, June 1, 2014 Minitonas Knox United Church held a cold plate/salad supper. There was a very nice turnout of people who enjoyed potato salad, various other salads and ham and roast beef. Click any picture for a larger version. There were some very delicious desserts consisting of rhubarb, […]

Submitted by: Joyce Trevellyan On Saturday, May 31, 2014 the Royal Purple hosted a 60th Anniversary Tea at the Elks Hall in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger version. They were honoured with the presence of Hetty Pawlinsky and Betty Riddell. Both ladies are charter members of the Swan River Royal Purple Lodge […]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | On May 27, 2014 the Province announced support for 227 Community Recreational, Cultrual facilities across the province. The Manitoba government is investing in recreational, cultural and learning opportunities for families in communities across Manitoba, with support of $2.9 million under the Community Places program, Housing and Community Development Minister […]

Submitted for publication by the Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce | The Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce held a General Membership Meeting on May, 13, 2014 at 7:00 pm. Present: Bev Potten, Heather Nielsen, Naomi Neufeld, Jodi Willis, Stacy Grindle, Don Declercq, Jack Dyck, Carolyn Baldwin, Shawna Klekta, Kevin Neely, Alex Haluschuk. Delegations: RCMP Staff […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) hosted their 2nd Annual General Meeting at the Elks Hall on May 20, 2014. It was a very successful meeting with over 75 in attendance. Click picture for a larger version. Honourable Kevin Chief, Minister of Children & Youth Opportunities, was the guest speaker on […]

ValleyBiz Story | Tyler Carr had been waiting over 6 years to see Lady Gaga in concert but he never expected he would be able to share the experience in such a personal way with his best friend Matt Peters, who passed away from cancer on March 26, 2014. Tyler, who grew up in Swan […]