Submitted by: Services to Seniors The Coffee and a Chat sessions held March 14 and 16, 2023 were attended by 54 people. Topics this month were understanding your Health Care Directives, and Fraud-how to recognize fraud. Deborah Shultz, Nurse Practitioner explained to us that a health care directive is for any person of any age. […]

Submitted by: Alyssa Pitura The Swan River Curling Club hosted its 92nd women’s bonspiel on March 17-19, 2023. The Disney-themed bonspiel had a total of 28 teams participate. We want to extend a thank you to the following businesses and families for their event contributions: the Spicer Family, Swan Valley Consumers Co-op, New Era Ag, […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) The Sunflower Early Learning Centre in Minitonas was recently awarded a grant for an infant playground. The staff have setup the equipment indoors allowing the children an opportunity to play on the equipment before the snow melts – “the kids LOVE it!” The outdoor infant space at […]

Submitted by: Carolin Foster | The 24th Annual Billy Beal Classic Fishing Derby at Whitefish Lake was a huge success! The $10,000 prize winner was Thomas McKay from Winnipegosis, MB. With 6 minutes left in the derby, his Northern Pike weighing in at 4 lbs. 2 oz. was the winning catch of the day! Ghosted […]

Submitted by: Prairie Mountain Health In partnership with Health Canada and Shared Health, Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) has commenced a pilot project to further enhance access to addictions services within the health region. With the support of $897,416 from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), and in collaboration with local health partners and […]

Submitted by: Kari Goethe There was an excellent turnout for the Learn to Curl Clinic that was held at the Swan River Curling Club on March 15, 2023. There were 35 curlers that came out to try out their skills and learn a little about the game of curling. A big thank you to all […]

The Bellsite Community Centre along with North Mountain Riders hosted the Bellsite Annual Poker Derby on February 26, 2023. Approximately 100 sleds participated, with 150 people enjoying the full course hot meal. It was a beautiful day of working, playing, and visiting! 126 Driver hands sold, 400 Ghost riders 1st prize $1428.00 to Greg Sauder […]

A friendly reminder from ValleyBiz that Daylight Savings Time begins tonight. The official time to set your clocks ahead 1 hour is: 2:00 am Sunday, March 12, 2023 Set your clock to: 3:00 am Each year, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

Submitted by Tammela Bobick Our club hosted its 16th annual Vintage ride on Saturday February 25, 2023 and Mother Nature was against us. We had extreme cold, minus 30 that morning and some winds. However, the people and sleds showed up at the Westwood Inn here in Swan River, Manitoba and by the time we […]

Submitted by: Amanda Dixon Congratulations to the U11 A Team on a Gold Medal Win in the MB Rural A Provincials! The team had a successful weekend which lead them to the championship game. The final game was played against Dauphin, with a score of 9-3. A tournament win to remember! Over the weekend, families […]

Submitted by: Swan River & District Community Resource Council Inc. – Service to Seniors The February 14 and 16, 2023 Coffee and a Chat sessions were attended by 36 people. Topics this month were making nutritious affordable meals with Katie Kroeker and Bruce Hardie CPA giving us hints on how to make a household budget […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) The CFSV awarded a grant to The Swan Valley Trails Association that helped purchase a walk behind brush mower as well as a few smaller tools for maintaining, grooming and making trails. The mower and tools will mainly stay and work at the Rex Leach Trail, and […]

Submitted by: Carolin Foster Over 40 Venders consisting of local artists, crafters, entrepreneurs, fundraising organizations and shoppers alike participated in the Valentines Home Business & Craft Sale at the War Veterans Hall on Saturday, February 11, 2023. It was the happening place to be to see friends old and new and stock up on your […]

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain held Wednesday, December 21st, 2022 at the Rural Municipality of Mountain Council Chambers in Birch River, MB. Members Present: Reeve: Keith Behrmann Councillors: Wilmer Malcolm, Stephen Nadolney, Nestor Rizok, Jarrett Mosiondz, and Brad Wyatt Councillor Pedersen was absent with notice. CAO Paige […]

Coffee and a Chat recap of session Jan 10/23 WSFN and Jan 12/23 SR Senior Citizen Centre. The first two sessions of the Winter-Coffee and a Chat of 2023 were well received with 33 people attending the two venues. Services to Seniors Connie Beaudry started the sessions with introducing the guest speakers and welcoming the […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) The CFSV awarded the Swan Valley Animal Protection League (SVAPL) a grant to complete the interior framing and finishing in the animal shelter building making it fully operational. This benefits the community by allowing SVAPL to continue and expand serving the Swan Valley area and surrounding communities […]

Government of Manitoba Media Release | The Manitoba government has established the inaugural Intellectual Disability Issues Advisory (IDIA) Council to create a collaborative partnership with community stakeholders to better support Manitobans with an intellectual disability, Families Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for accessibility, announced today. “Our government looks forward to the expertise and passion the […]

Swan Valley Coop Media Release | We are excited to announce renovations of the former fashion gallery will begin shortly to improve our facilities and services. Renovations include creating a permanent home for our Click & Collect and food delivery teams. The new space will allow our team to work efficiently and collaboratively. The project […]

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen A candle lighting ceremony took place at the Birchwood Cemetery on December 23, 2022. Memorial candles were placed in memory of loved ones to shine a light of remembrance throughout the Christmas season.

Jenna Koutecky, Program Coordinator SVCTC Our Annual Toys 4 U gift drive went very well this year. Swan Valley Communities that Care (SVCTC) received overwhelming support from local individuals. businesses, groups, and volunteers. This year we had three gift drive events: Two Stampeders games, where individuals could bring in Toys in exchange to win a […]

Whatever is beautiful. Whatever is meaningful. Whatever brings you happiness. May it be yours this holiday season and throughout the coming year. Wishing you all the happiness in these holidays. Merry Christmas from ValleyBiz

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) A recent grant awarded to the ESRSS Daycare Centre provided a Safe Guard Area for the playground. This Safe Guard Area provides a safe outdoor area for the children to learn through play. This project benefited the Swan Valley Community to provide a safe, warm, and inviting […]

Submitted by: Swan River & District Community Resource Council Inc. – Service to Seniors The third set of sessions of the Winter-Coffee and a Chat were well received with 25 people attending the two venues. Services to Seniors Connie Beaudry started the sessions with introducing the guest speakers and welcoming the participants. Candice Braun started […]

Pictured above: Fire Suppression/Maintenance Building Submitted by: Swan Valley Co-op The Swan Valley Co-op held a training night at the Swan River agro and corporate bulk petroleum facilities on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. The almost 30 attendees included members of the Swan River, Benito and RM of Mountain Fire Departments along with the Swan Valley […]

Submitted by: Phyllis Friesen The Swan Valley Community Carol Festival rang in the Christmas season with a variety of musical selections at Temple Baptist Church on December 11, 2022. The community gathered to enjoy the music of the season performed by many talented musical artists from around the Valley.

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater (Minish) After 3 long Covid19 years, the Swan Valley Community Band was back in full swing with their annual Christmas Concert held Friday, 9 December 2022 at the Ecole Swan River South School. A substantial number of people enjoyed “Music for Christmas” from our group. And, to round out the evening, […]

Submitted by Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) This year’s giving challenge took place November 14-20, 2022. During this time, all donations gifted to the Community Foundation were boosted by the Winnipeg Foundation and Manitoba Government (to a maximum of $2,000 each) stretching each donation made to the foundation. Thanks to the strong community support […]

Prairie Mountain Health Release | Physician Assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. They complement existing services and aid in improving patient access. Recently, National Physician Assistant (PA) day was recognized. Prairie Mountain Health also acknowledges and says “thank you” to its Physician Assistants who work in our […]

Pictured above: Highly Strung, Ladies Ukulele Group Submitted by: Donna Leming, Pictures by: Linda McCullough A big thank you to everyone who braved the cold weather on Saturday, Dec 3, 2022 to attend and participate at the Seventh-day Adventist Christmas Hymn Sing. Several enjoyed the light lunch and fellowship following the program. Proceeds from an […]

Submitted by: Bethany Matejka Thank you to everyone who came out for the Steeprock Bay Bible Camp AGM. It was a great evening of worship, camp stories, yummy food, and camp business.

Submitted by: Kimberley Knowles | Valley Stage Players were excited to get back into the swing of things with the production of “Deputy Jan” by playwright Richard Gremel. All three productions were a success and the crowds enjoyed the play! The proceeds will go to the Swan River Valley Ag Society! Thanks to everyone who […]

Submitted by: Diane Buhler | The Tinsel and Tidings Christmas Market was held at the Swan Valley Museum on November 26, 2022. We had more than 30 vendors and a steady stream of happy shoppers in and out of the doors during the sale. We collected non-perishable items for the Swan Valley Food Bank at […]

Submitted by Barry Fawcett: On Wednesday November 16, Men’s Shed at the Swan Valley Museum sponsored a Pyrography (wood burning) demonstration by Barry Fawcett. Although small in number, those who attended were interested in the information and asked several questions. The formal presentation was followed by a show and tell of completed art. For more […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) The CFSV Annual Gala took place on Saturday November 12, 2022 at the Veterans Community Hall. It was a beautiful night to gather together as a community and celebrate the important work the foundation has done over the years. This year’s Gala featured delicious hors d’oeuvres and […]

Submitted by: Services to Seniors The Coffee and a Chat session planned for November 8, 2022 at WSFN Birch River Reserve was unfortunately canceled due to poor weather. The weather cooperated November 10 for the Swan River session. Andrea Evans gave a talk and visual aid of exercises that are beneficial to people with arthritis, […]

Submitted by: Jena McKee Swan Valley Farmers Market thanks all of the vendors and shoppers who came out to the Christmas Sale at the Swan Valley Museum on November 18, 2022. We had a fantastic turn out, and the lunch provided was absolutely delicious! It was great to see so many people coming for lunch […]

City of Lethbridge News Release – November 10, 2022 Skateboarders, inline skaters, BMX and scooter riders will soon be shredding at the Wade Galloway Skate Park as City Council approved a new multi-year sponsorship deal with the Wade Galloway Foundation. The site, formally known as the SLP Skate Park, was a passion project for Galloway […]

Submitted by: June Jamieson | The hockey book giveaway went ahead as scheduled on November 6, 2022 in spite of the blowing snow and treacherous road conditions. Several avid hockey book readers came out to add to their collections, but there is still a lot left for a future giveaway, so watch for a more […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) With the help of a grant from the Community Foundation of Swan Valley Inc., the Benito & Area Drop In Centre was able to complete a much needed roof replacement. The Centre plays an important role in the community by providing adults a place to spend their […]

ValleyBiz Story | A march down Veterans Way marked the start of the 2022 Remembrance Day Service in Swan River. Wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph, followed by a Service of Remembrance at the Veterans Community Hall. Pastor Bob Lewis, Chaplain for the Royal Canadian Legion – Swan River Branch, delivered a Remembrance Day message […]

Submitted by: The Association for Community Living – Swan River The Association for Community Living – Swan River has just hosted the 41st annual Calico Corners sale on November 4th, 2022. Crafters from around the area came together to display & sell their wares. It was wonderful to see the crowds of people come out […]

Submitted by: Kari Goethe Approximately 50 curlers participated in the Curling Clinic held at the Swan River Curling Club on Oct 28-30th, 2022. Instructors, Chris and Lorne Hamblin from the Cargill Curling Training Center in Morris, MB were here to instruct interested curlers on how to improve their skills and learn more about the game. […]

Submitted by: Jenna Koutecky, Community Coordinator Swan Valley Communities That Care This year’s Spooktoberfest was a great success, with nearly 1100 people in attendance over two days. This is a new Spooktoberfest record, as the event had previously taken place over three days rather than 2. On the first night of the event, we were […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Outdoors Association After a two year hiatus the Swan Valley Outdoors Association banquet and auction took place once again on Saturday, October 22nd. Similar to our prior events, the banquet was a sellout with the continued generosity of our community, at all levels, on display through the sponsorships, donations, ticket sales, […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) Hornbeck Family Fund Gordon Hornbeck and Dale Wiebach created the Hornbeck Family Fund to honour Gordon’s parent’s belief in community support. Our dream at the foundation is to help community minded individuals invest in building a strong and resilient place to live, work and play. We fund […]

Submitted by: Services to Seniors The first two sessions of the Winter-Coffee and a Chat were well received with 31 people attending the two venues. Services to Seniors Connie Beaudry started the sessions with introducing the guest speakers and welcoming the participants. Brittany Schroeder started the session with Question and Answers from the participants. Unfortunately […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) The Birch River Recreation Committee was awarded a grant allowing this group to upgrade the skimmer and heater at the BR pool which were starting to fail. CFSV was happy to support this upgrade to allow Valley residents a space to enjoy the outdoor swimming season. The […]

Pictured above L-R Karen Kosolowski (Flute), Lorraine Malcolm (Tenor Sax), Julie Kooistra (Director, French Horn, Trumpet), Kim Kosokowsky (Trumpet) Submitted by: Jayne G. Leadbeater (Minish) On Wednesday, 21 September 2022, the Swan Valley Community Band had their Beginning Day after a forced Covid19 hiatus. Our numbers are small, but mighty! Our Group is hoping for […]

Submitted by Tanya Powell | On October 30, 2022 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre held a walk to bring awareness, to remember, to honour, and commemorate residential school survivors. Sylvia Grier and Fred Stevens shared their own experiences with going to Day Schools and Residential Schools. Thank […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik, Picutres by: Tina Copeland The Cowan Trail Celebration once again occurred on the fourth Saturday of August, being August 27, 2022 this year, after a two year hiatus. On Friday night, as usual, the Cowan Hall parking lot slowly filled with trailers, horses, and campsites. By Saturday morning, everyone was eager […]