Tag Archives: Community Coverage

Julianna Moore Wins SVCU Virtual Talent Stage

Submitted Story | Swan Valley Credit Union (SVCU) made the decision to move our 2020 Talent Stage from a physical stage to a virtual one after COVID cancelled the Northwest Roundup and Parade this summer and despite the lack of personal contact it was very well received. Similar to past years we had 30 spots […]

2020/09/01Local Interest

Peace and Healing Experienced at Labyrinth Grief Walk

Submitted by: Kevin Sprong | The Kenville Labyrinth Grief Walk took place on a glorious Sunday afternoon in perfect weather. Ten people took part on August 23, 2020, which was about as many as could be accommodated without being crowded. It was explained that as the winding walk reached the outer perimeter walkers were invited […]

2020/08/31Local Interest

CFSV Awards $40,000 in Emergency Support Grants

Submitted Story: The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) recently awarded $40,000 in grants to 11 local charities and 2 national charities to support projects undertaken or created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The following Charities were awarded grants under the ECSF between May 19 and July 27, 2020: Canadian Mental Health Association Swan […]

2020/08/26Local Interest

Health District for Swan Valley Reports 1st COVID-19 Case

ValleyBiz Story | The Porcupine Mountain Health District has reported its first case of COVID-19. The Porcupine Mountain Health District is the northern most district of the Prairie Mountain Health Region and includes communities as far north as Barrows and as far south as Pine River. The Province of Manitoba COVID-19 Case Dashboard was updated […]

2020/08/24Local Interest

Swan River Pool Expected to Re-Open January 2021

Town of Swan River Press Release | We have been diligently working on preparing for the much-needed work to the aquatic facility. A contract has been awarded and work will begin in early September. We anticipate re-opening to the public in January 2021. Further updates will be shared as they become available. Lance Jacobson – […]

2020/08/24Local Interest

Province Clarifies Mask Requirement in Public Spaces

ValleyBiz Story | On August 20, 2020 the Province of Manitoba announced thatthe Prairie Mountain Health Region would be elevated to the Orange/Restricted level. New COVID-19 Restrictions for Swan Valley Since the announcement, there has been some confusion and debate as to whether or not the mandatory use of masks within the Prairie Mountain Health […]

2020/08/23Local Interest

SVSD Announces Plans for Reopening of Valley Schools

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley School Division (SVSD) released their Return to School Plan. In a letter to parents on August 17, 2020, SVSD Superintendent Jon Zilkey said, “Our goal is to follow the provincial guidelines given, be as safe as possible while also bringing hopefully some normalcy to your child’s learning. I do […]

2020/08/18Local Interest

Local Watershed Districts Receive GROW funding.

Swan River— MLA Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River, is welcoming an announcement that the PC Government of Manitoba, in partnership with Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation, is investing in local watershed district projects to support conservation and restoration activities that improve resilience to the effects of climate change. “These kinds of initiatives will benefit all […]

2020/08/11Local Interest

Special Military Envoy, MLA Jon Reyes Visits Swan River

Special Military Envoy, MLA Jon Reyes presented Comrade Brooks, Comrade Fulford (pictured above) and Comrade Nowak (pictured below) with a certificate, letter and a coin thanking them for their service in WWII. Submitted Story – Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River Constituency, welcomed the Special Military Envoy, MLA Jon Reyes, as part of his tour […]

2020/07/29Local Interest

Swan Valley RISE Hires New Economic Development Officer

Submitted Story | Hello Swan Valley! My name is Lauren Grey, and I am the Swan Valley RISE Economic Development Officer. I am a very blessed mama of two, and lucky enough to also have the two best step kids. My partner Kevin and I live in the RM of Swan Valley West, with our […]

2020/07/27Local Interest

Manitoba Canola Growers Announces Scholarship Winners

Pictured above: Caitlin Stewart from Swan River, MB received a $1000 scholarship from Manitoba Canola Growers. She is enrolled in Environmental Science at Lakehead University Submitted Story | Manitoba Canola Growers are proud to announce the 2020 high school scholarship winners. Five $1000 scholarships have been awarded to the following deserving students from across Manitoba: […]

2020/07/16Local Interest

Great Day at Sunflower Early Learning Centre Fundraiser

Submitted by: Lori Zagrobelny | The Sunflower Early Learning Centre in Minitonas held a Bottle Drive Fundraiser Sunflower Early Learning Centre Inc. on Sunday, July 5th, 2020. Thank you to everyone who took part by either donating their time to volunteer with the collection of cans and bottles or by donating their cans and bottles […]

2020/07/13Local Interest

Town of Swan River CAO Tenders Resignation

June 24 Media Release | The Town of Swan River announces that they have accepted the resignation of Charles Croll as Town Manager (Chief Administrative Officer). His last day of work will be June 26, 2020. Council would like to thank Charles for all his hard work over the past year and wish him well […]

2020/06/24Local Interest

Madge Lake Day Camps Making a Debut in Swan River

Submitted by: Kendra Thiessen | This summer camps all over Canada have had to close doors or adapt to the new normal, and Madge Lake Bible Camp has risen to the occasion! Their first week of Day Camps at Community Bible Fellowship was a great success. Each day consisted of two sessions, the morning for […]

2020/06/23Local Interest

2020 Graduation: Watch Here Live 4pm Friday, June 19

The Swan Valley Regional Secondary School will be holding a drive-in graduation ceremony on June 19, 2020 at 4:00 pm with one vehicle permitted per graduate. Others will be able to watch the ceremony online thanks to a live-stream from the SVRSS. Below is the link to the live stream – click play to start.

2020/06/18Local Interest

Swan Valley Projects Receive Heritage Funding

Manitoba Pc Caucus Media Release | Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River is welcoming an announcement that the Government of Manitoba is providing funding for projects from local heritage organizations through the Manitoba Heritage Resource Conservation Grants program. “Swan River’s cultural roots run deep,” said Wowchuk. “Our PC government recognizes the need to preserve our […]

2020/06/17Local Interest

Co-op donates $20K to Legacy Projects

Swan Valley Co-op Media Release | (JUNE 15, 2020) Swan Valley Co-op is celebrating their 80th anniversary by continuing to invest in our communities – including new funding for Legacy Projects in the Swan Valley area. Through the legacy projects fund, Co-op is providing a total of $20,000 for the following projects. • Concession booth […]

2020/06/15Local Interest

Funding Available for Swan Valley COVID-19 Response

Media Release | Community Foundation of Swan Valley takes part in new Emergency Community Support Fund Swan River: May 26, 2020 The Community Foundation of Swan Valley today announced it will be provided with $40,000 to support local charities responding to COVID-19 as part of a new partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, United Way […]

2020/05/26Local Interest

$159,918 Green Team Funding for Swan River Constituency

Media Release | SWAN RIVER – Rick Wowchuk MLA for Swan River is welcoming an announcement that the Government of Manitoba is supporting local community organizations, municipalities and provincial parks delivering Green Team projects this upcoming summer. “As we face the economic challenges brought on by COVID-19, these projects will provide important employment opportunities for […]

2020/05/25Local Interest

Celebrate International Museum Day with a Virtual Tour

ValleyBiz file photo | The province is celebrating International Museum Day by encouraging Manitobans to explore their history with virtual visits to Manitoba museums, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox announced today. ValleyBiz did a feature story on the Swan Valley Historical Museum a few years back that showcases many of the buildings and […]

2020/05/18Local Interest

Teacher Tuesdays Celebrate Front Line Workers

Submitted photos | The Swan Valley Teachers’ Association (SVTA) kicked off Teacher Tuesdays in support of Front line workers with a parade around the personal care and hospital on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. Every Tuesday until the end of June SVTA will also be sending lunch to one of the following front line workers in […]

2020/05/14Local Interest

Swan Valley Golf Course Opens for the Season

Submitted Pictures | In spite of the cold weather, close to 120 people dusted off their clubs to attend the opening day of the Swan River Golf and Country Club. The course re-opened on Friday, May 8, 2020 with additional precautions to help stop the spread of Covid-19. Golfers are reminded to call ahead to […]

2020/05/13Local Interest

Nominations Open to Thank Someone Through Co-op Helps

Co-Op Media Release: May 5, 2020 Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Swan Valley Co-op has been on the front lines delivering the essentials needed by our Co-op members, customers and communities. Now, we want to help say thank you to somebody making your life a little easier or a little brighter. Tell us […]

2020/05/05Local Interest

Town of Swan River Public Notice – April 30, 2020

Town of Swan River Public Notice Citizens of the Town of Swan River, And the Swan Valley, We have reviewed the Restoring Safe Services announcement from the Province issued yesterday and will be re-opening the Town Office reception desk to the public on Monday, May 4. A maximum of 3 people will be allowed in […]

2020/04/30Local Interest

Swan River COVID-19 Testing Site Location to Open

Prairie Mountain Health News Release | Prairie Mountain Health is building testing capacity in the northern part of the region by opening a COVID-19 community testing location in Swan River, decreasing the need to travel for area residents. The site will operate by appointment only and will open Friday, May 1st in the Manitoba Public […]

2020/04/30Local Interest

2020 Northwest Roundup Cancelled Due to COVID-19

Submitted | It comes with a heavy heart that the Swan River Valley Agricultural Society must announce the cancelling of the 2020 Northwest Round-Up & Exhibition. After many discussions and in review of government guidelines the Board has made this difficult decision. During this time of uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, it was clear the […]

2020/04/29Local Interest

COVID-19 Mental Health Counselling

Feeling overwhelmed, fearful, anxious with all the changes during this COVID-19 time? Shared Care Community Mental Health Worker located at the Swan Valley Primary Care Centre is available to speak to you over the phone. Please call 204-734-6600 and ask to speak with the Mental Health Counsellor All calls are confidential.

2020/04/27Local Interest

Walleye (Sander vitreus) Age Estimation Technique

Story Submitted by: Korbin Proctor, Fisheries Management Student Natural Resources Management Technologies Program, University College of the North It finally happened, you’ve been fishing in this spot since you were a child, always believing the monster Walleye you’ve been after has been lurking deep below. You’ve finally captured it. After taking a few pictures and […]

2020/04/21Local Interest

Appreciating the Last Glimpses of Winter

ValleyBiz Story| For those of us eagerly awaiting the arrival of warmer weather, it seems we are not alone in our preparations. This little rabbit was spotted early one morning and appears to be transitioning to its summer colours. Winter weather, on the other hand has been a little reluctant to let go. Although the […]

2020/04/20Local Interest

COVID-19 Swan River: Stay At Home And See You Doctor

Submitted by: Swan Valley Primary Care Centre STAY AT HOME AND SEE YOUR DOCTOR! With the COVID-19 pandemic and social distance advice, we are introducing virtual visits at the Swan Valley Primary Care Centre to serve you better. The providers can assess the patient with any concern that they may have if they were to […]

2020/04/16Local Interest

Swan Valley Coop Easter Food Order Schedule

It’s Easter Weekend! We are closed for the Easter Holiday on Friday and Sunday this week and have made some adjustments to our food order program due to the holiday. The following applies to the period of April 9, 2020 to April 13, 2020. Orders received on Thursday by 4pm – Ready for Pick-Up & […]

2020/04/08Local Interest

Tarp Fabrication Business Rolls Into Kamsack

Media Release | Ready Roll Truck Tarps Inc. (RRTT), a roll tarp fabrication company, is set to open its doors on Monday April 13, 2020, in the old Kamsack Strawboard Plant. Located just 5km west of Kamsack, SK. right off Highway #5, they are only minutes from the Saskatchewan / Manitoba border. RRTT will provide […]

2020/04/06Local Interest

SVSD K-12 Classroom Learning Suspended Indefinitely

ValleyBiz Story | On March 31, 2020 the Province of Manitoba announced that classroom learning for kindergarten to Grade 12 students is suspended indefinitely for this school year to help ‘flatten the curve’ and reduce the impact of COVID-19. The Swan Valley School Division (SVSD) has indicated they will be continuing the organization towards distance […]

2020/04/01Local Interest

Oakes Law Office – Covid-19 Office Procedures in Place

Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our doors are closed to the public in order to protect our staff, clients and community. Our staff are still at work and are here to assist you with your ongoing or new legal matters. We are pleased to work with you by phone or email and […]

2020/03/27Local Interest

Swan Valley TALKs Suicide Prevention

Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Interagency Committee Open House The Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Interagency Committee (MWSP) hosted an open house on March 11 in Swan River. It was an opportunity to share with the Swan Valley community information about their committee, and the ways they are involved in their communities. In the afternoon, […]

2020/03/26Local Interest

Town Of Swan River Municipal Office Closed

Town of Swan River Press Release | March 23, 2020 Citizens of the Town of Swan River, And the Swan Valley, In light of the recent escalation of government actions toward dealing with COVID-19, the Town of Swan River is taking the following steps: ➢ Municipal office will close to the public effective at 12:00 […]

2020/03/24Local Interest

Helping One Another Survive Covid-19

“Well, doctor. Don’t you think people are overreacting just a bit? Blowing things out of proportion?” That is a question I’ve been hearing a great deal lately. It appears that there are two types of responses to the spreading of Covid-19: downplaying, or buying all the toilet paper. Perhaps the most appropriate response is somewhere […]

2020/03/23Local Interest

Cook&Cooke Office Closed – Remote Options Available

Please note that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and adhering to Health Canada protocols, as well as out of the general health and safety of our team members and the community, our office is temporarily CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC Our staff is still at work and want to help you! We would be pleased […]

2020/03/22Local Interest

SV CO-OP Operating Changes Due To COVID-19

Swan Valley Co-op COVID-19 State of Emergency News Release: Effective Friday, March 20th at 4 pm, due to the provincially declared state of emergency for COVID-19: • We are now limiting the number of customers allowed in our store at the same time. Our maximum capacity has been set to 50 guests at any given […]

2020/03/20Local Interest

Visitor Access Suspended For Acute Care Facilities

Submitted by: Prairie Mountain Health | NEW ACUTE CARE FACILITY VISITOR RESTRICTIONS For all acute care facilities, including acute mental health facilities, in Manitoba, visitor access is being suspended immediately. Visitor restrictions took effect today – March 19 – at 3 pm. Exceptions for compassionate reasons for end of life will continue to be made […]

2020/03/19Local Interest

2020 St. Patrick’s Day Stew & Biscuit Lunch a Success

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | Thank you to everyone that came out and supported our Irish Stew lunch. Over 30 people can out for delicious stew,biscuits,lots of yummy desserts. Glad to see so many stayed and enjoyed lots of friendly conversation. Hope to see everyone again next year.

2020/03/18Local Interest

Swan River Indoor Recreational Facilities Closing

Town of Swan River Press Release | March 16, 2020 Citizens of the Town of Swan River, And the Swan Valley, The Mayor and Administration met this morning to determine our steps going forward with regards to the COVID-19 virus. After the meeting and in continuing consultation with the Council via email, it was determined […]

2020/03/17Local Interest

Swan River Adult Education Closing Until Further Notice

Submitted by: Jo-Anne Saunders. Education Director. SRAE. | Due to the evolving situation around the COVID-19 pandemic, Swan River Adult Education will be closed as of March 17 until further notice. This includes Site 1 (128-5th Ave. N.) and Site 2 (in the EC Friendship Centre). Phone 204-734-9391 for info.

2020/03/16Local Interest

Another Successful Minitonas Figure Skating Carnival

Submitted by: Minitonas Figure Skating Club Thanks to all the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbours and community members that came out to support the Minitonas Figure Skating Club’s annual Carnival “An Enchanted Evening” on March 6 th , 2020! A big thank you to skating coach Alison Burgess. Also thank you to all the Senior […]

2020/03/16Local Interest

World Day Of Prayer 2020

Submitted by: Beverley Leach | The World Day of Prayer is an international ecumenical Christian lay women’s initiative which is celebrated in 170 countries annually on the first Friday in March. Seven congregations in the Swan Valley gathered in St. James church in Friday, March 6 to join in prayer for peace and justice. This […]

2020/03/15Local Interest

Prairie Mountain Health Pilots New Program

Submitted by: Hannah Koetting | Weight to Wellbeing is a program unique to Swan River and developed locally by a team of registered dietitians, physicians, mental health workers and health promotion. The topics covered throughout the program include nutrition, physical activity, sleep and mental wellbeing. Thus far, feedback has been positive. The program began early […]

2020/03/13Local Interest

Great Support for SVRSS Tigers Season Ender

Submitted by: Tracy Boychuk | The SVRSS Tigers played one heck of a game February 28 versus the Killarney Raiders. The Centennial Arena came alive with school pride, spirit and support for their local high school hockey team. The score might not of been what the Tigers were hoping for falling 7-4 to the Raiders […]

2020/03/09Local Interest

Spring Forward Tonight – Daylight Savings Begins

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 8, 2020 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.

2020/03/07Local Interest

Over $3500 Raised for CBF School Projects

Submitted by: Rachael Stober | The CBFCS Parent Advisory Council put on another Dessert Night/Duelling Pianos/Silent Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, February 15. This was the second time the PAC held this event. The first one raised funds for the multi-sport pad that was successfully built in 2018. This year the event raised just over […]

2020/03/04Local Interest

Great Turnout at Bowsman Ladies Curling Bonspiel

Pictured above: 1st Event Winners – Sponsored by TD Canada Trust: Bernice Karton, Donna Martin, Janie Coulter, Caroline Willis Submitted by: Deanna Chess | The 2020 Bowsman Ladies Curling Bonspiel was held from February 21-23, 2020. This year we had a great turnout of 22 teams for our “Night at the Movies”. The weekend included […]

2020/02/28Local Interest