Submitted by: Sherry Martin When you need big time help at the Swan Valley Animal Protection League shelter, who you gonna call?? Mrs. Basso’s Grade 7 & 8 kids from the CBF school, that’s who! These guys came out on October 16, 2018 to tackle the huge job of cleaning up the leaves in and […]

ValleyBiz Announcement | The Swan Valley has many unique and wonderful businesses/organizations that are essential for the ongoing sustainability of our community. Local organizations provide valuable services and support local activities. Many of these organizations also have a ValleyBiz Directory listing which helps us continue to provide this service to the community. ValleyBiz is excited […]

Submitted by: Brittney Suchoplas After recent renovations and amalgamating with Whites Drug Store, a successful grand re-opening was held at Swan Healthcare Plus Pharmacy. On October 4th and 5th, 2018 customers and patients were invited to enjoy coffee and donuts. Many came to see the official ribbon cutting, seen pictured above. (left to right: Abbey […]

Pictures submitted by: Tanya Powell On October 4, 2018 family members were supported by members of the community as they gathered at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre to honour and remember over 1200 Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women. The gathering began with opening prayers and personal stories of loss followed by a short video. Participants […]

Submitted by: David Ogram | On the evening of Wednesday, October 3, 2018 fifteen people were present at the first of 2 vegetarian cooking classes being held this month at the Seventh-day Adventist Church. For some of the people present, the class was a continuation of the Diabetes Undone Program that was held in the […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Thursday October 4, 2018 the Swan Valley Consumer’s Co-op (Co-op) presented a cheque in the amount of $2,566.70 to the Taylor School PAC Playground Committee. The cheque represents $2,266.70 in proceeds from Fuel Good Day on September 18, 2018 where 10 cents was donated from every litre of pump gas sold […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | Almost a dozen new dancers joined the Swan Valley Hoedowners for their inaugural dance of the season at the Swan River Senior Centre on October 3, 2018. Caller Linda Gilchrist kept the evening rolling with fun dancing activities and lively music. The dancers enjoyed learning some beginning square dance moves […]

Submitted by:Rose Kovachik | The skies may have been gloomy with just a peek of sunshine and it may have been chilly outside, but inside of the Cowan Community Centre on the afternoon of Sunday, Sept 30th, 2018 there was a bustle of activity. The Cowan ladies and a few gentlemen, were slicing, dicing and […]

Submitted by: Kari Goethe | There are 21 students from the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School who are participating in an Experiences Canada Exchange with 21 other students from Elgin, Ontario. Each Swan River student gets matched with a student from Elgin and they are considered “twins” during the exchange. Elgin is a small rural […]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn We had our Fall Supper this past weekend on September 30, 2018 and with the two days of sunny and beautiful weather we still had a great turnout. With the farmers busy out in the fields taking their crops off, we had a great number of take outs. Thanks for their […]

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun | A big thank you to all that came out to the CNIB Tea and Bake Sale last Saturday, September 15, 2018. We had a great time trying the assortment of cakes and cheesecakes!

Submitted Story | A total of 60 participants and volunteers gathered at the Swan River Centennial arena for the Terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 16, 2018. Heavy rain in the morning moved the official event indoors, however some participants still chose to brave the weather and complete the run outside. Approximately $11,760 was raised. […]

Submitted by: The Abel’s(Anne-Marie, John and Natasha) | There may be a few folks in the Lenswood area, curious as to what changes have been made to the former Lenswood General store. Many people have shared memories of the old store and Metro and his family, with us. From what we’ve learned from neighbours and […]

Submitted Story | On Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Holy Cross High School in Saskatoon, SK, 42 teams entered the Annual Hoops For Hope Cystic Fibrosis Research 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament. From U14 age categories (male and female) all the way to Masters Men and Women as well demonstration opportunities for Wheelchair Basketball participants, […]

Submitted by: Sherri Martin | The gang at the TD bank held a barbecue on Friday Sep 7th and donated the proceeds to Swan Valley Animal Protection League(SVAPL. The BBQ was a great success, and TD folks raised $1250! Along with donations made at the BBQ to SVAPL along with a few items sold, the […]

ValleyBiz Story | As kids across the Valley headed back to school last week, students in Minitonas faced some additional adjustments while getting back into the swing of things. With the decision last fall to amalgamate the Minitonas Early and Middle Years schools, it is the first year K-8 will be combined together in the […]

Pictured above: Murray McClure from Terry’s Greenhouse presenting people’s choice garden aware to Lyn Kublick Submitted by: Teresa Mckay | The Minitonas Tent Town Garden Club held another successful Fruit festival on Saturday. We especially want to thank all who attended, enjoyed a pie and coffee and purchased our produce. Also a huge thank you […]

Submitted by: Jennifer Leon | On September 1-2, 2018, Minitonas First Baptist Church celebrated its 90th Anniversary. Saturday festivities were held at Minitonas Arena with fun activities for all ages including a crokinole and bocce tournament, frisbee throwing competition, face painting, parachute games, cotton candy, bubble making and train rides. It was followed by a […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik | With pictures from ValleyBiz and Penny Boychuk The annual Cowan Trail Celebration once again occurred on the fourth Saturday of August (being August 25, 2018) this year and marking it the 20th. The event began on Friday night, as usual, with the Cowan Hall parking lot slowly being filled with […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Historical Museum held their annual Harvest Festival on August 26, 2018. It was a day appreciated by many generations. From those who remember the era when technology was in it’s infancy to children still to young to understand the significance of the past. Attendees of all ages were able […]

ValleyBiz Story | The week of August 13, 2018 KTA Tribal Kinetix Daycamp was held at the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School. From Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4pm the kids in attendance practiced stunts, acrobatics, parkour, magic tricks and circus acts such as plate spinning, juggling, staff spinning and flower sticks. The […]

ValleyBiz Story | In recognition of the 120th Anniversary of Tent Town, Claren Turner joined up with the Minitonas Seniors to put together a celebration of the past. “I thought, we want to remember Tent Town.” said Turner. “The idea was to have an 1898 meal and to have pictures from that time period.” Turner, […]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | Photos by ValleyBiz and Submitted On Aug 12, 2018 Durban held their annually Demo Derby. With only a few more cars than last year the demo still went ahead. A couple cars were delayed in arriving but still made the event. Most cars were from previous years so there wasn’t […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Birch River Riding Club held their 23rd annual trail ride on August 11 and 12, 2018. Many people stayed at the base camp the night before and the day started off with breakfast and registration. The ride has built a loyal following over the past 23 years with many attendees travelling […]

ValleyBiz Story | Chariot and Chuckwagon races at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition are a crowd favorite and this year was no exception. Four days of racing drew in the crowds for many heart-pounding heats.

ValleyBiz Story | The grandstands were full and the action was fast during the 2018 Northwest Roundup Rodeo events. Cowboys and Cowgirls competed in a variety of rodeo events. Barrel Racing Bull Riding Bareback Bronc Saddle Bronc 12-Horse Hitch Brett Fulford, born and raised in the Swan Valley (son of Ken and Linda Fulford of […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Northwest Roundup and Exhibition is a place of wonder and excitement for youngsters. The Down on the Farm exhibit lets kids get up close and personal with a larger variety of farm animals. It is a great place to take a break from the heat of the day and relax with […]

ValleyBiz Story | Click pictures for a larger version. The Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce Parade took place on July 27, 2018 at 10 am – a time honored tradition as part of the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition. Many have passed this tradition on to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each year the parade is […]

Submitted by: Sheree Soura | With additional pictures by ValleyBiz On July 23, 2018 despite the cool weather and a threat of rain, about 190 people attended the annual Garden Walk sponsored by the Swan River Ladies Golf Club. Eight beautiful yards in the town of Swan River were on display. It was a pleasure […]

Submitted by: Debbie (Bell) Soloway | The annual Renwer-Fisher’s Siding Annual Old Fashion Picnic took place Sunday July 22, 2018. This year the weather caused everyone to play a different version of musical chairs. The chairs were set up outside the school and then along came a short rain shower so the chairs were quickly […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Farmers Market was overflowing with shoppers as it opened for the season on Thursday July 19, 2018. A rush of people looking for the season’s first taste from the garden quickly snapped up new potatoes, carrots, onions, beets and berries as was well as honey, homemade baking, jam and other local […]

Submitted by: The Royal Canadian Legion Birch River Branch #48 | With bright sunny skies on Sunday morning the Birch River Royal Canadian Legion was humming with activity as our volunteers made sure all would be fed well! We opened at 9am and we had a steady stream of visitors from around the valley and […]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin | Swan Valley Animal Protection League was lucky enough to have very special guests at their annual barbecue on June 19, 2018. Chay Genoway, an Olympic bronze medalist with the Canadian Men’s Hockey Team, and his fiancee Amanda joined us for the event! It was a beautiful day, and the Farmer’s […]

Submitted by Debbie Soloway: The Pine River LUD Committee held their fifth Annual Summer Start Sale (Town Wide Yard Sale) on Saturday June 16, 2018 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. This year there were seven exhibitors. The town was busy with everyone looking for that special bargain. There were treasures for all ages and […]

Pictured above: Rick Wowchuk attended the Bocce tournament to wish Team Toba well. L-R Helena Dyck, Rick Wowchuk, Ricky Zimmer, Phillip Bialk and Team Toba Bocce Coach Joe Grande Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region hosted its first Bocce Tournament on Saturday, June 2, 2018 which was to be held at […]

Submitted by: Susan Ross | On Saturday June 16, 2018 local 4H members participated in the Valleys North 4H Showcase held at the Swan Valley Ag Society fairgrounds. Projects from 3 multipurpose clubs as well as one beef club were displayed in the home crafts building. There was also a 4H horse show on site. […]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin | Swan Valley Animal Protection League (SVAPL) hosted a Barbecue on Sunday June 17, 2018 for the 4H schooling show at the fairgrounds. Everyone enjoyed delicious Bison burgers from Atkinson Farms and homemade smokies from Valley Meats. The Kinsmen provided the grill for us to use. The dad’s at the 4H […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Stock Car Club held their season opener on June 15, 2018 with a second day of racing on June 16. Fans gathered to cheer on their favorite drivers, catch up with friends and neighbors and satisfy their craving for tasty concession treats. Randy Lewis, a Trackchaser from San Clemente, […]

Pictured above: Mckenzie Currie, Kailey Currie, Tyler Petelski , Kaleigh Currie, Danica Hrycyk, Jillian Hrycyk, Sierra Urban Submitted by: Angela Mullin | The Big Woody Light Horse & Beef Club had a very busy weekend on June 16 & 17, 2018! Saturday the club hosted a BBQ at the Valleys North Showcase. The Ag Society […]

Pictured above: Special Olympics Parkland Region’s youngest volunteer, 4 year-old Kaylee Miles with volunteer Doreen Miles ready for customers. Submitted by Shirley Todosichuk | What great support from the Swan Valley community at the 4th Annual Special Olympics Fundraiser BBQ at Swan Valley Home Hardware on June 13th. Over 500 BBQ lunches were sold pulling […]

ValleyBiz Story | On June 13, 2018 grade 6 students from across the Swan Valley School Division participated in Indigenous Outdoor Education Day at the Swan Valley Historical Museum. Over the course of the day, students visited 6 different stations including Indigenous Games, Flint Knapping, Story Telling, Indigenous Crafts and Singing/Drumming. Students were served bannock […]

Submitted by: Violet Plett | The 5th Annual Barrows Gospel Jamboree was held on June 8,9,10, 2018. This seemed to be a good choice of weekend. People attending and bands thought it worked well. Of course we know that others couldn’t come because of various other events and commitments, but I’m sure that would be […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin | On June 8-10, 2018 the Ag grounds were once again alive with Rodeo action. Youth from all over Manitoba, Eastern Saskatchewan, North Dakota & Ontario came to Swan River to compete for provincial bragging rights & a chance to represent Manitoba at Canadians in Merritt BC & Nationals in Rock […]

ValleyBiz Story | Minitonas Early Years School (MEYS) held a small farewell ceremony for the school in conjunction with their final family picnic on June 8, 2018. Approximately 75 community members attended the ceremony along with the students to bid farewell to the facility. The MEYS school will be closing and students will be joining […]

ValleyBiz Story | On May 31, 2018 the Swan Valley School Division held the grand opening of their Trades Building, the newest addition to a growing campus that also includes the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School, Heavy Duty Shop and University College of the North Regional Centre. The new 8,400 square foot facility will support […]

Submitted by: Carla Dixon | The Association for Community Living – Swan River held their 57th Annual General Meeting at the Westwood Inn on Tuesday June 05, 2018. Approximately forty people enjoyed the luncheon which was catered by the Westwood Inn at 12 PM with the meeting beginning at 1 PM. Representatives from the Town […]

Submitted by: Cheryl Ellingson | Despite the cold, rainy weather, 20 athletes came out for all or part of the weekend from Jun 1-3, 2018 to work on their football and baseball skills. During the football on field sessions, emphasis was put on footwork, proper ball handling, and safe tackling techniques. We were able to […]

Submitted by: Lynda Parsons | After 43 years of dedicated member service, Caroline Willis spent her last day on the job doing what she has enjoyed most, serving her members, with Cake and Coffee! New and old faces, past co-workers, friends and family all stopped in to sign her guest book and wish Caroline all […]

Submitted by: Terri Fahrenschon | The weather cleared up just in time for the Fun Run on Sunday, June 3, 2017. Events included the 1km kids run, 5km, 10km and 1/2 marathon. Thank you to everyone that participated, spectated and volunteered.

It was a time for reflecting on the past and looking to the future during the Swan Valley School Division (SVSD) 50th Anniversary Celebration on May 31, 2018. The celebration included access to school division information and displays as well as a selection of old yearbooks. Live entertainment and a fundraiser barbeque for the 2018 […]