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The City of Dauphin is making a push to remind residents that recycling properly is an important process, with a lot more benefits than you might think. 

Lisa Gaudet, Deputy City Manager, said education is a big part of the ongoing campaign to promote recycling, and that most residents simply don't know all the benefits. 

"Most residents want to recycle properly, but accepted materials and disposal options can sometimes be confusing, so the purpose of the campaign is education and awareness. We want to give residents practical information, and explain why their participation matters," said Gaudet. 

Another important reason why the City of Dauphin wants to encourage residents to recycle is that recent years have seen a steady decline in how much the community recycles. 

"We've seen a decline in the amount of recyclable material being collected in recent years. So in 2020, we recycled 715 tonnes of recyclable material, by 2025 that number dropped to 525 tonnes," said Gaudet. 

Gaudet strongly encourages residents to use available resources to learn more about the importance of recycling. There are a lot more benefits to recycling than just reclaiming materials. 

"Don't make the mistake of placing regular household garbage in the recycling cart, [residents] should also be aware that we have a waste diversion centre for household hazardous waste, for things like electronics, paint, batteries...recycling properly saves resources, it helps to control municipal costs, and extends the life of the landfill. So the more eligible material we recover, and the cleaner that material is, the more effective and financially sustainable our recycling program becomes," said Gaudet. 

Click here for more information on the City of Dauphin's waste collection programs. 

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On Wednesday, Dauphin RCMP arrested a woman after responding to a disturbance at a 3rd Avenue Northeast business. 

Around 11:40 AM on August 26th, officers learned an employee at the business had asked a woman, who was asking people in the parking lot for money, to leave the premises. She responded by threatening to shoot the employee. 

Once RCMP were called, the suspect was found shortly after, a short distance away, and was arrested without incident. She faces a charge of uttering threats, and was released on an undertaking. 

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On Wednesday, the Manitoba government put out a news release detailing some upcoming changes to the Agricultural Crown Land Lease system, designed to greatly benefit the Province's livestock producers, and help make the system more fair for younger producers. 

One of the big announcements was that the freeze on Agricultural Crown Lands forage-leases rental rates at $3.66 per animal unit months will be extended into the 2027 season. According to Ron Kostyshyn, Dauphin MLA and Manitoba's Agriculture Minister, that announcement gives livestock producers another way to keep up with all the pressures they're currently facing. 

"So what we're really trying to do, and we have since we formed government, is trying to create some incentive for producers, young producers, experienced producers so they can increase their livestock numbers, because definitely we know based on commodity prices there's a demand for the product...we've reduced the crown land rates from what they were historically by the previous government, and that to me is really an indication how serious we are as government we want to work with producers," said Kostyshyn. 

The Province also announced changes aimed at making the Agricultural Crown Lands bidding process more fair to younger producers, to make sure they can't get bought out by external producers, or producers who already benefit from the system. The Province proposed a cap on the amount of Agricultural Crown Land that one producer or related entities could lease, and they're also making a pathway for producers to renew leases after long-term operations. Previously, lots would go back to auction after 15 years, but now if a producer sinks time and money into the land, they'll be able to renew their lease easier and continue their operation. 

Also announced is a fundamental change to the entire bidding process: now it'll work on a points system, with producers getting points from a variety of sources, to determine what producers would best make use of Agricultural Crown Lands. In Kostyshyn's words, this change means the process focuses less on the size of your cheque. 

"[Previously] people making applications for crown land leases, it was bid on the size of your cheque. And that was really challenging for young producers to try and compete with large operations that maybe come from outside the province, and the size of the cheque, we really feel that wasn't appropriate incentive," said Kostyshyn. 

Kostyshyn said a lot of these changes were made by listening to feedback from Manitoba's livestock producers, and working with several organizations that Kostyshyn and the Provincial government sees a vital partners. He said the best way to make sure your voice is heard when it comes to agricultural change is to speak to one of Manitoba's many agricultural organizations. 

"So between the Manitoba Beef Producers, Manitoba Hog Producers, to the Keystone Agriculture Producers, the National Farmer's Union, these are all organizations that we need to work together, stand united, and actually as we use them as a resource as much as they use us," said Kostyshyn. 

Before the proposed changes are implemented, the Province is looking for feedback from producers through government consultations. Click here to visit EngageMB, where you can view the proposed changes. 

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The Municipal Election takes place on Wednesday, October 28. 

The City of Dauphin hopes for a better voter turnout this year. In the 2022 Municipal Election, there were 6,079 eligible voters. Only 2,712 ballots were cast. That's only 44.6% voter turnout.

The City said in simple terms: be sure to vote on October 28.

Dauphin Mayor David Bosiak says that's an unfortunate number, but he doesn't feel it's unique to the City of Dauphin.

"I think that's a trend everywhere. I think a lot of people are somewhat disconnected from community and municipal government, in particular," said Bosiak. "I don't know if alarming is the right word. It's certainly unfortunate that more people don't value the right to vote. To decide the future municipally, provincially, or federally."

In preparation for the election, the City is revising its List of Voters to ensure accuracy. You're encouraged to confirm your name by calling 204-622-3200. You can also visit City Hall at 100 Main Street South.

If you need to update your information, you must go to City Hall with two pieces of identification. The deadline to make changes is on September 22.

If you're wondering why it's important to vote, there are many reasons. Your municipal government makes many decisions that have a major impact on the citizens and working people in the community.

This includes decisions on water supply and treatment, garbage and recycling pickup, road and sidewalk maintenance, and community planning and development, to name a few.

Voting is one of the most important ways you can advocate for yourself and your community.

Even a single vote can make a difference. Simply put, your vote can make a difference. 

"I will listen to anyone, whether they agree with my position or disagree. If they come with an idea or possible solution, I will absolutely have that conversation," added Bosiak. "If people don't make the effort to contribute by voting, I think their opinion may matter a little bit less."

Bosiak has announced he won't be seeking a second term. He says he wouldn't have been the mayor for the past four years if good couldn't be done.

He credits the council for having open and honest discussions.

"That's one thing I can say about our current council and administration: we didn't make any decisions willy-nilly," said Bosiak. "There was an inordinate amount of research and consultations done in a variety of ways before we decided to do certain things. I think that will continue."

A voter who is unable to attend the voting place or the advance poll in person may apply to the Senior Election Official (SEO) to vote by sealed envelope.

For more information, contact the Senior Election Official at 621-7165. You can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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Last weekend, the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum in Brandon brought a couple of their old WWII trainer aircraft to Dauphin for the day, showcasing some of the City's storied aviation history. 

Darrell Inkster, event coordinator, said though there were some hiccups, like the Museum only being able to bring two of the three planned planes, the day went off without a hitch. 

"We moved a lot of food, we had a lot of smiling people, we made sure we had lots of everything, and we didn't run out of a thing. We had two planes up in the air, with six flights each, they each did two extra rides to make up for the one plane that didn't make it in," said Inkster. 

During the second world war, Dauphin was home to the No. 10 Service Flying Training School, which saw more than 9,000 allied pilots trained to fly overseas. It's a big part of Dauphin's history, one Inkster is glad to see preserved, and recognized by so many. 

Dauphin's #50 LCol Barker V.C. Air Cadet Squadron was there to give a hand with a few things, among many other volunteers. Inkster said they could always use more volunteers for events like these, but he's very appreciative of how many helped out. 

"Next year I'm gonna have to look for a little bit more help, because we had quite a few volunteers, I had some really good friends, even Fire Chief Cam Abrey came out and roasted himself all day in front of that cooker flipping burgers, the fire department, they were phenomenal, those guys were right in there helping with the cooking. We couldn't have done it without them, or all the volunteers we had, it was absolutely amazing," said Inkster. 

If you missed it, no need to worry - Inkster said as long as he's kicking, he'll try to hold the event every year to help keep Dauphin's aviation history a bright spot. 

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According to the latest Manitoba Agriculture Crop Report, harvest in the Northwest region is 1% complete, most of that figure coming from an estimated 50% completion in both winter wheat and fall rye. Also featured is 5% completion in field peas. 

In the Northwest region, favourable weather allowed further crop development into late stages, including the majority of field peas moving into the R7 stage, with some harvest starting. Fall rye and winter wheat harvests are around 50% complete, with pre-harvest herbicide applications continuing where stages have been reached. 

Canola is the crop with the most unpredictability at the moment; most crops still range in a wide variety of stages, from flowering/podding to maturity, with some fields that had excess moisture showing patches of delayed growth. Swathing and desiccation has started in some early seeded fields, and sunscald has appeared in some crops after previous high temperatures. 

The majority of soybean crops in the region are in the R5 to R6 stage, and is looking good in areas where excess moisture didn't delay growth. 

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Parks Canada has posted a new project to the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry for the construction of a parking lot and pedestrian walkways in the Deep Bay area. 

In a Facebook post, Parks Canada said the project is designed to improve visitor safety and access during busy times in the area, where overcrowding of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles can be a problem. 

The goals of the project are to construct a gravel parking lot with space for 38 vehicles, create a road crossing and pedestrian walkway to the Deep Bay area, improving safety for visitors both walking and cycling, and closing a part of Wasagaming Drive to vehicles once construction is complete, while remaining open to cyclists and pedestrians. 

As part of the Impact Assessment process, Parks Canada is welcoming public feedback and comments until September 19th. Click here to view the project outline on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry. 

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Bob Brasted is back at it, growing something huge.

Brasted has been growing massive pumpkins for 15 years and is coming off a record year. At the Oakview Post Office, just past the Narrows Sunset Lodge, Bob's goal has always been to grow a pumpkin reaching 1,000 pounds.

Last summer, he achieved that. His pumpkin was 1,212 pounds. That crushed his previous high by almost 300 pounds. What started as a hobby has turned into a passion.

"Oh, it was wonderful," said Brasted. "It was the first time over 1,000 pounds. It's the first time in 15 years it's ever been that high. It was fantastic."

Bob's 2026 pumpkin was planted in the middle of July. For those not familiar with planting pumpkins, that's quite late. Poor weather forced Bob to hold off planting. In a typical year, he plants the pumpkin in late April or early May.

As of late last week, Bob's pumpkin weighs 507 pounds. The pumpkin has been growing 24.5 pounds per day. 

While Brasted isn't sure if the pumpkin will beat last year's record, he's pleased with how it's grown.

"It's just fun; it's a nice hobby," said Brasted. "I love to see how big I can grow the pumpkin."

If you'd like to see the giant pumpkin in person, Bob says come on down. You can go during the week by heading to the Narrows and continuing driving east down Highway 68 for about five miles. As you drive, you'll see a sign for Highway 325.

From there, turn left and proceed for a mile. It'll be your first house. You'll see a greenhouse on your left. There's also a little sign that says Oakview Post Office.

Once the growing season is over, Bob will take the pumpkin to Ashern and place it in the parking lot at Chicken Chef for everyone to see. 

Ian and Stuart Paton from England are the world record holders for growing a pumpkin. Their pumpkin weighed 2,819 pounds and four ounces. 

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The Gilbert Plains Arena is the place to be on Saturday.

Ryan Rauliuk and family are putting the final touches on the post-flood Zabava in support of the Gilbert Plains Country Club.

The GPCC is closed for the remainder of the season after last month's devastating flood.

The doors open at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Laughs, music, dancing, food, and fun, all in support of a great cause.

"Tickets are going steady. At first, it was a bit slower to get people in," said Rauliuk. "At the end of last week really picked up. Just this morning, tickets have been flying out the door. We're aiming for between 300 and 400 people attending."

Tickets are $100. Supper is at 6:00 p.m.

"That's going to get you a Ukrainian meal and a live band," said Rauliuk. "Dennis Beyak will be the guest speaker. Kelly Taylor will be our comedian. Your ticket also gets you free alcohol all night."

There will be a live and silent auction. Add in the Zabava, and it's the cheapest ticket in town. 

Rauliuk is thrilled to be hosting this event. He still remembers going with his dad to the GPCC and driving around on the cart.

It's a course near and dear to his heart. On Saturday, he will bring hundreds of people together to raise money for a great cause.

"100 percent of the money raised from this is going straight to the Gilbert Plains Country Club," said Rauliuk. "We're not deducting the comedian, the band, or any expenses. I'm looking after that through our business and family. It's our way of giving back to the GPCC. In a sense, the GPCC is like therapy for us."

Ryan thanks everyone for the incredible support so far, and he's looking forward to what will be a night to remember.

You can purchase tickets at Ruff's Furniture during business hours. Together, we can get the GPCC back on course. 

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On July 6, the Swan Valley Agricultural Society announced the cancellation of the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition for this year.

This decision was not made lightly. After careful consideration, our Board weighed many factors, including the current State of Emergency, the extensive clean-up and recovery efforts underway, and the need for contractors, emergency responders, volunteers, and community members to remain focused on helping Swan River and the surrounding communities recover.

Lesley Sembaluk, president, and the board also recognized the emotional and mental exhaustion many people have experienced.

Sembaluk and the crew are now looking ahead to the 2027 Northwest Roundup and Exhibition. It's coming back, and as Sembaluk says, it'll be a weekend to remember.

"Next year is actually our 125th year," said Sembaluk. "We're already behind the scenes planning on how to celebrate 125 years in the Valley. Make it one of our biggest and best ones yet."

Then on July 28, Rally for the Valley was born. The one-day event takes place on Saturday at the Swan River Valley Ag Grounds.

It starts with the Chamber of Commerce parade at 10:00 a.m. There's a bingo booth from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and children's activities and a petting zoo from 1:00 to 8:00. 

Beer gardens run from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. 

"We're going to have Ryan Keown. Then we'll have Jessie Genaille and Sweetgrass Revival," said Sembaluk. "Joey Pringle and a great local band called Decade. They're going to play in the grandstand from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m."

The full day of festivities ends with a vibrant fireworks show. The Town is using what they bought for Canada Day.

The Swan Valley Stampeders will also have a food booth. That will feature perogies, cabbage rolls, burgers, hot dogs, and more.

Sembaluk says forgetting what has happened this summer was not the reason to host the event. 

"We want to celebrate the people who have pushed through. Celebrate the people who have struggled with the devastation," offered Sembaluk. "We want to celebrate the volunteers. We want to mingle with people, chat, relax, and have a great time."

The Swan Valley Agricultural Society is also looking for volunteers for future events. If you're interested, head here.

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Inky Mark of Dauphin faces 26 new charges. 

On August 12, the RCMP re-arrested Mark. Sometime between December 2024 and February 2025, officers learned that Mark responded to a social media post from a friend complaining about a coyote on their property. He went to the person's home and handed them a firearm with ammunition. They did not use the gun, and the RCMP has since recovered it. 

Last month, Mark was arrested after investigators seized hundreds of firearms, an antique cannon, ammunition, and more than $300,000 cash.

As the investigation continued, the RCMP has since seized more firearms. The total is now 445, 295 of which were unsafely stored. Ten were prohibited, 11 were restricted or prohibited firearms that were not registered to the suspect, and 26.5 kilograms of explosives were recovered. That's more than four times higher than what licensed individuals are allowed to have.

A number of restricted or prohibited firearms were stored with readily available ammunition. Two firearms registered to the suspect were not located.

His new charges include weapons trafficking, having more than six kilograms of explosives, and possession of a firearm with a tampered serial number, among others.

Mark now faces 38 charges.

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