The Parkland's Winter Wonderland

The Parkland's most up-to-date source of local news.

It's one of the prettiest places in all of Manitoba.

Riding Mountain National Park is where anyone can go to have fun. Whether you're looking to go on a walk, have a nice meal, or relax at the spa, RMNP has something for everyone.

It's right in the City of Dauphin's backyard, making it perfect for your next outing.

"The park turns into a serene, winter wonderland, with frozen lakes, skating, and the wildlife," said Jennifer Gustafson, with Parks Canada. "You can go out and be the only person at Lake Audy seeing the bison, the winter birds. Just the beauty of being out there without all the large crowds."

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Jennifer says RMNP is a special place in the winter. If you're a fan of cross-country skiing, you're covered. A gourmet meal? They got you as well.

"We have over 300 kilometres of winter trails for all skill levels. Snowshoeing, fat biking, winter walking, and ice fishing," she continued. "People have been skating out on the lakes. The campground is open year-round. We have six winterized O-Tentiks that all have wood stoves."

In the summer of 2025, the Canada Strong Pass was first introduced. It offers opportunities to discover and celebrate even more of what RMNP has to offer, free of charge. From December 12 to January 16, you can enjoy free admission to RMNP.

"This is a chance for everybody to come out and explore Riding Mountain in the winter," ended Gustafson. "There is also a 25 per cent discount on camping, which includes O-Tentiks. It's a good time to try that out. It's a super special place over the winter, and now's your time to visit for free."

You don't need a physical Canada Strong Pass; just visit RMNP, and get ready for an experience to remember.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Dec 10, 2025 - 10:00 am

A woman who was denied service at the vendor and then began driving erratically in Dauphin has been arrested.

On Monday at 8:38 p.m., Dauphin RCMP responded to a report after the woman was seen leaving a business on 1st Avenue NE.

The woman entered another business parking lot and hit a parked vehicle, which then hit another vehicle. When exiting the lot, she ran over a stop sign.

She then caused an internet outage in the City of Dauphin after running over a Westman Communications box across from City Hall.

35-year-old Candace Burla of Ochre River then continued to another business, where she drove over the lawn, and narrowly missed a telephone pole. Her vehicle then became immobilized near the corner of Jackson Street and 1st Street SW.

Candace was arrested and was found to be over the legal limit. While in police custody, Candace resisted and uttered threats to an officer and a prisoner. As she was being placed in a cell, she pulled the fire alarm.

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Burla faces several charges, including operation while impaired, failure to stop after an accident, and resisting an officer.

If you spot anyone driving dangerously, you're urged to call 911, 24/7.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Dec 10, 2025 - 9:00 am

2026 will be a special year for Jeff Safronetz.

He joined the Grandview Fire Department in 1996. Almost 30 years later, Jeff has loved serving and protecting his community. He's responded to hundreds of calls in the area.

"It was a way to get involved in the community, and to support people in the community when they're in need," said Safronetz. "I had a great mentor who I lived beside. It was the right thing to do."

Then, 20 years later, in 2016, Jeff was promoted to fire chief of the Grandview Fire Department. He's spent the last nearly decade in the position, and doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon.

"I was honoured to be selected to be the fire chief and lead the crew at the Grandview Fire Department," continued Safronetz.

The Department responds to calls in their municipality, working with Prairie Mountain Health, the RCMP, Stars Air Ambulance, and Mutual Aid calls throughout the Parkland area.

Their current Quick Response Unit was purchased in the early 2000s. While it has done the Department well over the years, it's time for it to be put to bed. The Department is looking to purchase a newer unit, which costs about $72,000. With decals, lights, and a siren on it, it'll be roughly $85,000.

Thanks to a generous donation from Sunrise Credit Union through their Facilities Construction or Improvement Capital Grant, the Fire Department is well on track to make the purchase. They received $15,000 from SCU.

"We, as the firefighters and the municipality, feel very fortunate and honoured to have been selected by Sunrise Credit Union for this grant," continued Safronetz. "I'm sure there were many other applicants. We feel honoured to be chosen out of the group."

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If you've ever had an interest in joining the Grandview Fire Department, Safronetz said they're always looking for recruits. If you're interested, reach out to a current member or visit the municipal office.

"It's a great way to help serve the community," added Safronetz. "Usually when we get a call, it's one of the worst days someone could be having. It feels great to help someone out when they need it."

The Department in Grandview currently has 16 members. Responding to, on average, 30 to 35 calls a year, Jeff is always the first to say thank you to his crew for the amazing work they do.

"The crew we have is great. For the most part, they're fairly young, eager, and committed to serving the community," ended Safronetz. "Whether it be fighting fires, vehicle accidents, or doing a pancake breakfast or BBQ, they're always keen to be out and about in the community."

The Grandview Fire Department takes great pride in what they do, and a newer Quick Response Unit is on the way.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Dec 10, 2025 - 5:00 am

In just over a month, agriculture will be front and centre in Brandon for the return of Ag Days.

It returns to the Keystone Centre from January 20 to 22. The three-day event runs from 9:00 to 5:00 daily. It's an exhibition of all things agriculture. There will be more than 550 exhibitors all under one roof.

"If you want to spend three days in January in a nice and warm environment looking at all the newest and greatest things in Agriculture, AG Days is the place to be," said Teresa Hildebrand, media coordinator.

AG Days has announced a full schedule of speakers for the three days. There will be two theatres full of speakers. There will be no cost to listen to the speakers.

The speaker's series will include fantastic information from your neigbours, friends, and experts from around the province. Experts will provide information on their newest research in the field, and you'll learn how different farmers go about their business.

"Our speaker program is something that Manitoba AG Days is known for," continued Hildebrand. "We have an amazing lineup of speakers this year. We invite everyone to our complimentary speaking theatres."

Set to celebrate the 49th annual event, AG Days has grown from a one-day event to a three-day format. A major highlight for the event is the innovation showcase.

"And really highlighting all of the things that are new and cutting edge in agriculture," ended Hildebrand. "We're also really proud to feature 'Produced on the Prairies', which has been the feature for the last several years. We talk about the products, services, and people that are produced right here in Manitoba that make agriculture great."

Single-day tickets for the event are $15. You can get a three-day pass for $40. Head to Manitoba AG Days to purchase yours today.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Dec 9, 2025 - 7:30 pm

The Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre is reminding you of the potentially hazardous conditions on rivers, lakes, and drainage ditches around the province.

While the ice may appear normal, it can be very thin. As a result, it may not support people or heavy objects such as snowmobiles and vehicles. Thickness is inconsistent and unpredictable due to the recent temperature fluctuations.

It's recommended that you avoid walking, skating, skiing, sledding, or snowmobiling on rivers, lakes, floodways, retention ponds, or drainage ditches.

If you live near a waterway, you should take additional precautions to keep children and pets off the ice.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Dec 9, 2025 - 4:00 pm

Ainslie White was born and raised in Winnipeg.

She spent the first 22 years of her life there. She then spent the next 20 years in Alberta. In the spring of 2021, White moved to Minitonas. In March of 2024, Ainslie moved to Swan River and instantly fell in love with the community.

Her daughter will graduate from the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School this year. Ainslie said she has been very impressed with what her daughter has been provided with at the school.

"I was told the high school was award-winning, but I didn't really know what that encompassed," said White. "Coming from the high school that I was at in Winnipeg, it is phenomenal here. I am very impressed with the resources provided to her. Also, how the town accepted me, it has been great being a part of this community."

Ainslie comes from a health and safety background. She has spent the last 15 years doing audits for companies in various industries, including municipalities. White takes great pride in her ability to work with people, and one of her gifts is helping others communicate in a comfortable, polite, and professional manner.

Recently, the Town of Swan River held a by-election. While Ainslie doesn't come from a political background, she put her name in the ring, looking to fill the one open spot on council.

"I feel very passionate about people, and I have roots here now," continued White. "I was putting a lot of time into conversations outside of council. When the opportunity came for me to participate on the other side, I thought, rather than keep these ideas and conversations outside, why don't I try and join, and see if I can bring a fresh set of eyes, and my talents to the table."

On December 2, the results were in. Brenda Hunt, the senior election official for the Town of Swan River, officially declared Ainslie as a town councillor.

"It felt great. I very much appreciated it as I was going around town and talking with people I knew and various residents and asking them if they would support my decision to be on council," added White. "Many thought I would be a great fit."

Going into her second winter in Swan River and being the newest member on council, White has been hearing from residents about how things used to be. She's interested in looking deeper into that and wants to bring more strength to the Main Street businesses.

"I would say to continue moving forward, rather than start closing things up, or allowing a situation of pressure, like we're experiencing with the current crime, to stifle our growth," offered White. "We need to encourage development here. The new hotel is going to be great. We need to continue to build, so we can continue to flourish."

Ainslie believes Swan Valley has everything that one needs to live a great life, without the hustle and bustle of a major city. She also wants to thank Mayor Lance Jacobson and the entire council for welcoming her with open arms.

"The Mayor called me personally before my orientation to welcome me on board," ended White. "Then a group chat was started, and I had multiple welcomes to the council."

Swan River's council includes Jacobson, deputy mayor David Moriaux, Don Bobick, Tanya Powell, Duane Whyte, and Glen McKenzie.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Dec 9, 2025 - 3:00 pm

A trio from Waywayseecappo were arrested and face charges.

Last Thursday, the Manitoba First Nations Police Service stopped a vehicle in Waywayseecappo. An investigation led to the arrest of three men.

In the vehicle, officers found and seized a large amount of meth, Canadian currency, and drug trafficking paraphernalia.

38-year-old Murray Brandon Junior, 44-year-old Charles Shingoose, and a 34-year-old male have all been released and will appear in court at a later date.

They've all been charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Dec 9, 2025 - 2:00 pm

Winter is here, and with it come driving conditions that, at times, can be far less than ideal.

Last winter, there were 43,552 total collisions. 6,304 of those had careless driving as a contributing factor. Manitoba Public Insurance has noticed that some drivers struggle to change their driving habits to suit the change in driving conditions.

Speed, reduced visibility, following too closely, and sudden maneuvers such as accelerating too fast or hard braking are all reasons why Manitobans report more collisions in the winter months. However, the number one contributing factor to collisions remains the same all year round – careless driving.

Tara Seel is with MPI.

"Careless driving we see all year long. But in the winter months, it's particularly dangerous because you can't make those split-second adjustments that you need to if you don't have your full attention on the road," said Seel. "The ice comes into play, making your stopping distance longer. Packed snow is an issue as well."

Some tips to stay safe on the roads this winter: have an emergency kit in the vehicle in case you get stranded. Brake sooner, and drive smoothly.

"You want to leave more distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you," ended Seel. "People still commonly use cruise control during the winter months, and we recommend that you don't do that. Clear snow and ice from your vehicle, including the wheel well."

Now that winter has hit the province, if all drivers change their driving behaviours to suit the conditions, the risk of collisions goes down for everyone, helping more people get home safely.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Dec 9, 2025 - 11:00 am

Radon is an odourless, radioactive gas that seeps into homes and buildings from the soil.

Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. It's responsible for more than 3,200 deaths each year.

Lisa Gaudet is the City of Dauphin's deputy manager.

"We also know that 43 percent of homes in Manitoba exceed the national radon guideline of 200 becquerels per cubic metre," said Gaudet. "The Parkland area has particularly high levels of radon. Dauphin's radon exposure levels are the highest in Canada."

On Tuesday, the City of Dauphin will host a radon information session at the Dauphin Public Library at 7:00 p.m. They'll be giving away 100 free 90-day alpha-track radon test kits, and you'll learn how to test your home. You'll also find out what to do if your levels are high.

The Dauphin Library also has a lending program for digital radon test devices. Gaudet encourages residents to sign out a device, just like you would a book. Gaudet says the high numbers in Dauphin are alarming.

"It is critical that people test and mitigate if their levels are high. We rolled out a 100 radon test kit campaign last year. The results show that 84 percent of the homes tested during that campaign are reading higher than 200 becquerels per cubic metre," ended Gaudet. "The highest reading we saw was nearly 4,000 becquerels per cubic metre. Non-smokers who have high levels of radon in their home over their lifetime have a 1-in-20 chance of developing lung cancer. For smokers, that risk is 1-in-3."

If your home reads between 200 and 600 becquerels per cubic metre, it's recommended to remediate it within two years. If the radon reading is greater than 600 becquerels per cubic metre, you're encouraged to remediate within a year.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Dec 9, 2025 - 5:00 am

Marook the Police Dog has done it again.

On Sunday, the Ste. Rose RCMP responded to shots fired inside a home on the Ebb and Flow First Nation. The suspect, who was known to the police, fled the scene on foot. When officers arrived, they learned the disturbance occurred between the suspect and another male in the home.

Shawn Francouer fled into the woods. Marook located him, and he was arrested and taken into custody with a minor injury.

He faces 10 different charges, including discharging a firearm with intent, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and assault with a weapon.