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After her first Lunch and Learn series as the Parkland Chamber of Commerce's Executive Director, Kamryn Winters took a breath. Yesterday's State of the City was the first event in the series she emcee'd, and joked that naturally she picked the last possible one.
Jokes aside, she said the series overall went very well. Each event was attended very well, and the events were always run professionally.
"From what I can see, the room's full every time, people are invested in everything that we have to offer for the lunch series, because we have buy in, right? We have community buy in, we have municipal buy in, the people in the region are always ready to show up and they're excited to hear what's going on... for the chamber, it's important just to have those relationships with all the key stakeholders, the municipal leaders, anybody within the Parkland region, even community builders," said Winters.
Other chamber events have also had good attendance and reception. One example is their Coffee and Commerce events, a low-energy meeting place for entrepreneurs and business owners to have a chat over a cup of morning coffee. Winters said those events are going exceptionally well, and they've even given the chamber ideas of similar events they could run in the future.
"That's going well too, people are showing up, and that's what's important so it's been really good...we're hoping to do breakfast series as well, just to kind of capture an audience that can't attend a lunch event, but they would be able to attend like an 8:00 AM breakfast session," said Winters.
Breakfast series events aren't yet set in stone, but one thing that is (or more aptly set in asphalt), the Parkland Chamber of Commerce's Street Fair is coming up. The planning is well underway, with Winters saying they've already extened invitations to returning vendors, and will open up fresh applications soon.
"The planning has already started for sure, vendor applications have went out to past vendors of previous years, and we hope to open up the vendor applications for new vendors probably in a couple weeks or so," said Winters.
Though the chamber's Lunch and Learn series for the year is done, Winters still has lots of work to do with all the other chamber events. Keep an eye on the Parkland Chamber of Commerce's Facebook page for street fair details in the coming weeks.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Grandview Municipality has cancelled all active burn permits as of 1 PM today.
The cancellation is in large part because of strong winds in the forecast for the municipality over the next few days.
The municipality will also not be issuing any new burn permits until further notice.
If you have any concerns or questions, you can call Jeff with Grandview Municipality at 204-648-4679.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Spring seeding is off to a slow start across the province, especially here in the Northwest region.
According to the latest Manitoba Agriculture Crop Report, seeding has started on some fields in the Dauphin and Ste Rose area.
However, snow still persists on some fields in The Pas, as well as on some field edges/shelter belts in the Swan Valley.
Otherwise, fields in the rest of the region are mostly saturated with some standing water in low spots.
Across the entire province, 13 per cent of this year's crop has been seeded.
While that it is an improvement from the two per cent seeded by last week, it is well behind the 33 per cent mark that we were at around this time last year.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led grassroots movement aimed at engaging men and boys in taking a stand against violence toward women and children in Canada.
Founded in 2011 in British Columbia, it's now a national movement. It involves people of all genders and backgrounds who wear a small patch of moose hide as a symbol of their committment to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in their lives.
Over seven million moose hide pins have been sent across the country to workplaces, schools, and communities. It's a day of ceremony, reflection, and action. It's a chance to come together and stand in solidarity.
In Dauphin, the Friendship Centre and Assiniboine College will be hosting an event on Thursday. The event starts at 10:00 a.m. at the Friendship Centre. Individuals who wish to smudge beforehand will have the chance to do so. At 10:30, there will be opening ceremonies, including remarks from an elder.
Representatives from Assiniboine College and the Friendship Centre will also speak.
"At 11:00, we're going to go for a community walk. It'll be roughly 45 minutes long," said Cassandra Kostelnyk. "We will make a loop and end back at the Friendship Centre. Once that's complete, we will have booths that showcase different resources and different information on domestic violence."
A free community BBQ is to follow at 12:30.
Between 2011 and 2021, police reported 1,125 gender-related homicides of women and girls in Canada. 66% were by an intimate partner, 28% were a family member, and 5% were a friend or acquaintance.
From 2014 to 2022, intimate partner sexual assault increased 163%. Intimate partner physical assault increased 14%, and indecent or harassing communications increased 38%.
"With Assiniboine College, we take pride in our work in Indigenous communities," ended Kostelnyk. "This is definitely something we hold near and dear to our hearts. We think that it's important to raise awareness. Every person, not just a woman, but a man, woman, and child should have resources and support behind them if they do unfortunately find themselves in a violent situation."
The event was hosted last year in Dauphin. While the outdoor component of it was rained out, they held the festivities inside.
Thursday's event is open to everyone.
"I think it's an important day to show there's recognition and a step towards that reconciliation," ended Kostelnyk. "In specific terms, we want Indigenous women and children to know they're not in this alone. The more people that know about it and can tell the signs, the more likely that society in general will be able to help out."
In 2023, 26,777 children and youth, aged 17 and younger, were victims of police-reported family violence. More than three in five were girls.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Statistics Canada released their labour stats for April, which saw Manitoba's unemployment rate sharply drop to 5%, making it the lowest in Canada.
Jamie Moses, Manitoba's Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation said it goes to show that the provincial government's strategies to solve labour market problems is working.
"Good news that our unemployment rate is dropped to now the lowest in all of Canada at 5%, compared to 6.9% the national average, and so I think this is the result of our government doing hard work to ensure that more Manitobans have opportunities to work here, and that we're setting a right environment for business investment in Manitoba," said Moses.
Now that the weather is warming up and we inch closer to the start of seeding season, Moses commented on Manitoba's strong agricultural sector. He said that remains a very high priority for the provincial government, and they're investing in other vital sectors too. They're also committed to the development and expansion of the Port of Churchill, which has been one of the province's main priorities across all sectors this year.
"We certainly know that Manitoba's long tradition of strong agriculture, ag tech, ag manufacturing base, we'll continue to lean into some of those sectors, as well as seeing a lot of growth in construction, manufacturing, and transportation...right now our government is working collaboratively with First Nations and Métis on supporting the development of the Port of Churchill, and at the same time we're working with private industry and the federal government, including the major projects office to advance the opportunity at the Port," said Moses.
The Manitoba government has a good track record when it comes to major projects like the Port of Churchill expansion. Other projects, like the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels project, show that the provincial government can tackle large investments, especially when it comes to working with both First Nations and the private sector.
"We know this is a project that approximately 80% of Manitobans support as a driver for economic growth in our province...we know as Manitobans, we've got a strong track record of accomplishing big things. Those big challenges get accomplished and we can overcome them when we work together, and the project of expanding out the Port of Churchill is not different, we're going to do it by working together with communities," said Moses.
Speaking more on the private sector side, part of Moses' mandate letter from Premier Kinew listed working with the Business and Jobs Council to grow the economy and create good jobs as a main priority. Moses said the numbers prove that his work with that council and listening to Manitoba businesses has paid off by giving Manitoba the lowest unemployment rate in the country.
"We've worked on sub-committees within that council, we've put together a lot of recommendations for government, we're listening directly to the business community. And as a result, we put forward our economic development strategy last fall, which outlined some of the priorities for our government, to build jobs, to create atmosphere for business investment, and develop the skilled workforce of Manitoba's next generation...since we took government in 2023, we've created over 36,000 new good-paying jobs in Manitoba," said Moses.
Manitoba's Economic Development Strategy outlines the ways the province has worked with interest groups all across Manitoba, with a main goal of driving economic growth in every part of the province.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Christopher Brazeaux of Dauphin has been charged with arson and remains in custody.
On Friday at 9:30 p.m., Dauphin RCMP noticed a fire had started near the front steps of a building on the 100-block of Main Street in Dauphin.
Christopher was talking to another man before walking away while the fire still burned.
The other man put out the small blaze.
Brazeaux was located at the side of the building and was arrested. A search of him uncovered ammunition inside one of his jacket pockets.
On top of the arson charge, he also faces a charge of weapons possession contrary to order.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Manitoba Hydro has planned a simulated natural gas emegency in St. Lazare on Wednesday, as a way to test their readiness for any real-world emergencies.
Wednesday's exercise is a simulated puncture of the Minell Pipeline, which supplies the majority of the Parkland's natural gas, including Dauphin. Peter Chura, Media Relations Officer with Manitoba Hydro, said the exercise will involve a lot of different organizations and groups.
"Most people are familiar with the gas line that goes into your house, this is a much bigger thing, it's a large gas line that carries the bulk natural gas from out of the province into our system, and then it's distributed into the Parkland region, including the City of Dauphin...there will be Manitoba Hydro staff of course responding, there could be first responders, fire departments for the area, in this case it'll be the area around St. Lazare and the RM of Ellice-Archie, and also the police of course, there could be Manitoba EMO, Shared Health Manitoba, there is a lot of moving parts," said Chura.
The main goal of the simulated emergency is to make sure everyone knows their role when responding to real-world emergencies. Manitoba Hydro is no stranger to emergency situations involving the Minell Pipeline. It was punctured by farm equipment in 2021, and a vehicle collision damaged above-ground infrastrucutre in 2019.
"This exercise will coordinate the response, make sure everybody knows what everybody else's needs are, and ensure that we can get the emergency taken care of safely, and service restored as quickly as possible...2019, the incident there was a vehicle actually collided with the above-ground infrastructure and caused a major leak, fortunately no fire or injuries there, and then in 2021 a piece of farm equipment punctured the line, the actual underground pipeline, so really what that does it shows what the 2 main possibilities are," said Chura.
If you're in the St. Lazare area on Wednesday and see flashing lights and sirens along Highway 41, there's no need to worry. The expected response to the simulated emergency may look chaotic, but Chura said it's all very controlled. In fact, the "puncture" of the line will just be a pole with a flag. With the rotating workforce of not just Manitoba Hydro but all parties involved with the exercise, it makes sure that everybody who could possible have a hand in a real emergency knows what to do.
"This will be in the St. Lazare area just off of Highway 41, and you may see emergency vehicles, hydro vehicles, people coming and going. Not to be alarmed, this is all part of the training exercise...there might be different staff involved, new employees, different parts of departments or agencies, so it just makes sure that everybody who's invovled currently knows all the procedures, knows how to communicate, and make sure that we can respond safetly and effectively," said Chura.
The federal regulator requires that Manitoba Hydro holds simulated emergency exercises at least every 3 years.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
It's an extension of what they've already been doing.
Now they have a bigger space to continue the great work they've been doing. The Food Bank in Neepawa has a higher demand than ever. In 2022, community members wanted a resource centre or hub where they could visit to get connected with other resources in the area.
On Wednesday, the Salvation Army will open its new Community Services location in Neepawa. It's at Unit B 342 Mountain Avenue. The event will be from 1:00 to 3:00.
Amanda Naughton-Gale, the Neepawa Community Ministries Director, says it's going to be an exciting day.
"Just to welcome the community in to see what we have to offer is very exciting for us," said Naughton-Gale. "This space isn't just for clients. It really is a community space. We want our entire community to see what the possibilities of the space are."
Designed to better meet the evolving needs of individuals and families, the facility includes a welcoming reception area, two private offices, a community kitchen, and an expanded food bank that allows clients to shop for groceries using a points-based system.
In addition to food support, the new Community Services location provides space for workshops, events, and potential new programs that respond to local needs.
"That just makes coming in to seek services so much more dignified and welcoming," added Naughton-Gale.
Since 2021, the Food Bank has seen a 300% increase in the number of residents needing hampers. The Food Bank is now able to serve 75 households and roughly 200 individuals per month. It can provide approximately 5,000 lbs of food per month.
The former space could serve 50 households and roughly 130 people.
"It's been kind of mind-blowing," commented Naughton-Gale. "I've been in this position for 14 years. This is the highest level of food insecurity that we've seen. People really need the services that we offer here."
The Salvation Army is an international organization that began its work in Canada in 1882.
Today, it is the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country, offering hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in more than 130 countries worldwide.
14-plus years of giving back to the community, and with the grand opening of their new space a day away, Naughton-Gale is looking forward to a bright future and seeing happy smiles.
"I see the struggles of our clients daily," ended Naughton-Gale. "Sometimes they just need someone to listen, direct them in the right way, and connect them with a resource. Sometimes that can make a huge difference in their mental health, physical well-being, and their quality of life."
If you're in Neepawa or the area, join Amanda and her crew for the grand opening of the new location on Wednesday from 1:00 to 3:00.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Mayor David Bosiak gave his annual State of the City address at the Watson Art Centre today, his last address during his time in office.
This year especially has built on Bosiak and Council's mantra of "investing in the future." Bosiak said that's been their goal from the get-go: creating a place that people want to live in. Not just now, but for generations to come. The Council had constant discussion, and sometime disagreement, on how to best build Dauphin's future, but in the end, those disagreements helped everyone to see all sides of the table.
"From the beginning, that's been it. We know that for Dauphin to be the place that we want it to be, you have to invest. You can't break things, or say things are broken, and not have solutions on what to do ... does business come first and people follow, or we talked to a lot of people in the community, whether it be doctors or lawyers or other professionals or some contractors that moved to the area, we heard so often, over and over, how it was about lifestyle, it was about having healthcare, it was about having good schools for kids, and it was about recreation," said Bosiak.
Mayor Bosiak and Council have made a staggering number of investments over the past 3 and a half years, with more planned in the 2026 budget. Some of them include the Craft District, which has been a priority for the Council since day 1, and expanding recreation in Dauphin via investments in active transportation trail systems, and an expansion of the Northgate trail system into Riding Mountain National Park. Both of those examples, and many other investments, have something in common: tourism. That's where Mayor Bosiak and Council feel Dauphin's future lies.
"It's a low impact kind of industry, it doesn't pollute, it brings revenue from outside the community into the community, and it can rinse and repeat, you can keep doing it over and over with different markets. So we figured why not invest in those things that make Dauphin a great community to live in, and those things will follow," said Bosiak.
Another hallmark of Bosiak's term was the positive communication and great relationship building between the City of Dauphin, the RM of Dauphin and the Province of Manitoba. Bosiak's term has seen a variety of combined projects, including the Justice Centre, which is set to have shovels in the ground this fall, the province's inclusion of $1.5M for Northgate trail expansion in their 2026 budget, and the planned daycare facility. Bosiak said there's no words to express how important those connections have been to the City these past years.
"We know through the Municipal Act there's certain limitations that municipalities have, but if you're in good stead with the province, a lot of that happens...MLA Kostyshyn has been absolutely supportive, and I know that the Premier has a soft spot for our community, likes us, and we've developed a very working, positive relationship with key ministers and the Premier so that we can communicate to them directly," said Bosiak.
Looking in the windows of City Hall, you'd see a city council that you'd expect to have known each other their entire lives. Bosiak and Council have atteneded several Association of Manitoba Municipalities meetings over the years, and some of them have dysfunction or large disagreements with each other. He said he couldn't have asked for a more professional council here in Dauphin. They've always put the City of Dauphin first.
"We got lucky, I have to admit. Developing relationships with people that are of similar mind and value is a lot easier than trying to develop a relationship with someone who might think diametrically opposite to the way that you think," said Bosiak.
With his time in office nearing it's end, as he's said from the start he'll be a one term mayor, Bosiak reflected on what he'll remember from his time in office, and gave a bit of advice to anyone considering running for that spot in the upcoming elections this fall.
"Everything could be better, absolute, and today it could still be better. However, if you're not trying to fix something, and all you do is complain about what isn't, or what's bad or what's broken, that's not a solution," said Bosiak.
Mayor Bosiak has certainly enjoyed working with his Council to keep building up Dauphin, not just for now, but for a long time to come. One of those councillors, Steven Sobering, has announced his candidacy for Mayor in the upcoming elections this fall.
"I'm endorsing Steven Sobering as a Mayor, and I will endorse every member of this current council who chooses to run again in October," said Bosiak.
The next municipal election is scheduled for October 28th of this year, with prospective councilors announcing their candidacy later in June.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The 9:00 p.m. routine is back in the City of Dauphin.
For the next 21 days, the city is challenging you to take a few simple steps every night at 9:00 p.m. to help reduce theft and property crime in the community. They say it takes 21 days to build a habit. It's now your turn to make a new habit of helping to keep our community a safer place.
David Bosiak is the City of Dauphin's Mayor.
"This is just a reminder to do some of the simple things," said Bosiak. "Lock your vehicle, keep valuables out of sight. Put your outside light on. If you have stuff in your yard, make sure it's secured in the evening. It's the little things."
It's also recommended to remove your keys from all ATVs and farm equipment. Don't forget to like and drop a checkmark on the Facebook post. Each Friday, they'll pick one winner who's been liking, commenting, and staying active. Winners will receive a $25 gift card to a local business.
The 9:00 p.m. routine is in partnership with the Dauphin RCMP. The local detachment is nearly fully staffed, which is a big positive. Bosiak added that the City's relationship with the RCMP is phenomenal.
"S/Sgt. Smaill and Sgt. Seeley meets with us quarterly," added Bosiak. "We have an ongoing relationship with them. Our city administration can call them anytime and have a dialogue. They've been extremely supportive."
At the request of the city, the RCMP have now begun foot patrols around the community. While officers won't be out on the streets conducting foot patrols at all times, you can expect to see officers from time to time. If you see an officer walking the streets, the RCMP encourages you to bring up any concerns you have in the community.
The local detachment currently has 23 members.
"We're responding to what the community is telling us," ended Bosiak. "The RCMP has told us that they can't be everywhere all the time. Just a sense that they're out there, are willing to listen, and participate in a solution is quite pleasing to us at the city."
The summer is here. The 9 p.m. routine is back, and the City of Dauphin is thrilled about its relationship with the RCMP. Stay safe, be well, and enjoy the warm weather.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A 53-year-old man from Ste. Rose is dead after his motorcycle crashed.
On Monday at approximately midnight, Ste. Rose RCMP responded to a motorcycle that had gone into the ditch. It happened on Highway 276 and Road 141 West, just north of Ste. Rose.
The driver was travelling south on his motorcycle. He then went off the road on the wrong side shortly after a curve in the highway.
The motorcycle was located in the east ditch, with the man lying next to it. Revival attempts were unsuccessful, and the man died at the scene.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
