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The Parkland Chamber of Commerce held their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, covering how last year went for the chamber, and providing an update of their plans for 2026.
Kamryn Winters is the Chamber's new Executive Director. She says though she's the new kid on the block, her experiences with the Chamber in the past will help make the Chamber better in her new role.
"My past experiences with the Chamber would have been being a member of the Chamber through Countryfest, so obviously attending the street fair, and excited to be more involved in the street fair, especially because event planning is my background just being with Countryfest in general," said Winters.
Winters isn't the only new board member this year. She says the unique makeup of the new board is definitely an asset.
"The nice thing about the Chamber board is everybody has connections to different organizations and businesses within the Chamber, so having a board of directors that has all that networking power and knowledge is so important for the Parkland Chamber to even move forward with event planning and making sure that you're not double booking events at the same time, and everybody's helping each other out," said Winters.
Even though the year went well and the AGM is over, there's no time to rest. The Chamber is hosting their Chamber Celebration Night on March 18th, where they celebrate various Chamber members with recognition and different awards.
"It's going to be a really good night, and it's important to recognize all the nominees whether they end up leaving with an award or not, there's a lot of really good startup businesses that some people might not know are even a business, so it's really exciting to come out and see what the Parkland has to offer," said Winters.
In her written Executive Director's Report, she said next year's focus will be on strengthening member value, expanding relevant programming, and continuing to position the Parkland Chamber of Commerce as a trusted connector, supporter, and advocate for business in the region.
For more details about the Parkland Chamber of Commerce and their Chamber Celebration Night, click here to visit their website.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
10 years ago this week, Lorlene Bone of the Sapoteweyak Cree Nation was reported missing.
She last spoke to her mother on February 29, 2016, and was reported missing to Swan River RCMP on March 9, 2016. She would now be 41 years old.
The Manitoba RCMP continue to receive tips about her disappearance. Investigators are following up on any new leads in the hope of resolving the decade-long mystery.
“Numerous searches have taken place over the past 10 years and we’ve followed up on many tips, but we continue to look for the one piece of information that get us the answers we’re looking for, and find Lorlene,” said RCMP Sgt. Marnie Carvelli. “We continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how small the detail, to contact our detachment.”
If you have any information that could be of assistance to investigators, call the Swan River RCMP at 734-4686. You can also submit a tip online.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Starting in August, provincially regulated workplaces in Manitoba will be required to provide free menstrual products to their employees.
In a news release on Monday, Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino said the changes are about fairness and dignity at work, and periods are a normal part of life and workplaces should reflect that reality by making sure workers have what they need.
The changes come from the results of a 5 year review by the Workplace Safety and Health Review Committee. The government estimated the cost for businesses to implement the changes at $10 to $25 per employee, with an added installation cost of dispensers and other equipment of up to $300.
Though Manitoba is the first province to implement this change, federally regulated workplaces have been provding employees with menstrual products since 2023.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The Parkland Chamber of Commerce held their Milestone Awards and Annual General Meeting today, honouring several long-time parkland businesses for their dedication to both the Chamber and to the Parkland.
Several businesses this year were honoured for 60 years of membership with the Parkland Chamber of Commerce. Those businesses are:
- Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Services
- CIBC
- 730 CKDM
- Embroidery by Design & Promotions
- McMunn & Yates
- MNP
- PepsiCo Beverages Ltd
- Royal Canadian Legion Dauphin Branch #20
- Scotiabank
Tere Stykalo of MNP said he's glad to be part of an organization with such deep roots in the Parkland area; one that's name commands trust and respect.
"Makes us feel really good to be part of something that's bigger than just our firm or individual people, this is a community organization that we're just proud to be part of...when you think about all of the things and all of the organizations within our community, the Chamber always stands out because it's a community voice, it's a business voice, and a place where you can trust to get information for all types of businesses," said Stykalo.
MNP wasn't the only long time Parkland business with similar feelings towards the Chamber. Jason Yates of McMunn & Yates spoke on the chamber's unique place in the Parkland.
"It feels great, we've had a great team over the 60 years working for McMunn & Yates and representing the company, and it's a long time but it's been a great run for us...the Chamber is always a unique organization, and it really depends on it's membership involvement to bring the success out of what the Chamber does," said Yates.
The Parkland Chamber of Commerce has been in operation for 122 years, so 60 isn't anything to laugh at: it's an indicator of a long-term commitment to making our Parkland a better place for not only businesses, but any resident of the Parkland.
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The Grandview & District Community Foundation's Annual General Meeting takes place on Wednesday, and Chairperson Tannis Pulock says like past years, the foundation had a very strong 2025.
"The Grandview & District Community Foundation has had an excellent year. We hit the $1.5 million mark in assets, so we have much to celebrate. I don't think anything went wrong, and I don't think that really anything could have gone better. We had a great year...we live in a very generous community, and I have to admit that the generosity never ceases to amaze us," said Pulock.
Pulock also said the AGM will talk about the specifics of the year, and what the foundation's plans are for 2026.
"Our AGM includes a brief history of the foundation, a look at our financial standing, a review of 2025 accomplishments, and a snapshot of our goals and plans for 2026...we did recieve money from the Thomas Sill Manitoba Fund for the first time, and we were very excited to be able to partner with Grandview Fire and Rescue to assist in the purchase of a quick response unit. In 2026 we will also get another installment of the Thomas Sill Manitoba Fund, and we look forward to coming up with a project for that," said Pulock.
Looking ahead, Pulock said most of their plans for 2026 are simple: helping the community.
"Our plans are to just continue the support our community needs through the granting process, and we have about $43,000 available to grant out to community organizations," said Pulock.
The Grandview & District Community Foundation's Annual General Meeting will be held at the Grandview Museum Burrows Building at 6:00 PM on Wednesday. Anyone is welcome to attend.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The Special Olympics Manitoba Polar Plunge fundraising series made its way through Brandon and Clear Lake this past weekend.
On Saturday, recruits from the Brandon Police Service plunged into cold water tanks, raising over $21,000 in the process.
Yesterday (Sunday), a similar event was held in Clear Lake, and raised over 10 grand.
A total of nine events are being planned across the province, with proceeds going to support more than 2,000 athletes with disabilities, who participate in 17 sports through Special Olympics programming.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Dauphin Friendship Centre is hosting Healing Drum Circles centered around grief and loss.
Using her knowledge gained from experience, as well as courses for her Masters in Social Work for Indegenous Trauma and Resilience through the Univerisity of Toronto, MSW ITR student Cynthia Genaille says the nights will focus on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual components of grief.
"It is our belief in Anishinabek culture that in order for holistic healing, you need to include every part of human being, which includes their spirit. Obviously the mind, obviously what's going on in their heart, how they're feeling, and then their physical health and wellness," said Genaille.
The sessions are limited to 12 members, and have already filled up, though more may be held in the future. Genaille said smaller sessions were created strategically.
"We have to consider the heaviness of the topic we are covering, we have to consider people being triggered, and I need to be able to make everyone is safe, and I'm doing this in a trauma informed way," said Genaille.
Though she has an academic knowledge of the science behind grief and loss, she is also using personal experiences with healing to help others.
"That is how I dealt with my grief and loss, was turning to my culture and learning all these things...I did a lot of ceremony, I learned from a lot of other people in the community and Elders around me," said Genaille.
The sessions are being hosted at the Dauphin Friendship Centre over the coming weeks. Genaille said if there is enough interest, there is a possibility of hosting more sessions in the future.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Parkland Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual general meeting tomorrow.
It will begin at 11:45 at the Watson Art Centre.
Besides looking back at last year and previewing the coming year for the chamber, Executive Director Kamryn Winters says the event also includes the presentation of their milestone awards.
"What the Milestone awards are is, it is our luncheon for one, but it is also to celebrate any Chamber members that have hit milestones. So whether that is 5, 10 years, and I know CKDM is hitting 60 years (this year). So you know, it is a big deal for some of these businesses. And for the chamber as well, it is nice to have that support from businesses and non-profit organizations as well."
Winters says they will be recognizing around 40-50 businesses and non-profits with milestone awards.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
We are just one day away from Farm Outlook 2026.
The annual one-day Ag Conference is set for tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Parkland Rec Complex.
Chad Sahulka with the Dauphin Ag Society says they are excited to be bringing the event back this year.
"We are excited to put on a show that gives us an outlook every year on what we need and want in the farming community. The preparations are going well from our committee with the Dauphin Ag Society, and everything is going good. We have a alot of speakers lined up and it should be a really good day."
Topics being discussed this year include a market outlook, weeds, an update from Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation, and a presentation on human resources.
The day also includes the presentation of the Ron Brook Memorial Award.
Admission for the day is $20,which includes lunch.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Dauphin's indoor playground is growing, and it'll do so in a new space.
The current playground at Parkland Crossing is moving to the Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation at 37 - 3rd Avenue NW in Dauphin. It'll be more than a playground; it will be a place for kids to play and belong.
Amanda Novak of the DNRC says the move ensures the playground's long-term sustainability and accessibility.
"Bringing the play place to the DNRC Community Centre allows us to connect it with current and future youth and family programming," said Novak. "It also allows us to expand and improve the play structure."
The current play structure will be moved by the end of May. The total project cost is just over $125,000. This includes the disassembly, reassembly, new pieces, and replacement parts. The goal is to open the Little Neighbours Play Space by October 1, 2026.
The space will include the original structure from Parkland Crossing. There will also be a new piece added from the original manufacturer.
"The new addition will increase the height and add about 30 per cent more play space," said Novak. "It'll give kids more room to climb, explore, and stay active indoors."
The new play space will be available for birthday parties and group rentals.
Novak says once complete, the Little Neighbours play space will be the perfect spot for families.
"We're really excited about it. It allows us to expand and strengthen the project," commented Novak. "Not many communities the size of Dauphin have an indoor playground. This is a big boost for family recreation in our community. It provides a safe, temperature-controlled space where kids can play, and families can connect year-round."
On Tuesday, Novak will be hosting an open house from 5:00 to 7:00 at the DNRC. Everyone in the community is invited.
"We'll be sharing the proposed layout and sponsorship and recognition opportunities," ended Novak. "It's a great chance for businesses, organizations, and families to get involved and help bring this project to life. We will be serving light refreshments."
A place to play. A place to belong. A place built by community. The Little Neighbours Play Space is coming to the DNRC.
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The recent spark in conflict in the Middle East has sent fuel prices skyrocketing around the globe. According to gasbuddy.com, prices in Dauphin are between $1.40 and $1.50 per litre, a significant spike compared to past weeks.
Don Tarrant, Owner and General Manager of Reit Syd Equipment, says farmers especially should be prepared for the increased input costs.
"If grain prices jump up here in response to the cost of growing the grain it won't be as much of a hit, but with current grain prices and now another spike in inputs, you're going to see very quickly the farm fuel and consumer fuel going up a lot...fuel is a big input into growing crops, second thing is nitrogen fertilizer which is made from natural gas, natural gas is also going to be pushed up maybe a fair bit and the transportation of that, and also the Middle East does supply a lot of nitrogen fertilizer. We make our own in Canada, but it does push the world price up, which will push the price up here in Canada as well," said Tarrant.
Fuel and fertilizer are major inputs to growing crops, but there are other smaller inputs that farmers will have to account for as well.
"Things like tires, anything with any petroleum content. Not a big thing on the farm, but tires are a part of that, but definitely the real quick ones that are going to hit the customers or growers is the fuel cost, fertilizer cost, and then the dollars they have to spend on top grade equipment are definitely going to take a hit if we don't see a spike in grain prices...so I think immediately we're going to see the effect and it's going to be a very significant one, but it's really going to start to change customers' ability to buy through the summer through fall if things don't rapidly de-escalate and do get back to normal," said Tarrant.
Tarrant has been in the agriculture industry for a long time. With his experience, he has some recommendations to hopefully help farmers save a bit on inputs.
"I think the best thing to do is phone their fuel supplier this morning and fill up for storage as much as they can take in, second thing is I would think they should phone their crop input supplier and book their nitrogen fertilizer today as well," said Tarrant.
United States and Israeli strikes on Iran started on February 28th. Since then, according to gasbuddy.com, the average gas price across Canada has jumped from $1.33 per litre to $1.55 per litre.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
