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Some troubling numbers have come in from the Manitoba RCMP.
Officers have already responded to 43 fatal collisions in 2026. That has resulted in 48 deaths. The number of collision-related deaths is up 23 per cent from this time last year – when 39 deaths had been recorded – and is 34 per cent above the five-year average.
Twenty-nine fatal collisions have occurred in the Manitoba RCMP's jurisdiction in the last three months alone, including 10 so far in July.
The next time you hit the road, RCMP Traffic Services Sgt. Ryan Landry says be mindful and cautious.
"Make sure you aren't driving when you've had drinks," said Landry. "Have a sober driver. If you're operating an ATV or off-road vehicle, do so safely, and always wear a helmet. Make sure you're wearing seatbelts in all vehicles equipped with them."
The 48 fatalities this year include five who have died while riding all-terrain, off-road vehicles, or dirt bikes – and helmets were not worn in at least three of those incidents.
For the first seven months of 2026, alcohol and/or drug impairment is either confirmed or suspected in 12 fatal collisions, with RCMP awaiting results from toxicology tests in 10 of those cases. By comparison, impairment was confirmed or suspected in 18 fatalities for all of 2025.
Any vehicle-related death where alcohol or drugs is a contributing factor is entirely preventable. Road safety is everyone's responsibility.
The RCMP also asks drivers to be on the lookout for motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Don't forget to be mindful of wildlife and follow posted speed limits.
We all play a part in road safety.
"We want people to be safe, and that's all aspects of driving," ended Landry. "Driving is not a right; it's a privilege. We have to respect that privilege. We have to be mindful of the road and the other people on it. We have to drive by the rules. We want people to do lane changes properly, put your phone down, and don't be distracted. Pay attention and get to where you're going safely."
In a recent survey conducted by CAA Manitoba, 98 per cent of Manitoba drivers have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours on Manitoba roads. 75 per cent have witnessed distracted driving, and 74 per cent have witnessed unsafe lane changes.
However, only 59 per cent admit engaging in at least one of the dangerous driving behaviours themselves. This reveals a significant disconnect between what drivers see and how they assess their own actions behind the wheel.
83 per cent of respondents reported they've witnessed Manitoba drivers speeding.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Dauphin Co-op loves giving back, and they're doing it again.
They've introduced the Community Development Fund. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate strong community support, long-term sustainability, measurable impact, and meaningful benefits for communities within the area.
Sierra Hadway is the marketing and community relations coordinator with Dauphin Co-op.
"For us, it's about making a difference. We support projects that address genuine needs in our community and bring people together," said Hadway. "Making sure what we build and invest in today benefits families for generations to come."
At the Dauphin Co-op, its mission is to build valued relationships with its members, team members, and communities one interaction at a time. Their vision is to enrich the lives of their communities. Their values are respect, honesty, service, and excellence.
Dauphin Co-op says its members are a part of everything they do.
Hadway says giving back has and always will be the right thing to do.
"It's at the heart of everything we do," ended Hadway. "We have a long and proud history of giving back to the communities where we live, work, and play. We are so excited to share this funding opportunity."
To apply, head here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The community of Rossburn will be buzzing on Thursday.
The Rossburn Chamber of Commerce is holding Chamber Day. It will take place at the Memory Gardens.
The Rossburn Knights of Columbus and Lions Club are holding a BBQ. It's $10 for a burger, chips, and a drink. There will be a bouncy obstacle course for the kids, along with games. There will also be face painting for the kids at Rossburn Pharmacy.
Kelly Hunter says it's an event for the entire community. It's all about enjoying a beautiful summer day with family and friends.
"It'll be mostly families. For kids with the bouncy castle," said Hunter. "Anyone who wants a burger.. Kids activities. Those who want to shop locally. It's a great event to boost the downtown traffic."
The event runs from 11:30 to 3:00. In addition, if you make a purchase from a Rossburn Chamber business until Thursday, you'll be entered in a draw to win a BBQ and gift cards. A full list of accepted businesses is here.
Hunter says community members are already planning their days and looking forward to being a part of the action.
"My business is across the street from the Memory Gardens," ended Hunter. "So just to see the town busy on a summer day. The kids bouncing around and coming to get ice cream. Everyone working together to have a nice day. Nothing big, just a feel-good family event."
So, if you're in the Rossburn area on Thursday, join Kelly and the community for a great afternoon of fun and laughs.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Early Wednesday morning, the Swan Valley Fire Department was made aware of a fire alarm at Swan Valley Regional Secondary School.
After arriving on scene just after midnight, Incident Command found audible alarms sounding. Once crews arrived at the front entrance, they began clearing the building to make sure no fire was present. After inspection of the north hallway exit, they found alarms coming from the University College of the North building. One crew separated to check the UCN building.
Once the main crew cleared the SVRSS building, they joined up with the crew at the UCN building, where they found smoke in some of the classrooms. Swan Valley FD used thermal imaging cameras to find where the fire originated, and deployed an attack line into the structure. The fire was extinguished quickly.
Investigation determined the cause of the fire to be a heating element within the building's ducting system. There wereno signs of fire extensions, with crews able to limit damages to just one classroom. There were no injuries.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
VIA Rail Canada announced late last week they plan on investing $1.95 billion in their remote, regional, and long-distance locomotive fleet, and will also be bringing their production back into Canada.
The investments include 45 new hybrid battery-diesel locomotives, and a new assembly and maintenance facility in Montréal. In their news release, VIA Rail Canada says the new trains will be built with Canadian rail's unique challenges in mind.
"Designed for the realities of Canada’s vast network and climate, the new locomotives will improve reliability, performance and fuel efficiency while reducing emissions," read part of the news release.
There's no doubt that VIA Rail service is nowhere near what is used to be, especially for remote and regional routes. The new investment gives some hope that VIA Rail still sees value in those routes, and is actively looking to expand that service. Pictured below is a page from VIA Rail's Winnipeg - Churchill Route Guide, showcasing the route, and some of the stops along that route, including Dauphin.
In a Facebook post about the announcement, the Dauphin Rail Museum says it aligns with their efforts to expand Dauphin's VIA Rail service.
VIA Rail Canada's Winnipeg - Churchill Route gives Manitobans an affordable and easy way to access other parts of the province. Their new investment in regional, remote, and long-distance locomotives will help that access continue.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The Province of Manitoba is providing several fire departments with new wildland firefighting equipment, including several in the Parkland.
Of the 32 fire departments being given the new equipment, there are 12 in the Parkland:
- Westlake Fire Department
- Keeseekoowenin
- Waywayseecappo
- Roblin Fire & Rescue
- Inglis Fire Department
- Alonsa Fire Department
- Winnipegosis Fire & Rescue
- Amaranth Fire Department
- Sandy Lake Fire Department
- Rorketon FD (RM of Lakeshore)
- Swan Valley FD
- Rossburn FD
Each of these fire departments will be getting Fire Skids - a 1,000 litre water tank on a welded base, with a pump and forestry hose. They are critical components of wildland firefighting, as they are very mobile, and can be very easily secured to suitable trucks or other vehicles.
The equipment comes as the result of a partnership between the Manitoba government and GlobalMedic, an Ontario charity, to identify fire departments across the province that are in need of additional wildland firefighting gear. The fire departments getting the new equipment have been identified as priority departments, where wildland fire risk is greatest. During the 2025 wildfire season, the Manitoba Fire Service was provided 68 Fire Skids.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The City of Dauphin has submitted a Request for Proposals to update the South End Destination Site, in an effort to revitalize the space and turn it into a better public area.
In a Facebook post, the City of Dauphin says they want a qualified consultant to develop a long-term concept for the space, focusing on enhancing the site's visual appeal, supporting tourism development, and considering new features for the site.
"The City of Dauphin is seeking a qualified consultant to develop a long-term concept for the South End Destination Site that enhances its function as a gateway into Dauphin while creating an inviting public space where residents and visitors can stop, explore, and enjoy the area," read part of the post.
One of the main project objectives includes the integration of any existing features, notably Amisk the Beaver, into any conceptual designs. Another main project objective is that the City encourages interested parties to respectfully incorporate Indigenous culture, art, and language where appropriate.
In the City of Dauphin's budget, there is $15,000 for this project, to be used for the completion of the successful concept. The deadline to submit proposals is August 10th. For more details, click here to view the City of Dauphin's full Request for Proposals for the South End Destination Site.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure says they've made good progress in repairing provincial roads in the Parkland and Interlake, affected by heavy rainfall and flooding in June.
In the news release, they say in June communities received as much as 200mm of rain, causing widespread flooding and road washouts. Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure reported more than 50 provincial roads had been damaged, with the Parkland's municipalities estimating around 1,500 municipal roads also receiving significant damage.
"MTI staff, consultants and contractors have been working since that time to assess damage, complete emergency repairs and restore access as quickly and safely as possible," read part of the news release.
The Province lists the following roads as now reopened after repairs:
- Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 5 – 2.4 kilometre (km) west of PTH 10 at Wilson River;
- PTH 10 – 2.3 km east of PTH 83 at Tamarack Creek;
- PTH 10 – 2.4 km north of Provincial Road (PR) 271 at Pine River;
- PTH 10 – 3.3 km west of PR 366;
- PTH 20 – 9.8 km north of PR 271;
- PTH 77;
- PTH 83 – 1.6 km south of PTH 10;
- PTH 83 – 6.5 km north of PTH 57; and
- PR 366 – from PTH 5 to PR 485.
The Province reminds drivers that roads might still have reduced speed limits, single-lane traffic, and ongoing construction. Drivers are required to obey all posted signage, especially in construction zones. Manitoba Transportation and Infastructure will continue to monitor road conditions and complete repairs.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The Dauphin & District Handivan is hosting a raffle over the next few weeks. Lots of tickets are still available, for three prize packages.
The first prize, the Gift of Flight, is a roundtrip flight for two to any regularly scheduled and marketed WestJet destination. The second prize, the Ultimate Golf Pack, includes eighteen holes of golf at both the Gilbert Plains Country Club and Lake Dauphin Golf Course, a one night stay in a deluxe suite at Elkhorn Resort, 18 holes of golf at Clear Lake Golf Course, and a $100 gift certificate and merch from Caddie's Golf Simulator and Lounge. The third prize, the Stay-cation, includes a one night stay at Dauphin's Best Western Plus, two spa pedicures and a gift bag from Olakino Spa, a $100 gift card from Corrina's Restaurant, and $50 gift cards from both Mr. Mikes and the Countryfest Community Cinema.
Funds raised from the raffle will go to the purchase of a new Handivan, to help meet the organization's needs. The draw date is August 20th. Tickets can be purchased at Unit B at the Dauphin Train Station. For more details, call their office at 204-638-8884.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) is required for individuals wanting to obtain a Class 1 license for trucks. Previously, farmers would have been eligible for funding to help upskill their employees under the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant.
Colin Hornby, General Manager of Keystone Agricultural Producers, said that program has since been changed into something else, but there are still funding options for farmers.
"The program that funded MELT, which is Mandatory Entry Level Training farmers use for getting Class 1 training, Class 1 licenses, was previously under the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant, however that program was discontinued and changed into something called the Canada-Manitoba Workforce Tarrif Response Program," said Hornby.
According to the Province, the new program is designed to support workers, businesses, and communities directly and indirectly impacted by tariffs, including steel, softwood lumber, and other sectors. Hornby said the new program had some vague wording when it came to MELT funding in relation to agriculture, so after working with the Province, they've sorted out their concerns.
"We went and communicated with the Province over a few weeks to try to get clarity, and I think they made some tweaks, and they made sure that the language is changed so that it was clear, because initially it didn't appear that MELT was eligible under the new funding programs, but we were able to get them to change some of the wording and clarify," said Hornby.
There's also another program that can help give farmers funding to upskill their employees: the Building Up Manitoba Program, or BUMP. This program is designed for small and medium sized employers.
Hornby said both of the programs are usually popular, and recommends anyone interested to apply sooner rather than later.
"It's an important program that has a lot of uptake, and this money disappears pretty quickly when people apply, because it's not just for ag, it's sort of economy wide," said Hornby.
The Province says the Canada-Manitoba Workforce Tarrif Response Program was developed with partnership from the Government of Canada, through a three year, $18.2 million investment.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Friday morning just before 10:30 AM, the Dauphin Fire Department was dispatched to reports of smoke at a home on 3rd Avenue SW. After arriving on scene, RCMP forced the front door open to allow the Fire Department to enter the home.
The home, which was under renovation, had a fire on the main floor. Crews accessed the second floor through a window, because the main stairs had been removed for the renovations. After extinguishing the fire and ensuring no fire extension was possible, crews ventilated the building.
After investigation, the Dauphin Fire Department determined the fire to be accidental. For renovations, the owner of the home used an oil based stain on wood for flooring and trim. The rages used were discarded into a plastic pail after use. They spontaneously combusted, and spread fire to other nearby construction materials.
The Dauphin Fire Department says when oil based stains dry, they create heat. if the rags that were used are crumpled up, the heat gets trapped, and can build until the rags ignite.
The Dauphin Fire Department wants to remind residents that oily rags should always be treated with care. You should never toss them into a pile on the flood, throw them in a trash can, put them in a plastic bag, or leave them in your pocket. Always dispose of oily rags properly, or use water based stains.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
