Dawson Trail Dispatch June 2020

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Bumper Sales Clean Out Greenhouses

Carolyn and Sheldon Enns, owners of Green Valley Garden Centre in Grunthal are closing their doors after only four weeks due to a high demand for gardening supplies and plants.

By Marianne Curtis Gardening season has barely kicked off and some local greenhouses are already closing their doors for the season after an unusually high number of customers cleaned out their stock within weeks of opening.

Carolyn and Sheldon Enns, owners of Green Valley Garden Centre in Grunthal are among many rural greenhouse owners shutting their doors down early because product flew off the shelves in record time.

“Many people who have visited our greenhouse in the last few days ask the same question when their eyes scan the greenhouse as they enter… ‘Where are all the plants’?”

Sheldon explained. “In short, despite planting significantly more than ever before and maintaining our everyday low prices, we have sold out of plants extremely early this year.”

He says that COVID-19 seems to have created an, “Unprecedented climate of appreciation for the importance of gardening.”

“Many new gardeners decided to try home agriculture this year, some people who haven’t gardened for years now have the time and decided to put in plants, and others have expressed that they want to spend time

in their yard this summer and are interested in making it extra beautiful,” stated Sheldon.

“While there are mixed emotions and we are kind of shocked to be closing a month early, our biggest feeling is one of gratitude for the support from fellow gardeners.”

Due to COVID-19, many families have turned to gardening as a means to occupy themselves during isolation, and help possibly sustain their families. Now that the last frost has passed, it’s time to get everything in.

For the novice gardener starting with container gardening is highly recommended, unless you already have a plot made because it takes years and a lot of work to establish good soil. The perfect beginner garden can consist of potatoes, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and lettuce. Other things to consider when planning a garden include location. Open, sunny areas with a nearby water source and drainage are good choices.

While some greenhouses may be closed to the public, many are still offering the sale of perennials, trees, shrubs and garden care products such as bug powder, tree guards and soil. Check your local greenhouse’s website for availability and to make arrangements for curbside pickup.

June 2020

Community Futures Offers Help for Businesses Businesses in southern Manitoba can apply for a loan of up to $40,000 to help them with operations now that Community Futures Triple R has opened up the application process for COVID-19 relief.

In May, the Federal Government announced that they would be providing a total of $962 million of COVID-19 relief across Canada through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) program.

Administered through Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and in partnership with the Community Futures Network of Canada, this funding is now available to local businesses and entrepreneurs.

This relief will take the form of a loan of up to $40,000. The loans are interest free until December 31, 2022 and 25% of the loan is forgivable if repaid

by December 31, 2022. Also, there are no prepayment penalties.

The Community Futures Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) is for rural businesses that have not received other COVID-19 supports. To fill out an application visit cfmanitoba.ca.

Text Line Set Up to Support Victims of Violence The Manitoba government is launching new resources to help those affected by family and intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The province already provides funding to support a toll-free crisis line staffed by shelters across Manitoba. The new campaign was created to promote the crisis line and introduce a new texting option.

If you have concerns about your safety, call the tollfree crisis line at 1-877-977-0007, text 204-792-5302 or 204-805-6682, or visit gov.mb.ca/familyviolence.

Crisis lines are confidential and available 24 hours a day. In an emergency, dial 911 or call the local police service.

Manitobans are reminded that shelters are still open and help is available through the toll-free line or by texting directly with shelters.

June 2020

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Second Phase Opening Begins June 1 The Manitoba government has finalized the draft Phase Two plan and will implement measures effective June 1 to continue safely restoring services and opening additional businesses while ensuring physical distancing.

As of June 1, limited access to educational facilities, where physical distancing can be maintained, will be allowed for additional tutorial days, such as oneon-one learning, assessment and specific programming. Manitoba Education will continue planning and consulting with school divisions and other education stakeholders, according to Premier Brian Pallister.

Provencher MP Ted Falk applauded the provincial govern-

ment’s movement toward a resumption of normalcy.

“While the situation remains fluid, I am pleased with how well our province has done,” praised Falk. “Through a mixture of good planning, good fortune and the willingness of Manitobans to make some sacrifices, we have effectively prevented the coronavirus from spreading exponentially in Manitoba as it has in some other provinces.”

Falk continued by pointing out the importance of returning to normal but not forgetting the different reality faced by those in eastern Canada and other parts of the world.

“COVID-19 has acted as a reminder for many about the

importance of community, family and doing what we can to help and serve one another,” Falk continued. “We have seen how many businesses, churches and individuals have risen to the challenge presented by the virus. It has also reminded us to be grateful for the freedoms and luxuries we so often take for granted.”

The plan for Phase Two was revised from the original draft document, released May 21, based on input from the public and businesses, as well as additional input from public health officials.

Changes include detailed guidance for post-secondary educational institutions and vocational colleges; removing occupancy limits for therapeutic and health-care

services; detailed guidance for senior’s clubs; additional details on requirements for the safe operation of splash pads; updated guidance for community centres; the reopening of arts and cultural activities, such as dance, art and theatre; clarifications on the opening of bars, beverage rooms, brew pubs, micro-brewers and distilleries to allow sites that do not serve food to open, as well as updated guidance from public health that all patrons must be seated at tables and stand-up service is not allowed; and detailed public health guidelines for film productions.

A number of measures initially outlined in the draft plan for Phase Two can resume effective June 1 including increasing child-care centre occupancy to up to 24 children plus staffing; increasing day camp group sizes to 24 and resuming sports, arts and cultural activities for children and adults.

Restrictions are lifted on outdoor recreation facilities and golf courses outdoors, direct travel to northern parks, campgrounds, cabins, lodges and resorts while ensuring physical distancing. Public/private swimming pools, spas, fitness clubs, gyms and community/

service centres to reopen with some limitations, religious or other organizations can hold outdoor services or events without limitation on numbers if people stay in their vehicles. Manicurists and pedicurists, tattoo parlours, estheticians, cosmetologists, electrologists and tanning parlours can open at 50 per cent capacity. Restaurants can reopen indoor spaces at 50 per cent capacity and continue to offer patio services at that capacity level; and bars, beverage rooms, micro-brewers and similar businesses to operate patio service at 50 per cent of site capacity and to reopen indoor spaces at 50 per cent capacity.

No changes will be made to the requirements for reopening museums, galleries and libraries, and parks, campgrounds yurts and vacation cabins. Other changes that came into effect included increasing gathering sizes to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors, and allowing professional sports teams to resume practicing.

Detailed information on the plan for Phase Two of service restoration and steps people can take to reduce their risk and workplace guidance for businesses can be found at http://www.manitoba. ca/restoringsafeservices.

Steinbach Postpones Canada Day Celebrations The City of Steinbach is postponing its Canada Day celebration held on July 1. The tentative new celebration date is Sunday, September 6, 2020 on Labour Day weekend.

According to Council, this decision is in anticipation of COVID19 restrictions being lifted to allow for the celebration to continue as planned.

“The City will continue to follow all provincial public health orders and guidelines. Should public gathering restrictions not allow for the event on September 6, the city will seek another new alternative date,” stated a notice by Council.

The City of Steinbach is looking forward to this year’s Canada Day celebration, especially in light of the events of 2020.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

June 2020

Community Development Projects Announced On May 29, Springfield-Ritchot MLA Ron Schuler visited various groups throughout his constituency to delivery funding for a number of projects.

Ron Schuler, MLA for SpringfieldRitchot welcomed an announcement of increased grant support to community organizations and their projects as part of re-starting the provincial economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am pleased to be able to announce over $519,000 to support these many worthy projects in Springfield-Ritchot. While we are protecting ourselves, protecting others and protecting our community during this COVID-19 pandemic, we will not stop working together to make our communities better and stronger,” said Schuler. “We are all

in this together.”

Through the Building Sustainable Communities program, the Manitoba government is providing $10 million in grants to support 344 projects, province-wide. This includes a total of $398,384 that will be used in the Springfield-Ritchot constituency.

In the RM of Ritchot, these projects include $75,000 to Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre Inc. for outdoor wildlife enclosures, $8,485 to Club Île des Chênes Inc. for equipment upgrades, $19,078 to TC Energy Centre Inc. to purchase kitchen equipment, $10,556 to Ste. Agathe Community Development to upgrade dugouts and $4,875 to the Ste. Agathe Arena for heating system upgrades.

Three projects in Niverville re-

ceived funds including $35,000 to the Town of Niverville for Hespler Park improvements, $40,162 to Niverville Heritage Holdings for building a pavilion and $75,000 to replace pipe at the Niverville Centennial Arena.

In the RM of Springfield, three projects were approved including $75,000 to the RM of Springfield for a splash pad, $37,750 for a picnic shelter at the Cooks Creek Community Centre and $17,478 at the Lyncrest Flight Centre for bathroom renovations.

The Manitoba government is increasing this year’s funding in the Building Sustainable Communities program by 25 per cent. The program was developed to help provide a high

At the Wildlife Haven from left to right are Zoe Nakata Executive Director, MLA Ron Schuler, Amy Wilkie with a Great Horned Owl named Griffin, Minister Rochelle Squires and Steve Loney.

Submitted photos

At the TC Energy Centre from left to right are Board members Marianne Porter and Yvette Bernat, Roger Perron President of TC Energy Centre, MLA Ron Schuler, Claude Lemoine with Ste. Agathe Community Development, Mayor Chris Ewen and Deputy Mayor Shane Pelletier with the RM of Ritchot.

In Niverville pictured from left to right are Wes Hildebrandt CEO Niverville Heritage Holdings Inc, MLA Ron Schuler and Mayor Myron Dyck.

quality of life for Manitobans by responding to neighbourhood, municipal and regional priorities. For more information about the program, visit manitobago.ca.

The Manitoba government is also providing $121,220 to SpringfieldRitchot to assist with Dutch Elm man-

agement within the constituency.

The funding is provided through the Department of Agriculture and Resource Development’s Dutch Elm Disease Management Program.

The RM of Ritchot will receive $86,260 and the RM of Springfield, $34,960.

June 2020

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Human Rights for the Elderly On June 1st many Canadian Provinces will take steps to re-open the economy. For some it will be too fast, for others it will be too restrictive. Considering the number of COVID-19 cases we have experienced I would recommend caution.

Many of the casualties were the elderly, and until recently, residents of personal care homes. For some of these “for profit” facilities, profit was the only or the main consideration.

Thankfully, the Canadian Armed Forces who, when help was requested of them, jumped in and did a superb job and subsequently provided a much needed critique.

This critical report exposed major short comings in this “industry” that may yet expose practices that are criminal in nature. This will eventually be brought to light if an inquiry is called. It appears that in some cases “for profit” was the driving factor instead of caring for our most vulnerable.

The neglect these seniors suffered was, in some cases, nothing less than torture and should disgust us all. In many instances there should be prosecutions which should reach into the management of these facilities. Throughout history and in our day-to-day lives, the norm is that workers take their cues from their leadership even when common sense or regulations say otherwise.

In June, as we surpass 7,000 COVID-19 deaths it was reported that 82% of the total death count in Canada, were seniors in long-term care, up from 79% in April. This statistic is trending the wrong way, far from planking the curve. Most importantly these seniors, these loved family members are now no longer with us.

While these Long Term Care facilities are under provincial jurisdiction, the Prime Minister has suggested a get together with the provinces and I hope the outcome will be rules and regulations that reflect national quality care for these seniors. The most obvious shortcoming is that many of these seniors are without sufficient pension to purchase the fair retirement they deserve to enable them to live with some quality of life. This problem exposes the lack of democracy in our economic structure. And this industry should be re-examined making it a true extension of our Universal health care system.

But society has a big rug and many know how to sweep. We need to remove the rug so there is no place for the “dirt” to hide!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Manitoba Has a Plan.

Does Trudeau?

Last week, Premier Brian Pallister announced phase two of Manitoba’s re-opening plan.

I applaud the provincial government’s movement toward a resumption of normalcy. While the situation remains fluid, I am pleased with how well our province has done.

Through a mixture of good planning, good fortune and the willingness of Manitobans to make some sacrifices, we have effectively prevented the coronavirus from spreading exponentially in Manitoba as it has in some other provinces.

COVID-19 has acted as a reminder for many about the importance of community, family and doing what we can to help and serve one another. We have seen how many businesses, churches and individuals have risen to the challenge presented by the virus.

It has also reminded us to be grateful for the freedoms and luxuries we so often take for granted.

My thoughts and prayers remain with those who are sick or who have lost loved ones, as well as those who are still, effectively, in lockdown. It is important, as we get back to normal here in Manitoba, that we do not forget the very different reality faced by those in eastern Canada and other

parts of the world.

That said, while certain measures will likely need to remain in effect for some time, a growing number of Canadians have made it clear they are ready to resume everyday life.

Justin Trudeau needs to explain to Canadians what he and his government plan to do to make that happen. So far, he has dodged those questions.

Moreover, the Trudeau Liberals have spent an unprecedented amount of money, some $150 billion - on COVID-19 relief. When all is said and done, the total cost of COVID-19 is likely to be significantly higher.

The response to COVID-19 has also had many unintended consequences, and the social and financial impacts of the past few months will be felt for years to come.

While desperate times may call for desperate measures, that does not mean we shouldn’t still be free to question those in power. There must still be accountability.

A lack of transparency about the Liberal Government’s plans equals a lack of accountability.

This is why Conservatives have been calling on the Prime Minster to re-convene Parliament, so there can be proper oversight

and these important issues can be debated by all the people’s representatives.

Sadly, Justin Trudeau clearly prefers to rule via a small handpicked cabal of ministers.

As we move forward, citizens will judge what government got right and what it got wrong. What measures were necessary and what was overreach.

My hope is that, ultimately, such reflection will put Canada in a stronger position, should a similar situation occur in the future.

As Canada slowly re-opens, I will continue to stand up for my constituents and be your common-sense voice in Ottawa.

For more information on this or any issue please feel free to contact my office toll free at 1-866333-1933 or at 204-326-9889.

Visit me at Facebook.com/TedFalkMP. You may also write my office at 76 PTH 12N, Steinbach MB, R5G 1T4 or visit my website at tedfalk.ca.

Province Outlines Cautious Restoration of Services As of late, our provincial government has started examining and implementing additional steps to gradually and cautiously continue the restoration of services and businesses, while ensuring the safety of Manitoban’s by making sure physical distancing measures remain in place.

I want to thank Manitoban’s for the great job they have done to help flatten the curve. We are able to continue with our phased plan of restoring services because you have all been diligent and respectful of the physical distancing guidelines. We will get through this by working together - thank you for doing your part.

In careful consultation with Public Health experts, as part of Phase Two, the province is allowing limited access to educational facilities, where physical distancing can be maintained for addi-

tional tutorial days, such as oneon-one learning, assessment, and specific programming.

Premier Pallister noted that to ensure students are equipped to transition into the new school year the province is considering additional teaching days. This includes the prospect of restarting school on August 31, and repurposing some of the non-instructional days throughout the school year.

Our government has made some changes that have recently come into effect including increasing gathering sizes to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors, and allowing residents of personal care homes and long-term care facilities to have visits outdoors.

We are still encouraging Manitoban’s to be safe and maintain physical distancing.

The plan for restoring services

in Phase Two builds on measures Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery, which set out an evidence-based plan to ease public health measures that had escalated since mid-January.

Detailed information on the plan for Phase Two of service restoration can be found at manitoba.ca/ restoringsafeservices.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office. We’re more than happy to help. You can reach us at 204-8074663 or ca.lagasse@outlook.com.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Manitobans Ready for Phase II Reopening Once again, thank you Manitobans for your efforts to flatten the COVID-19 curve. Your social and physical distancing measures are working.

It is because Manitobans are doing such a great job, that our government can begin Phase 2 of its Restoring Safe Services strategy.

As of Monday, June 1 there are a number of additions to Restoring Safe Services. These additions include: - Increasing child-care centre occupancy to up to 24 children plus staffing; - Increasing day camp group sizes to 24; resuming sports, arts and cultural activities for children and adults; - Lifting occupancy limits at outdoor recreation facilities and golf courses outdoors, as long as physical distancing can be maintained and allowing limited access to indoor spaces; - Allowing direct travel to northern parks, campgrounds, cabins, lodges and resorts while ensuring physical distancing; - Allowing religious or other organizations to hold outdoor services or events without limitation on numbers if people stay in their vehicles; - Allowing public/private swimming pools, spas, fitness clubs, gyms and community/service centres to reopen with some limitations; - Reopening manicurists and pedicurists, tattoo parlours, estheticians, cosmetologists, electrolo-

gists and tanning parlours at 50% capacity; - Allowing restaurants, bars, micro-breweries and distilleries to reopen indoor spaces at 50% capacity and to offer patio services at that capacity level; - Detailed guidance for post-secondary education institutions and vocational colleges; detailed guidance for senior’s clubs; additional details on requirements for the safe operation of splash pads.

Details of Phase Two can be found on line at www.manitoba. ca/restoringsafeservices or if you have questions go to engagemb. ca/restoring-safe-services-phasetwo and click on Q&A. It’s important to remember, Team Manitoba has done a great job battling COVID-19 so far. We have to keep doing a great job with following public health measures to ensure we can continue our safe reopening.

One of the reasons I ran for MLA to begin with is because I believe strong communities make for a strong province. That’s why I’m glad that this year, under the 2020 Building Sustainable Communities grant program, a number of community, local government, and non-profit organizations from the La Verendrye riding were successful in their application for funding.

The Marchand Community Club Inc., Woodridge Community Club Inc., The Village Connection Inc. in St. Pierre, Societe de development communautaire de La Bro-

querie, RM of Piney and Vita Minor Baseball were approved for a total of $133,784.00.

These grants will strengthen are community, which will strengthen us, which will help us as we continue flattening the COVID19 curve.

In another move to help Manitobans during this pandemic, the Manitoba government has doubled its funding amount for local Green Team funding for a total of $10 million dollars.

Green Team grants are awarded to non-profit organizations and municipal governments to hire youth and young adults to work on community projects between May and August. So far 15 organizations in La Verendrye have been approved for a total of $79,102.

Right now, while job opportunities may be looking slim for our youth, Green Team offers an excellent employment opportunity, while also making progress towards cleaning up our natural environments.

I look forward to hearing from you with your questions or concerns. I can be reached at my constituency office at 204-4245406 or at dennis.smook@leg.

Some Good News for Manitoba In this View from the Leg, I have two real good news stories to share with you. At the time of writing this article, it seems that all of our efforts that Manitobans are making to battle COVID-19 are working! We had 292 lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba.

The data also showed that we had no individuals in hospital or intensive care, 17 active cases and 268 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remained at seven. The total number of tests performed since early February was approximately 40,000. Why am I sharing this with you? I want to commend all Manitobans for doing your part during this difficult time in trying to flatten the COVID-19 curve.

The document Restoring Safe Services-Phase 2 Draft and up-todate information can be found on the COVID-19 website, engagemb. ca/covid19. It is also good news but it will only remain so if we all continue doing what we have during the last few months.

Now, for the second good news story, as you are aware, the Lac du Bonnet Constituency had its boundaries changed since the last fall election. We now go from the shores of Lake Winnipeg, Victoria Beach, all the way east to the Manitoba-Ontario border, and take in the Provincial Parks on the way heading south bordering just southeast of Steinbach and then meanders back north to Tyndall and Garson.

I am pleased to announce increased grant support to community organizations and their community development projects as part of re-starting the provincial economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Building Sustainable Communities program, your Manitoba government is providing $10 million in grants to support 344 projects for community development projects province-wide. What makes me really happy is the fact that this includes a total of close to $1.2 million going towards 29 projects right here in the Lac du Bonnet constituency! More on these ex-

citing community projects will be announced in the next few weeks.

Your Manitoba government had increased this year’s investment in the Building Sustainable Communities program by 25 per cent. The program was developed to help provide a high quality of life for Manitobans by responding to neighbourhood, municipal and regional priorities. For more information about the program, visit manitobago.ca. Congratulations and stay safe everyone!

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email me at wayne@wayneewasko.com, or call me 204-268-3282. Also, you can follow me on twitter @ wayneewaskomla and friend me on Facebook.

June 2020

Falk Troubled by Suspension of Parliamentary Sittings Amid Pandemic Amid the pandemic, Ted Falk, MP for Provencher, shared concerns with the decision to suspend full parliamentary sittings until September.

“The Liberal government has shut down Parliament until September, with the help of the NDP,” said Falk. The Liberal government proposed a motion to suspend full parliamentary sittings until September 12. With the support of the NDP, the motion passed.

“Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Justin Trudeau has dodged parliamentary accountability, making announcement after announcement about government programs and spending far from the floor of the House of Commons,” Falk said. “Canadians expect their elected representatives to ask the tough questions, provide oversight, and keep one another accountable. The best forum for this is Parliament.”

While the House of Commons special committee on COVID19 continues to provide limited opportunities to question government actions, it does not provide the full scope of powers MPs normally enjoy, he said.

Under the current arrangement, MPs cannot introduce or debate private member’s bills or post order paper questions, written questions the government is obligated to respond to within 45 days. Opposition Days are days on the parliamentary calendar where opposition parties can set the agenda are also postponed until September.

“These are tools MPs are always using to get results for their constituents,” Falk explained. “To be sure, there are other avenues Conservatives can and will use to keep the Liberal government accountable, but it’s profoundly disappointing to see these two parties use their collective majority to deny Canadians full parliamentary representation.”

Shine a Blue Light on Health Dear Editor, As Manitoba is cautiously relaxing some restrictions on the COVID-19 public health orders, it remains critical that we all continue to respect social and physical distancing requirements, to practice strict hand hygiene, and to stay home if we are ill.

The next few weeks will provide all Manitobans with the opportunity to slowly move away from some of the restrictions that have been in place over the past several months. It remains important to keep in mind that this “new normal” is not business as usual and it will take some time to define as we assess and respond to the outcome of the gradual lifting of restrictions. The constant is that we must each continue to do our part to prevent the spread of this virus.

We know that caring for our mental health is important as we navigate this “new normal”. Moments of uncertainty, such as what we are experiencing, can potentially have an impact on our mental well-being and we are here for you. For more information, please visit our public website to access mental health resources to help you care for yourself and others who may need support. Appreciating the value of these resources and many other support organizations in the province and beyond, we share this in the spirit of encouraging those in need to reach out because you are not alone. The well-being of our community is more resilient when people work together with shared purpose for a healthier tomorrow.

It is in the essence of “coming together” that we would like to invite you to Shine a Blue Light an initiative sparked in community to boost the morale and spirit of health care staff, first responders and essential workers. Whether it’s our home, yard, or business, we can join together even while we keep our distance by turning on a blue light every night – a sign of solidarity to show essential workers how much we care, also displaying our understanding that social distancing not only keeps us safe, it keeps THEM safe too.

In closing, we would like to thank you once again for the outpouring of community support. Friends, family, and community members all over the region are continuously encouraging health care workers at the forefront of the health care system.

Community partners, businesses, and individuals have and continue to make important contributions. On behalf of Southern Health-Santé Sud and to the Southern Health-Santé Sud community – thank you!

Sincerely, Abe G. Bergen, Board Chair

June 2020

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Projects Get Funding Five projects within Dawson Trail are sharing a total of $157,622 in project funding after a recent announcement made by Bob Lagassé, MLA for Dawson Trail.

Lagassé welcomed the Provincial government’s announcement of increased grant support to community organizations and their community development projects as part of re-starting the provincial economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s great to see all the support these Dawson Trail projects are receiving throughout these unprecedented times,” said Lagassé. “I’m glad that our government recognizes the importance of supporting rural communities.”

Approved projects include $22,678 to Landmark Recreation, $75,000 to Phoenix Cheer Athletics in Ste. Anne, $21,575 to the Richer Rough Stock Rodeo, $13,369 to the Dawson Trail Museum and $25,000 to the RM of Tache.

Through the Building Sustainable Communities program, the Manitoba government is providing $10 million in grants to support 344 projects for community development projects province-wide.

This includes a total of $157,622 for projects in the Dawson Trail constituency. Approved projects include $22,678 to Landmark Recreation, $75,000 to Phoenix Cheer Athletics in Ste. Anne, $21,575 to the Richer Rough Stock Rodeo, $13,369 to the Dawson Trail Museum and $25,000 to the RM of Tache.

Yvonne Godard from the Dawson Trail Museum said the money will be used for an electrical upgrade. “The results of having an electrical upgrade will be measured by not using extension cords when offering electricity to people that need power during activities, meetings, and or their electronics,” Godard explained. “This will also assure the safety of all visitors inside the museum, as well as outdoors.”

The grant is welcome news for the museum that was created to collect, preserve, study, and to interpret the human and natural history of Richer and surrounding area for the greater good and use of future generations.

Jolene Chuhai, chair of Phoenix Cheer Athletics which started last summer in Ste. Anne is grateful for the grant. “This grant allows us to buy equipment for our athletes and coaches while providing a safe and comfortable space for our families as we move into our new building this summer,” she explained. “With cheerleading being recognized as an official sport in Manitoba just a short few weeks ago, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.”

The Manitoba government is increasing this year’s investment in the Building Sustainable Communities program by 25 per cent.

The program was developed to help provide a high quality of life for Manitobans by responding to neighbourhood, municipal and regional priorities.

Pat Stolwyck from the Richer Rough Stock Rodeo said this year’s grant will go a long way to help continue the hard work that volunteers put in to the year’s event. Over the past four years, the organization has received about $100,000 from the province.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Vassar Celebrates Oldest Resident

By Marianne Curtis The community of Vassar took advantage of COVID-19 to host a very special celebration in honour of Richard Cayer, one of the oldest residents living in the community. The ninety-year old is a well-loved local softball legend in the community and it was fitting that the event took place in the community park named in his honour.

The big baseball diamond located in the Richard Cayer Park in Vassar was prepared just for him and at the end of the birthday parade waited daughter Kim Cayer who arrived from Toronto just in time for the surprise celebration.

“The big baseball diamond was set up with bases and chalk lines, and cars parked surrounding the field.

My dad was driven to the ball park, all the time wondering if there was a ball game going on,” Kim recalled.

After getting a cupcake at the gate, Cayer otherwise known as Cub was driven to the pitcher’s mound where he threw four pitches to a fully uniformed bat catcher, complete with an umpire in his gear.

“After that, Cub Cayer was driven around the diamond where everyone got to shout out well wishes. At the last car, he got another surprise when I appeared. He didn’t know I was coming in from Toronto,” Kim explained. “People drove from all over, many from Winnipeg and Steinbach area to help us celebrate. Dad was thrilled.”

Cub was quite a well-known pitcher in both the region and province for many years. There are many who still think he should be in the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame. “It was fitting to hold the event at the ball diamonds,” Cayer continued. “Cub made two rounds of the many wellwishers there. Of course there was no party in the park and after saying happy birthday, most immediately left.”

Ten years ago during the Annual Vassar Baseball Tournament, the community took the opportunity

Ninety-year old Richard (Cub) Cayer throws a pitch at a special birthday celebration hosted in his honour in Vassar.

to recognize Cayer for his lifelong dedication to baseball in the community. One day of the event was named “Richard Cayer Day” and the community’s only park was officially renamed to honor the veteran ball player, manager and grounds keeper.

Cub spent 61 summers diligently and tirelessly dedicated to the beautification of the ball park, overseeing and organizing improvements every year.

This was a huge accomplishment for a man that was told at the age of 36 that he would never walk again.

He was briefly paralyzed from the waist down after an injury he suffered when he chased a fly ball and fell over a fence onto a pile of rocks.

Despite years of recovery and rehabilitation, Cayer did not give up

on the sport that he loved. When hardball gave way to fastball, he managed a midget team made up of players from many of the surrounding towns, one team made it to the provincials. He not only managed baseball teams, he was instrumental in organizing the different leagues and served as president of the border league which included teams in the US. Cayer was nominated to the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame but he was not officially inducted.

STARS and Ambulances Combine Efforts for Accident Victims

One woman was taken to HSC in Winnipeg by STARS and a man was transported by ambulance to Steinbach following a head on collision on Hwy 52 by La Broquerie on May 28. The male, in a pickup swerved into the oncoming traffic lane and collided with the woman after a vehicle in front of him braked hard, possibly to avoid hitting wildlife. The vehicle which braked hard did not stop and the driver has not been identified.

None of the injuries was life threatening.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

New Southeast Chamber Formed Businesses in the RM’s of Ritchot, Tache and Ste. Anne are being invited to join the newly created Manitoba Southeast Commerce Group, which was officially launched at the end of May. On May 28, during the annual Ritchot Regional Chamber of Commerce general meeting the official decision was made to dissolve the current organization and form a new entity and appoint a new board and officers.

The Manitoba Southeast Commerce Group Inc. was officially formed during a double AGM held virtually. At the meeting, the board of the Ritchot Regional Chamber of Commerce resolved to dissolve the Ritchot Regional Chamber of Commerce Inc., in order to make room for a much larger project that has been over a year in the making.

Derek Roth, owner of Adventure Power Products was named as the new President of the Manitoba Southeast Commerce Group. He voiced excitement about this new expansion.

“We are excited to work collaboratively with businesses and entrepreneurs across our newly expanded region; making new connections, sharing ideas and supporting this

business community will create According to Roth, this new chama stronger and brighter future for ber will serve the purpose of promotall who live, work and do business ing local business and commerce, across the Southeast Commerce providing leadership, resources, and Group region,” said Roth. fostering a strong local economic enIn collaboration with the Ritchot vironment throughout the geographiRegional Chamber of Commerce, cal regions of the RM of Ritchot, the the RM of Ritchot, the RM of Ste. RM of Ste. Anne, the Town of Ste. Anne, the Town of Ste. Anne, and Anne and the RM of Taché, excludthe RM of Taché, the Manitoba ing the Town of Landmark which curSoutheast Commerce Group Inc has rently has its own active chamber. now come to be.

The Manitoba Southeast Com“There is strength in knowledge merce Group board has also been seand each community has different lected including Roth Derek Roth of needs and strengths. It is hard for Adventure Power Products has been one business to achieve something appointed President, Trina Brulé of but with multiple visions coming Seine River Safety Solutions has been together things can happen,” Roth appointed Vice-President and Larissa explained in a previous interview. Plett of LCP Bookkeeping has been “The Chamber will enable us to appointed Secretary-Treasurer. put names and faces of businesses together; joining a Chamber is the best investment that a business can make.”

The Ritchot Regional Chamber officially formed back in 2013 with members consisting of business owners from Ste. Agathe, St. Adolphe, Ile des Chenes and Grande Pointe. A few years later an expansion attempt was made into the RM of Tache. Now the groups have dis- Logo for the newly formed Manitoba Southeast solved to create a new multi-regional Commerce Group which includes the RM of Ritchot, Tache and Ste. Anne. non-profit Chamber of Commerce.

Provincial Chamber Launches Manitoba Market Businesses looking for a new venue to market their products or skills locally in their communities are being encouraged to join their local Chamber of Commerce and sign up for Manitoba Market. During trying times like these, it is more important than ever to support local businesses.

Not only do local businesses help communities thrive and grow, but they also provide jobs to many of friends and family members.

Manitoba Market is a program built exclusively for Manitoba Chambers and their members. It is an online marketplace for Manitoba businesses to sell their goods and services. This service is open to all businesses in the region including members of the Steinbach Chamber, St. Pierre-Jolys, Landmark and the newly formed Southeast Commerce Group Inc.

The province’s Chambers of Commerce plays a huge role in the business community and they want to give members an opportunity to sell their products easily during this pandemic with a new online marketplace. Businesses can sign up to be a vendor by registering and adding products to the site.

One huge benefit of The Manitoba Market is that it’s set up just like a real marketplace. Customers are able to see your products, along with the customers of other vendors.

Manitoba Market also makes supporting local businesses simple by providing consumers a means to keep money in their own community and supporting local businesses that really need it.

Members can sign up as a vendor and select the Chamber of Commerce

they are associated with. Each time a chamber member makes a sale, the associated Chamber will receive 5% off the transaction fee, paid out annually. Simply put, if a Chamber Member accumulates $1,000 in transaction fees, the associated Chamber of Commerce would receive $50 from the program.

The benefit of being a Chamber member on The Manitoba Market is that businesses will receive a lifetime membership to the plan.

Businesses wanting to sign up or consumers wanting to support local businesses are encouraged to visit manitobamarket.ca.

Tache Food Bank and Christmas Hampers Organizations Amalgamate During these difficult times many community non-profit organizations are looking at ways to be even more efficient and reduce costs. One community has accomplished this goal without affecting operations of the local Food Bank and Christmas Hampers.

The Tache Food Bank and Tache Christmas Hampers, now fall under one organization, named The Tache Food Resource Centre. This change is for administration purposes only and does not affect the services provided by the Food Bank and Christmas Hampers.

The organization moved to one

name to clarify the charitable status of both organizations and help with issuing of tax receipt. The way they were before, one had charitable status and the other one fell in underneath it.

The two essential community services remain and operate with the same groups of volunteers.

The Tache Food Resource Centre is now responsible for collecting donations, accounting and issuing tax receipts aligned under a board of directors to ensure accountability to the public.

The current Board members are Robert Rivard (President), Roger

Privost (Vice President), Anna Dillabough (Treasurer) and Maureen Manning (Secretary) as well as 8 other members at large.

For information or to make donations, contact Robert Rivard at 204-270-0506 or email rcrivard@ highspeedcrow.ca. You can also mail to Tache Food Resource Centre at 1294 Dawson Rd, Lorette, MB, R5K 0T2. The Tache Food Resource Centre accepts e-transfers, cheques, cash, or donations of food.

For those in need of the food bank resources contact Irene at 204-270-0273.

June 2020

June 2020

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Does Smoking or Vaping Increase COVID-19 Risks?

Southern Health recently responded to questions raised by people concerned about the health risks of Coronavirus (COVID-19) if they smoke or vape.

According to a recent release, the intent of this information sharing is to help people make informed choices about quitting or reducing, as well as staying safe while smoking or vaping.

According to Southern Health, people who smoke are more likely to need mechanical ventilation than non-smokers.

Risks are increased due to continuous hand-to-mouth contact through smoking, and sharing cigarettes can also increase the risk of spreading the virus through saliva/droplets. Expo-

sure to second-hand smoke can affect lung function and cardiovascular health and second-hand smoke can also increase the health risks for people who have COVID-19.

The risks are similar with e-cigarette and vaping except there is no evidence of how second hand vapor affects risk.

The best way to prevent getting or spreading COVID-19 is to quit smoking.

Without support, only 3-5 percent of people who attempt to quit smoking are successful. Advice from health care professionals can increase the success rate up to 30 percent.

“We encourage smokers to talk to a health care professional about resources that are available to support

your decision to quit,” stated the release. “Talk to your Primary Care Provider or Pharmacist, who can advise on medication and methods that may be useful at this time.”

There are other ways of getting support with quitting as well. Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (MANTRA) provides online support with a weekly broadcast every Thursday at 3:30 pm CST on The Quit Crowd Facebook page. Smokers’ Helpline offers online support 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

In Manitoba, telephone support is also available at 1-877-513-5333.

There is also the Manitoba Quits (MB Lung Association) Peer Support Facebook Group and Health Canada’s Break it Off for youth and young adults.

Workplace Accident Takes Life of RM of Hanover Man On May 6 at approximately 1:30 pm, Oakbank RCMP responded to a report of a trapped construction worker, at a work site on Hillside Road, in the RM of Springfield.

Constructions workers had been digging a large trench, when the walls collapsed, trapping one of the workers.

Emergency personnel from the surrounding areas, along with the RM of Springfield Fire Department and a specialized team with the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service, attended the scene to assist and worked for several hours trying to rescue the worker.

Workplace Health and Safety were

also notified and were at the scene.

On May 7 at approximately 9:30 am, emergency personnel located the worker, a 39-year-old man from the RM of Hanover, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

RCMP along with Workplace Safety and Health continue to investigate.

STARS Called to Steinbach Collision On May 7 at approximately 3:35 pm, Steinbach RCMP, EMS and Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Park Road and Highway #12 in Steinbach.

The collision involved a Chevrolet Silverado truck driven by a 58-year old male from Steinbach and a Toyota Rav4 driven by a 16-year old female from

the RM of Ste Anne.

Initial investigation thus far has revealed that the sole occupant of the truck was proceeding west on Park Road when the SUV with three occupants was proceeding East on Park Road and attempting to make a left turn north onto Highway #12 when the collision occurred.

The Jaws of life had to be used

to extract the two passengers from the SUV (62-year old male and 69year old female from RM of Ste Anne).

All sustained injuries that did not appear to be life threatening and were transported to hospital to seek medical attention. Due to the seriousness of the 62 year old male’s injuries, STARS was contacted for transport to a Winnipeg hospital.

Sprague RCMP Still Patrolling

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The Sprague RCMP may be working on restricted hours, but residents are being warned that police are still very active in the region. While officers are still working with restricted office hours as a result of COVID-19, Cpl. Richard Graham with the Sprague Detachment said the police are still very active in the community.

“Sprague RCMP has learned that members of the public believe that during this time of social distancing, Police are less likely to stop vehicles for speeding, check for impaired drivers, or enforce other provisions of the Highway Traffic Act,” Graham

explained. “I want to assure you this is NOT true. You will see the members of the Sprague Detachment on the highways, on the back roads, and even on the waters this summer. We remind you to have fun this summer, but drive safe and drive sober!”

The Sprague RCMP administration staff hours continue to be one day a week, which is Thursday between 9 am and 5 pm.

The public is being asked to not attend the Sprague RCMP Detachment, unless a matter is urgent. For all non urgent matters, call 204-4372041, leave a message, and the call will be returned. Anyone requiring immediate Police assistance can

call 204-437-2222 or 911.

As the weather improves, and some of the social gathering measures are eased by the Provincial Government, Graham advised residents to continue to follow the recommended practices of social distancing, limiting non essential travel, and washing hands frequently.

“I’m sure everybody is eager to enjoy the beginning of summer, but please do so responsibly,” Graham added.

Sprague RCMP are reminding the residents to not call Police for COVID -19 related matters. Reports of non-compliance can be made to the Manitoba Government Inquiry line at 204-945-3744.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

June 2020

Charges Laid in Kerry Forest Fire

On May 19, fire crews were called to a forest fire near Kerry, which is located north of Woodridge.

Sources say that the fire started on a residential property and quickly got out of control. Strong southeast winds gusting to 50 km made the blaze difficult to fight.

The RM of Piney fire teams from Piney, Woodridge and Sprague battled the fire along with the RM of La Broquerie team. Provincial fire crews were called in and the fire was finally out after about ten hours with the help of air tankers, helicopters and bulldozers.

Richard Gamble, RM of Piney Municipal Emergency Coordinator praised the local volunteers for putting out the fire so quickly.

“I want to take a moment to congratulate all three fire departments for their amazingly fast response and the speed at which they extinguished the blaze. We are all very lucky to have these fine folks protecting us,” Gamble wrote in a statement.

After an initial investigation the Office of the Fire Commissioner determined that the fire was man- made. Under the Wildfire Act, an unnamed individual allegedly responsible for the fire is facing up to $10,000 in fines or up to a year in prison or both.

“There were definite indications that the recent wildfire near Kerry was caused by human error. This means that this fire could

have been easily prevented,” Gamble confirmed. “The financial cost of extinguishing this wildfire comes from the RM of Piney firefighting budget, ultimately Piney rate payers’ taxes.”

The fire consumed about 242 hectares of land and threatened residences in the community.

Gamble reminds residents that calling 911 is the most efficient means to report forest fires even though there is a provincial 1-800 number.

“Although Manitoba has a 1-800 phone number to report wildfires, it is important to remember this phone number does not communicate with our firefighters directly and could cause a delay in our firefighters responding,” Gamble explained.

Now that forest fire season is underway, off road vehicle users travelling through permitted back country areas are reminded to stay on trails, and to stop frequently to check engines and exhausts for debris. Carrying a small shovel, ax and fire extinguisher is also advised.

Piney residents are also reminded that open fires are prohibited from April 1 to November 15 annually, except under a burning permit or in enclosed approved fire pit such as grated campfire pits in provincial campsites.

Providence Plans Blended Classes for September It’s been more than two months since the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the winter term. Like other campus’s, Providence College has been closed since March and students finished their courses and exams remotely.

Even though this year just ended, Providence is well on its way planning for students to return to the Otterburne campus this fall. A decision has been made that both the University College and Seminary will deliver courses using a blend of inclass instruction and online delivery.

On behalf of Providence, Cameron McKenzie said the rural location and small classes provides the facility with a unique opportunity for an on-campus opening that’s not feasible for larger public universities.

“Providence is working to ensure a safe return to campus, adopting enhanced cleaning and sanitizing routines across campus,” McKenzie explained. “An extended schedule is being put in place to allow for larger breaks between classes, so that rooms can be sanitized between each use.”

Providence also commits to following public health protocol, recognizing the continuing need for physical distancing and limits on numbers of people occupying spaces.

“Our student residences will open in September, but will likely operate at 50% capacity. All dorm rooms will be for a single occupant. Additional planning is underway for our cafeteria and the safe delivery of food services,” McKenzie continued.

In the case of health and travel restrictions, Providence is making provisions for

out-of-province students and international students.

“We’re making every effort to ensure our courses are available online so that students have the option of staying at home and still complete their coursework successfully,” said McKenzie. “It remains our top priority, as it always has been that students are able to achieve their educational goals at Providence and that we can continue to provide them with the best student experience possible.”

Providence has adjusted its course offerings so that faculty can devote their time to developing quality blended courses for the fall. Academic policy changes may come into effect to help provide more flexibility and options for students.

“Providence is putting into place a flexible plan that includes the best ways to balance community health and safety with the need of students to continue their education in uncertain times,” added President David Johnson.

He noted that Providence’s mission and vision remain the same, to offer a transformational education that grows students into leaders of character, knowledge and faith to serve Christ in a changing world.

“As the past couple of months have proven, we are indeed living in a changing, post-COVID-19 world that presents all sorts of new challenges for all our students, faculty and staff. Let us courageously face this new day together and emerge stronger. It takes everyone’s participation,” Johnson concluded.

A blaze in Kerry burned 242 hectares of land and caused damage to private property in the community.

Photo by Savannah Alguire

The Kerry Forest Fire could be seen for miles.

Photo by Woodridge ATV Sandhogs

10

June 2020

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Spring Tips for Your Vegetable Garden ing seeds indoors, and making cold- In planning your veggie garden lay- that they were in last year, or even frames are some of the spring activi- out, avoid planting members of the the year before. This is called “crop Planning the garden layout, start- ties for this year’s vegetable garden. same plant family in the same spot rotation.” Members of the same family are susceptible to the same diseases and insect infestations, and utilize the same nutrients. Planting crops from the same family in the same bed, year after year, can deplete soil nutrients, even with proper fertilizing.

For example, avoid planting members of the tomato family (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant) in the same place year after year. Likewise, the cucumber family contains this and melons and squash; the onion family has, in addition, leeks and garlic; the cabbage family has this crop and many others such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, radishes, and turnips.

There are various other crop rotations you may read or hear about, but a simple one revolves around nutrient use. Leafy crops (lettuce, spinach, cabbage for instance) need lots of nitrogen, so start them out in beds that are new or enriched well with compost and manure. The next year, in this same bed, planting fruiting crops such as tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and peppers. They don’t want much nitrogen, but lots of phosphorus.

The third year, in that same bed, plant root crops such as onions and carrots. These mainly need potassium, and grow fine if there is less nitrogen and phosphorus from the previous years. Finally, in year four, plant legume crops such as beans and peas that actually put nitrogen back into the soil. Add lots of compost and manure the fall of that fourth year, with other nutrients, and you’ll be ready to restart your rotation the following spring.

I garden in several raised beds, and simply rotate crops among them from year to year—perhaps the simplest form of crop rotation and the minimum you should work toward.

With this, I can usually manage a couple years between having the same crop in the same bed. Keep a simple layout map of your beds and plantings from year to year to help in your planning.

If you start seeds under grow lights or fluorescent shop lights indoors, check the tubes for signs of age.

Tubes that have been used for two to three seasons probably have lost much of their intensity even though they look fine. Dark rings on the ends of the tubes are a sign they need to be replaced.

To get an early harvest of lettuce and other greens, dig out a large shallow container and sow some seeds. Grow them indoors until the weather warms enough to put them outside during the day. Keep cutting leaves from the outside of the plants to prolong the harvest. Or, you can sow seeds for a mesclun mix and cut off the leaves when still young. They will regrow for another harvest in a few weeks.

By Dr. Leonard Perry

Long-season alliums, such as leeks and onions, should be started from seeds now. Sprinkle the seeds on top of seed-starting mix, keep it moist, and as soon as the seedlings emerge place the flats under grow lights.

Snip the ends periodically to keep them about three to four inches tall and help them to grow strong.

Check seed packets and catalogs for recommendations, then plot out planting times for seeds you’ll be starting indoors. You can find online sowing tables too, such as one I compiled (pss.uvm.edu/ppp/pubs/oh90sowv.pdf). Don’t try to get a jump on the season by planting earlier; larger plants are more easily stunted than smaller ones and won’t necessarily grow faster once they’re transplanted outdoors. This is especially true for melons and squash that only grow when it is warm. Unless you give them protection, wait until at least late May to plant them outside.

Cold frames are handy for hardening off seedlings. You can make a simple cold frame by placing hay bales along the perimeter of a rectangle, and placing old windows or a glass storm door over the top. Purchased cold frames are convenient -- some have thermostatically controlled tops that open automatically when the temperature inside hits a designated point. Since the midday sun can heat things up quickly, this feature is especially handy if you’re away for long stretches during the day.

When your garden soil is dry enough to work in, sow peas, spinach and greens. Transplant cole crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage into the garden. You’ll need to buy cole crops as small plants if you didn’t sow their seeds indoors back in March. Set up the pea trellis before you plant so you don’t disturb emerging seedlings in the process.

Other spring tips for vegetables include planting a patch of asparagus which, being perennial, should last in that location for many years—it is a crop you do not rotate. Look into buying, or ordering, “seed potatoes” (not seeds, but rather small potatoes) of varieties you don’t find in stores.

I like to grow potatoes above ground in 15-gallon fabric-mesh bags, which you can buy just for this purpose.

Whether you’re new to vegetable gardening, or with many years of experience, and have a mostly sunny site, grow tomatoes. There are so many tasty varieties, and heirlooms, that you just won’t find in markets.

There are newer varieties, too, that are compact for small spaces. In surveys of vegetable gardeners in Vermont, I’ve found that virtually all grow tomatoes. The other mostgrown vegetables include salad greens, herbs, beans, cucumbers, and peppers.

Dr. Leonard Perry is a Horticulture Professor Emeritus, University of Vermont. Article courtesy of http://pss.uvm. edu/ppp/

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

June 2020

11

HyLife’s Large Donation Expresses Gratitude to Local Hospitals

Jonathan Schmidtke, Client Services Manager Emergency Department (left) and Grant Lazaruk, HyLife President and Chief Operating Officer of Hylife present a cheque to Dr. Christo Minnaar, Chief of Staff Bethesda Regional Health Centre (centre).

COVID-19 pushed appreciation for front-line works front and centre, and local businesses and organizations have been paying attention.

On May 21, HyLife from La Broquerie announced their decision to donate $750,000 to support six hospitals in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and North Dakota.

From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, health services across the world have been relied upon as the frontline defense in their communities. Hospitals continue to provide critical services to mitigate the spread and effect of disease and HyLife acknowledged the importance to join with their communities to help keep them safe.

Grant Lazaruk, HyLife’s President

and Chief Executive Officer said that it is important that companies do what they can to take care of the communities.

“We don’t want to take our current situation in Manitoba for granted and as a company we encourage our communities to remain diligent in practicing the physical distancing guidelines,” said Lazaruk. “We want to help ensure our hospitals have the supplies and tools needed to keep our communities safe.”

HyLife decided to aid six institutions within their communities. The funding will be split between the Bethesda Regional Health Centre and Bethesda Foundation in Steinbach, Ste. Anne Hospital Foundation in Ste. Anne, Neepawa Health Centre

(Memorial Hospital) in Neepawa, and the Killarney Foundation in Killarney.

Funding is also going to the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, and Towner County Medical Center in Cando, North Dakota.

“Hospitals and health care workers have been called on to save lives at this critical time and HyLife recognizes the magnitude of this duty and embraces their social responsibility to take care of their employees, animals and communities,” Lazaruk added.

Headquartered in La Broquerie, Manitoba, HyLife employs over 3,000 people in multiple countries. The company produces 3 million hogs and processes 2 million hogs annually, with the pork sold to over 20 countries.

Needing Federal Support for Cystic Fibrosis Life-Saving Treatment Local MP Ted Falk is one of fiftynine Conservative Members of Parliament have sent an open letter to Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu urging Health Canada to approve the life-saving Cystic Fibrosis (CF) drug, Trikafta.

“During this international health crisis, people who suffer from Cystic Fibrosis are living in constant fear that they will contract COVID-19 which would, in many cases, take their lives,” said Falk.

In Canada, 4,300 people suffer from

this rare genetic disease, including several residents in Provencher. Most are children and young adults. Effective treatments for CF are available worldwide, but many are not currently available in Canada. Trikafta is a medication found to effectively treat 90% of cases. Vertex, the producer of Trikafta and other CF drugs has indicated their willingness to negotiate and conclude a Price Listing Agreement with the Pan Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA). During the negotiation period, they have offered to supply

their drugs to Canadians suffering with CF for free.

“I have recently met with constituents who suffer from Cystic Fibrosis and this is good news for those afflicted and their families. Conservative MP’s are now looking to the federal and provincial governments to approve this drug for distribution in Canada and to conclude a pricing agreement. We look forward to a response from Minister Hajdu on approving this critical drug,” said Falk.

Health Board Appointments Made The Manitoba government has made several new appointments and reappointments to the boards of the five regional health authorities including Southern Health–Santé Sud. Out of the dozen new appointments across the province, four from Southern Health–Santé Sud were named. Joining the board are Dawn Coubrough (Gladstone), Todd Nichols (Dominion City), Pamela (Pam) Plaster (Oak Bluff) and Peter Veldhuis (Elm Creek).

Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen said he looks forward to working with these new teams and extended his gratitude to outgoing board members for the leadership they have provided.

Regional health authorities are responsible for directing the management and affairs of the region to ensure the delivery and administration of health services.

These appointments are part of the government’s efforts to continue to refresh the agencies, boards and commissions of the province, ensuring that residents are represented in these important positions by highly qualified and competent individuals.

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June 2020

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Federal and Manitoba Benefits It has been hard to keep up with all the announcements both from the Federal Government and the Manitoba Government to help out those who have been affected financially since mid-March when the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Access and Crosstown Civic Credit Union Merger Vote Announced Following the temporary orders recently announced by the provincial government concerning ongoing business during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Boards of both Access and Crosstown Civic Credit Union are announcing their intention to facilitate the previously postponed member vote on the proposed merger from June 23 to June 25.

On Thursday, May 14, the Government of Manitoba introduced new orders under The Emergency Measures Act that would temporarily provide businesses with the ability to hold their member meetings and conduct their voting by means of telephone, electronic or other communication facilities. These provisions will allow both Access Credit Union and Crosstown Civic Credit Union to maximize member participation in this important vote while maintaining the health and safety of both members and staff through social distancing.

“When we postponed our original vote on March 19, it was to take reasonable action while fully supporting our members’ well-being, knowing that we would reschedule the vote when it was appropriate to do so,” shared Curt Letkeman, Chair of the Board of Directors for Access Credit Union. “These new measures demonstrate support for moving ahead to a vote with our respective memberships.”

First, let’s review the tax deadlines.

CRA deadlines: June 1, June 15, June 30, September 1.

June 1: The extended tax filing deadline (from April 30).

June 15: Deadline for the self-employed (no changes).

June 30: Deadline for businesses to pay amounts owing (like GST collected and normally due by June 15).

September 1: Deadline to pay amounts owing for 2019 personal income taxes without additional interest.

Canada Revenue Agency “softened” the June 1 deadline. Here is what their website says: “You will not be charged late-filing penalties or interest if your 2019 individual (T1) income tax returns are filed and payments are made prior to September 1, 2020. However, we are preserving the June 1 filing deadline for T1 individuals, and the June 15 filing deadline for T1 self-employed individuals (sole-proprietors), in order to encourage filing returns in time to accurately calculate benefits, which rely on 2019 tax returns for entitlement calculation.

If the 2019 tax return is not assessed in time, benefits and/or credits for the July to September 2020 payments will be based on information from 2018 tax returns. Once the 2019 return is filed, it is possible that the CRA will make adjustments based on the updated income information.

You can still file your taxes after June 1 and not be penalized or pay interest but only if you pay in full by September 1. If you do not pay in full, CRA will add penalty and interest to your amount owing.

If you are self-employed and routinely do not pay in full when you file, you must file by June 15 to avoid the penalty.

If you receive GST credits, Canada Child Benefits, or Guaranteed Income Supplement, you are encouraged to file as soon as possible so these benefit payments are calculated accurately starting in July 2020. If you do not file now, the benefits will continue up to September, but CRA will use your 2018 income until they have your new 2019 tax info to calculate the benefits.

Bottom line: file your 2019 personal income taxes as soon as you can.

New Benefits Available

Here is a summary of the benefits available to different groups and how they will be paid.

Seniors Both the federal and provincial government have announced payments to

be made to seniors, regardless of their income.

The Manitoba Seniors Economic Recovery Credit provides a $200 one-time, refundable tax credit to Manitoba seniors (65+). The cheques will be mailed late May 2020. It will not be direct deposit (they do not have your banking information). They are using your address on your 2018 income tax return.

If you do not receive the cheque, you can claim the credit on your 2020 tax return next Spring (at this point we do not know exactly how it will work).

The federal government announced additional benefits for seniors. Every senior (65+) who is receiving OAS (Old Age Security) will receive $300. This will be added to your OAS payment for June 2020. And seniors with lower incomes receiving the GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) will get an additional $200 for a total of $500 added to their income payment at the end of June.

If both spouses are receiving GIS, they will each receive $500. These payments will not be reported on tax slips and you will not need to report these amounts on your 2020 tax return.

Canada Child Benefit All taxpayers receiving the Canada Child Benefit received an extra $300 per child added to their monthly benefit in May. This income is not taxable and is not reported as income on the tax return.

GST Credit During the month of April all taxpayers eligible for GST credits in the previous 12 months (either the annual payment July 2019 or the quarterly payments last July and October 2019 and January and April 2020) received a special one-time only GST credit. It was paid on April 9. The government even made GST payments to some taxpayers who did not receive the GST credit in the past year. It appears they “bumped up” the base amount so more taxpayers would qualify, so those with family incomes up to about $60,000 also received an unexpected GST credit.

Employees The CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit) that pays $2,000 for a four week period has been fairly easy to apply for and to renew. I’m hearing that the phone option was much better than trying to apply on line.

And some individuals that were receiving EI did get switched over to the CERB. You can receive CERB for up to 16 weeks between March 15 and October 3, 2020.

And you can earn up to $1,000 of employment or self-employment income in the four week period. Best to find the details on the CRA website; too detailed to explain here.

Remember it is taxable income, so depending on your other income; you may end up paying 26 to 46% tax on the benefit you receive.

And if you receive back pay from your employer for the same period, you will end up paying back some of the CERB (you cannot receive double the income for the same pe-

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

– A Recap riod). The government isn’t working on how it will do that yet, but they will ask employers for records of when employees worked.

So employers, make sure you keep good records in 2020 for when we are asked about our employees.

If you are an employee that received double income, put some money aside so you can pay it back when you are asked.

CRA will likely take back some refunds next spring if there is money owing.

Students The Canada Emergency Student Benefit is similar to CERB, but targeted to students who cannot find employment because of the pandemic. This benefit is available to those attending post-secondary school and those who graduated from secondary school in 2020 and are enrolled in post-secondary education for September 2020. The payment is $1,250/month or $1,750/month if you have dependants or you are disabled.

The Disabled The Manitoba Disability Economic Support Program provides a one-time $200 benefit to lower-income Manitobans with disabilities receiving Employment and Income Assistance benefits. The payment will be made by cheque in June. No need to apply.

CEWS, CEBA, CECRA Lots of programs for businesses and employers. The eligibility rules are quite

detailed on CRA’s site, so I recommend if you haven’t already checked them out, to do so there.

Many businesses that have no employees (just the owner and maybe subcontractors) may not be eligible for much; most of the programs are intended for employers that have employees. Those businesses without employees may only have CERB to help them out.

Summary There have been so many program announcements since March it’s been difficult to keep up with them. If you are not sure if you qualify, I recommend checking out the CRA website. CRA has made it fairly easy to determine if you as an individual or you as a business qualify for a benefit.

Anni Markmann is a Personal Income Tax Professional and Certified Financial Planner; living, working, and volunteering in our community. Contact us at 204-422-6631 or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne (near Co-op) or info@SAtaxes.ca.

Hiring a Student Just Got Much Easier Since the launch of Student Jobs MB, the Province of Manitoba has had a great response from both students and employers, and there is room for a lot more. Already more than 2,300 students have created profiles and submitted over 2,100 job applications.

As well, more than 100 employers have posted 230 available jobs for students. The Department of Economic Development and Training has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from employers and students on how user-friendly and secure the site is.

According to Premier Brian Pallister, this tool will support Manitobans as the province moves toward Phase Two of the government’s Restoring Safe Services strategy.

Student Jobs MB is a complement to the successful Student Summer Jobs Recovery Program. More than 830 employers have applied to the Student Summer Jobs Recovery Program, making 1,929 positions available since it was launched on April 24 as part of the Manitoba government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Provincial Summer Student Recovery

Plan, a new wage subsidy program open to employer’s hiring students aged 15 to 29, is available to support high school and postsecondary students employed in the private and non-profit sectors combined with the Federal wage subsidy program through the Student Work Placement program, that helps employers hire post-secondary students across.

Employers have told the government that because of the Summer Student Recovery Plan, a new wage subsidy program to support high school and post-secondary students employed in the private and non-profit sectors they are able to hire more students and meet some of the increasing demands for their services.

Federally through the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) employers can be subsidized up to $5,000 for every student aged 15 - 30 years and up to $7,000 for every student hired that is in their first year or is from an under-represented group including women in STEM, persons with disabilities, newcomers and Indigenous students.

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RCMP Advise Residents to Document Their Belongings With extra time at home during the COVID-19 outbreak, it is an opportunity to catch up on odd jobs around the house. It is also a great time to make records of your property. It can be as simple as taking a photograph.

Steinbach RCMP Detachment Staff Sergeant Harold Laninga advises residents to document their property after a rash of property thefts in the area.

“Many people and businesses in Steinbach and the surrounding area have experienced the loss of property,” said Laninga. “The RCMP places great value in getting a detailed description of stolen items, which is also beneficial for insurance purposes.

This includes getting the make, model, and serial numbers of those items.”

A great way to catalogue these items is to utilize a smart phone and obtain photos of the property. Property to be inventoried includes tools, firearms, jewellery, electronics, bikes or anything of value.

“Take photographs of your property that captures the make, model, special markings and the serial number of each item,” Laninga added. “This will assist the police in recovering your property and laying charges against those who are responsible.”

Save the photographs in a secure location such as on a USB or an external storage site in the event you are victimized.

Other suggestions include engraving or marking property in a manner which will help identify it if stolen.

The RCMP often recovers a number of stolen items, but are not able to determine the owner if a proper description is not provided at the time of the theft.

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June 2020

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Walking in the Light

Now that the whole world is in pandemic mode, everyone is thinking of ways to prevent infection. You should stay at home if possible, don’t travel outside your home area, keep social distance and don’t social gather with more than the government allotted number of people. Take supplements to keep your immune system functioning and wear a mask when in public.

Also physical exercise can help to fight off infection. A good workout raises your body temperature, like a fever and this helps to ward off bacterial and viral infections. A good work out also makes you feel better after the initial chest pains and aching muscles recover. Most people are more concerned about their physical condition than their spiritual condition.

The Bible tells us that bodily exercise profits a little but that spiritual exercise (godliness) is profitable unto all things. It profits in our present life and also for the life to follow. I John 1:7 tells us to, “Walk in the light as he (Jesus Christ) is in the light.”

To walk in the light, you first need a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. You get this by acknowledging and confessing your sin (wrong actions, thoughts and motives) to Christ and accept His solution for that sin problem. He died on a cross 2,000 years ago and made full payment for the sins of the whole world, if we will accept it and appropriate it personally. Have you made that decision in your life?

Once you make this step, then to walk in the light means you now have a desire for the things of God. Your prayer life is vitalized, you want to read the Bible and learn what it has to say to you personally. You desire to hear the preaching of God’s Word and you love being with others who want God too. You now love God and the things of God and have a desire to obey Him. This exercise will raise your spiritual temperature and help keep you from getting sick on a spiritual level (sin). It’s a known fact that a healthy spiritual person often leads to good health physically by having a good emotional state and a good attitude toward life.

In closing, it is good to desire to exercise and be in good health, but it is much better to exercise spiritually and walk with God daily, and put your physical health in His hands.

May God bless you as you work on your spiritual exercise to stay healthy.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Niverville Churches Fill Local Need with Hampers On May 14, a number of Niverville residents were blessed with food hampers thanks to collaboration between eight community churches.

The local Congregations of Niverville are pleased to announce a collaborative and a cooperative approach in conjunction with Niverville Helping Hands with an expanded vision called Love Niverville in reaching out to the social and economic needs of people who live within the vicinity of Niverville, New Bothwell, Otterburne and Ste. Agathe.

Through the program, care packages will be made available twice monthly to people in need, particularly those who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Roger Armbruster from Maranatha Niverville explained that Love Niverville was kicked off

with a significant donation made by a local business person.

“This person has been sending money to other organizations and recently decided that instead of donating elsewhere they would address the need close to home,” Armbruster explained.

The anonymous donor gave the organization $10,000 to start things off.

The intent of Love Niverville is to show compassion for those with a physical need of food, and also offer a listening ear to those who may be coping with stress, anxiety or depression. Their vision is to connect with people where they are at in distributing to their necessities and in whatever area of need, physically, emotionally or spiritually.

Requests for a care package can be made and processed at one of the local charity/church contacts where individuals can either

phone, leave messages or email.

They will advise of the proper protocols and pick-up times for a care package of food items to be made available to those in need.

Participating churches and organizations include Niverville Community Fellowship, Word of Life Mission Church, Fourth Avenue Bible Church, Niverville United, Niverville Youth for Christ, Maranatha Niverville, Niverville CMC Church, Church of the Rock Niverville, Ambassador Canadian Reformed Church, Niverville Helping Hands and Bothwell Christian Fellowship.

Love Niverville is distributing hampers to COVID-19 affected members of the community.

Sensing a Stirring in Our Heart Philippians 4:12) I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (NIV) The year 2020 will be etched in stone for every person in the world. None of us have experienced a COVID-19 Pandemic.

For the Christians of this world, we understand that it is only by the grace of God that we can overcome our fears – our test of faith held attitudes.

The Bible talks about issues unknown to humankind emerging beyond the mind of world leaders and medical leaders. There are no easy explanations when a COVID19 Pandemic circles the globe. For the Christian Folks, there is an uneasy movement – transformation – sensing a stirring in our heart to place our faith in God. Only the grace of God can keep us from having no hope and only the grace of God can keep us from a hopeless attitude of our world.

When I lose the desire to be in-

volved, when I do not care what happens, when my spiritual walk and talk are going nowhere, then I might just say that is restlessness.

Fretfulness to me means having a self-righteous attitude. “I just do not give a pinch, why should I?” “Who cares?” However, may I suggest what experience has taught me is that what we are shrugging off with a ‘do not care’ attitude is the loneliness inside our hearts. Levelheadedness, on the other hand, means that we can be at peace with God and other folks in every situation, whether good or bad.

For those of us who have lived awhile, we have become painfully aware that somehow material things just do not compare to the enjoyment we get when we are with family, friends, and co-workers. A positive relationship with Jesus Christ, with family, friends, and co-workers far exceeds anything that we own. When we take our journey with Christ seriously, we then have found the secret that the apostle Paul is talking about, the secret of contentment, that inner happiness, that inner peace that money just cannot buy.

Perhaps you are like me, even as a Christian, circumstances at times have a way of getting under my skin. When things are going okay, when everything seems to be humming along simply fine and the sun is shining, I am up on cloud nine. However, when everything seems to be going nowhere, this contentment stuff seems like a mountain to overcome. It can be tough to find the peace in our hearts we so eagerly desire.

Scripture does not teach that everything that happens to Christians will be good. However, Scripture does teach that God is at work, in every situation whether we perceive it as good or bad. Now the

challenge to us is to strive to understand what God is trying to reveal to us in the circumstance. Right here we can choose to go our way and lose the battle, or we can choose to trust God. The choice is ours.

God uses those times of difficulty in our lives to do some of his greatest work in us. It is true. We learn some of the most important lessons in life in our struggles, in our difficult times. God builds into our character and compassion through the struggles He allows us to experience, struggles that are at times tough to understand.

I know that has been true for me and it has probably been true for you. We need to look at the struggles in our lives and ask what God is teaching us through them. We might find lessons so valuable in those struggles that, given the opportunity, we would not change the hard times even if we could – To God Be the Glory Great things He has done.

Would you pray this prayer with me…? “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have peace in my heart. I really want that peace, joy, and happiness that I long for. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will bring honour to Your Name.” Amen.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Home Much These Days?

From gates on stairs to locks on cabinet doors, parents do their best to keep their children safe from inhome dangers, but one that is often overlooked is electricity. With many children now spending more time indoors, out of school and at home due to COVID-19, it’s important to be aware of the serious potential for injury following an electrical shock.

Even mild shocks from common household appliances can have serious long-term effects, such as anxiety, chronic pain and memory loss.

These electrical tips will make it a safer place to be.

While we don’t often think about it, we rely on electricity for almost everything we do – it keeps us warm, makes our homes bright, allows us to access all of our entertainment, enables us to eat a warm meal and so much more. As we spend more time at home due to COVID-19, electricity certainly makes our lives more enjoyable - but it does come with some risks.

Brush up on these electrical safe-

ty tips to help keep you and other members in your home safe while enjoying the devices and appliances you love.

- Don’t overload your outlets. Every outlet in your home is designed to deliver a certain amount of electricity; by plugging too many devices into it at once, you could cause a fire.

- Avoid extension cords as much as possible. Running extension cords to plug in laptops or other electronic devices can create tripping hazards.

Along with injury to someone in your home, this can also damage the wire or outlet if the cord is ripped out of the wall.

If you find yourself using extension cords often, consider having an electrician install new outlets throughout your home when you are able to schedule an appointment.

- Keep electrical devices away from water. As our devices have started to come everywhere with us, it’s easy to forget they are electrical appliances with the power to injure.

Teach kids that water conducts elec-

tricity, and even the slightest exposure can cause harm. Avoid plugging in devices near a sink or source of water and don’t get the charging cable plug wet.

- Protect small children from hazards. Toddlers and small children are very curious and they love to explore. If you have young children, consider putting safety caps or tamper-resistant receptacles on all electrical outlets. In addition, tidy all loose cords so they are up and out of reach to avoid kids tugging on them.

- Replace or repair damaged power cords. Exposed wiring is a danger that cannot go overlooked. If you see the protective coating on a wire is stripped away, be sure to discontinue use and replace it as soon as possible.

As we all work through the current health crisis talk to your household about these electrical safety tips to provide a healthy and safe living space for your family. For more information on electrical safety, visit our website at hydro.mb.ca/safety.

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We’re opening our doors!

We are welcoming several groups back to our centre for some programming, but our office remains closed to the public. Call us at 204-346-1077, or email info@steinbachartscouncil.ca, and we’ll be happy to serve you by phone.

We have adjusted our policies to be compliant with the COVID 19 protocols. Visit SteinbachArtsCouncil.ca for all policy details.

Arts for Tots Phone Registration is Open - Parents of Preschoolers one of our most popular programs is back. Arts 4 Tots is now taking phone registrations for Fall, 2020. We’re looking forward to another exciting year in Arts 4 Tots, Steinbach’s most creative way to learn, for ages 3 - 5! Limited space available per class. Some classes already filled so call to register today. Also check out Arts for Tots on Facebook.

What’s coming up in Fall?

With Manitoba’s plan to start Phase Two of restoring services, SAC is excited for programs opening this fall. Watch for information on our website about upcoming programs including visual arts classes for all ages, theatre, music, cooking, Wellness and so much more!

The Backyard Theatre Company - We want you! Experience scripts, improv, character building, perform on stage and build your confidence! Take the stage in our local festival and final production at the SRSS theatre. For ages 5-16. We have limited our numbers to comply with the COVID-19 protocols.

We are thrilled to announce that Jeremy Plett, Artistic Director along with director, Alan Fehr, will be returning to inspire the creativity of our young actors.

New Young Company – Performance Troupe Ages 17 +. Get involved in the community in a creative way.

Southeast Centre for Music - The centre for excellence. Don’t be left without a music instructor for September.

SCM has exceptionally qualified instructors in a wide variety of disciplines, including piano, voice, cello, violin, music therapy, musical theatre and more. Enjoy Youth Choir, Voice Classes for young singers, and music classes for families with kids’ age 0 – 5. Email scm@steinbachartscouncil.ca for details – let us help find the best teacher for you!

Our Instructors: Candace Hamm, piano; Jordan Martens, piano; Hally Friesen, piano; Alyssa Hildebrand, voice; Peter Jo, violin; Natalie Dawe, cello; Gabriela Gallo, director of Fusion Musical Theatre & Steinbach Youth Chorus; Beth Janzen, Music Therapy & Tiny Tunes Family Music Classes.

Need financial assistance? Call us about our Creative Arts Bursary Fund.

Season Tickets - We’re working hard to secure our concert series for the upcoming season. It’s not too early. Get your name on the list of season subscribers today, and never worry about missing a single concert next season. Email David Klassen at performingarts@steinbachartscouncil.ca.

Watch for outdoor concerts - Keep your eyes glued to our website – steinbachartscouncil.ca as we make plans to showcase some local artists, in some unique outdoor locations in the City!

Thank you! To all the Southeast area - Bravo to everyone who supported our 50/50 for Kids Raffle last month as over $46,000 was raised and in the middle of a pandemic! Congratulations to Shelley Duval from St. Pierre-Jolys who won over $23,000. She purchased her 4 tickets on the first day, April 13. It was also her birthday and when they ordered Chinese food for her birthday supper, her fortune cookie predicted money in her near future. Wow! The other $23,000 will go towards the new After School Art Program at the Arts Centre.

The support from the southeastern region was phenomenal – with a special shout out going to the people living in the Dawson Trail region. The support from the Ste. Anne, Richer, St. Genevieve, Anola, Lorette and St. Adolphe communities was overwhelming – many caring and generous community minded citizens stepped up to help out a lot of kids.

Another shout out to Dan Guetre – such a class act as he helped us to promote this worthy project to make a difference.

Check out steinbachartscouncil.ca for up to date info through June!

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June 2020

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Summer Fun in the Sun

Fishing Season Officially Opens The 2020-21 fishing season has officially kicked off throughout the province.

“Recreational fishing is a great way to get outside, explore the outdoors and enjoy Manitoba’s wilderness,” said Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen. “Manitoba has an abundance of rivers and lakes that

provide some of the world’s best fresh-water angling opportunities and can still be enjoyed by Manitobans in a safe, responsible manner while practising social distancing.”

Due to late spring conditions, many fish will still be spawning during the start of the angling season. Anglers are asked to protect fish stocks by releasing fish that are

discharging eggs back into the water. Manitobans are also reminded to exercise caution around flowing water and deteriorating ice conditions while enjoying Manitoba’s fishing opportunities.

Importantly when outside, it is still important to practise social distancing according to current COVID-19 public health guidelines. For more information, visit manitoba.ca/covid19.

The Manitoba government announced on April 9 the launch of its new, online service for the sale of outdoor licences and permits including angling licences. All an-

glers are required to obtain an angling licence to fish in Manitoba, unless exempt. Angling licences are now available online 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and can be immediately purchased and printed at home. For more information and to purchase an angling licence, visit manitobaelicensing.ca.

Anglers also need to be familiar with Manitoba’s fishing regulations. On April 1, a new regulation came into force that states all walleye and sauger under 35 centimetres in length must be released from the Red River, Winnipeg River below the Pine Falls Dam, and Lake Winnipeg and its tributaries up to the first impassable barrier. This regulation will help support walleye and sauger populations in these fisheries. For more information on all provincial fishing regulations, refer to the 2020 Manitoba Anglers’ Guide at manitobafisheries.com.

To prevent the introduction and

spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as zebra mussels, surface water-users are reminded of the requirements when entering and exiting all water bodies in Manitoba. Additional decontamination and bait requirements are needed within AIS control zones. AIS requirements and set fines for offences are in effect year round. The AIS open-water season checklist is a step-by-step resource that can help surface water-users comply with the Manitoba government’s AIS regulations.

The province will again be operating watercraft inspection stations to help watercraft users be compliant with AIS requirements. Anyone transporting a powerboat, canoe, Jet Ski or other type of watercraft over land must stop at the inspection stations when they are open.

The set fine for failing to stop at a watercraft inspection station is $672.

For more information and to purchase an angling licence, visit manitobaelicensing.ca.

More Rural Libraries Reopen

As the second phase of the government’s plan to reinstate services across the province begins, more public libraries are preparing for the long awaited return of patrons and signed out books In preparation for opening the Bibliothèque Regionale Joly’s Regional Library will be accepting patrons on an appointment only basis in thirty minute blocks per person. They are also offering curbside pickup. Returned items will be quarantined for four days before being placed back out on the shelves.

Bibliothèque Taché Library in Lorette was the first to begin accepting returns in a box out front.

Items were placed in quarantine for two weeks before being returned to the shelves. Now they are offering curbside pickup for books ordered through email or phone.

“This is all new to us so we are asking for your patience and understanding as we roll out this new system,” said Shaunda Brommell, Bibliothèque Taché Library Librarian. “We are so thrilled to be able to

share our books with you again, and we look forward to receiving your book orders.”

Jake Epp Library in Steinbach is also opening their doors on June 1.

There will be a limit to the number of patrons allowed in the building, and items like computers, copy machines and printers will be unavailable.

Bibliothèque Ritchot Library librarian Michelle McEwen said their library will remain closed until the schools allow them to reopen.

“We have to make sure measures are in place so you, our patrons, and our staff stay safe,” said McEwen. “Due

to the fact that we are very lucky to have our libraries in schools in the municipality, our costs are low and we can give back to the community. That being said, we have to follow division rules. At the moment the divisions are not ready to allow this. We are hoping to safely open when the threat to health and safety is over.”

At the time of publication Bibliothèque Ste. Anne had not yet announced their opening.

Most libraries are accepting returned materials which will be quarantined for a period of time after being checked in.

You will be able to get your hands on some fresh reading material in time for beach season.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

June 2020

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C ommunity E vents Ile-des-Chênes Ritchot Senior Services: Office will be open starting Monday June 1, Monday-Thursday 9 am – 2 pm. We are discouraging drop ins. Anyone entering will be screened for symptoms of Covid-19 or exposure before entering the facility. Hand sanitizing and physical distancing measures will be mandatory.

Contact ritchotseniors@mymts.net or call 204-883-2880.

Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Grocery Delivery – Groceries can be delivered right to your door. Contact 204-883-2880 or email, ritchotseniors@ mymts.net.

Foot Care Clinics – On Tuesday, June 9 with Ursula Giesbrecht certified foot care nurse. Pre-register, contact Janice 204883-2880.

Registration Opens for Gardenton Day Camp The RM of Stuartburn recently announced that registration is open for this summer’s upcoming day camps taking place at the Gardenton Park Ukrainian Museum and Heritage Village.

In its third year, the Summer Day Camp offers a variety of outdoor opportunities, crafts, games and other activities for children ages 7-12.

There are six sessions available with only eight spots per session.

Each session runs for four days a week starting June 22-26. There are four sessions in July (July 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, and 27-31) and one in August (10-14). Sessions cost $50.

The RM of Stuartburn is ensuring the safety of all participants by screening and implementing safety procedures. To register, contact the RM office at 204-425-3218 or email inquiries@rmofstuartburn.com.

Providence Cancels Sport Camps On May 28, Providence College officially announced that they will be cancelling all overnight summer sports camps this year.

“We delayed our decision as long as possible in the hopes that public health guidelines would change,” explained Scott Masterson with Providence. “Unfortunately, this year, there were too many barriers logistically, in training, in competition and in accommodations to be able to open the camps to the public.”

This is the first time in 23 years that the Otterburne campus will not be filled with campers and coaches.

“While we are deeply disappointed, we fully support our government in their efforts to protect our communities,” Masterson added.

Providence anticipates that sports camps will be back in the summer 2021. Anyone already registered to attend a sports camp this summer, is entitled to a full refund. An email will be sent out to all registered participants and parents.

La Broquerie Seine River Services for Seniors – Services and programs for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. Contact Mélanie Brémaud at 204-424-5285 Community Resource Coordinator for local services or labseinerss@ gmail.com.

Attention local business owners, friends and neighbours: We are putting out the call for help for our seniors who reside in local 55+ Centres and homes by requesting basic necessity donations such as non perishable food items and toiletries.

A lot of our seniors do not have family that can help during this time and volunteers aren’t allowed to interact because of social distancing.

If you are in a position to help, please do so. We are currently setting up donation drop off points so please keep watching our page for that information!

For business owners: we are asking that you set up donation bins for our cause, we will arrange for pickup and delivery by utilizing the services of the seine River school division! Contact Rosalie Stelmack directly on Facebook, “See a need, Fill a need. Pay it Forward Program”

Lorette Ritchot Senior Services - Ritchot Senior Services: Office will be open starting Monday June 1, Monday-Thursday 9 am – 2 pm. We are discouraging drop ins. Anyone entering will be screened for symptoms of Covid-19 or exposure before entering the facility. Hand sanitizing and physical distancing measures will be mandatory. Contact ritchotseniors@mymts. net or call 204-883-2880. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Grocery Delivery – Groceries can be delivered right to your door. Contact 204-883-2880 or email, ritchotseniors@ mymts.net.

Foot Care Clinics – On Wednesday, July 8 with Ursula Giesbrecht certified foot care nurse. Pre-register, contact Janice 204-883-2880.

Weekly Meals: The group over at Le Club Des Bles D’or is offering weekly meals. Please remember when picking up your meal to social distance. The Club is providing a terrific service and we would like to see them be able to continue. They are located at 1254 Chemin Dawson Road. Phone 204-8782682. You must place your order one day prior before 6:00 pm by calling and leaving a message.

St. Adolphe Ritchot Senior Services: Office will be open starting Monday June 1, Monday-Thursday 9 am – 2 pm. We are discouraging drop ins. Anyone entering will be screened for symptoms of Covid-19 or exposure before entering the facility. Hand sanitizing and physical distancing measures will be mandatory.

Contact ritchotseniors@mymts.net or call 204-883-2880.

Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Grocery Delivery – Groceries can be delivered right to your door. Contact 204-883-2880 or email, ritchotseniors@ mymts.net.

Foot Care Clinic – On Tuesday, July 7 with Ursula Giesbrecht certified foot care nurse. Pre-register, contact Janice 204883-2880.

Ste. Agathe Ritchot Senior Services: Office will be open starting Monday June 1, Monday-Thursday 9 am – 2 pm. We are discouraging drop ins. Anyone entering will be screened for symptoms of Covid-19 or exposure before entering the facility. Hand sanitizing and physical distancing measures will be mandatory.

Contact ritchotseniors@mymts.net or call 204-883-2880.

Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Grocery Delivery – Groceries can be delivered right to your door. Contact 204-883-2880 or email, ritchotseniors@ mymts.net.

Foot Care Clinic - On Monday, July 20 at the Community Centre with Ursula Giesbrecht certified foot care nurse. Preregister, contact Janice 204-883-2880.

Ste. Anne Seine River Services for Seniors – Services and programs for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. Contact Mélanie Brémaud at 204-424-5285 Community Resource Coordinator for local services or labseinerss@ gmail.com.

Seine River School Division Transportation Department - Free Delivery Services.

Offering the services of their bus drivers to help out with delivering supplies, food or anything in that nature to those that are not able to get out and about. The service is free of charge!

Please do not hesitate to get in touch. Contact Carole Carriere Administrative Assistant, Transportation, Seine River School Division Phone: 204-422-6222.

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June 2020

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

The Monster’s Ugly Brother For those of you who have not been following along with my column, I will have to introduce you to Monster-in-my-basement.

While not dangerous, I can assure you that this overgrown monster is very real, alive and crafty. In fact, if we’re not careful, this monster will get fed and will quickly grow in size. The monster that we fear is the monster of a mess that lurks in my basement.

Previously, I have discussed ways to deal with it and to slowly but surely shrink it down to a more manageable size. Working on it bit by bit, day by day seems to be the best way for myself to accomplish this task and I have seen some great results.

However, this last week, I met Monster-in-my-basement’s brother and I’ve begun calling him Ugly Brother due to its unruly and aggressive nature. It turns out that Ugly Brother has been living in my shed for longer than I can remember. For me, the scary thing is the size that it had grown to. I do know that over the years I’ve been feeding it a piece of lumber or two here and maybe a bit of metal there and that, now that I think about it, there has been a bit more going in than was coming out but it truly caught me by surprise just how much Ugly Brother had grown!

Thankfully, it is not too late!

A few days ago I wanted to get something from within my shed and found, to my dismay, that the one item I wanted was buried beneath a bulky limb of Ugly Brother. With the help of my youngest son, and a whole lot of courage, we began to pull items out of the shed.

Boards and glass, lawnmower and siding, even short, broken pieces of plastic piping were removed. How had my shed become this way?

I’d like to joke that aliens from the planet Venus are responsible but I can still recall these items and know, deep down, that the feeding of Ugly Brother rests solely on my shoulders.

You know, after my successful dealings with Monster-in-my-basement, something inside me had changed. I squared my jaw, looked straight into my shed, stared into the unblinking gaze of Ugly Brother and realized that I could deal with this monster too. Oh yes, I can!

Coming up with a partial plan of attack (I’ll figure the rest out later) my son and I began to do battle. Trip after trip, stuff was removed and laid out on the nearby grass in a sort of organized way.

Time passed swiftly and we soon had to stop for the night. The next evening after work, my eldest son stepped in to lend me a strong hand with some of the heavier, bulkier items and we quickly made great progress, not only on pulling things out but by organizing the interior in a much more friendlier and efficient way.

While, at the time of this writing, Ugly Brother is still alive and well but we have made a large dent in its side and plan to continue again tomorrow with even greater gusto and expect to have Ugly Brother looking more handsomer and better suited to our lives.

Until next time, take care and keep your world spinning.

Annual Oil Recycling Day Set for June The City of Steinbach is inviting people to bring in their used oil, filters, plastic containers and other items to their upcoming Oil Recycling Day. Oil Recycling Day is an annual event in June held to promote the network of Eco Centres and residents to safely dispose of used oil, used oil filters and containers.

On June 10, the City of Steinbach invites residents to bring in their used oil to the community’s Eco Centre, which is located at the community landfill. In exchange residents received a free litre of oil for every four litres of used motor oil that was brought into the depot.

There is a limit of 205 litres per vehicle and up to five coupons per vehicle will be given out.

The annual event is hosted by the Manitoba Association for Resource Recovery Corporation (MARRC). Used oil, oil filters and plastic oil containers need to be disposed properly so that they can be recycled into useful products instead of threatening the environment. On average, the City of Steinbach collects over 2,500 litres of used oil during the one day event.

For those unable to attend the one day event, used oil and tires can be recycled year round at the Steinbach Landfill’s Eco Centre.

The Steinbach Eco-Centre will be open for Oil Recycling Day on June 10 from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information about the Steinbach Eco-Centre or Oil Recycling Day, email ewallman@steinbach. ca or call 204-346-6500.

RCMP FILES If you have any information in regards to any item here you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Firearm and Drugs Seized During Traffic Stop On May 4 at approximately 10:35 pm, Steinbach RCMP conducted a traffic stop after receiving a complaint of vehicles racing on Main Street, in Steinbach. The investigation led to the arrest of the driver and passenger. A firearm, stun gun, methamphetamine, cocaine and cash were seized at the scene.

The driver, Jonah Wiens, 24, of St. Adolphe has been charged with Possession of Weapon obtained by crime, Unsafe storage of firearms, Possession of firearm/weapon/device/ammunition in motor vehicle, Unauthorized possession a firearm/prohibited weapon or restricted weapon, Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, Possession of property obtained by crime, Possess break-in instruments, Careless use of a firearm, Possession of restricted firearm/prohibited weapon with ammo without licence/registration, Possession for the purpose of Trafficking Cocaine and Methamphetamine.

The passenger, Deymon Cretain, 20, of Winnipeg, has been charged with Possession of Weapon obtained by crime, Unsafe storage of firearms, Possession of firearm/weapon/device/ammunition in motor vehicle, Unauthorized possession a firearm/prohibited weapon or restricted weapon, Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose Possession of property obtained by crime, Possess break-in instruments, Careless use of a firearm, Possession of restricted firearm/prohibited weapon with ammo without licence/registration, Possession for the purpose of Trafficking Cocaine and Methamphetamine and Carrying a concealed weapon.

Both accused were remanded in custody and appeared in court May 7.

RCMP continue to investigate.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Car Thief Nabbed On May 5 at approximately 1 pm Steinbach RCMP received a report of a stolen vehicle from a parking lot located on Hanover Street in Steinbach. The theft occurred during between 1:30 am and noon.

The vehicle is described as a 2010 Infiniti G37X, white in colour with Manitoba plate KGG579. Later at approximately 9 pm, RCMP were notified that the vehicle had been located in La Broquerie. Police attended and arrested a 19-year old man from the RM of Ste Anne for possession of stolen property and theft over $5,000. He was released and will be attending court at a later date.

Stolen Bicycle On May 5 Steinbach RCMP received a report of a stolen bicycle from a residence on Wilson Street in Steinbach. The homeowner reported that someone entered their garage and took a Maroon Narco Mountaineer Bicycle. Nothing else was reported to be stolen.

If you have any information regarding the above pls contact the Steinbach RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Hefty Speeding Fine On May 8 at 6:23 pm, Steinbach Traffic Services stopped and charged a 35-year old male resident of Mitchell with speeding as he was doing 136 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. The man was travelling west on Highway 52, approaching Keating Road, near the west side of the City of Steinbach. In addition to the $783 fine, the he was also served a Serious Offence Notice for review of his licence by MPI.

Arsonist Video Sought

Police Seize Cannabis Load On May 23 at approximately 10:40 am, RCMP Traffic Services stopped a commercial motor vehicle on Highway 1 in the RM of Reynolds for a Level 3 inspection.

Inconsistencies in the driver’s paperwork led police to a load inspection under the provisions of the Excise Act, 2001, where officers discovered approximately 1,250 lbs of unstamped dried cannabis and hash onboard the semi trailer.

A 41-year-old man from Surrey, BC, was arrested and will be facing multiple charges under the Cannabis Act, the Excise Act, 2001, and the Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Control Act. The investigation continues.

On May 31 at 3:47 am Steinbach RCMP were dispatched to a house fire in Blumenort. RCMP have determined the house fire to be a case of arson. At this time the RCMP do not have any suspects and are asking for assistance from the public. If you have cameras on a residence or business in this area, please check them.

If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment or CrimeStoppers.

Soccer Grounds Arsonist On May 24 at approximately 2:08 am Steinbach RCMP were advised

by Steinbach Security that there were two small fires in the soccer field near the Southland Church.

Steinbach Security was able to extinguish one of them and the other extinguished itself.

On May 25 Steinbach RCMP were notified of several small burnt out fires that had been started in the walking path adjacent to the soccer field. The remnants of the fires were noted by a walker on May 24 in the morning.

If you have any information regarding the above incident or any other information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Thieves Target Property Multiple Times On April 29 at approximately 2:30 pm, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a break-in at a residence on Tall Grass Rd in the RM of Ste Anne.

Stolen was a Diamond Prism Compound Bow, Easton arrows, Easton 4 slot quiver and case.

Then on May 2 at approximately 6:38 am, Steinbach RCMP received a report of two individuals walking onto the same property wearing bandanas, gloves, backpacks and attempting to break in.

If you have any information regarding the above incident or any other information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Search Warrant for Stolen Property a Success On May 19 at approximately 11:25 am, Steinbach General Investigative Section (GIS) along with Steinbach RCMP Detachment members executed a search warrant at a residence on Oak Crescent in Steinbach, Manitoba. As a result police seized 9 bikes, 44 rims, 49 tires, 29 Rims and Tire, 44 bike frames, 18 bike forks, 23 handle bars and 14 seats.

Police continue their investigation.

June 2020

19

Investigation into Multiple Stolen ATVs

Paintball Vandalism

On May 19 Steinbach RCMP received a report of a stolen ATV. The theft occurred between May 18 at 4:30 pm and May 19 at 12:30 pm.

The ATV was on the back of a broken down trailer on highway 1, near road 45E just past Richer. When the owner returned in the morning to fix the trailer, the ATV was gone and the trailer remained on scene. The ATV is described as a 2012, Kawasaki KVF750 Brute Force, grey in colour. It has an ATV plate with a Manitoba marker 8H316 and VIN JKAVFDG19CB502485.

If you have any information regarding the above incident or any other information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Around 1:30 pm on May 5 Steinbach RCMP received a report of vehicles being shot at with paint ball guns in the parking lot of L.A. Barkman Park. Two vehicles were damaged and left with bright orange paint on the rear bumpers. No one was injured at the time and police are looking for more information on the matter.

If you have any information regarding the above incident or any other information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Search for Stolen Trailer

On May 20 Steinbach RCMP received a report of a stolen ATV that took place between 2 am to 7:20 am. The ATV was parked at a residence on Kimberly Bay in Steinbach. It is described as a 2015 Yamaha Grizzly 700, blue in colour with a Manitoba marker 4H012 and VIN 5YAM53W9FA3000944.

If you have any information regarding the above incident or any other information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Pics ATV Edit 2.jpg Edited ATV Pic 1.jpg

On May 4 Steinbach police received a report of a stolen custom trailer with Manitoba plate T925U. The trailer is a white utility heavy hauler specially built to transport chickens.

It was stolen from a property on Loewen Boulevard in Steinbach between April 21 and May 4.

If you have any information regarding the above incident or any other information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Missing Men Sought On May 1 at 3:25 pm Steinbach RCMP received a report of two missing men from the RM of Ste. Anne.

Missing are Dwayne McKay, 24years of age, and Damon Shabaquay, 22-years of age. They were last seen leaving the residence on May 1 at 2:35 pm, and are now believed to be in Winnipeg.

McKay is described as 5’10”, 180 pounds, brown eyes and brown hair.

Public are Reminded to Secure Your Bicycle!

Since November 1, 2019 the Steinbach RCMP has received 14 reports of bicycle thefts in the jurisdiction. RCMP are reminding everyone that with warmer weather bicycle thefts will increase. To stop these thefts the RCMP are asking residents to help deter this crime with a few tips. Residents should lock up their bicycles, store them inside, take photographs and write down serial numbers. If a bike is stolen the details provided to the RCMP helps to identify the rightful owners and return it to them.

Steinbach RCMP would also like to remind everyone that they are running the Bicycle Registration program again this year. Anyone in the Steinbach area is able to register their bicycles at the Steinbach RCMP Detachment.

At this time Steinbach RCMP only accepts Bicycle Registration forms by Fax at 204-326-3926 or email at harold.laninga@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Thief Steals Tank from Construction Site On March 29 Steinbach RCMP received a report of a male entering the Concord Construction area on Stonebridge Crossing in Steinbach. The male entered the construction site and stole a blue tank. RCMP are requesting assistance in Identifying the male.

If you have any information regarding the above incident or any other information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

On May 23 Steinbach RCMP received a report of a stolen ATV that was last seen on May 22 at 10 pm. The ATV was a 2013 Suzuki KingQuad 500 with camo plastics. This particular ATV has a custom wood box on the back, as well as two hunting rifle mounts on the front rack.

It was taken from a residence on Hwy 12, just south of Hanover Road.

The ATV plate is 1D555 with VIN 5SAAM45P0D7101318.

If you have any information regarding the above incident or any other information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Shabaquay is described as 5’09”, 180 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

The RCMP are asking anyone with information to call the Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-4452, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-2228477, or secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

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June 2020

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Ingenuity Launches Farmers’ Market Near Tolstoi

Locals looking for locally grown produce, meat or homemade products have a new place to visit now that the Stuartburn Emerson-Franklin Local Food Initiative has launched a new farmers market in the region.

On May 20, the very first Corner Farmers’ Market opened at Can Am

Corner, which is a little community gas station located along Highway 59 south, a few miles north of Tolstoi.

The newly created Farmers’ Market is responding to the growing interest in buying local by providing a venue for area producers and consumers to meet.

Soap maker Shauna Wagenhoffer from Stuartburn at the new Corner Farmers’ Market.

According to Laura Reeves, with the Stuartburn EmersonFranklin Local Food Initiative there has been growing support for farmers’ markets, community shared agriculture and related local food initiatives for a number of years.

“The pandemic has further exposed vulnerabilities in conventional supply chains leading to a significant jump in demand for locally produced food and other essentials,” Reeves noted. Sponsored by the Stuartburn EmersonFranklin Local Food Initiative, The Corner Farmers’ Market has been in planning for a year, but the local buying trend around the COVID-19 pandemic helped to kick start it.

“We’ve been recruiting local producers and highlighting their stories for more than a year,” said organizers.

Leah Bouchard, Reeves and Janet Kroeker began the Local Food Initiative in 2018 with the support of both the RM’s of Stuartburn and Franklin. This past Christmas, the group produced a pamphlet and promoted local gift shopping. Community potlucks, bringing local producers and buyers together were slated to begin this spring, but now will have to wait until the regulations restricting large gatherings change.

Meanwhile, the Corner Farmers’ Market has started small with plans to grow into a regular event throughout the summer and fall.

All purchases were pre-ordered and the producers were on hand for several hours to meet their customers and fill orders.

Local participants included Wildfire Farms, Green Valley Garden Center, Creekside Dairy, Stoney Brook Creamery, Prairie Shore Botanicals, and Skip-oPotamus. Products ranged from organic milk, goat’s cheese, handcrafted soaps, pastured meats, honey, and wild harvested herbs.

Manitoba-grown organic grains and flours were also available from Deruyck’s Top of the Hill Farm (located near Treherne).

Other producers will be added for future market days when “nonessentials” are allowed under the COVID-19 regulations. A schedule of market dates is expected to be released soon.

Abby Mueller and family picking up their wool duvets at the Corner Farmers’ Market.

Meaghan Lomax from Wildfire Farms near Woodmore and Carole Houle from Letellier picking up her meat order.

A sampling of products and vendors who gathered at the very first Corner Farmers’ Market Supplied photos. on May 20

Angie Appleby from Woodmore of Stoney Brook Creamery with her delicious organic milk, serving Cheryl Wiechern from Dominion City