Woodridge Area Wildfire Consumes Over 8,900 Hectares
Investigation Ongoing, Southeast Manitoba Maintains Strict Fire Restrictions
By Dan Guetre
A massive forest fire that ignited near Woodridge on May 10 and rapidly grew out of control has left a lasting impact on southeast Manitoba, consuming over 8,900 hectares of forestland and prompting evacuations, property damage, and a significant multi-agency response effort. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Originally reported as being “held” on May 11, the blaze quickly worsened, growing from under 20 hectares to a staggering 8,900 hectares before fire crews were able to bring it back under control by May 19.
Volunteer firefighters from departments across the entire southeast joined local crews and emergency responders to
battle the blaze. Their coordinated efforts, bolstered by provincial assets, helped to eventually contain the fire’s spread and limit further damage.
According to the La Broquerie Fire Department, a crew of five was dispatched around 10 a.m. on May 14 following a mutual aid request. On arrival, they were sent to Woodridge and later redirected to protect properties in the Florze area. As conditions shifted, they were re-tasked to assess and assist with evacuations in Badger, where they also set up sprinklers on properties near the fire’s head. A second La Broquerie crew departed at 5 p.m. to relieve the first team but ended up supporting the ongoing firefighting efforts. Both crews returned to base around 10 p.m. after a full day
of intense work.
On May 15, the Reynolds Fire Department sent five members to support the RM of Piney Fire Department. Their efforts focused on setting up sprinkler systems to defend a threatened community. They were joined by crews from departments as far as Winkler, Altona, Morris, and others.
“It looked very bleak for quite a while,” the department posted on social media, noting that shifting weather conditions forced changes in firefighting tactics. Fortunately, a timely and intense downpour helped suppress the fire just as it reached a clearing, giving crews the opportunity to go on the offensive.
In a heartfelt statement issued May 20, the RM of Piney expressed deep gratitude for
the firefighting efforts.
“There are no words that can adequately express the RM of Piney’s appreciation that we have for our Fire Departments and Manitoba Wildfire Services. Every volunteer that was out on the ground risking their lives deserves a standing ovation for the hard work, tireless hours, and countless times they risked their lives over the past week. We will forever be grateful for our fire departments and the men and women out there whose only mission is to keep everyone and our communities safe.”
In the wake of the Woodridge fire, the southeast corner of Manitoba remains under Level 3 Travel and Fire Restrictions in order to prevent further wildfires.
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Major Highway #12 Construction Projects Underway in Steinbach Area
Significant highway improvements are now underway in the Steinbach region, with the Manitoba government investing $24 million into a series of construction projects along Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 12 aimed at improving safety, road quality, and long-term infrastructure resilience.
“These rehabilitation projects are essential to building a stronger, more connected Manitoba,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor. “These investments ensure our infrastructure keeps people and goods moving on safe roadways.”
The improvements involve the resurfacing and addition of fully paved shoulders to a 12-kilometre stretch of PTH 12 in both directions. This segment extends from just north of Park Road in Steinbach to the Seine River Diversion, near the Ste. Anne turnoff. The major portion of this work is scheduled to be completed by fall 2026.
In addition, a separate resurfacing project is slated to ramp up, covering a 3.1-kilometre section of PTH 12 between McKenzie Avenue and Park Road in Steinbach, both northbound and southbound. That work is anticipated to be completed by fall 2025, according to the province.
As work progresses, drivers in the area are advised of the following:
- Northbound PTH 12 from Park Road East to the Seine River Diversion is under construction. Expect single-lane traffic, reduced speed limits, and active signage. Motorists should remain alert for workers and construction equipment.
- Both directions of PTH 12 between McKenzie Avenue and the junction with Highway 52 are also under construction. Similar advisories apply — reduce speed, watch for marked signs, and exercise caution around construction crews. Keep up-to-date about the construction progress through Manitoba’s 511 Road Info service.
La Broquerie Fire Department jumped in to battle the forest fire in the southeast.
Source: La Broquerie Fire Department/Facebook
Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!
60 Years of Cultural Celebration in Gardenton
The Ukrainian Museum & Village Society Inc. (UMVS) is proudly celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025, commemorating six decades of preserving and promoting the Ukrainian pioneer legacy in the Stuartburn-Gardenton region of southeastern Manitoba.
In a notable moment of provincial recognition, Konrad Narth, MLA for the La Verendrye Constituency, formally acknowledged the Ukrainian Museum & Village Society and its 60th anniversary in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, May 14.
“On Tuesday, May 14, UMVS was honoured to have been recognized by the Manitoba Legislative Assembly when Konrad Narth, MLA for the La Verendrye Constituency, recognized the achievements of UMVS, its innumerable volunteers over the years, and its 60th Anniversary in the Legislature,” said UMVS Director and
Festival Chairperson Helen Feniuk who, along with RM of Stuartburn Reeve Michelle Gawronsky, were present in the gallery to receive the recognition.
Founded in the mid-1960s in the spirit of Canada’s 1967 Centennial, UMVS was established by Ukrainian settlers and their descendants to honour the arrival of the first Ukrainian immigrants to the region in the late 1890s. What began as a grassroots effort, supported by local families and businesses, has grown into a vital cultural institution dedicated to Ukrainian heritage.
The museum grounds, located on a 60-acre pioneer site near the Roseau River, were acquired for $5,000, with the original museum building constructed for $9,000 to house authentic pioneer artefacts and memorabilia. Over the years, the site has expanded to include an original one-room schoolhouse and has hosted thousands of visitors for annual Ukrainian
festivals showcasing music, dance, and food.
To celebrate this milestone, UMVS is planning a major commemorative festival on Saturday, July 12, 2025, featuring:
- A refurbishment of the museum’s artefact displays.
- The return of the traditional outdoor “peech” Ukrainian bread oven with fresh bread.
- Launch of the UMVS campground project.
- Live Ukrainian performances, cuisine, and an evening Zabava (dance celebration).
This year’s celebration is made possible through a sponsorship drive and support from provincial grants.
UMVS invites all Manitobans and visitors from near and far to attend the July 12 festival in Gardenton - a celebration of heritage, community, and 60 years of cultural resilience. For updates and full event details, follow UMVS on Facebook.
Manitoba Invests $5
Million in Visionary Cultural and Recreation Hub in St-Pierre-Jolys
By Dan Guetre
The Manitoba government has committed up to $5 million in funding toward the creation of Le Rendez-Vous Community, Culture and Recreation Campus, a transformative new facility in the Village of St-Pierre-Jolys that aims to strengthen rural infrastructure while celebrating the area’s vibrant Francophone heritage.
The $20-million project will be delivered in three phases and will reimagine the community’s aging arena into a regional hub for culture, recreation, and bilingual services. The provincial investment comes through the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for Municipalities (Manitoba GRO) program.
Announcing the funding, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard — who also serves as Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs — emphasized that the project aligns with Manitoba’s broader
will soon enjoy a modern, inclusive space where they can gather, learn, and play in both of Canada’s official languages. I commend all those involved for their dedication to building a truly bilingual Manitoba.”
Le Rendez-Vous campus will feature community spaces for arts and cultural programming, wellness activities, concerts, and regional celebrations. Crucially, it will also house a new Jolys Regional Library, ensuring the preservation and expansion of library services in the region — a move welcomed by residents concerned about the facility’s future.
Mayor Raymond Maynard of StPierre-Jolys praised the announcement as a continuation of the community’s long-standing spirit of cooperation and innovation.
“This investment reflects the Province’s commitment to building strong communities across Manitoba,” said Maynard. “The original arena was built by volunteers who envisioned a gathering place that would enrich lives. As our region grows and welcomes new families, we are excited to provide the modern amenities they need to integrate and thrive.”
The redevelopment will unfold in three distinct phases:
- Phase 1: Complete renovation of the St-Pierre-Jolys arena, including a new ice surface, modernized
ice-making system, updated locker rooms and bleachers, and the addition of a 60-space daycare facility.
- Phase 2: Construction of a heritage hall celebrating local languages, history, and culture; a new public library; multipurpose spaces for recreation and events; a new community hall; café; and expanded parking.
- Phase 3: Development of a turf pavilion for indoor sports, programming, and special events.
The first phase is expected to break ground in spring 2026.
Le Rendez-Vous is seen as a tangible realization of Manitoba’s commitment to bilingualism and cultural inclusion. The project aligns with the Municipal Maturity Model (3M) promoted by the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM), which emphasizes integrating official language principles into all aspects of municipal planning. As part of the inaugural cohort of municipalities developing action plans under the 3M framework, StPierre-Jolys is emerging as a leader in ensuring bilingual service delivery and inclusive infrastructure.
When complete, Le Rendez-Vous will serve not only as a central gathering place for residents but as a cornerstone of Saint-Pierre-Jolys’ identity - an emblem of its past, present, and future as a proud Francophone and bilingual community.
RM of Stuartburn Reeve Michelle Gawronsky and Gardenton Ukrainian Festival Planning Chairperson Helen Feniuk receiving recognition of Gardenton Ukrainian Museum 60th Anniversary from MLA Konrad Narth in the Manitoba Legislature on Tuesday, May 14. Submitted photo
When complete, Le Rendez-Vous will serve not only as a central gathering place for residents but as a cornerstone of Saint-Pierre-Jolys’ identity - an emblem of its past, present, and future as a proud Francophone and bilingual community. Architectural rendering
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Woodridge Wildfire Consumes Over 8,900 Hectares
Investigation Ongoing, Southeast Manitoba Maintains Strict Fire Restrictions
Current Restrictions
State of Emergency:
The Manitoba government’s provincial state of emergency (SOE), under the Emergency Measures Act, will remain in effect until June 26.
Level 3 fire and travel restrictions are in place across much of the province including all provincial parks
- Full fire ban in effect: No open fires of any kind permitted.
- Backcountry travel restricted: Travel permits required for remote access; conditions apply.
- Trails and water routes in provincial parks are closed.
- Watercraft use restricted to road-accessible lakes only; launching/landing limited to developed shorelines.
- Camping restricted to supervised campgrounds only.
- Lodges and outfitters: Main lodges accessible with reservations; out camps and outfitters must operate under travel permits and meet fire equipment conditions.
- Aircraft landings are prohibited unless specially permitted.
- All provincial burning permits are cancelled. Industrial/agricultural burning may be approved after inspection.
Safety Advisory:
Officials are urging the public to exercise extreme caution when outdoors:
- Ensure all fires are completely extinguished — drown, stir, and repeat until cold.
- Monitor previously extinguished fires.
- Keep machinery clean and in good repair to avoid spark-induced ignition.
- Avoid driving or parking in tall, dry grass.
Violating the fire ban is a serious offence. Individuals may be fined up to $10,000, and corporations up to $50,000. Offenders may also be held liable for the costs of extinguishing any resulting wildfire.
As of late May, Manitoba has seen over 100 wildfires, with nearly 375,000 hectares of forest scorched this spring alone. Fewer than six fires have been classified as natural, while at least 95 have been linked to human activity — a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and public responsibility.
As the province continues to recover and prepare for further threats, the Manitoba Wildfire Service and regional emergency teams are calling on all Manitobans to adhere to restrictions and safety measures, report any suspicious fire activity, and help protect communities and natural landscapes from further harm.
For further information on the Manitoba Wildfire Service, situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links, go to gov.mb.ca/ wildfire.
To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line toll-free at 1-800-782-0076.
Second Annual “Get Your Benefits” Clinic Returns to Steinbach
The South East Equity Coalition (SEEC) will host its second annual Get Your Benefits Clinic in Steinbach on Wednesday, June 25, offering community members the opportunity to access a wide range of government and community services in one location.
The event will take place from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm at the United Church hall, located at 541 Main Street. The venue shares a parking lot with the Helping Hands Food Bank, which will also be open for pick-up that afternoon.
Weather permitting; the event will feature a hot dog lunch, courtesy of Earl’s Meat Market and South East Helping Hands, along with children’s activities. Services available at the clinic will include:
- Manitoba Health card updates
- Canadian Pension Plan inquiries
- Rent Assist applications
- Information on Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities
- Manitoba Identification card information
- Manitoba Seniors Hearing Aid Program applications
- Proof of Income printouts
- Disability Tax Credit application forms
- Canadian Dental Care Plan renewals
And more
The clinic is open to all community members looking to connect with important services and supports.
According to the RM of Piney, this is an aerial view of where the fire started along the set of train tracks.
Source: RM of Piney/Facebook
The fire consumed the forest and fields northeast of Carrick. Photo courtesy of Manitoba Wildfire Services
A sign along the road in the RM of Piney.
Source: RM of Piney/Facebook
The RM of Reynolds firefighter pitch in to tackle the forest fires.
Source: Reynolds Fire Department/Facebook
A Moment in History: King Charles III Delivers Canada’s Throne Speech
[Recently], we witnessed a moment in history. The Throne Speech marks the formal opening of a new parliamentary session (in this case, the 45th parliamentary session), outlining the government’s legislative priorities for this upcoming session. The event sets the tone for the months or years ahead. Instead of the Prime Minister or an elected official delivering the speech, it is the Crown—the nonpartisan, head of state.
In Canada, King Charles III is the head of state. The elected Prime Minister is the head of government. The head of state has important constitutional responsibilities, different from the head of government. As Canada is a constitutional monarchy,
the Governor General usually delivers the speech, acting as the King’s representative. This practice has been followed since Confederation, reflecting the unique Canadian balance between tradition and self-governance.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla travelled along Wellington Street in front of our Parliament buildings on a horse and carriage, in view of the Senate building where King Charles would read the Speech from the throne. This is the Queen and King’s first visit since their coronation as King on September 8th, 2022. King Charles was the first King in Canada’s history to deliver the Speech from the Throne, and this was only
the third time a monarch has done so. The King’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was the first and second in 1957 and 1977.
Queen Elizabeth II visited Canada 22 times during her historic 70-year reign and gave the Speech from the Throne twice, exemplifying moments of deep symbolism in Canadian history.
So, what did it mean when King Charles delivered the Throne Speech himself? It marked an emblematic gesture of his relationship with Canada as our monarch.
This moment also reinforced the Crown’s continuing role in Canada’s parliamentary democracy. The King’s presence reminds Canadians
that the Crown exists as a symbol of unity, stability, and continuity. As Canada wrestles with internal divisions—regional, political, and cultural—the symbolic power of a unifying figurehead cannot be overlooked.
It also reminds us that the monarchy is not foreign. The King is not a visitor; he is Canada’s sovereign. His personal participation in the Canadian Throne Speech underlined that our constitutional monarchy is a living institution embedded in Canada’s identity and governance.
It was reported that some people claimed spots along Wellington as early as 5 am to get a glimpse of royalty. In the next several hours, crowds
continued to file behind those early arrivals. It was indeed a moment of public engagement.
When King Charles delivered the Throne Speech, it was an instant that modelled our history and our future walking together.
In his closing remarks, King Charles recited the Canadian anthem, reminding us: The True North is indeed strong and free!
Artificial Intelligence – Dumbing Down Our Thoughts
By Monica Guetre
The race is on to spend our tax dollars to build up our use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital innovations. With the recent Federal government announcement of the Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy it looks like we are going to try to harness it, and hopefully rein it in, to drive economic growth.
Whether we like it or not, Artificial Intelligence is already being used daily by governments in healthcare and education to name just a couple of under funded agencies. It is creeping into businesses from agriculture, resource mining, manufacturing, retail and into our leisure time while surfing the web—and its use is growing exponentially!
Apparently we Canadians asked for this. Personally I didn’t, but some of us did. The concern is: are we smarter than a computer’s software that can self-write code and expand its knowledge faster than Superman leaping over a tall building?
In May 2025, the government announced its strategy to harness the benefits of AI. The strategy has three
elements highlighted in the Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy. First, our money will be spent on increasing our domestic compute capacity to support new AI infrastructure, second is to help us safeguard our data and intellectual property and lastly our taxes will be used to help fund our businesses, innovators and researchers.
To do this we’re going to need AI coders (real people) and many experts in designing and building the computing equipment and energy infrastructure; a lot of people from here at home and from all over the world. We’re going to need “trusted” global partners, huge bags of money (public and private) to keep our AI sovereignty, expand our existing quantum computing, buy the knowledge for continued research, find permanent places to store all this data, put in place security that locks up our buildings and hack proofs the software that protects our personal data from prying eyes, and… a whole lot of electricity. All this voltage needs new power grid resources that have to be sustainable and energy-efficient without wilfully increasing our carbon footprint. Our planet is too hot now and our competing new challenge will be how to cool the planet down—very fast.
The reward is Economics 101 – potentially doubling our GDP. Back in 2024, the government of Canada reported we already had 1,500 companies specializing in AI, along with 20 public AI research labs, all competing for the global “pot of gold” that’s estimated to grow over $2 trillion CAD by 2030. That’s a lot of money and a lot of competition.
But caution is needed. We really need global AI legislation in place now – a “truce”. We can build all the physical and AI fences in our own Canadian legislation, however unless we get everyone to sign off what is ethical and what is not, we will be facing more than a few pitfalls
- we’re going to be in a deep ravine with no way to climb out.
The world’s Godfather of AI is one of our own, Nobel Prize winner, Canadian Geoffrey Hinton. He’s very worried about the technology he helped create. He decided that after working at Google for 10 years on the “Brain” project he would up and resign to warn us about the dangers of AI.
It’s not only “Godfather” Hinton warning us, we must not minimize what we have already observed. We need to recognize the immense danger and ask the right question - how do we stop this train from derailing.
One of the biggest perils of AI is its military use. We’re seeing it right now in wars and conflicts all over the world with upgraded conventional missiles that use AI and drone armies that have the potential to wipe us all out, with nary a blink of an eye.
We are “doomed”, peril #2, is misinformation and disinformation. The saying goes, “seeing is believing”, well not anymore! Elections will no longer be won or lost based on who has a more realistic plan or who is has the aura of being more truthful. AI is already misleading, elevating disinformation as reality and using real people to generate videos with lies. All that lying is headed towards self-writing and self-producing AI. Soon there may be no need to find a person off the street who can offer thoughtful opinions and worldly observations. Or hire a paid actor or film stage when everything can be done virtually.
A third danger is the loss of jobs in a whole sector that collapses too quickly. We won’t have time to re-train for a new job and how do we justify the decades of costly infrastructure that are no longer needed. We could easily lose thousands of great jobs in education, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, resources, and service sectors all at once—and this is not going to be a leisurely attrition. Think about the gains and loss of
employment during the course of the telegraph system that began in 1840 disappeared just after the Second World War. By accelerating AI use, job loss could be instantaneous not over decades.
The 4th peril is goodbye to democracy and your freedoms. In the wrong hands a dictator can unleash all that AI power in its military and police (physically and virtually), control what you see and hear, limit where you work, go to school, or travel, and even limit your privacy. All the things you do and say now… well… it’s better that you don’t take your freedoms for granted! With AI superiority at a national level, or a global level, living in fear of what you say, what you do and even how you think will be the very reality for millions. This “fear factor” already exists in counties like North Korea, Russia, and China. If you think it’s bad now, just you wait and see.
We are on the brink of Peril #5. Similar to leaps in technology, such as cloning and genetic modification, we need to take a time-out to establish global parameters focused on ethics when it comes to AI. A global agreement could protect the good in all of us from our own self-destructive nature rather than focusing on the “pot of gold” payout.
We need to avoid handing over our unique human curiosity to AI development which currently has no limits, boundaries, ethics, common sense, empathy, or context of our long history of the struggle of good over evil and right from wrong.
Philosopher René Descarte, said “I think, therefore I am.” It is possible that we create AI that thinks ethically - where it can’t override the global guardrails we put in place. AI could end up paying out economic dividends that become the societal equalizer that, not only protects us from the 5 doomsday perils, but gives us time to dream up the next possible big thing or even step back to enjoy life.
A Landmark Career for Senator Plett
By Dan Guetre
After nearly 16 years of service in the Red Chamber, Senator Don Plett, a cornerstone of Conservative politics in Canada, officially retired from the Senate on May 14. Known for his tenacity, outspokenness, and deep-rooted values, Plett leaves behind a legacy of fierce opposition, legislative accomplishments, and unwavering commitment to his party.
The senator from Landmark, Manitoba, first entered public life as a teenager helping with election scrutineering, inspired by his father - a community leader, church elder, and mayor. “I caught the political bug early,” said Plett. “I later ran for some of the same positions my father held. I was elected mayor of our community and served on different boards.”
That early sense of civic duty paved the way for a political journey that spanned local governance, party leadership, and federal service.
Plett was instrumental in shaping the modern Conservative Party of Canada. As president of the Canadian Alliance party in the early 2000s, he played a key role in the historic merger with the Progressive Conservative Party, culminating in the formation of the new Conservative Party in 2003. He was elected its first official president in 2005, with the support of then-party leader Stephen Harper, who would later appoint him to the Senate in 2009.
“It was extremely exciting,” Plett recalled of that turbulent yet defining period. “I had a significant part in forming what is now a very strong Conservative Party.”
In the Senate, Plett quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Opposition Whip in 2015 and later being elected Leader of the Opposition in 2019. Renowned for his combative style and sharp wit, he embraced both the political and procedural battles of the chamber. “I play hockey with my elbows up and I also do politics with my elbows up,” he remarked. “But when the game is over, I go for a beer with the opposition.”
As Leader of the Opposition, Plett made his mark by holding government legislation to account. He played a key role in opposing bills he saw as flawed, including controversial legislation on conversion therapy, gender identity, and animal transportation.
“I was generally not making friends as the critic for these bills,” he admitted. “But as former prime minister Jean Chrétien once said, ‘In Opposition, your role is to oppose.’”
Despite his partisan grit, Plett also worked across the aisle, most notably securing passage of the Prompt Payment Act with the
help of Liberal MP Judy Sgro — a law that guarantees timely compensation for contractors and subcontractors working on public infrastructure.
“It’s a tremendously important piece of legislation,” Plett said. “Ironically, it passed when we were in Opposition.”
A self-proclaimed sports enthusiast, Plett credits much of his leadership style to lessons learned on the ice and in the field. From coaching minor hockey to curling championships, sports taught him how to take risks and lead under pressure.
“Whether you’re playing on the ice or in the field, you make decisions on the fly and then go for it. That’s also how I approach politics,” he said.
Throughout his Senate career, Plett relied heavily on his staff, particularly during daily Senate Question Periods.
“I could never have done this job without my team,” said Plett. “They tried to keep me out of trouble while also living on the edge.”
Plett’s personal convictions — rooted in his Mennonite upbringing and Christian faith also informed his political worldview.
“I try to promote proper values but also accept people who have values different from mine,” he said.
While some of his ancestors viewed political involvement as taboo, Plett took the opposite approach, believing that civic engagement was a form of gratitude to the country that gave his family freedom and opportunity.
With his retirement now official, Plett is turning his attention to family — including his wife, four sons, 12 grandchildren, and a great-grandchild on the way.
“In my first year of retirement, my wife and I are planning on following our grandkids around and watching what they do,” he said with pride.
Among his grandchildren, elite curler Myla Plett and a U.S.-based university baseball player are already drawing his attention — and his travel itinerary.
Reflecting on his Senate service, Plett expressed deep gratitude.
“When I walk into the Senate Chamber, I think of the tremendous responsibility that we 105 senators have to our country and to the world,” said Plett. “Every time I stop to think about that awesome responsibility, I thank God and the people who have helped me.”
From the ice rinks of Landmark to the floors of the Senate, Don Plett’s political career was marked by bold leadership, firm convictions, and a commitment to public service that will long be remembered.
After nearly 16 years of service in the Red Chamber, Senator Don Plett, a cornerstone of Conservative politics in Canada, officially retired from the Senate on May 14. Submitted photo
Community Spirit Shines at 2025 Taste of Steinbach
The event allowed local producers to connect with the community, share their stories, and celebrate the region’s rich culinary identity. Submitted photo and over 30 community partners. The event is supported by a passionate group of volunteers, sponsors, and community members.
On May 27, the third annual Taste of Steinbach brought together over 620 residents and visitors to celebrate the best in local food, culture, and community spirit. Hosted by the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce, the event transformed the newly constructed Southeast Events Centre into a vibrant hub of culinary creativity and community pride.
The 2025 edition of Taste of Steinbach was the largest yet, featuring 15 local food sponsors
“We are overwhelmed by the support and participation from the community,” said Tessa Masi, Executive Director of the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce. “Taste of Steinbach is about more than food – it’s about celebrating the spirit of our region and the incredible businesses, producers, and people who make it so special.”
This year’s event featured a feast of locally produced foods. The event allowed local producers to connect with the community, share their stories, and celebrate the region’s rich culinary identity. From fresh-baked goods to craft brews and farm-fresh ingredients, Taste of Steinbach highlighted the power of community collaboration and the joy of supporting local. With three successful years behind it, Taste of Steinbach continues to grow in impact and popularity. The Chamber looks forward to building on this success in 2026 with even more opportunities to celebrate local food and culture.
3rd Annual Spring Tea Fundraiser Well Attended at Dawson Trail Museum
Guests at the Dawson Trail Museum’s 3rd Annual Spring Tea enjoyed live music, a Fashion Show, and a delicious lunch in two seatings which were well attended. This event helps to raise funds to continue the restoration of the Museum building, located in the heart of Richer which now hosts many community events.
(above) Spring Tea guests, (right) Fashion Show, (far right) Lunch.
Photos by Myriam Dyck
Engines Set to Roar as St-Labre 200 Returns This July
By Dan Guetre
The countdown is on for one of Manitoba’s most exhilarating community events — the St-Labre 200, which returns for its annual run on July 4 and 5, bringing high-speed action, community spirit, and a lot of dirt to the heart of St-Labre.
The unique event sees 21 teams face off in a gruelling twoday challenge. Day one kicks off with a 24-hour go-kart build, and on day two, competitors battle it out over 200 laps on a rugged quarter-mile dirt track. Conditions are unpredictable — from blazing sun to sudden showers — but the goal remains the same: to claim the coveted Spark Plug Cup.
Despite a recent forest fire near the area, the St-Labre 200 Committee confirmed the event will go ahead as planned.
“The fires did not affect or influence this year’s decision making for the event, as the grounds were not affected,” said Huguette Vallée, a member of the organizing committee. “Some possible restrictions may apply to the fireworks display and open fire policy, depending on RM guidelines at the time.”
Vallée acknowledged that
some committee members were involved in firefighting efforts in the Whiteshell and RM of Piney, calling it a “stressful week” but expressing gratitude that “everyone is safe with only a few buildings lost.”
“Like most of St-Labre there was a threat, but the wind change, colder weather, and rain came at the right time,” she added. “Our thoughts and effort were with people, businesses, and homes.”
Lightning-Fast Registration
Team registration for this year’s race was, as in past years, a race in itself.
“Registration is at 21 teams this year,” said Vallée. “One new team has been added to the roster. Twenty-one teams filled out in 30 minutes, with the first 20 in just 8 minutes.”
Family Fun and Festivities
With over 2,000 spectators expected on race day, the St-Labre 200 is more than just go-karts.
Organizers have packed the event with family-friendly activities, including a kids train, bouncy castle, boot toss, ninja park, BMX track, and bike races.
“We are always looking at ways to keep our fans busy during the
build and races,” said Vallée.
A 50/50 draw is already underway, with tickets available for purchase even for those not attending in person — giving everyone a chance to support the event.
Giving Back to the Community
The St-Labre 200 is about more than racing. The event’s 15th edition of its Giving Back program has donated more than $150,000 to local organizations and projects over the years, making it a key charitable foundation for the region.
“The event is volunteer-led, so if people have time and would like to help, set-up weekend is June 28 and 29, and we’ll be busy with smaller tasks on July 2 and 3,” Vallée said, inviting the community to lend a hand.
With race teams prepping, fans gearing up, and volunteers rallying behind the scenes, St-Labre 200 is set to deliver another unforgettable weekend of thrills, community, and giving back. For more information or to get involved, visit stlabre200.ca. You can also snag some 50/50 tickets with the total pot size exceeding $5,000 and growing!
File Photo/Dawson Trail Dispatch
The St-Labre 200 is about more than racing. The event’s 15th edition of its Giving Back program has donated more than $150,000 to local organizations and projects over the years, making it a key charitable foundation for the region.
Concrete Canoes Make Waves in St. Malo at National Engineering Competition
By Dan Guetre
What do you get when you mix civil engineering, teamwork, and a bit of creative madness? You get floating concrete canoes—and on Saturday, May 24, they took to the water at St. Malo Provincial Park for the Canadian National Concrete Canoe Competition.
Hosted for the first time by the University of Manitoba (U of M), this year’s event marked a historic milestone: it was the first time in the 30year history of the competition that it was held west of Ontario.
More than 350 students from 22 universities across Canada and abroad gathered in Manitoba to showcase their engineering prowess, racing concrete canoes they had designed and built themselves.
“Unbelievable—Until You See It”
For most people, the concept of a concrete canoe is mind-bending.
“Haha, it is a pretty unbelievable thing until you actually look into it!” said Reece Myska, a recent civil engineering graduate and Municipal Engineer-in-Training who
helped organize the event. Myska is a volunteer for the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and a former participant on the U of M Concrete Canoe Club (UMCCC) team.
The canoes must not only float—but also race, manoeuvre, and stay intact under pressure. Teams are judged across multiple categories including design proposals, technical presentations, canoe construction quality, and of course, performance on race day.
A Made-in-Manitoba Milestone
Planning for this landmark event began more than a year ago, sparked by a casual idea tossed around at the 2023 competition in London, Ontario.
“After last year’s competition at Université Laval in Quebec City, the idea of hosting got a little more serious, and a few of us decided to pursue the opportunity,” said Myska. With support from the Department of Civil Engineering at U of M, the bid was accepted—and the Prairie province was chosen to host.
St. Malo Provincial Park proved an ideal venue, of-
fering a calm body of water, public access, and the space to accommodate both canoes and curious spectators.
“The beach provided teams with an easy location to launch, dock and retrieve their boats in the water, as well as a fun space for the teams to hang out during breaks in the day,” Myska noted. “And maybe most importantly— bug and mosquito free!”
A Real-World Engineering Test
Each team is responsible for building their canoe at their home university and transporting it to the competition. Despite being made of concrete, the boats are fragile and optimized for water—not necessarily for long-haul shipping.
“It truly sounds crazy but I have witnessed the concrete test samples, cast as cylinders of concrete, thrown into water—and they float!” said Myska, who explained that success hinges on either using lightweight concrete mixes or integrating foam-filled compartments, both of which must comply with strict competition rules.
The U of M team, in just its
fourth year of participation, placed 17th overall but was awarded for achieving the lowest-density concrete of the competition—approximately 25% lighter than water.
“While we may not study how to make concrete canoes in our schooling, we learn all the concepts that fundamentally allow the canoe to float—hydrostatic forces, buoyancy, design of concrete mixes, etc.,” Myska said. “It’s a great example of teaching innovation with everyday materials.”
More than Just a Race
Beyond the technical challenge, the competition is a launch pad for student growth—offering hands-on experience, project management, sponsorship outreach, and real-world applications of classroom theory.
“These teams often simulate and are run like small-scale engineering firms... It teaches teamwork, builds friendships, and gives opportunities for students to travel and meet like-minded people from all over,” said Myska. “Despite only being a four-day competition, many lifelong friendships are made.”
This year’s top three teams hailed from Quebec: Université Laval Université de Sherbrooke École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS)
A Showcase of Manitoba Hospitality
Myska emphasized that this year’s organizing committee aimed to do more than host a competition—they wanted to leave a lasting impression.
“We really wanted to put on a great event and have all competitors, judges, and committee members leave with a desire to come back one day—on their own or for another competition,” he said. As for the future, the success of this year’s event has laid a strong foundation for Manitoba to potentially host again.
“I’d like to thank all the sponsors, competitors, volunteers, judges, committee members and anyone who helped make this competition so successful. It’s a really cool event to see take place and an unforgettable experience for the students.”
One thing’s for sure; Manitoba has officially made a splash on the national engineering stage.
Canadian National Concrete Canoe Competition. Submitted photos
Stuartburn Prescribed Burn Association Expands Fire Training Access Through Key Partnerships
By Dan Guetre
The Stuartburn Prescribed Burn Association (SPBA) is taking major strides to ensure fire is safely and effectively reintroduced to prairie landscapes, by improving access to training opportunities for its members.
Laura Reeves, Vice-President of the SPBA, shared that recent partnerships have significantly lowered barriers to vital fire education.
“The Stuartburn Prescribed Burn Association is making it easier for members to access fire training in order to put fire back on the land in a safe and effective manner,” Reeves stated.
As part of these efforts, 15 SPBA members were able to enrol in the Intro to Prescribed Fire in the Grassland Environment course, offered through the University of Saskatchewan, at a dramatically reduced rate—less than $12 compared to the regular fee of $150. The discounted access was made possible through a group rate negotiated with the Canadian Prairie Prescribed Fire Exchange (CPPFE), a key regional partner in fire education and advocacy.
In addition to the online coursework, hands-on experience remains a cornerstone of SPBA’s training initiatives. Five SPBA members recently took part in the third annual Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (TREX), co-hosted by the CPPFE and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The intensive five-day event, held in Gardenton, brought together 37 participants from across Western Canada and the U.S. Midwest.
During TREX, attendees engaged in field exercises using the Incident Command System while honing their skills in fire ignition and suppression techniques, equipment handling, communications, and other essential elements of controlled burns.
Reeves praised the event’s impact, calling it a “fantastic training event” that helps reinforce both safety and ecological stewardship in prairie fire management. Prescribed burning is an increasingly valued tool in Prairie conservation, helping to control invasive species, rejuvenate native grasses, and reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires. Through its initiatives, the SPBA continues to foster a knowledgeable, equipped, and collaborative community of land stewards working to protect Manitoba’s prairie ecosystems.
New Farmers’ Market Launching at the Centre of Canada This Summer
A new summer tradition is taking root at one of Manitoba’s most iconic landmarks. The Centre of Canada will host a bi-weekly Farmers’ Market beginning Friday, June 27, offering residents, travelers, and cottagers a fresh new way to shop local.
The market will run every second Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with additional dates set for July 11 & 25 and August 8 & 22. Organizers are timing the events to coincide with the busy Friday travel window, when thousands of Manitobans head east toward Kenora and surrounding areas for weekend getaways.
“This is about connecting people with local food and handmade products while celebrating a unique meeting point of east and west,” said organizers. “We’re excited to bring together community vendors and travelers in a way that supports local agriculture and rural small businesses.”
Located just off the Trans-Canada Highway near Landmark, the Centre of Canada site has grown into a popular tourist destination in recent years. The addition of the Farmers’ Market adds another layer of experience for visitors stopping to take photos and explore.
Vendors are expected to include local produce growers, artisans, bakers, and crafters.
For travelers on their way to the lake, it offers a convenient stop to pick up fresh vegetables, snacks, and baked goods. For locals, it’s an opportunity to build community and support the regional economy.
“We’re hoping this becomes a staple summer event and a true celebration of Manitoba’s heartland,”
Vendor registration is now open, vendors can reach out to Martha Petrusevich the Economic Development officer for the RM of Tache at edo@rmtache.ca and more details are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
The Stuartburn Prescribed Burn Association (SPBA). Prescribed burning is an increasingly valued tool in Prairie conservation, helping to control invasive species, rejuvenate native grasses, and reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires. Submitted photo
MB Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit
More changes have happened to our property tax bills for 2025 again. The property tax bills and the education credits have been different every year since about 2021.
The credit for the education part of the property tax bill has been changed from $700 in 2020 to $525 then to $437.50 and then to $350.
And then the MB School Tax Rebate was added: 25% in 2021, 37.5% in 2022, and then to 50% for 2023 (by cheque) and 2024 (credit on the actual bill).
Lots of changes for 2025.
Read on.
Most of the information provided below was found on the Province of Manitoba website.
Changes for 2025
For the 2025 tax year, the Education Property Tax Credit has been replaced with a new $1,500 Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit.
The Education Property Tax Credit (EPTC) is being replaced with the Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit (HATC) and is being increased to a maximum of $1,500.
The School Tax Rebate, which provided a 50% rebate on school taxes for residential and farm properties, and a 10% rebate on school taxes for other properties, is being eliminated for all properties except farm properties. Farm properties will continue to receive the 50% rebate.
There is no additional seniors’ credit as part of the HATC, but the Seniors School Tax Rebate continues to be available (more information below).
The amount of the HATC is the lesser of $1,500 and the gross school taxes on your principal residence.
Principal Residences Only
The HATC will apply to principal residences only. It does not ap-
ply to any other properties: rental properties, secondary residences/ cottages, commercial properties, etc.
A principal residence is a single residential dwelling unit in Manitoba that is owned by an individual and/or their spouse or commonlaw partner and that is the primary residence of the individual or the individual’s cohabiting spouse or common-law partner.
Owners who reside in an assessed property that contains more than one dwelling unit (duplex, triplex, etc.) cannot receive the HATC on their property tax bill but can claim the HATC on their 2025 personal income tax return.
How to Receive the HATC on the Property Tax Bill
To receive the HATC on your property tax bill, you must have self-declared your principal residence with your municipality.
Most eligible Manitoba homeowners will automatically have their principal residence declaration carried forward from last year and do not need to file a new declaration for the HATC.
If you have not yet received your 2025 property tax bill and want to know if you will get the HATC, you can check your 2024 property tax bill to see if you received the Manitoba Education Property Tax Credit Advance (EPTCA). This would have been an amount of $350 or less. If you received the EPTCA in 2024 and there has been no change in ownership of your property, you will automatically receive the HATC on your tax bill.
Note that the EPTCA is a different credit than the Manitoba School Tax Rebate, which was a 50% rebate that also appeared on the 2024 property tax bill. Did not receive the EPTCA on 2024 or 2025 property tax bill?
If you only received the 50% rebate and NOT the $350 credit, then your property is NOT registered as your principal residence. You need to declare your principal residence with your municipality to receive the HATC on your 2025 property tax bill.
Homeowners that have not previously self-declared their principal residence with their municipality are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to help ensure that the HATC is applied to their property tax bill.
To provide homeowners with more flexibility, the deadline to self-declare your principal residence self-declaration to your municipality has been extended to November 15, 2025.
After receiving your self-declaration, your municipality will verify your information, and if you are eligible, you will receive an adjustment to your tax owing amount or a refund cheque.
Or Get the HATC on Your 2025 Income Tax
What happens if I don’t self-declare my principal residence with my municipality by November 15?
Homeowners that are eligible for the HATC may claim it on their personal income tax return if they did not receive it on their property tax bill or as a credit to their property tax account.
Paradise Village Residents
At the time of writing this article, it is unknown how mobile home parks such as Paradise Village near Ste Anne will be handled. The residents do not own the land and in past years, the credit was claimed on personal income tax when they were filed. It is unknown if this will be the only way to get the HATC for 2025.
Seniors School Tax rebate
The Seniors School Tax rebate is being maintained at $235 minus
1.0% on family net annual income over $40,000 for principal residences only. This rebate is claimed on the personal income tax return. This credit only applies to seniors with combined net income under $63,500.
Farm properties
There are no changes to how the School Tax Rebate on farm properties works. It will continue to be 50 per cent of gross school taxes and will continue to be applied directly on the property tax bill.
Commercial Property
The School Tax Rebate for commercial property is no longer in effect for the 2025 and subsequent tax years.
TIPPs Plan
How will these changes impact monthly property tax payment requirements, such as the Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP)?
Monthly payment plans are determined by your local municipality based on your annual property tax requirements and how your municipality applies the HATC. Reach out to your local municipality for information on your monthly property tax payment plans.
Rental Property and the HATC
If you have a rental property that had the $350 credit in 2024 and now it has the HATC up to $1,500 for 2025, you need to contact your municipality and advise them that the property is not (or no longer) a principal residence.
This can happen if the property was your principal residence in the past and you are now renting it out to others or family. Or you may have purchased the rental property
from someone who had it as their principal residence and the designation has not been changed. If you do not advise the municipal office to have it changed, you are receiving a benefit that you do not qualify for. This is called TAX EVASION. The Province of Manitoba will eventually audit properties and find out, so you should deal with it now before the credits are reversed and you end up with a large amount to repay.
Canadian Dental Care Plan Reminder
A reminder to renew or apply for the CDCP as soon as possible to minimize the gaps in the coverage if you qualify for the Plan. To ensure it is in place for the annual renewal date of July 1, you were required to renew by June 1. However, if you renew after June 1, renew or apply now and the coverage will begin August 1, 2025, if you qualify.
See my article for May 2025 for more detailed information.
Anni Markmann is a Personal Income Tax Professional and Certified Financial Planner; living, working, and volunteering in our community. Contact Ste Anne Tax Service at 204-422-6631 or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne (near Clearview Co-op) or Info@SteAnneTaxService.ca.
Caisse Assiniboine Credit Union Partners with Université de Saint-Boniface to Offer French Classes to its Employees
Assiniboine Credit Union (ACU) / Caisse Assiniboine has announced a new partnership with Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) to offer free Conversational French Classes to employees, with instruction available at multiple level, from beginner to advanced. The virtual program, which began in April 2025, will run for 11 weeks, with 12 groups each offering a 90-minute session per week.
Approximately 240 employees across ACU’s three legacy organizations expressed interest in the program, with 148 currently enrolled in the spring session. Additional sessions are being explored for the fall.
“We’re delighted by the enthusiastic response from our employees to learn French, and I’m proud to say I am one of them. I look forward to the journey,” said Kevin Sitka, President and CEO of the new Assiniboine Credit Union.
RM of Ritchot Celebrates Parks and Recreation Month with Free Community Events in June
By Dan Guetre
The RM of Ritchot is kicking off summer with a vibrant lineup of free community events in celebration of Parks and Recreation Month this June. From art sessions and yoga classes to music in the park and mobile recreation, residents of all ages are invited to get outside, get creative, and connect with their neighbours.
Organized by the RM’s recreation department, the month-long celebration features drop-in events at local parks across the municipality — no registration required.
“This is all about bringing people together to enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces,” says Danielle Peters, Coordinator of Community Engagement. “Whether you’re into art, music, movement, or just looking for something fun to do with the family, there’s something for everyone.”
Art in the Park
Let your creativity shine with handson art activities in the fresh air.
- June 10 – Ile des Chênes
- June 24 – Ste. Agathe
Yoga in the Park
Unwind and stretch with community-led yoga sessions, suitable for all experience levels.
- June 13 – St. Adolphe
- June 17 – Grande Pointe
Rec on the Road
The Rec team is coming to a park near you with games, activities, and fun for the whole family.
- June 5 – Grande Pointe
- June 12 – Ste. Agathe
- June 26 – St. Adolphe
For times, full activity descriptions, and updates, visit the RM’s recreation page at ritchot.com or follow @ritchot_rec on social media.
Special Feature: Homegrown Harmonies
June 19
Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a summer evening filled with free, live, local music at 1 Rivard Street, Ile des Chênes.
- Live outdoor music
- Food trucks on site
- Lawn games and a welcoming community atmosphere
- Washrooms available onsite
“This is what summer in Ritchot is all about,” adds Peters. “Great music, good food, and time well spent outdoors with friends and family.”
Don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate community, creativity, and well-being this June.
Mark your calendars and join the fun!
Jolys Regional Library Launches Exciting Lineup During June Temporary Closure
Although the Bibliothèque Régionale Jolys Regional Library remains closed for relocation this summer, the library team is bringing the community together through a vibrant calendar of outdoor and off-site events in June.
From story time in the park to author talks and science-themed crafts, the library is ensuring that patrons of all ages can still enjoy educational and engaging activities during the transition.
Outdoor Story Hour in Otterburne
On Friday, June 6 at 10 a.m., the library will host its Outside Summer Story Hour behind the cafeteria at Providence University College, Otterburne Campus. Families are invited to bring a blanket and enjoy a story, snack, and a nature-themed craft in the fresh air—perfect for
little explorers eager to kick off summer with some outdoor fun.
Book Sale at Carillon Park
Bargain book lovers will want to stop by Carillon Park during the townwide garage sales on Saturday, June 7. The library will have a selection of gently used books for sale, offering a wide range of genres for readers of all interests.
Author Visit with Harriet Zaidman
On Monday, June 10 at 1 p.m. acclaimed author Harriet Zaidman will speak at the Sugar Shack about her historical novel, “City on Strike”, which chronicles the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike. The event offers a unique opportunity for literature and history enthusiasts to hear firsthand insights into one of Manitoba’s pivotal moments.
Spine Splitters Book Club Returns
The Spine Splitters Book Club meets again on Thursday, June 19 at 7 p.m. to discuss “The Secret Daughter” by Shilpi Somaya Gowda. New members are always welcome. Interested readers can contact Krista at stplibrary@ jrlibrary.mb.ca for meeting location details.
Despite the temporary closure of its physical location, the Jolys Regional Library remains committed to community engagement.
“We may be between buildings, but we’re still here, creating fun, learning, and connection,” library staff shared in a statement.
For more information or to register for events, community members are encouraged to contact the library directly.
Inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Challenge Showcases Future Business Leaders
The Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce (PRCC) is proud to announce the success of it’s first-ever Youth Entrepreneur Challenge, held on May 15. This dynamic “Dragon’s Den”-style event invited students from across the region to pitch their innovative business ideas for a chance to win cash prizes and gain valuable entrepreneurial experience.
Hosted in collaboration with local municipalities, schools, and economic development partners, the event highlighted the creativity and drive of five student entrepreneurs.
“Each one of the participants did an incredible job,” said John Prevost, president of the PRCC. “They are all winners and I look forward to watching them enter the workforce with ideas and businesses of their own.”
Each participant had four minutes to present their business to a panel of PRCCmember judges, followed by a five-minute Q&A session.
“As their business coach for this event, I was proud of how these students stepped forward to present their businesses,” add-
ed Mark Bernard, local business owner and RM of Piney councillor. “They showed real leadership and enthusiasm – it’s inspiring to see.”
All participants also received gift bags, thanks to generous support of: Sunrise Corner Economic Development, Shevchenko School, RM of Piney, Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce, Manitoba Crime Stoppers, Konrad Narth MLA for La Verendrye, Delta Real Estate, and Access Credit Union.
Just like the Green Career Symposium held in April 2024, this event was made possible through a team effort of the Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce, RM of Piney, RM of Stuartburn, Ross L. Gray School, Shevchenko School and Sunrise Corner Economic Development.
The Chamber extends heartfelt thanks to the local Chamber members who volunteered as judges: Dylan Gurman (RM of Stuartburn Councillor and local beef producer), Konrad Narth (MLA and local business owner), Chris Loeppky (recently retired from Access Credit Union), Connie Gamble (Special Proj-
Submitted photos
ects, RM of Piney) and Jonathon Prevost (Owner, Upper Hand Technologies).
The PRCC would also like to thank the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce for sharing resources from their successful Chamber Challenge, which served as a model for this event.
Dutch Elm Disease Surveys Underway in RM of Ritchot
Dutch elm disease (DED) surveys and emerald ash borer (EAB) monitoring are underway again this season in participating communities in the RM of Ritchot.
Provincial inspectors will be driving or walking around both public and private properties to look for DED infected trees and elm firewood with bark attached. Elm firewood spreads DED and is illegal to store.
Inspectors may be working evenings and weekends and will be wearing high-visibility vests and government issued identification.
It is noted that staff may not approach every resident or house before entering onto properties to conduct inspections.
Inspectors will ring doorbells or knock on doors prior to taking branch samples, marking DED infected trees, or marking elm firewood for removal under the Dutch elm disease management program and The Forest Health Protection Act.
Emerald ash borer monitoring traps will be placed in areas throughout southern Manitoba by an external contractor.
1st Place: Miguel Bouchard, Grandma’s Garage ($500 cash sponsored by the RM of Stuartburn and Smith Neufeld Jodoin Law Offices).
2nd Place: Alexis Gobeil, Gobeil’s Gifts ($100 Coop gift card sponsored by Clearview Co-op, Vita location).
3rd Place: Tony Zacharias, Zacharias Lawn Care ($50 Co-op gift card sponsored by North 49 Land Management Services).
4th and 5th Place: Janessa Ginter, Cluck Houses and Carlos Zacharias, Farm Fresh Rabbit ($50 cash each sponsored by Prevost Perennials).
No More Ceremonial Shovels - Construction Begins on Long-Awaited Taché Community Centre
By Dan Guetre
landmark project poised to become
the heart of the municipality.
The site, now bustling with activity, is occupied by Three Way Builders, who began groundwork on Friday,
May 23. The development follows the installation of fencing and placement of the company’s construction office the week prior.
“The new Taché Community Centre site is now occupied by Three Way Builders. Last week Three Way Builders had fenced the site and spotted their construction site office,” said Mayor Armand Poirier, confirming the major milestone. “Last Thursday we saw earth moving equipment on site. Their contractors began their ground work in earnest early on the morning of Friday, May 23rd.”
This moment marks the transition from initially a dream, to concept and now to reality, bringing to life a project that has been decades in the making.
“It should be noted the work on the new Community Centre, although not visible, began years ago and was progressing on a daily basis,” said Poirier. “Sceptics may have believed this project was dormant because there was no visible work being done at the actual site. The reality is this community has invested a lot of resources in time and money over decades to arrive at where we are today.”
A $29.5 Million Vision
The new 62,000 square foot facility, expected to be completed
by late 2026, will house a modern arena, a public library, and a senior’s fellowship centre, forming a central hub for recreation, culture, and social connection in the RM of Taché.
“This is a significant project, and projects of this calibre take a lot of time to put together,” said Poirier.
“Due to last-minute unforeseen legal technicalities, the construction process of the project was unexpectedly delayed.”
Despite setbacks, including COVID-19 disruptions, inflation, and tariff-related costs, council has worked diligently to maintain financial responsibility.
“Much effort has been expended in recent months to re-evaluate the overall costs of the project to ensure it remains an affordable option for our ratepayers and residents,” Poirier noted.
The project’s estimated cost is $29.5 million, including a $6 million borrowing provision. The remaining funds are being supplemented through community fundraising efforts and Federal and Provincial commitments.
Powered by Community Support
Grassroots fundraising has played a key role in the centre’s financial plan. Local citizens and business leaders have formed a fundraising committee organizing events and initiatives, while the library committee has raised significant contributions through its ongoing Chase the Ace events.
The residents have a history of rallying behind causes, including the notable Guinness World Record 36-hour hockey game, which raised funds and awareness for the community’s infrastructure needs. This event was even revived over the years on multiple occasions, raising additional funds.
“Every dollar raised towards the project will reduce the tax burden of all ratepayers and allow for the expansion and enhancement of all social and recreational programs throughout the municipality,” said Poirier.
A Foundation for the Future
Beyond its immediate benefits, the new community centre is expected to play a vital role in attracting and retaining residents, especially families and youth.
“In addition to the new facility’s attraction for all residents of the municipality, the new centre will reinforce the attraction and retention of residents, including youth in our community,” Poirier said. “Council recognizes the recreational and social importance in the municipality.”
As the first “real” shovels hit the ground, the community of Taché celebrates not just the start of construction, but the realization of a shared vision—one rooted in resilience, cooperation, and the belief in a better tomorrow for all who call Taché home.
Measles Update – June
Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are notifying the public of new measles exposure sites. Public health is also advising that some of the recent measles cases did not have any known contact to a case.
Public health is asking individuals who think they may have been exposed at the following locations but have not been directly notified to contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-7888200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-3159257 toll-free in Manitoba:
Exposure Site: Prairie Dale School, 39 Church St., Schanzenfeld Exposure Date and Time: May 12 from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
Monitor Symptoms Until: June 3
Exposure Site: Collège Lorette Collegiate (Seine River School Division), 1082 Dawson Rd., Lorette Exposure Date and Time: May 12 from 8:20am to 1:30 pm.
Monitor Symptoms Until: June 3
Public health is communicating directly with the school to notify staff, volunteers and families of students who attend the school and/or who ride the school bus to provide advice specific to their exposure. All families of students, and school staff and volunteers will be receiving let-
ters with the relevant information.
Symptoms of measles generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Initial symptoms may include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat. Several days after the initial symptoms, a red blotchy rash appears on the face and progresses down the body. Measles can lead to complications including ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (brain inflammation).
If symptoms develop, individuals who may have been exposed are advised to isolate at home and contact their health-care provider and advise them of the potential exposure to measles. Anyone else in the household who is unimmunized should limit exposure to others until the symptomatic person has received advice from their health-care provider. It is best to call ahead so health-care staff can take steps to reduce the exposure of other people to the virus.
Measles is a highly infectious communicable disease that is spread through droplets in the air formed when coughing or sneezing. An infected person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after.
The disease tends to be more severe in infants and young children and can be life-threatening.
Immunization is the only means of protecting people from contracting measles. Contact an immunization provider such as a local public health office, physician or nurse practitioner to ensure everyone is up to date.
In Manitoba, a two-dose measles vaccine program for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMR or MMRV) is routinely provided for children who are at least one year of age and again when aged four to six. In the case of a measles exposure, a second dose may be given earlier than four to six years of age.
Public health officials will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updated information as necessary.
For general information on measles, including immunization, visit the Measles webpage gov.mb.ca/ health/publichealth/diseases/measles or call Health Links-Info Santé in Winnipeg at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free in Manitoba).
The number of measles cases in Manitoba will be updated weekly on the measles webpage each Wednesday.
Photos courtesy of Armand Poirier
Construction is officially underway on the new Taché Community Centre,
Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Villa Youville Charts Ambitious Future with Release of Five-Year Strategic Plan
By Dan Guetre
Villa Youville, a cornerstone of senior care and Francophone community life in Ste. Anne, has unveiled an ambitious five-year strategic plan that aims to strengthen its person-centred care model, expand housing options, and solidify financial sustainability in response to a rapidly changing demographic and healthcare landscape.
The plan, which covers the years 2025 to 2030, is the product of a comprehensive consultation process launched in the spring of 2024. It engaged a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including residents, staff, families, volunteers, funders, community organizations, and partners. It also reflects a strong commitment to Francophone culture and the principles of inclusion, dignity, and intergenerational connection.
Board Chair Georges Kirouac called the plan a “rigorous and inspiring” roadmap that reflects both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the organization. “Our collective input helped draw a clear picture of our current state and enabled candid discussions about what we envision for the future of Villa Youville,” Kirouac said. “This plan is ambitious yet realistic. It will help our cherished residents thrive in a warm, personalized environment.”
Villa Youville’s Chief Executive Officer, Yann Boissonneault, emphasized the plan’s focus on three core priorities: enhancing the wellbeing of residents, supporting the professional growth and engagement of staff, and ensuring the financial viability of the organization.
“This document is more than just a plan—it embodies a shared vision to provide a welcoming, intergenerational living environment where each individual—resident, staff member, or partner—plays a key role in our success,” said Boissonneault.
The strategy comes at a critical time. Villa Youville faces growing demand for services amid a rapidly
aging population in Manitoba. The average age of residents is increasing, and with it, the complexity of care needs, particularly related to dementia and chronic illnesses.
Villa Youville, one of only a few Francophone or bilingual care facilities in the province, also faces the challenge of serving an increasingly diverse population with evolving expectations for autonomy, choice, and quality of life.
Data gathered during the planning process highlighted key themes shaping the plan: the need to respond to an aging population with diverse needs, the importance of offering a continuum of care that supports aging in place, and the value of maintaining a skilled, stable, and engaged workforce. Stakeholders identified significant infrastructure gaps, long waitlists, and financial pressures as pressing issues that must be addressed.
The strategic plan lays out over a dozen concrete objectives aimed at addressing these issues. Among them are efforts to expand housing and service offerings, integrate care more closely with housing models, and promote an intergenerational approach to community life. Enhancing support for Francophone residents and strengthening volunteer engagement are also central goals.
On the operational side, the plan aims to eliminate deficits, build financial reserves, and diversify revenue streams to reduce dependence on external grants.
“Villa Youville must not only maintain high-quality care and ser-
vices but do so within a sustainable financial framework,” said Boissonneault. “We have a responsibility to both our residents and the broader community to ensure our long-term viability.”
Staffing remains a central concern. Recruiting and retaining qualified French-speaking staff has proven difficult, with roughly one-third of employees currently not fluent in French. The plan includes objectives to boost staff training, improve working conditions, and foster a culture of well-being to counter high turnover and sick leave rates.
Enhancing staff and volunteer readiness is also seen as essential to fully adopting a persondirected care approach—one that prioritizes relationships and resident autonomy over institutional routines.
The planning process was guided by a Strategic Planning Advisory Committee that ensured broad stakeholder representation and alignment with Villa Youville’s mission. Key insights were gathered through forums in both official languages, a comprehensive staff survey, and in-depth reviews of existing data.
Looking ahead, both Kirouac and Boissonneault expressed confidence in the organization’s ability to meet its ambitious goals. The strategic plan positions Villa Youville not only as a care provider, but as a leader in reimagining how communities can support older adults with dignity, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.
“This plan is rooted in community values and designed to carry us forward,” said Kirouac. “With strong leadership, dedicated staff, and community support, Villa Youville is ready to reach new heights.”
Taché Biz Beautification Program Returns, Applications Available in Next Few Weeks
The Biz Beautification Program is back! The RM of Taché has announced that applications for its popular business improvement initiative will reopen this fall, giving local businesses the opportunity to freshen up storefronts, enhance curb appeal, and contribute to the overall vitality of the community.
Launched in partnership with the Taché Community Development Corporation (CDC), the Biz Beautification Program provides financial support to local businesses looking to make exterior improvements such as signage, landscaping, painting, lighting, and accessibility upgrades.
“The program is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about supporting our business community and creating welcoming, vibrant commercial areas that reflect the pride we all have in Taché,” said Martha Petrusevich, Economic Development Officer for the RM of Taché.
In previous rounds of the program, businesses throughout the RM— including those in Lorette, Landmark, and Ste. Geneviève—have taken part in revitalization projects that have enhanced visibility, customer experience, and community spirit.
Interested businesses are encouraged to reach out early to review
program guidelines and prepare their applications. Funding is limited and awarded on a firstcome, first-served basis.
To receive the program guidelines or ask questions, contact: Martha Petrusevich at email at edo@rmtache.ca or call 204878-3321 ext 110.
“This is a great opportunity to invest in your business and in your community,” added Petrusevich. “We’re excited to support even more local projects this fall.”
Stay tuned for the official launch date and application deadline in the coming weeks.
Villa Youville is a cornerstone of senior care and Francophone community life in Ste. Anne. Submitted photo
The Nature Norm Report: Lady’s-slippers of Manitoba
By Norm Gregoire
When June arrives in the tall-grass prairie, I start to shift my neck position from looking up in the sky, searching for migrating birds, to staring down at the ground, as it is the start of wildflower season.
The next few months are when the tall-grass prairie is at its best. The variety of species we can find from June to September is outstanding.
A June-blooming favourite of mine and many others would be the lady’s-slipper. There are six different species of lady’s-slipper that can be found in the province, including the endangered small-white lady’s-slipper that grows in the tall-grass prairie. Although some lady’s-slipper species are rarer than others, they all share a similar appearance that captivates all who spend time with them.
The unique shape of the flower is what catches the eyes of admirers of this orchid, but onlookers may not realize just how intricate the flower design is. The shape has adapted to act as a temporary trap for visiting pollinators, ensuring that they move past reproductive parts and promoting cross-pollination when visiting another lady’s-slipper.
Researchers have witnessed a pollinator take over fifteen minutes to find its way out of the flower. What’s harsh is that this pollinator did not even get the reward of nectar from the flower. Lady’s-slippers are considered false pollinators and do not give out these rewards. This is a form of deceptive pollination where the flowers falsely advertise a reward to trick the pollinators into paying a visit.
Lady’s-slippers can be found throughout the entire province, meaning the habitat that an individual species depends on may vary. For example, the moccasin-flower prefers mature jack pine forests with acidic soil, whereas the northern-growing sparrow’s-egg lady’s-slipper prefers sandy or gravely soil. On the Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve, four species can be found: small white, northern small yellow, large yellow, and showy.
The preserve provides varied habitats for each species, from Prairie to mixed forests to bogs, which make it an excellent area to search for these orchids. All lady’s-slippers throughout Manitoba require a specific mycorrhizal soil fungus, which forms a symbiotic relationship with the root system. This is perhaps the greatest need for the lady’s-slipper.
Lady’s-slippers and orchids in general are sensitive species that take their time to mature. Lady’s-slippers can take years to bloom; some species may only bloom after sixteen years! When they do bloom, they sure are eye-catching. The admiration of lady’s-slippers makes it a common target for folks who want to add it to their backyard flowerbed.
Requiring a specific soil fungus to survive means that, when moved, an imbalance in soil composition would ultimately spell doom for the orchid. Lady’s-slippers also have a wide-spreading, fibrous root system, which makes it impossible to move them without damaging the root system. If you are keen on having lady’s-slippers in your home garden, please make sure to use a reputable nursery that has laboratory-propagated plants. Let’s leave the wild orchids where they belong so the next generations can enjoy them as much as we have.
Adventures with Nature Norm
If you are interested in learning more about lady’s-slippers and spending some time with these orchids, please join the June 7th edition of Adventures with Nature Norm. The Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve is the best place to see the endangered small-white lady’s-slipper, which should be in bloom depending on conditions leading up to the walk. For more information and to register, please email info@sharedlegacymb.ca. I hope to see you there!
ROC Eastman Golf Tournament Swings Big, Raises Nearly $7,000 for Rural Recreation Access
By Dan Guetre
ROC (Recreation Opportunities for Children) Eastman is celebrating a major milestone after hosting its third annual golf tournament, which raised nearly $7,000 to support children and families facing barriers to recreational access across the Eastman region.
The tournament, held at Maplewood Golf Course, has seen significant growth since its inception.
“Our first tournament was held in fall 2023 with about 30 golfers,” said Steph McLean, Development Coordinator & Family Recreation Practitioner with ROC Eastman. “Our second was in spring 2024 with just over 60 golfers — and this year we nearly tripled our first-year numbers!”
McLean attributes much of the tournament’s success to returning golfers who brought new friends and formed multiple teams, as well as to expanded registration options that allowed duos and singles to participate by being matched into teams of four.
“We also added a prize raffle this year, and had multiple hole sponsors — new for this year — which meant many more fun contests throughout the day for golfers,” she added.
In addition to growing participation and enhanced event features, the fundraising total has jumped impressively year over year.
“Last year, we raised about $2,000. Our first year, we broke even, but raised a lot of awareness — and every event has to start somewhere!” said McLean. “We were very excited to see this number grow and have big plans for it to continue to grow along with the tournament next year!”
ROC Eastman will return to Maplewood Golf Course on May 23, 2026, for its fourth tournament, a date the organization is already looking forward to.
Funds raised at the tournament, along with those from ROC Eastman’s other spring efforts, includ-
ing the Smile Cookie Week in April and the Spring Book Fair (May 30–June 1) will directly support the organization’s mission to bring recreation opportunities to children in rural communities.
“These funds help us continue to reach more rural communities and meet more families whose children have limited access or barriers to recreation,” McLean said. “Many families would not be able to access our support services without our staff being able to travel to them.”
With a small but dedicated staff of eight, ROC Eastman covers a vast region, from the U.S. border to the Ontario border and as far north as Hollow Water First Nation to provide hands-on support for families. The team helps identify suitable recreation activities, supply necessary equipment, and even bring ROC families together through regional events that promote community and friendship.
“We are so thankful for these funds so we can continue our outreach and give our staff the ability to meet families where they are at,” McLean said.
Seven volunteers helped make this year’s golf tournament a success by managing raffle ticket sales, organizing contests, taking photos, and more — a key part of the tournament’s community-driven spirit.
McLean also offered a heartfelt thanks to the event’s title sponsor, hole sponsors, and prize sponsors.
“This significantly impacted the total dollars raised, and the awareness of the tournament happening — and of our charity!” said McLean.
As ROC Eastman wraps up its spring fundraising season with the recently hosted in-person book fair, the team now turns its attention to the summer months, where the focus will be on community engagement, programming support, and continuing to build meaningful relationships with families across Eastman. image1.jpeg
ROC Executive Director (Moni) with two of our volunteers, Norm and Maxine.
Business Leaders Invited to Breakfast in Ste. Geneviève
Local entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders are invited to connect over coffee and conversation at the upcoming Biz Breakfast in Ste. Geneviève, happening Tuesday, June 25 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am.
Hosted by the Taché Community Development Corporation (CDC), in collaboration with RM of Taché the breakfast aims to bring together the business community to share updates, ideas, and opportunities for collaboration.
“This is about building relationships and strengthening the local economy through connection,”
said Martha Petrusevich, Economic Development Officer for the RM of Taché. “We want to hear from our business community—what’s working, what challenges they face, and how we can support them moving forward.”
The event will feature a short presentation on current and upcoming economic development initiatives, grant opportunities, and business support services available through the RM and CDC. Attendees will also have the chance to network with fellow entrepreneurs and municipal representatives in an informal, welcoming setting.
The location is still being finalized so stay tuned to the Tache CDC Facebook page for the latest updates and announcements.
All business owners and interested residents are welcome. Admission is free, but RSVPs are appreciated to help with planning. To reserve your spot, email edo@ rmtache.ca or call 204-878-3321 ext 110
“Whether you’ve been in business for decades or are just getting started, this is a great opportunity to stay informed and get involved in shaping the future of our local economy,” Petrusevich added.
Photo by Steven Anderson Small White Lady’s-slipper.
ROC staff (Riley and Shayna) with one of the golf teams out on the course.
The tournament winning team - Blake, Kyle, Cole and Ryan.
ROC board member/ Title sponsor RIVR Financial rep (Devyn) with one of the gold teams out on the course.
Photos courtesy of ROC Eastman
ROC Executive Director (Moni) with two of our volunteers, Norm and Maxine.
Driver Fitness Testing in Manitoba
One of the most common reasons that a senior requests help with transportation from Seine River Services for Seniors is recent suspension of their driver’s licence. This is devastating as it results in loss of autonomy, independence and dignity.
The reason for the loss of one’s driver’s licence may be medical, visual, physical or cognitive. Doctors and optometrists are legally obligated to report information regarding driver safety to Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). Family members or drivers themselves can report concerns to MPI. Motor vehicle accident reports are also shared with MPI if driver fitness is a concern.
There are comprehensive national medical standards for determining driver fitness that cover every possible disease or condition that may affect driver safety. Medical professionals must report all conditions such as heart attack, stroke, or seizure to MPI.
If the reported condition is medical or physical, the MPI Medical Assessment department determines the requirement for further testing. MPI may refer the individual to the Driver Assessment and Management Program (DAMP) in the Occupational Therapy Department at
Health Sciences Centre. This assessment consists of a comprehensive interview, a screening session, an on-road evaluation and a feedback session. The reports are sent to MPI for final determination of driver fitness. DAMP may advise vehicle adaptations for physical limitations such as an amputation.
If the reported condition is cognitive decline, MPI will review the cognitive screening test results submitted by primary care providers. The MPI medical assessment department may then require a formal 2-step DriveABLE testing procedure. This includes a computerized in-office assessment and an on-road evaluation using a specialized vehicle with dual controls. Seniors who are required to complete the DriveABLE test must travel to Winnipeg or Brandon. MPI states that the DriveABLE test does not require computer literacy and the on-road component is “fair and suitable for urban & rural drivers… familiarity with the area will not affect scoring”.
The individual senior must pay all costs associated with the DAMP and DriveABLE assessments and appeals.
DriveABLE testing by referral has been used in Manitoba for more than
a decade. In contrast, other provinces have mandatory licence review for all seniors at age 80 years due to changing vision, deceasing flexibility and slower reaction time with age. In Ontario and BC, review is mandatory every 2 years after age 80 with a vision test and a simplified cognitive test. Ontario has an excellent senior driver education video on its website to help seniors understand the need for testing... ontario.ca/page/renew-g-drivers-licence-80-years-and-over. If you have a story to share about your experience with licence suspension or reinstatement, please share them with us so that we can learn from your experience and can advocate for seniors.
Heather Dean is the Chairperson, Seine River Services for Seniors. Why is the column called The Apeirogon? Services for Seniors, like seniors themselves, are like an apeirogon, a geometric structure with infinite number of sides.
The Cutting of the Grass
Summertime is great! While others are complaining about the heat, I’m outside enjoying it. Sure, it can be uncomfortable but just look at all the things that you can do! And with no shoes and no jacket! I love it!
For some, the summer is a time for playing at the beach and going on long vacations. Sounds like fun but I have found that when I am truly happy is when I am at home and I am given the time to work on things around the yard. If I’m very fortunate, occasionally I am given the time to just putter about.
For those of you that are not familiar with the word ‘puttering’, it is the act of doing small jobs, or things, that won’t really be noticed but are important to get done in their own right. I could spend hours just puttering about the garage, putting tools back to where they belong, or finding better places for them, I could be tidying up or working on small projects. I think that everyone could use a place to just putter and let their minds wander and let their stress melt away. There is a lot of joy to be found when a person is done puttering and looks back to see that they’ve made an improvement to whatever and wherever they had been spending their time. Even if no one else notices it. It can be a silent joy that a person holds for themselves.
One thing that I have found out is that I really enjoy cutting the grass. When you have a scraggly, unkept yard and you get to mowing it down to more of a uniform height, well that is a beautiful sight to behold.
Of course the fun doesn’t need to stop there. You can also increase the fun level by breaking out the trimmer and going around the yard and buzzing down all the edges where the lawnmower just couldn’t quite catch. You know, around the sheds, the house, the bird feeder stands, around the flower beds and the newly planted trees. One word of caution though, when using the trimmer around breakable things, go at a slower speed and do your best to be gentle, that plastic trimmer wire that spins around oh so fast can really cut through a house’s siding really quickly.
It’s funny though that something that I love to do is something that I rarely get to do anymore. Years ago, while my wife was a stay-at-home mother, she took on the grass cutting so that I could do other tasks when I came home from work. I did appreciate it.
As my children have gotten older, they have taken on more of the grass cutting. It is a great way to give the kids something to do and to teach them a measure of responsibility. The funny thing is that they seem to have fallen it love with it too, not yet to my level of love but they are young and once they have a home of their own, who knows. I’m sure that as time goes on, the cutting of the grass will shift back to being mine once again. I only have to bide my time.
Until next time, take care and keep your world spinning.
Take Time to Smell the Flowers
I always like taking a walk in the Spring and smelling the lilacs along my path. Nice aroma and nice color too. Summer is soon to follow.
Photo by Ginette Perron
Dominion City Aging with Strength - Wednesdays until June 25 at the Dominion City Healthy Living Centre from 11 am to 12 pm. Cost is free.
Bring a friend, water bottle and matt. Weather permitting this will be held outdoors. Please register with Danielle at 204-4088040. Instructed by Jenaya Hofer of Power Up Performance.
Falcon Lake/Whiteshell
Bingo – Wednesdays at 7: 30 pm, early bird games at 7 pm at the Whiteshell Community Club 20 301 Pr, Falcon Beach. Contact 204-349-2293.
Gardenton
Angels Cabin Music Festival – Saturday, June 7 at the Park. Show starts at 12 pm. Cost $20 at the gate or in advance (children under 10 free). For tickets call Rachel 204-427-2256.
Enjoy a Perogie Sausage Dinner at 5 - 7 pm, cost $12.50/plate. Canteen and beer garden all day. Camping available. Email umvsgardenton@gmail.com.
Grande Pointe
Social in the Park Fundraiser – Friday, June 6 at 8 pm at the Community Centre and Park 423 Bernat Rd. A lively outdoor event with live band, beer gardens, BBQ, fireworks and a social lunch. Tickets are $10 for 18 +, and $5 for ages 13-17.
Yoga in the Park - Tuesday, June 17 6:30 – 8 pm, 423 Bernat Rd. Cost is free! Find your flow in the fresh air. No registration is needed - just bring a yoga mat or blanket (or come as you are) and enjoy a peaceful evening of movement and mindfulness.
55+ Chair Yoga – Wednesdays, 2:15 - 3 pm, at the Community Centre. Chair yoga class for older adults. Register at ritchot. com/p/program-registration.
55+ Strength Training – Wednesdays, 1:15 - 2 pm at Community Centre. Register ritchot.com/p/program-registration.
Grunthal
Teens & Money Workshop - Saturday, June 7 at 9:30 – 11: 30 am, 30 Main St. (Elim Mennonite Church). Join us for hands-on essential money topics to help teens build smart financial habits early! Budget Basics, Smart Spending vs. Saving, How to Make Your Money Work for You, Avoiding Common Money Mistakes. Cost $15 per Teen or $20 per Family. Parents are welcome to attend! Workshop designed to be fun, engaging, and packed with real-world advice teens can start using right away! Limited spots available—reserve now! Contact Candice Bakx-Friesen, reception@cbfteam.ca
Seniors Walking Program - Join our drop-in walking program on Monday mornings between 9 - 10:30 am at the New Horizon’s Centre. Cost only $2. Call 204-371-9134 or email anitafnk@ mymts.net.
Coffee Connections - All adults ages 55+ are welcome to join us at the New Horizon Centre for a time of visiting, while enjoying coffee, tea and refreshments. Join us and bring your friends. There is no cost. Contact Anita Funk 204-371-9134.
Hadashville
Gearhead Show & Shine Family Festival – Saturday, August 23 starting at 9 am, in the Recreation Centre 45030 PTH #11. Enjoy stunning vehicle display, delicious perogy dinner and other food and drinks available for purchase all day, face painting, games and more, vibrant market with local vendors, great music with DJ. All proceeds going towards an AED for the Hadashville Recreation Centre!
Hadashville Clinic Primary Care – Mondays, 9 am – 3:30 pm at the RM of Reynolds Civic Centre, 45030 PTH#11excluding statutory holidays. To schedule an appointment with a provider contact Whitemouth Health Centre at 204-348-2291.
Ile des Chenes
Art in the Park – Tuesday, June 10 at Parc D’Auteuil, 570 Des Pionniers Ave (meet under the pergola) from 6 – 8 pm. Cost is free! Join us for a fun and relaxing evening of step-by-step painting. No registration is required and all supplies are provided - just come as you are and enjoy a creative evening. All ages welcome. Supplies are limited.
Homegrown Harmonies - Thursday, June 19 at 1 Rivard St (green space North of the TC Energy Centre) from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Free for all ages. Bring your own blankets or lawn chairs. Food and Beverages are available for purchase on-site, or feel free to bring your own snacks. From talented singer-songwriters to energetic bands, Homegrown Harmonies offers a platform for these local artists to showcase their skills and captivate the audience with their unique sounds.
Golden Gains (Adults 55+) -Thursdays, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm at TC Energy Centre
Yoga - Gentle yet invigorating drop-in yoga mornings or evenings for women and men. For all shapes and sizes; no experience needed. Contact Juliette at yogaforyoumanitoba@ outlook.com.
ommunity E v E nts
La Broquerie Farm & Community Market – On Saturdays, July 12, 26, August 9, 23, and September 6 at 9 am, at the HyLife Centre 22 Arena Rd. Enjoy live music, variety of makers, bakers, growers, and food trucks. Contact Sarah Wieler 204-202-1785, coordinator@labroqueriemarkets.ca.
Stay & Play Program - Calling all kids, ages 1 - 5 years-old with a Caregiver! Every Tuesday morning at 9:30 - 11 am until June 10 at the HyLife Centre 22 Arena Rd. There will be crafts, stories & songs, playtime. Cost is Free! Contact email lsprograms@ rmlabroquerie.ca.
Monthly Lunch - Every third Thursday of the month at 12 noon at the Le Club de L’amitié. Come enjoy a hot, home-made meal! $15 per person.
Drop-in Community Bike Repair Workshop – Tuesdays, 6 – 9 pm at La Bikequerie Inc, 36016 PR 210, and (the old Southeast Vet Clinic) Come; learn how to fix your bike. Bring a friend! We also have used bikes for sale. Contact Jacinthe Wiebe, 204346-1515 or labikequerie@gmail.com.
Landmark Elvis/ Johnny Cash Show - Saturday, June 21 at 6 pm in the Kinsmen Centre, 191 Robert Koop Rd. Get ready to be inspired! Tickets are now available for Corny Rempel’s highly anticipated show. Tickets are available at the RM of Taché office or by contacting laurie@rmtache.ca. Brought to you by Tache Senior Services.
Yoga – Gentle yet invigorating drop-in yoga mornings or evenings for women and men. For all shapes and sizes; no experience needed. Contact Juliette at yogaforyoumanitoba@ outlook.com.
Coffee/Craft Group – Meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 13 pm at Kinsman Centre. Drop in to say hello. Contact Laurie@ rmtache.ca for more details.
Lorette
The Métis Beading Circle - Every Tuesday at 6 – 8:30 pm at Bibliothèque Taché Library 1082 Dawson Road.
A. A. Group - Meets every Wednesday at 7:15 pm at the Seine River Church, 1456 Dawson Trail. An open meeting for alcoholics and/or anyone who is having problems related with or to alcohol (Co-Dependents). It’s all free. No dues or obligations. Completely confidential and anonymous. No full names required - none should be given.
Public Skating – Sundays at the Community Complex from 11 am - Noon. Sharpen up those skates and we will see you there!
Monthly foot clinics - Tache Senior Services hosts foot clinics in Lorette and Landmark. Contact laurie@rmtache.ca for more information.
Yoga – Gentle yet invigorating drop-in yoga mornings or evenings for women and men. For all shapes and sizes; no experience needed. Contact Juliette at yogaforyoumanitoba@ outlook.com.
Welcome New Residents - Welcome to the LUD of Lorette. Have you purchased a home, townhome, duplex, or condo in the LUD of Lorette, in the last year? The Welcome Basket Committee has a free basket of gift certificates, coupons, gifts, and information from local businesses and organizations in the LUD of Lorette. No strings attached. To arrange a visit please e-mail lorettewelcomebasket@gmail.com.
Mitchell
Toast & Coffee – On Tuesdays, drop-in for toast and coffee for $2 and a menu is available with prices according to what you order at the Mitchell and Area Community Centre, 130 Ash St. Contact Jane Penner 204-346-2469, jpenner@jantre.com.
Mitchell Card & Board Games Club – Every 2nd and 4th Thursday, 6:30 – 9 pm until March 13. Join us at the Community Centre for an evening packed with exciting games Scrabble, Yahtzee, Rummoli, Euchre, Crib, Cross Crib, Swipe, and Chess. Coffee provided. Drop-in fee: $2. Open to all ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Piney
HWY 201 Garage Sale – Saturday, June 7, 9 am – 3 pm, between HWY 59 to HWY 89 Piney area. Register by Friday, May 23 by contacting the RM of Stuartburn Office at acao@ rmofstuartburn.com or 204-425-3218.
Kite Carnival –Sunday, June 29, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. Bring your kite and meet at the curling rink grounds. Free hot dogs and drinks. Prizes awarded! Contact Mr. Roger Schwegel for more details. 431-996-5686.
Floor Curling, Pickle Ball & Archery – On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at the Community Centre.
Services to Seniors - Free Shuttle for residents of the RM of Piney the first Friday of each month. Call to book a ride and do your banking and shopping locally or book your doctor’s appointment and we will get you to your appointment. Call 204-425-3701.
Volunteer Drivers Needed – we are looking for volunteer drivers who can help seniors to appointments. If you have a driver’s license and clean abstract we would love to hear from you. Contact Rachel Lachnit resource coordinator 204-437-2604.
Richer
Young at Hearts Dinner and Dance- Saturday, June 21. Live music by Steve Ambrose. Doors open at 4:30 pm, Dinner at 6 pm with dancing until 11 pm. Tickets are $30, available from Ron at 431-275-0874.
Celebrate Canada! – July 1 starting 1pm at the Richer Dawson
Trail Park and the Dawson Trail Museum. Live music, free popcorn, Canada Day Cake, toonie hotdogs, kids and family activities and more Massive fireworks display at dusk!
Chase the Ace – On Saturdays, at the Richer Inn. Fundraiser for the Richer Community Club! Tickets sold only between 5 to 7:45 pm and draw is at 8:15 pm. Tickets $1 each.
Roseau River Swimming Lessons - Session 2 from Monday, June 9 to Friday, June 20. Level 1-2: $75, Level 3-6: $85, Rookie, Ranger & Star: $95. 204-427-2445 or email office@roseauriver.ca.
Sandilands
Spring Home, Yard, & Garden Swap! - Community-Wide Yard Sale – Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 at 10 am – 4 pm. Bigger and Better Than Ever! At the Park – Family friendly activities in the park on all days! Contact sandilandscommunityclub@gmail.com.
South Junction
Southeast Farmer’s Market - Saturday, June 7 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Pine Grove Seniors Centre. Variety of vendors, canteen, 50/50 draw. New vendors welcome. For information contact 204-380-1593 or message Southeast Farmer’s Market on Facebook.
Canada Day - July 1, 8:30 - 11:59 pm at the Community Club and Park. Join your neighbours for an evening of free family fun. Free coffee, juice, Canada Day cookies, mini-flags, pins, etc. Hot dogs for sale in canteen. 8:30 pm – meet & greet and local entertainment, 10:15 pm – 50/50 draw, 10:30 pm singing of O; Canada followed by fireworks, Grounds fogged for mosquitoes. Donations gratefully accepted onsite.
Exercise for Fun and Health – Mondays and Thursdays, at 9:30 am the Pine Grove Senior Club. Come join us, chair Yoga, walk/ run on the treadmills, use the bikes or the weights. Contact Patty 204-437-2343.
Meet Your Neighbours Coffee Group - Mondays, at 1 pm, Pine Grove Seniors Club, Highway 12 and Prevost St.
Sprague
Annual Picnic Sprague & District Historical Museum - Sunday, June 8 at 12:30 - 2:30 pm. You are invited to the annual picnic and hear great local music. Don’t forget to bring your camera, lawn chair and enjoy free hotdogs, coffee, juice and dainties. If Mother Nature provides inclement weather, we’ll serve lunch indoors. All buildings are wheelchair accessible. Admission is free; donations are greatly appreciated.
EBCH Used Book Sale – At the Community Centre on June 18 at 9 am – 7 pm, June 19 at 9 am – 7 pm, June 20 at 9 am – 7 pm and June 21 at 9 am – 12 pm. If you’re a reader, you’ll want to mark your calendar for the East Borderland Community Housing Book Sale. Lots of selection, many different genres, and super reasonable prices. All proceeds go to support seniors housing in the region. Hosted by East Borderland Community Housing.
CRA In-person Support Clinic & Service Canada - First Tuesday of the Month from 10 am – 3 pm at the East Borderland Primary Health Care Centre.
Meet Your Neighbours Coffee Groups - Thursdays, at 1 pm at the Evergreens Senior Club at the Hall by railroad tracks. Kids Club – Wednesdays from 7 – 9 pm at the Community Fellowship Church. For all children ages 5 and up.
Sprague Service to Seniors Seeks Volunteers - Seeking individuals to assist and to provide a few services to seniors within our community such as snow removal, transportation for a fee, volunteers in the congregate Meals Programs as well as home cleaning services to seniors for a fee. A criminal record check is required for cleaning services and transportation. Email lgdseniors@gmail.com with your rates and for information, or call 204-437-2604.
St. Adolphe
A Makers Market – Sundays, June 22, July 13 and August 10, 10 am – 3 pm at the municipal office, 352 Main Street St. Enjoy lots of vendors, food trucks, live music and games for kids!
A Makers Market & Family Fun Day - Sunday, September 14, 10 am – 5 pm. At the River Park. Food trucks and washrooms on site. No admission cost.
55+ Chair Yoga - Thursdays from 2:15 -3 pm at the Community Club. Register at ritchot.com/p/program-registration.
55+ Strength Training - Thursdays from 1:15 - 2 pm at the Community Club. Register ritchot.com/p/program-registration.
Pickleball - Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the School Gymnasium. Register at ritchot.com/p/program-registration.
Yoga – Gentle yet invigorating drop-in yoga mornings or evenings for women and men. For all shapes and sizes; no experience needed. Contact Juliette at yogaforyoumanitoba@ outlook.com.
Summer Markets in St. Adolphe from 10 am to 3 pm on June 22, July 13 and August 10 beside the Daycare and RM Office.
St-Labre
St-Labre 200 – Friday, July 4 – Saturday, July 5. We Build – July 4. We Race – July 5. Alumni Madness Registration opens June 5 at noon and closes on July 5 at Noon. Max 32 Teams. Teams vie for the Spark Plug Cup and bragging rights in the St-Labre 200 go-kart races. On Day 1, teams are challenged to build their go-kart within 24 hours from a kit of materials provided and additional framing materials and tools they provide themselves. On Day 2, they race a 100-lap heat around Talbot and Associates Speedway, followed by a 100-lap final. Be a fan and bring a can for Helping Hands. Enjoy activities like the kids’ zone, BMX track, rubber boot toss competition and excavator rodeo along with food and free camping.
St. Malo
Crow Wing Trail Spring Clean Up – Saturday, June 7, 9 am to 12 noon. Volunteers can join us for the fun. Please email cwta@crowwingtrail.ca to register and receive details of the various sections of trail being cleaned. Dress for the weather, wear work clothes and sturdy closed shoes, bring gloves if you have them, bring your own water bottle. Snacks provided!
Pickleball - Tuesdays at 7 - 8 pm (last day is June 17) in the St. Malo School. Stay tuned for info on outdoor pickleball!
Toddler Shenanigans “Fluttering into Summer” from 1011:30 am on June 11 at the Otterburne Curling Club. Free juice and snacks. Caregiver must be in attendance.
Toddler Shenanigans Fluttering into Summer – Sunday, June 15 from 10 - 11:30 at the St. Malo Parish. Free juice and snacks. Caregiver must be in attendance
Kreative Kids – Mondays, June 9 and June 23 at 3:40 – 5 pm in Ecole St.Malo School for ages 5 - 12. Create fun masterpieces. All materials provided. Cost $120. Contact Rat River Recreation Commission 204-712-7773, email info@ratriverrecreation. com.
Kids in the Kitchen – Mondays, June 9, 16 and 23. For ages 8-14 at Ecole St. Malo. $85 per participant. Join us for the opportunity for kids to improve their food preparation skills and learn about healthy nutrition practices in a fun manner! Register online at ratriverrecreation.ca.
Intro to Stand Up Paddle Boarding – Monday, June 16 at 6 - 8:30 pm at St. Malo Lake. Led by a certified instructor with equipment provided. Registration $80. Register online at ratriverrecreation.ca or call 204-712-7773 or email info@ ratriverrecreation.
Triathlon – Saturday, June 21 and Sunday June, 22 at the St. Malo Provincial Park. To volunteer or more info email stmalotrivolunteers@gmail.com.
St. Malo Farmers Market - Every Saturday June 21 until August 30 at 9:30 am -1 pm at new location just outside the St. Malo Hotel. Free entry. Vendors email stmalojrwarriors@ gmail.com.
St. Pierre-Jolys Pickleball - 6 - 9 pm at Réal Bédard Gymnasium.
Community Garden - Plots available at the St. Pierre Parish old fair grounds on Hwy 205. $50 annually for a plot. Register online at ratriverrecreation.ca.
The Makers - Join us every Tuesday evening at the Bibliothèque Régionale Jolys Regional Library for creative fun and hands-on projects. Let your imagination run wild!
3234 Manitoba Horse Cadets – Join us for fun and adventure every Thursday, September to June, 6:30 – 9 pm at the Community Hall. For ages 12 – 18. Cost is Free. Meet new friends, fun, adventures, leadership, citizenship, community service, drill band, orienteering, and more. Contact Captain Kim Murphy, Kim.Murphy@cadets.gc.ca, facebook. com/3234Manitobahorsecadets.
Ste. Agathe
Art in the Park – Tuesday, June 24 at Parc Promenade sur la Rouge – near the boiler site/boat launch from 6 – 8 pm. Cost is free. Join us for a fun and relaxing evening of step-by-step painting! No registration required and all supplies are providedjust come as you are and enjoy a creative evening in a beautiful riverside setting. All ages welcome. Supplies are limited.
Golden Gains (Adults 55+) - Thursdays, until April 10, 7 – 8 pm at the Community Centre.
Pickleball - Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the School Gymnasium. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register at ritchot.com/p/program-registration.
Yoga - Free drop-in yoga for Francophones. Yoga doux mais revigorant en francais pour 55+ chaque deux jeudis à 11h15. Aucune expérience nécessaire. Contactez Lynne lynner.smc@ outlook.com (Centre de santé Sainte-Agathe).
Yogalates - Sundays, 11 am – 12 pm at the Cultural and Community Centre. Cost $120. A blend of yoga and Pilates designed to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance. Open to adults aged 18+.
Ritchot Fire Department Open House at the Ste. Agathe Firehall on June 11 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Meet your local firefighters, explore the trucks, view safety demonstrations, participate in activities for all ages! Complimentary hotdogs, chips and drinks.
Ste. Anne Concert in the Park – Sunday, July 13 starts at 1:30 pm – come and go – bring your chairs enjoy local musical artists. Comité culturel de Sainte-Anne invites anyone to join this informal concert – only stipulation is the singing has to be in French but music has no language.
Soup and Sandwich (includes a dessert and coffee) - Second Wednesday of the month from 11 am - 1 pm at Club Jovial. All are welcome! $10 per person. For more info call 204-8076886 or 204-422-8766.
Meat Draw - Every Saturday from 1 – 4 pm at the Ste Anne Hotel. Draws every 1/2 hr. Must be in attendance to win. All proceeds go to the Ste Anne Lions Club.
Ste. Geneviève
Library Night - Tache - Every Monday, from 6 - 7:30 pm at the Community Centre.
Steinbach
Steinbach and Area Garden Club – Members’ Barbecue Evening. Monday, June 16 at 6:30 pm. Annual Pot Luck & Perennial Exchange. If your last name starts with A-L please bring a salad. If your last name starts with M-Z please bring a desert. Please enter at gate 6 on Golfair Rd at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Annual Membership Cost Individual $20 and Family $30.
MHV Gala 2025 - Friday, June 27. Doors open 5:30 pm and dinner at 6 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Join us for an elegant evening of heritage, inspiration, and community. Enjoy dinner, live music by The Janzen Boys, a photography art auction, and hear from our special guest speaker, former MP Jake Epp. Tickets $100.
Chase the Ace Fundraiser - Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue – On Mondays at Smitty’s Restaurant. Tickets on sale 6:30 – 8:30 pm, draw at 8:45 pm. 2 tickets for $5. Winning ticket receives 10% of nightly ticket sales or 50% if the Ace is drawn. Have fun while supporting animals and maybe walk away with some cash!
Fung Loy Kok Tai Chi - Thursdays at 10 am at the United Church, Christian Ed building, 541 Main St. Develop a mind that is dynamic yet clear and calm and a spirit that is resilient yet light and peaceful. Tai Chi reduces stress, builds strength, flexibility and balance. Start anytime. Contact Veronica Klassen 204-3261713, vronklas@gmail.com.
Steinbach Sizzlers 4-H Club - Contact Tatiana Tuttosi loonlover06@gmail.com.meetings at Steinbach United Church, CE Building, 541 Main St.
Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Group - Thursdays, at 1 pm. Registration required. Contact Maggie@steinbachfrc.ca, 204-3460413.
Royal Canadian Legion Steinbach Branch - Meets first Tuesday of the month via Zoom at 7:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary meets first Monday of each month, 7:30 pm. Steinbach Legion, 227 Main St – Unit 5. Email steinbach190rcl@outlook.com.
Al-Anon – Mondays at 7:30 pm Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre back door, downstairs. Contact steinbachafg@gmail.com.
Creative Writers Club - Second Wednesday every month at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. This is not a class but rather a writing share group where we hope to foster and encourage our participants’ love of writing. Feel free to bring 5 pages of writing (single sided, double spaced) to share with the group. Our evening will begin with an ice breaker and then move into share time. Coffee and tea will be served. Contact Madison Redekopp email mredekopp@jakeepplibrary.com.
Steinbach Professional Development Toastmasters Club
– On Wednesdays at 12 - 1 pm, Eastman Education Centre, 385 Loewen Blvd. Join us in person or by zoom. All guests are welcome! Contact Mark Hiebert 204-371-5197, email mhiebert@ barkmanconcrete.com.
Knit-Wits Fibre Craft Club- First Tuesdays of the month at 6 – 8 pm, Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting, cross stitching and other types of fibre crafting? Join other adults for informal knitting, crochet, etc. circle. All skill levels welcome. Please bring your own project/supplies.
Craft Night - Wednesdays at 7 pm, Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. Ages 16 years and up join us for a free event, with coffee and crafting. Our craft for the evening will be a beaded spring wreath. There is limited space available. To sign up, email mredekopp@ jakeepplibrary.com.
Book Club - Meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 7 - 8:30 pm Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. Books are available at the circ desk as well as on our Libby App (free with your library card). Please sign up by email mredekopp@jakeepplibrary.com. Limited space available.
Tolstoi
Adventures with Nature Norm – Saturday, June 7 from 3 – 5 pm.
Lady’s Slippers Day and enjoying the great outdoors! You will be provided a pair of binoculars to use during the event at the Prairie Shore Interpretive Trail, Weston Family Tall Grass Prairie Interpretive Centre, (1.5 km east of Stuartburn, turn left on Rd 32E for 1.5 km, turn right on Rd 10N) or (3 km east of Tolstoi on PR 209). For more information or to register, please contact info@sharedlegacymb. ca or Norm at 204-408-6166 or info@sharedlegacymb.ca. See you there.
Chase the Ace Fundraiser - Tolstoi Heritage Centre invites you to every Friday at Elsie’s Hotel. Tickets on sale from 5 - 7:45 pm. Details posted at Elsie’s Hotel and at tolstoiheritage.ca.
Vassar
Outdoor Game Night – Monday, June 16, 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Presented by Ross L Gray School and Healthy Together Now. Maximum 25 participants. Please register by email chubatyc@blsd.ca or culletona@blsd.ca.
Vita
Canada Day Celebration – Starts on Saturday, June 28 –Sunday, June 29. Pancake Breakfast, Parade, Slow Pitch Tournament, Kids Activities, Rodeo, Vendor Market, Beer Gardens, Food Trucks, Chainsaw Carving, ATV Show, Mud Races, Fireworks and more!
Shevchenko School Family Room – On Thursdays, from 1 – 3 pm at the school. Families with children 0-5 years old are welcome to join. A free snack is provided. Children will explore and participate in various activities that will strengthen their social skills and help promote independence. This is a free program with no registration required, just sign in at the school office upon arrival. Contact Melanie Mattson 204-425-3535, email MattsonM@blsd.ca.
Vita 4-H - Looking for volunteers for the 4-H program that provides members with the resources and activities to build self-confidence, communication, and leadership skills while learning about the topic of their choice. Do you have a skill we can teach members? Please reach out to vita4h@hotmail.com.
Services to Seniors Steinbach Shuttle - Subsidized cost $15/person. Minimum of 8 participants required for the trip to take place. Departure from Shady Oaks in Vita at 9:30 am. Call 204-425-3701 to book a seat.
Woodmore
Wellness Walk and Wild Edible Adventure- Saturday June 21 from 1 – 6 pm join the Woodmore Women’s Institute with Laura Reeves. We will learn to identify, harvest and prepare a wild edibles and share a meal together. The walk is rain or shine, dress for the weather. Space is limited. Please register at Wellnesswalksplus@gmail.com. Registration fee is $15. Location near Gardenton will be shared with registrants. Join us exploring nature and resources.
Woodridge
Youth Night - The 1st, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 7 - 9 pm at the Community Hall. For ages 13 – 17. Free snacks and drinks in a fun, safe place for youth to build community! Sports include basketball, soccer, air hockey, floor hockey, foosball, ping pong and pickleball. Also available puzzles, board games, and crafts. Adult supervision provided.
Moms & Tots – On Thursdays, 10 am – 12 pm at the Community Hall. Weekly get together. Bring your little ones for snacks, play, crafts and socializing.
Wellness Wednesdays – On Wednesdays, 1 – 4 pm at the Community Club. Join us for free pool, cribbage, darts, pickleball, board games, cards, ping-pong and puzzles. Coffee, tea, and pop $2, water $1 or bring your own beverage.
Please email events to editor@dawsontrail.ca to be included each month
Ritchot Senior Services Events
Lunch & Learn - World Elder Abuse
Awareness Day - Tuesday, June 10 at 10 am, as we observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and welcome Thiane, representing Service Canada who will present available benefits while focusing on protection and follow up measures for seniors in vulnerable situations. Wear purple to show support and raise awareness for this important cause, and your name will be entered into a draw to win a prize. After the presentation, lunch will be served. Attendance is free, but space is limited, so please register to secure your spot.
Quilt Raffle – Howden Hobbies – Draw to be held Monday June 23. Raffle fundraiser – The Howden Hobbies group has two quilts and one knit blanket available for a special fundraiser. Buy a ticket and support this incredible group—the proceeds will help purchase supplies for the 2025-2026 season! 1 ticket $5, 3 tickets $10. All winter long, our talented Howden Hobbies group has been hard at work crafting beautiful touch quilts. These special quilts have been donated to the Alzheimer Society, where they will be given to individuals in care homes who are living with dementia. Knit and crochet Lap blankets have been sent to Palliative Care programs as well as Cancer Care programs in the Southern Health area. Toques and slippers have been shared with the Cancer Care program in Steinbach and beanies have been dropped off at Cancer Care (Health Science Centre).
Group Outing - Dave & Laverne’s Modern Diner - Friday June 27. Bus will be leaving RSS at 10:30 am arriving at the
diner around 11 am. Enjoy your lunch with friends. Bus will be returning at 12:30 pm. Cost bus fee $5. Lunch at your own cost. Reserve your seat in advance as seats are limited. Dave and Laverne’s culinary concept is that of quality scratch cooking, while providing value on each plate. Featuring typical offerings from your beloved classic diner but elevated using modern techniques and attention to detail.
Fathers Day Breakfast – Thursday, June 19 at 10 - 11:30 am. Join us for a special morning dedicated to the guys! Enjoy a delicious breakfast while spending time with friends. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required, and space is limited.
Coffee Time – Thursdays, June 6 and 12, from 10 – 11:30 am. Indulge in the perfect blend of activity and sociability! $2 for bottomless coffee and muffin. Ritchot Senior Services, 457 Main Street, St. Adolphe.
Outdoor Connections – Fridays, June 6, 13 and 20 at 10 am. Head outdoors for a lighthearted, fun and fresh air program. We’ll walk one week strolling to the old St. Adolphe Park for some relaxing stretches and gentle balance activities. Another time, explore the Friendship Trail with nature bingo, a scavenger hunt, or even a bit of nature journaling. Register today - adventure awaits!
Green Thumb Club - Do you have a love for plants and a knack for nurturing? Or maybe you just enjoy some fresh air and friendly company? Either way, we’d love to have you in our Green Thumb Club! Sign up with RSS. When the sun is shining
and the weather is just right, we’ll send you an email—it’s planting time! Help us fill our community planters with colour and life for the summer months. Pop by to water, weed, and deadhead—just enough to keep things looking lovely! As the Summer progresses, we’ll host a special morning gathering just for our garden crew—come sit among the blooms, sip coffee or tea, and take pride in your work with fellow plant lovers.
St. Adolphe Old Time Dance - Sunday, June 29, from 1 – 5 pm at Pioneer Hall, 345 St. Adolphe Rd. Get ready to dance the afternoon away with live entertainment by The Fugitives! Enjoy Door Prizes; 50/50 Draw, Lunch Provided, and Cash Bar. Cost $20. Please reserve in advance. Call Jules at 204883-2440 to get your ticket! unity
Foot Care Clinics - By appointment only. For more information, please contact Janice at 204-883-2880.
Upcoming clinic dates:
Ste Agathe – Wednesday, June 4. St. Adolphe – Tuesday June 24, Wednesday, June 25 and Thursday, June 26
Ile des Chenes – Tuesday, July 8, Wednesday, July 9 and Thursday, July 10
Chef in the House – Place your order prior to Friday, June 13 and your meals will be ready for pick up Tuesday, June 17. We’ve partnered with Chef in the House to bring you delicious handcrafted soups and heatand-eat meals! How it works: Browse their menu of fresh soups and meals at chefinthehousesoups.ca. Call to place and pay for your order 204- 612-2433 or email chefinthehousesoups@gmail.com and please mention you are with Ritchot Senior Services. Pick up your order at Ritchot Senior Services once a month.
Mourning My Past Sins
Matthew 5:4-9… 4) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5) Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7) Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9) Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.
(NIV)
Often things do not happen quite like we anticipate.
Met some folks the other day - strangers to us in many ways. Those meetings at the coffee shop or a gathering of friends does not always unfold as we had envisioned it beforehand. There are times when God surprises us as well. He comes to us in unexpected ways. We may have desired a lightening bolt or at least handwriting on a wall. However, we can expect God through numerous – amazing happenings – almost unnoticed and without fanfare.
No incident so shows the sheer courage of Jesus as His trip down the road to Jerusalem. One of the most dangerous things a person can do is to go to people and tell them that all their accepted ideas are wrong. Any person who tries to tear up by the roots a people’s theology is in for trouble. But that is what Jesus by design was doing. He showed that the spiritual road that people were travelling on was full of sin and wickedness, badly in need of repair.
It needs rebuilding; my time of mourning must be dealt with in a spiritual way. The dangerous backsliding must be straightened out. I need to face up to my time of mourning spiritually. I need do the right thing – To apologize when I have made a fool of myself – To be unselfish – Listen to good advice – Nothing wrong admitting I made an error – Which might mean I will have to face a sneer – To profit from mistakes and to think before I act – To subdue an unruly temper – To shoulder a deserved blame – It always pays – Believe me it is worth the effort.
When a person is called on to suffer something for their Christian faith that is always a crucial moment; it is the great occasion; it is the clash between the world and Christ. It is the calm before the storm. Those moments can be precious – a valuable lesson in how to glorify God to have a share in such a moment is not a penalty – but a praiseworthy moment” says Jesus, “and be glad in it.”
The Bible teaches that we must love God as well as our neighbours. Jesus said that on these two commandments… Old Testament prophets clung tightly to them. Can it be that loving God and our neighbour will cause us to keep the commandments? It is true. If we love God with heart and soul, we may just find ourselves keeping the rest of the commandments. And if we love our neighbour as ourselves, we will do those good and no harm. We will neither covet their possession, nor steal their goods, nor kill them, nor lie about them. Rather, we will be looking for ways to help them, and encourage them, and build them up. We will be treating them like we treat ourselves.
Jesus’ message of the day was to love God and neighbours. It is the same message He brings to us today. He does not come with strong-arm tactics. It is not time for that. There is a day coming when Jesus will come as a powerful forceful challenger.
There is a day coming when He will judge all humanity. Today we are privileged to enjoying God ‘mercy and grace. Jesus comes to us, not with bullying, but with conviction... To persuade and encourage us to follow Him… 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 honor to Your Name.” Amen.
Steinbach Arts Council Launches Exciting 2025 Summer Camp Lineup
The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) is gearing up for another action-packed summer with the return of its beloved children’s day camps, running weekly from June 30 to August 22, 2025. With a wide range of creative themes and hands-on activities, SAC’s camps offer an enriching and fun-filled experience for children aged 3 to 12.
This year, SAC is welcoming campers in three age groups — ages 3-4, 5-8, and 9-12 to enjoy full days of art,
music, dance, theatre, culinary arts, and much more. Each themed week invites children to immerse themselves in new worlds while developing creativity, collaboration, and confidence.
2025 Camp Themes/Dates
- Legends of the Deep – June 30 to July 4 (4-day week)
- Jurassic World – July 7 to July 11
- Life on the Farm – July 14 to July 18
- Medieval Explorers – July 21 to July 25
- The Great Outdoors – July 28 to August 1
- Adrenaline Adventures
– August 5 to August 8 (4-day week)
- Beach Bash – August 11 to August 15
- Spy Kids – August 18 to August 22
Each week features unique programming tailored to its theme, giving campers a chance to explore new interests and make lasting memories alongside their peers. Lunch and break times are in-
cluded in the daily schedule to ensure campers stay energized and ready for adventure. Spots are expected to fill quickly for this popular summer program. Families can register now by visiting steinbacharts.ca.
Whether your child dreams of dinosaurs, dungeons, or detective work, the Steinbach Arts Council’s 2025 summer camps promise a season of discovery, creativity, and fun for every young artist and adventurer.
Steinbach Arts Council Showcases Final Exhibit of the Season
The Steinbach Arts Council is closing out its 2024-2025 season with a powerful double exhibit at its Hall Gallery, featuring the works of two talented local artists. Titled Multi-Grains of Energy and Raw and Simple, the exhibits by Naomi Gerrard and Earl D. Talatala are now open to the public and will run until June 27, 2025.
The exhibition offers a vibrant celebration of nature through acrylic and mixed media, with each artist bringing a unique perspective rooted in personal history and deep connection to the natural world.
Naomi Gerrard, who grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania and later immigrated to Manitoba, brings decades of creative exploration to MultiGrains of Energy. Her work uses natural materials—such as sand, seeds, yarn, and even grains—to create layered, textured pieces that reflect the visual and emotional essence of everyday moments.
For Gerrard, art is a quest to capture the visual essence of a moment—the light, spirit, sound, tension, and underlying story. Gerrard’s background in nursing and her B.F.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota have shaped her mixed media approach, offering a tactile and immersive experience for viewers.
Earl D. Talatala, a visual artist originally from the Philippines and now based in Steinbach, presents his debut show Raw and Simple. His acrylic paintings often feature animals in their ecosystems, serving as a vibrant invitation to reconnect with the natural world.
Inspired by a childhood surrounded by creativity, Talatala brings fresh energy to the local arts scene with bold colors and environmental themes.
The Steinbach Arts Council encourages the public to visit the exhibit at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre, located at 304 Second Street. Many of the featured works are avail-
able for purchase, and the Arts Council is assisting with sales inquiries.
“We’re very fortunate to call ourselves home to many talented artists over the past 25 years, and we can’t wait to see what Naomi and Earl bring to the table,” said Mallory Stang, Hall Gallery keyperson. “Naomi’s use of natural materials like wheat and grain in her artwork and Earl’s portrayal of natural environments through acrylic offers something unique in our community, and we know our patrons are going to love them.”
This final exhibit of the season not only showcases local talent but also reinforces the Steinbach Arts Council’s commitment to fostering creativity and cultural appreciation across southeastern Manitoba.
For more information on gallery hours and upcoming events, visit the Steinbach Arts Council website at SteinbachArts.ca or follow them on social media.
Earl D. Talatala.
Naomi Gerrard.
Naomi Gerrard , who grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania and later immigrated to Manitoba, brings decades of creative exploration to Multi-Grains of Energy. Her work uses natural materials—such as sand, seeds, yarn, and even grains—to create layered, textured pieces that reflect the visual and emotional essence of everyday moments.
Earl D. Talatala, a visual artist originally from the Philippines and now based in Steinbach, presents his debut show Raw and Simple. His acrylic paintings often feature animals in their ecosystems, serving as a vibrant invitation to reconnect with the natural world. Submitted photos Steinbach Arts Council
Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Pat Porter
Active Living Centre
At the Pat Porter Active Living Centre (PPALC), you’re not just another face in the crowd; you are family! We are all about putting others first, whether it’s through our fun events, tasty meal dropoffs, transportation, community buzz, fitness sessions, or daily shenanigans. Age is just a number here - even the young at heart are welcome to swing by for a cup of joe with us. Visit our website to learn more patporteralc.com.
All Programs and Events: The majority of our programs are $2 for members and $4 for non-members. Programs are subject to change.
Fitness programs: Please check daily Sign-Up for updated hours for fitness programs. Fitness programs will now require sign-up in advance on our website. If you need assistance, please call the Centre and we will assist you.
Closures and Cancellations:
There is no Perogy Bee in June. Square Dancing, Pancake Breakfast, Line Dancing, Quilting and Rockin’ Rollers will resume in September. We will be closed at noon on June 13 for SITC.
Special Events:
55 Summer Games Banquet - Wednesday, June 4. Doors open at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6 pm. $40/person. Purchase tickets at PPALC or at the door. Dinner chicken, meatballs, lemon-roasted baby potatoes, greek salad, veggies, dessert buffet. Community celebration and all are welcome!
Summer in The City – Seniors Tent from Friday, June 13 at 1 pm to Sunday, June 15 at 4 pm.
Friday - Coffee at 12:15 - 2:15
pm, Cornhole at 2:30 - 3:45 pm, BINGO at 4 - 5:45 pm.
Saturday - Coffee at 10 am -12 pm, Cornhole at 12:152:15, Cards at 2:30 - 3:45 pm, and BINGO at 4 - 5:45 pm.
Paddlez In the City - Outdoor courts on Third and Lumber on Saturday 9 am – 4 pm.
Sunday - Coffee at 12:152:15 pm, Cards/Cornhole 2:30 - 3:45 pm.
Annual General Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation - dinner and meeting Wednesday, June 25 at 5 pm and AGM starts at 6 pm. The Financial meeting will be in September 2025. Look back on our past year as we reminiscence about our celebrations, our farewells and plan the road ahead.
Father’s Day BreakfastThursday, June 12, 9:30 – 11 am. Free for Fathers and $5 for guests. Help us celebrate our fathers and father figures at our Father’s Day breakfast of sausage, eggs and toast. Please sign up in advance.
Programs:
Specific Day Programs: Zumba - Mondays, June 9 and 23 at 12:30 - 1:30 pm.
$3/members or $5/non-members.
Fun BINGO - Wednesday, June 11 at 4 – 6 pm.
Weekly Programs:
Darts, Shuffleboard - Mondays and Wednesdays (Except June 4) at 9 am – 12 pm.
Cornhole - Monday to Friday (Except June 3 to 5) at 10:30 am – 12 pm.
Coffee Corner - Monday to Friday starting at 9:30 am.
Cards & Games - Monday to Friday. June 3 to 5 and June 13 at 1 – 4 pm.
Country Jam - Wednesdays at 7 pm. June 25 will be the last before summer.
Fitness Programs:
Walking – Monday to Friday at 8:30 - 8:50 am. Tuesday and Thursday at 12 – 1 pm.
Circuit Training - Mondays at 10:15 – 11 am.
Fitness Drumming - Tuesdays (Except June 3) at 1 – 2 pm.
PACE (People With Arthritis Can Exercise) - Wednesdays (Except June 4) at 1-1:45 pm.
Floor Curling - (Except June 4) Wednesdays 1:30-3:30 pm.
Yoga - Fridays (Except June 13) at 9 – 10 am.
Pickleball Sessions: Registration required at patporteralc. com Times are subject to change. Please check Daily Sign Up for updated hours.
Beginner Pickleball - Perfect for players new to the sport.
Advanced Beginner Pickleball - Your Pickleball skills are still growing.
Intermediate Pickleball - Our most popular session for those who understand the rules and love to challenge their game.
Advanced Intermediate - You have a competitive understanding of the game.
Advanced Pickleball - Is your goal to prove that you are the best pickleball player in Steinbach? This is the perfect spot for you. You will need to have a competitive understanding.
Family Pickleball - Rent a court and teach your family how to play your favourite sport. Only $10/hour for one court. This program is on break for June.
Badminton - Registration required at patporteralc.com
Rentals:
We have rooms of a variety of sizes and prices. For pricing and room, availability visit our website patporteralc.com, email rentals@patporteralc. com or call 204-320-4600.
Meal Programs:
There are two Meals on Wheels programs based out of Steinbach and Grunthal that provide warm, healthy delicious meals for purchase of $8. These meals can be delivered directly to your door (residents of Steinbach & Grunthal only) or picked up. Each meal includes soup/ salad, main dish, sides and dessert. Please call 204-3204600 with any questions or to order a meal. To receive or cancel a same day meal, you must call before 9 am.
Steinbach Accessible Transit:
Need a ride to an appointment or other errand? Steinbach ACCESSible transit can get you there! This service is available only to residents of Steinbach. Please visit our website for a full price list. Services are available every day but appointments must be booked in advance to ensure availability Monday to Friday from 9 am - 5 pm. To book a ride, call 204-326-4055. If your call is not answered, leave a message with the answering service.
Community Resources:
We have several resources that come out PPALC- all require a 24-hour notice. Please contact our Community Resource Coordinator if you have any questions.
Our two most popular are the Equipment Loan Program which provides someone with a wheelchair, walker or cane with the referral from a health care professional. And our Volunteer Driver Program which takes residents to appointments or errands. The transportation program has a fee and is dependent on volunteer availability.
The Act of Charity is Love
Have you ever really considered the true meaning of charity? The dictionary defines it as “any act of kindness.” We are aware of charities such as the Red Cross, the United Way or Samaritan’s Purse. These organizations accept donations from people and then distribute them to those in need.
So, charity involves three parties: the donor, the distributor and the recipient. In the Bible, charity is mentioned nine times in one chapter (I Corinthians 13). We learn that without charity; we are nothing and there is no profit. Verses 4-7 says, “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth:”
People often substitute the word “love” for charity. Charity involves love but it includes more than “love.” The bible says, “God is love”; not that God has love or gives out love, but that He is love. Therefore, the way to know what love is all about is to get to know God. Now let’s look at God’s love through the idea of a charity. There is a donor, a distributor and a recipient. God is the Donor (For God so loved the world that He gave). Then there is a Distributor (The One through whom the love of God must go through before it can go out to the recipients). This Distributor is God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s love is found and available to others only through Christ.
Christ showed us the love of God by going to the cross of Calvary and sacrificing His own life so that all the rest of the world now has access to the love of God, when they come to God through Christ. This is true charity; the love of God is available to whosoever will, when they come through the Middle Party, (the Mediator) Jesus Christ. Just as the recipient has no access to the donor’s gift, unless through a charity; similarly, people have no access to the love of God unless they come through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Do you know the love of God in your personal life? Have you received His love, forgiveness and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Charity never faileth and God will not fail to give you His love if you come to Him through Christ. If you haven’t experienced God’s love yet, why not come to Him today?
La Broquerie’s Église St-Joachim Restoration Project Receives Generous Donation from Visiting Nun
A heartfelt gesture from a visiting nun has brought a significant boost to the Project 125 Committee of Paroisse St. Joachim, as the historic church prepares to mark its 125th anniversary in 2026.
During a monthly seniors’ lunch hosted by Le Club de l’Amitié on Thursday, May 15 at the La Broquerie Hotel, Sister Claudette Robert of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Ste-Hyacinthe, Québec presented a cheque for an undisclosed amount to Lucien Grenier, Chairperson of Project 125. The donation will support ongoing restoration efforts for the Église St-Joachim. Sister Claudette is originally
from Aubigny, Manitoba. The funds will assist with a number of much-needed upgrades to the historic church, which was completed in 1901 and has been maintained by dedicated parishioners over generations.
The restoration project, estimated at $1.2 million, includes major renovations such as stabilizing the church foundation, replacing windows (some more than 60 years old), modernizing the 1950s-era lighting, reconstructing the front steps to improve accessibility, reinsulating the building, and replacing the front doors and their frames.
To date, the committee has
raised over $300,000 but that does not include the in-kind commitments that are also rolling in.
“This church has stood strong for nearly 125 years thanks to the care and commitment of past parishioners,” said Project 125 committee member Monique Bédard. “But essential repairs are now needed to ensure it remains a community landmark for future generations.”
Project 125 takes its name from the upcoming anniversary milestone. The church is recognized by Heritage Manitoba for its historical significance.
To support fundraising ef-
forts, the committee is planning several events, including a raffle, with tickets to go on sale soon.
Monetary donations are also welcome. Contributions can be made by e-transfer to paroisse@pstjoachim.ca (memo: Project 125) or by cheque payable to Paroisse St. Joachim (include “Project 125” in the memo line), mailed to: 101, rue Principale, La Broquerie, MB, R0A 0W0.
The Project 125 Committee extends gratitude to all current and former supporters of the church and invites the broader community to take part in preserving this cherished piece of local heritage.
From left to right: Monique Bédard, Réal Brindle, Sister Claudette Robert, Lucien Grenier, Lucille Bisson and Henri Turenne. (Missing committee members: Carmelle McNeil and Ron St. Hilaire.)
Submitted photo
Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!
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).
Falcon Lake RCMP Investigating Cottage Fire
On May 20, at approximately 8:50 pm, Falcon Lake RCMP received a report of a structure fire located in Block 11 in Falcon Lake.
Officers attended the scene and observed a cottage completely engulfed in flames. The local fire department, with assistance from the Province of Manitoba Wildfire Service, attended and extinguished the blaze. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
If you have information in regards to this fire, please call the Falcon Lake RCMP at 204-349-2588, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800222-8477 or secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.
Falcon Lake RCMP, with assistance of the Office of the Fire Commissioner, continues to investigate.
RCMP Investigating Dirt Bike Theft in Willow Crescent Area
Steinbach RCMP are appealing to the public for help in identifying suspects involved in the theft of a dirt bike from a residential garage in the Willow Crescent area earlier in May.
The incident occurred around 4 am on May 4, when unknown suspects gained entry to a garage and pushed the dirt bike away on foot. Security footage captured the suspects wearing hoodies and carrying backpacks. No other vehicles were observed in the area at the time of the theft.
Anyone who may have information about the suspects or the stolen bike is urged to contact Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-4452. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or se-
Emerson RCMP Investigate Impaired Driving Offences
On May 10, shortly after midnight, Emerson RCMP responded to a side-by-side rollover in the Rural Municipality of Stuartburn. Officers responded immediately along with Emergency Medical Services and the local Fire Department.
The passenger of the side-by-side, a 19-year-old male from the Rural Municipality of St Andrews was ejected. The passenger was transported by STARS with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the side-by-side, a 25-year-old male from Zhoda, has been arrested for impaired driving causing bodily harm. He was released on a pending court date for September 11.
Steinbach RCMP Seek Public’s Help Identifying ATV Theft Suspect in RM of Hanover
Steinbach RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in the theft of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) from a farm in the Rural Municipality of Hanover earlier this month.
The incident occurred around 1:30 am on May 1, when an unidentified suspect was captured on security footage walking onto a farmyard. The individual gained access to a shop building on the property and drove away with the ATV.
The stolen vehicle is described as a red Honda TRX 500FG, bearing Manitoba license plate 7P474. At the time of the theft, the suspect was wearing a hoodie and a black face covering, as seen in the surveillance video.
RCMP are urging anyone who may recognize the suspect or has any information related to the incident to come forward. Tips can be directed to Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-4452 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Secure tips can also be submitted online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.
Police continue to investigate and are hopeful that public assistance will help lead to an arrest and the recovery of the stolen ATV.
RCMP Seek Public’s Help Identifying Suspect in Steinbach Shoplifting Incident
Steinbach RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a female suspect involved in a shoplifting incident at Good n Natural Foods in Steinbach.
The theft occurred on May 3 at approximately 2:30 pm. The female arrived at the store on foot and stole makeup products before leaving the scene, also on foot.
The suspect is described as wearing a white tank top, blue jeans, and having pink in her hair.
Anyone with information about the suspect or the incident is asked to contact Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-4452, or submit tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at mani-
Keep all vehicles locked. Check on your neighbours. Call 911 if you suspect a crime is in progress or has occured! Be aware of happenings in your neighbourhood and report suspicious activity to the authorities. Drive to road conditions. Don’t drink and drive or drive high.
Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to
Local Advocate Urges RM of Ste. Anne to Reconsider Membership in Climate Program and Federation of Canadian Municipalities
By Dan Guetre
During a presentation to the RM of Ste. Anne Council in late April, local resident Marie-Rose Markmann delivered a pointed critique of the RM’s participation in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and its associated Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program, raising concerns about privacy, local autonomy, and potential conflicts of interest.
Markmann’s remarks came ahead of council’s decision on which councillors would attend FCM’s upcoming annual conference held recently in Ottawa. The RM of Ste. Anne is currently a member of the organization.
Markmann expressed alarm over FCM’s close collaboration with ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, an international organization that co-manages the PCP program. She described PCP as a “data harvesting initiative,” which requires municipalities to collect and report detailed data on energy use, waste output, and greenhouse gas emissions from both municipal operations and the broader community.
“Participation in programs like PCP involves sharing extensive local data with ICLEI, which may then be accessible to corporate partners,” said Markmann. She identified funding sources for ICLEI—including Google, BlackRock, Vanguard, and Fidelity—as a potential threat to community interests, arguing that their involvement raises ethical and privacy concerns.
“These companies have substantial investments in data, real estate, and sustainability sectors,” she stated. “Their interests may not align with the priorities of rural communities like Ste. Anne.”
Markmann emphasized that global investment firms like BlackRock and Vanguard have significant holdings in real estate, including multifamily housing developments, which she argued are contributing to rising property prices and reduced homeownership opportunities.
She suggested that PCP’s emphasis on “sustainable development” often favours urban centres at the expense of rural communities.
“These policies can undermine rural areas by redirecting growth and resources to cities, and by driving up construction
costs with green building mandates,” she said.
Markmann took issue with what she described as the rigid and costly nature of PCP’s five-milestone framework. She warned that binding emissions reduction targets and high-cost infrastructure changes—such as the purchase of electric vehicles and energy audits—could strain municipal budgets, saddle future councils with inflexible commitments, and divert attention from more immediate local priorities, such as housing affordability and agricultural viability.
During her presentation to council, she listed some key ethical and practical concerns, including infringement on resident privacy, profit-driven motives behind green technology adoption, high municipal debt risks, and the impacts on rural construction, agriculture, and energy security.
Markmann urged council to formally withdraw from both the PCP program and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, asserting that FCM no longer reflects the values or needs of rural municipalities.
“FCM promotes UN-driven policies that limit rural growth and erode local autonomy,” she said. “Membership fees and compliance costs could be redirected to initiatives that directly benefit our community.”
As an alternative, Markmann proposed that the RM develop its own locally driven environmental stewardship strategy. Her proposed steps include forming a local advisory committee, hosting public consultations, focusing on cost-effective pollution reduction without expensive mandates, supporting sustainable rural development, and ensuring transparency and accountability in all climate-related initiatives.
She advocated for a balanced approach that respects local economic realities and environmental concerns without committing to international frameworks that, in her view, compromise local governance.
To support the withdrawal process, Markmann recommended council contact a group she referred to as “KICLEI Canada” at info@kiclei.ca. According to their website, their mission is to ensure that decisions affecting Canadians are made locally, reflecting the values, needs, and priorities of communities—not imposed by global agendas or external interests.
Accueil Kateri Centre to Hold 10th Annual General Meeting Amid Ongoing Community Support
By Dan Guetre
The Accueil Kateri Centre, Ste-Anne’s community food bank, is inviting residents to attend its 10th Annual General Meeting on Thursday, June 19 at 7 p.m. at Club Jovial, located at 157 Centrale Avenue.
The AGM is an opportunity for community members to learn more about the food bank’s operations, hear about its impact over the past year, and find out how to get involved.
“All are welcome,” says Suzanne Ritchot, Secretary of the Accueil Kateri Centre, who encourages local residents to come out and show their support.
Growing Need in the Community
The need for food assistance in the SteAnne area continues to grow. The Accueil Kateri Centre now serves more than 100 client-families every two weeks, a number that highlights the growing food insecurity within the region.
“Accueil Kateri continues to grow,” said Ritchot. “With more than 100 clientfamilies attending the food bank every two weeks, all-year-round donations are needed and gratefully accepted, be they monetary or food.”
She emphasized that the food bank could not operate without the generosity of the people in the Town and RM of Ste-Anne,
offering heartfelt thanks for the ongoing support.
Planting for a Purpose
As gardening season kicks off, the food bank is encouraging those with green thumbs to consider planting a little extra to donate at harvest time.
“Gardening season is upon us. Please remember to grow a little extra if you can, to share with the food bank come harvesting time,” Ritchot added.
This community-driven approach not only supplements food bank supplies with fresh produce but also fosters a culture of sharing and compassion in the municipality.
How to Help
Residents interested in donating food or funds, or learning more about the centre’s services, are encouraged to visit the Accueil Kateri Centre’s website at www.accueilkatericentre.ca, or to call 204-371-4984.
“Thank you in advance for your generosity,” said Ritchot. “The food bank could not exist without the support of our caring community.”
Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to the cause, the upcoming AGM provides the perfect opportunity to connect with this vital local service and help make a difference.
During a presentation to the RM of Ste. Anne Council in late April, local resident Marie-Rose Markmann delivered a pointed critique of the RM’s participation in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and its associated Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program, raising concerns about privacy, local autonomy, and potential conflicts of interest. Screenshot image
