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Four municipalities in the Parkland region are receiving up to $2.7 million through the Manitoba Growth, Renewal, and Opportunities (Manitoba GRO) program.
The RM of Yellowhead will receive $2,185,863 for the Shoal Lake water infrastructure replacement initiative, Swan Valley West receives $90,000 for the Benito Landfill environment upgrading proposal. Minitonas-Bowsman gets $50,000 for the Beals Ford Crossing preliminary engineering design and environmental assessment.
Closer to Dauphin, the Municipality of Roblin is getting nearly half a million for their waste disposal cell and leachate evaporation pond construction.
Robert Misko is the head of council in Roblin and says their old waste disposal cell was old.
"Probably 10 years, and it was under old regulations where we could just dig a hole," said Misko. "New regulations kicked in, and engineers are now involved. It has to be built to a newer standard."
The project’s price tag lands between $600K and $800K
The Municipality received $468,452.62 towards the project, which is slated to begin within the next month.
"It's pretty exciting, just got the news as we were doing budgeting," offered Misko. "It was a pleasant surprise when you get almost half a million dollars that you don't have to tax people for."
Misko adds that if you're looking for a spot to call home, Roblin is a great place to be. It's the Jewel of the Parkland, and as Misko says, is a hidden gem to many.
"It's a friendly community, Lake of the Prairies is right west of us," ended Misko. "If you're an outdoorsy person, we have it all. It's a tight-knit community, and it's very easy to fit in."
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It's one of the marquee events for the Rotary Club of Dauphin, and it's back on Friday, May 23.
Lobsterfest will take over the Obsolete Brewing Company for an unforgettable evening of smiles, laughs, and gourmet seafood.
Kara Vanderheyden is a Rotary Club of Dauphin member.
"This has been a long-time event for the Rotary Club of Dauphin," said Vanderheyden. "We're thrilled to provide the community with a fun event and an option to have some fresh seafood from the East Coast. Tickets sold out in three days last year, and hopefully, it sells out again this year."
The Rotary Club is opening ticket sales early this year, and you can buy them as of Friday. Tickets will exclusively be digital this year, and you can purchase them by visiting the Rotary Club's page on Facebook. From delicious appetizers and fresh mussels to lobster, dessert, and so much more in between, you're in store for a wonderful night.
"You will definitely not want to miss out. Especially for those seafood lovers," added Vanderheyden. "Everything gets cooked on sight that evening. The band is going to be great as well, it's going to be a tremendous night."
This year’s entertainment will be brought to you by the high-energy sounds of Club Wagon Creek. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Countryfest Community Cinema (CCC) — helping keep the magic of the movies alive right here in our town.
"We all felt it's a great facility to have in the community. We have long winters, and it can be hard to find entertainment," ended Vanderheyden. "The CCC is the perfect spot. Whether it's an independent film, a children's film, or the big sellers, it has it all."
Tickets for the event are $100. So get your friends together and prepare for a night to remember.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Parkland Chamber of Commerce is putting the final touches on an all-candidates forum for the Riding Mountain federal constituency.
All five candidates in the riding have been invited to participate in the forum, which takes place on Tuesday, April 22nd at 7 pm at the Dauphin Active Living Centre.
Chamber Executive Director Stephen Chychota says with the vote set for April 28th, this is a prime opportunity to get to know the candidates and where they sit on several issues.
"This has not been a very long election. So, to hear any messages or to catch the campaigns from any of the candidates, it is not a lot of time to get or to understand and learn who we are potentially voting for. So it is a great opportunity for people to come and see the candidates more under a microscope and hear them answer some questions and understand who they are and what they are about and understand the parties."
Chychota encourages you to submit questions beforehand, as no questions or comments will be taken from the floor during the forum.
Questions can be submitted through a survey available within the city, or by calling ot emailing the Chamber office.
The candidates will be available both before and after the forum to meet with voters.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
It will be a memorable weekend for one lucky person who attends this year's Parkland Business Expo.
Set for May 3rd and 4th at the Parkland Rec Complex, this year's event is being put on by Dauphin's Countryfest, who are offering up what they call the Ultimate Raffle
Tickets are $20 each, and Rod Carberry covers what you could win.
"Two VIP Passes with a campsite, seating, and we will feed you in the VIP tent. We are including a signed guitar and a Molson fridge. And a Director's backstage tour. So we are going to give you a VIP look at Countryfest. We will ask you what your preference is for who you want to see backstage. And as long as those artists don't close the backstage down on us, we will make sure that this happens for you."
Only 499 tickets are being sold, and they are only available to people who attend this year's business expo.
More info on the Expo can be found online at www.countryfest.ca, or by visiting the Parkland Business Expo Facebook page.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Dauphin Food Bank has been serving Dauphin and the area for more than 20 years.
They're currently based out of Parkland Crossing but not for much longer. Due to the sale of Parkland Crossing, the Food Bank needs to find a new home, which they have not been able to do.
While they have looked at numerous spots, they have either been too small or too expensive. They have to be out by September 30.
"We're desperately trying to find somewhere," said Robin Gambler. "What if we have to do renovations? Our time is going to run out, we need to find a new home."
The Dauphin Food Bank serves roughly 450 people in the Dauphin and District area every month and has been doing so for more than two decades
"It would be horrible if we had to close our doors," ended Gambler. "With the prices skyrocketing and high rent, our patrons rely on us."
Got a lead on a space? The Dauphin Food Bank is urgently searching for a new home of at least 2,500 square feet. If you know of a spot that might fit the bill, call 204-638-7853. Every tip counts!
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Watson Art Centre is preparing for what should be an awesome summer of live entertainment, games, and so much more.
Ahead of that, they are in search of volunteers. They're looking for concert committee members, building committee experts, a youth activity coordinator, volunteer recruiters, fundraising gurus, marketing mavens, grant writers, and web masters. They are also in search of board members.
Cam Bennet says the Watson Art Centre is a great place to be.
"It's an important part of Dauphin with a rich history," said Bennet. "It's a way to contribute to the community, and you can help shape the direction we may take. We're also a bunch of fun people, it's all good for everyone."
If you are interested in volunteering, you can message Cam on Facebook. Bennet says the excitement is building ahead of installing their new heat pump. It has arrived in Dauphin, and at the price of $100,000.00, the Watson Art Centre is set to be the Coolest Building in Dauphin.
It also means events can be held year-round, something Cam is extremely excited about.
"Yeah, that's going to be pretty exciting. To know that we can go into the Watson in the middle of July and it not be scorching hot is great," offered Bennet. "We're hoping to increase our wedding rentals. Having a heat pump opens up so many possibilities for us. It's very exciting."
The Dirty Catfish Brass Band is set to rock the Watson on April 26, and tickets are on sale here.
"That night, we're going to announce our Concert Series, which is back for the 2025-26 season," mentioned Bennet. "We're going to announce the acts and dates. If you purchase tickets for all four shows, you'll save $30."
The Watson Art Centre will also have a booth at the Business Expo next month.
Bennet wants to give a big shoutout to the folks that donated money during the Coolest Building in Town Campaign.
"That was really great to see. We had all sorts of people donating, people that frequent here and those that don't," ended Bennet. "They recognise the Watson is an integral of the community, and they want it to be here for their kids growing up."
The Watson Art Centre is the heartbeat of Dauphin, and Cam invites you to join in on the good times.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Earth Day celebrations are set for this Saturday at the Dauphin Active Living Centre.
Esther Fyk is one of the organizers.
"One of the activities is making microgreens from 2 litre pop bottles. And you will be able to take this home with you. We are going to have a table where you can get dry ingredients for soup, put them in a jar and take them home with the recipe. As well, we are going to have a raffle for a little vertical greenhouse made out of wooden pallets."
There will also be a short slide show on how to grow your own food.,
The event goes from 1 - 4 this Saturday, and a donation to help offset costs would be appreciated.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A 51-year-old unlicenced driver, who had too many drinks, is facing charges.
On April 7th, at 8:00 p.m., Ste. Rose RCMP noticed a truck parked incorrectly near a motel bar. While the officers were on the scene, two individuals left the bar, entered the vehicle, and began to drive away.
The vehicle was pulled over, and the 51-year-old admitted to having "just a sip" from an open bottle of liquor in the centre console. An Approved Screening Device (ASD) test was administered, resulting in a fail.
The driver is charged with operating while impaired, operating equal to or over 80mg%, driving without a valid driver's licence, and unlawful transportation of alcohol in a motor vehicle. The vehicle was also impounded for 30 days, and a court date is pending.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Several local municipal leaders and staff are in Winnipeg this week for the Association of Manitoba Municipalities spring convention and trade show, which begins today
Among the 500+ delegates in attendance is Duphin mayor Dave Bosiak.
Besides the trade show, there is also breakout sessions and keynote speakers.
The event is taking place at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The provincial government has confirmed that Dauphin's Countryfest is receiving a one-time, $500,000 grant.
Provincial Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism minister Nellie Kennedy said Countryfest is an important event for the City of Dauphin, which she added relies on the festival's success to provide important investments that drive economic activity in the region.
Countryfest president Duane McMaster says they have been working on this grant for some time.
"The province has come through in a big way for us this year, and we really appreciate them acknowledging how important Countryfest is to this area and to Manitoba as a whole."
McMaster adds that this announcement, along with a strong run of sponsorships so far, has led to more optimism around the Countryfest board table.
"For a while there, the excitement was waning a little bit. But having these different organizations and people step forward, such as the strong sponsorships and the city stepping forward and the province stepping forward, it was all a show of support for us. It has really convinced us that this festival is going to happen and it is going to keep happening. We know that people believe in this event."
McMaster is now hopeful that the rest of Manitoba will show their support by buying tickets for this year's festival, which goes June 26th to 29th.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A 17-year-old male from Ebb and Flow and a 16-year-old female from Dauphin face charges after they were arrested over the weekend.
On Sunday at 2:45 p.m., Dauphin RCMP responded to a report of someone being threatened with a firearm on Ida Street. The 17-year-old male had fled after pointing a gun at a 23-year-old female. Officers located him a short time later, and he was taken into custody. An investigation led to the arrest of the 16-year-old female.
Both suspects were searched, and the following was located:
- 130.3 grams of meth – estimated community value over $26,000;
- 8.2 grams of cocaine and 5.5 grams of crack cocaine – estimated community value $900;
- 17 pills of Zopiclone – estimated community value $350;
- Canadian currency
The 17-year-old male, from Ebb and Flow First Nation, faces Weapons and Drug Trafficking charges and was remanded into custody. The 16-year-old female, from Dauphin, faces a Drug Trafficking charge and was released with a future court appearance.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
