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The City of Dauphin is holding a public hearing for property enforcement bylaws on Monday, August 31.
It will take place inside Council Chambers at 5:00 p.m. The City is proposing three updated property-related bylaws:
The property standards bylaw, the vacant and boarded buildings bylaw, and the derelict buildings bylaw.
Lisa Gaudet, deputy city manager, says these bylaws are meant to modernize and strengthen the city's approach to property standards.
"And provide clearer and more consistent tools for dealing with properties that become vacant, neglected, or seriously deteriorated," said Gaudet. "The bylaws have received first reading by council, but they have not yet been adopted."
The hearing provides residents the chance to learn about the proposed bylaws and provide comments to council.
The City is updating its property bylaws because well-maintained properties contribute to safe, healthy, and attractive neighbourhoods.
Properties that are significantly neglected, left unsecured, or allowed to deteriorate over long periods can create fire and safety risks, attract unauthorized entry, affect surrounding properties, and require significant municipal resources to monitor and address.
They have created a dedicated page on the city's website with more information about the three proposed bylaws.
"That provides answers to frequently asked questions and links to the complete bylaw document," said Gaudet. "We really encourage people who have questions or concerns to take a look at that information. Then attend the public hearing if you want to provide input."
The link to the document is here.
Council will hear from anyone wanting to speak on the proposed bylaws. You must register ahead of time by calling 622-3228.
Copies of the proposed bylaws are available for review at City Hall during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
If you know someone between the ages of 6 to 17 living in Brandon, their commute is about to become cheaper.
Starting September 1, those between the ages of 6 and 17 in Brandon, will be able to ride the bus for free.
Brandon City Council adopted the initiative during Monday night's regular meeting. Youth will be required to show proof of age to get a pass through an info booth downtown. Last year, $116,000 in fare revenue came from roughly 73,000 youth riders.
The City of Brandon can receive up to $1 million to reimburse lost fare revenue from September 2026 to August 2027. If you have a relative that is in the Brandon School Division, BSD will be administering passes to students.
Children five and under continue to ride for free when accompanied by an adult.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Their slogan is family, community, and sustainability.
Their motto is to support local musicians and local makers. It's all Manitoba. Their mission is to support art that's being made in the province. They support local. The Harvest Sun Music Festival is back this weekend in Kelwood.
It's the 21st annual event. That's two decades in the books and Nadia Kuhl says the memories have been incredible.
"We've seen a lot of wonderful musicians grace our stage. We've had lots of adventures, ups and downs, and adventures," said Kuhl. "The heart of it has stayed true. We're so grateful that it's still operating 21 years in. We look forward to the future."
The festivities inside the Kelwood Community Hall on Friday and Saturday are sold out. But there is so much more than what's going on there.
"Later at 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday we have availability. It's going to be wonderful music at the Legion," added Kuhl. "We have the amazing Al Simmons doing a children's performance on Saturday outside in the Kelwood Centennial Campground. The stage there is free access for all."
At 3:00 on Saturday afternoon, there will be a Dolly Parton workshop. Annabella Proper wraps up Saturday night starting at 10:00 at the Legion.
The good times roll into Sunday with the round acoustic jam in The Park. You're welcome to bring an instrument and join the jam or just be there to enjoy this one-of-a-kind musical moment.
Two years of building and creating what the Harvest Sun Music Festival is today. Kuhl says this event is more than just a festival; it's an event where people come together to make memories that last a lifetime.
"I started the festival 21 years ago and have been a core part of it ever since," said Kuhl. "I really believe in supporting community. I believe showcasing arts and the artists that grew up around us is important and a huge part of who we are as Manitobans. I believe in rural communities and that life in rural communities is important and needs to be supported."
Nadia and the Harvest Sun Music Festival crew are ready to celebrate 21 years of music, makers, and prairie magic. You can also camp on-site; spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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What do Myanmar, Ukraine, and Syria have in common? They're all the focus of active campaigns by the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide much-needed humanitarian aid to areas that have been impacted by armed conflict or natural disaster.
Today is World Humanitarian Day, a day to recognize the good things humanitarian workers do, and to remember those killed while working for humanitarian causes. Earlier this morning, Randeep Sarai, Canada's Secretary of State for International Development released a statement about World Humanitarian Day.
"As humanitarian needs continue to rise globally, we must protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel, and ensure safe and unhindered access to life-saving assistance. World Humanitarian Day’s theme of Act For Humanity underscores the urgent need to uphold international humanitarian law, which provides essential protections for civilians, humanitarian workers and civilian infrastructure during armed conflict," read part of Sarai's statement.
This year, the ICRC is focusing on raising awareness about humanitarian aid workers being targeted in conflict zones. According to the ICRC, 12 humanitarian workers have been killed so far this year, and last year, there were 24. To try and better protect humanitarian workers around the world, the ICRC is looking to governments.
"We are encouraged that 122 states have signed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, and are hopeful that this renewed commitment will translate into concrete measures to strengthen the safety and security of aid workers," read part of the ICRC's statement.
Some of the Declaration's signatories include Australia, who spearheaded the movement, the United Kingdom, and Canada. When Canada signed on in 2025, the Federal Government committed $400,000 towards the Aid Worker Security Database, which analyzes and tracks violence against humanitarian workers.
For more information about World Humanitarian Day and the ICRC's focus this year, and for information on how you can donate to their causes, click here to visit their website.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Since 2017, there have been 68 off-road vehicle fatalities in Manitoba.
As of late last month, there were already five in 2026. Off-road vehicles include dirt bikes, all-terrain, and utility vehicles. While they're fun to ride, the RCMP says safety should always be everyone's priority.
"Tell someone where you're going," said Roussel. "Always travel in groups of two or more. Always wear your seatbelt, if your machine is equipped with one. Don't drink and drive."
If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs and get caught, the penalties are the same as if you were driving a vehicle. Heavy fines and possible suspensions can follow. No person under the age of 14 is allowed to operate an ORV unless supervised and accompanied by an adult.
You are not allowed to travel on or through private property, including farmland and gravel pits. Every off-road vehicle must be equipped with a noise muffler in good working order. No person should be operating an off-road vehicle without a helmet – and it must be securely fastened.
If your off-road vehicle is equipped with a spot for the passenger, you are welcome to travel with one.
"If your machine is not factory equipped with a second seat, you are not allowed to have a second rider on the machine," ended Roussel.
The RCMP has increased their presence on the trails this summer. They wish everyone a safe and happy summer on the trails.
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The Dauphin RCMP are asking for your help in finding Dalton Roussin.
He's wanted on charges of failing to comply with his release order conditions. Dalton was recently seen in Dauphin on Elmay Street.
He is believed to still be in Dauphin, but is also known to frequent the Ste. Rose and Winnipegosis areas.
If you know where he is, call the Dauphin RCMP at 622-5020.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
If you've always wanted to see a bison or want to see some again, now is the perfect time.
The Lake Audy Bison enclosure in Riding Mountain National Park features a herd of roughly 40 Plains Bison. They nearly went extinct during mass game hunting but have been reintroduced to several national parks around Canada.
Bison tend to be more active during dawn and dusk. In colder, more dreary weather, they spend more time in open fields.
It's also rutting season. This is when males experience a surge in testosterone. They compete with other Bison for dominance in mating and are often out and about. Add it all up, and it's the perfect time to make a trip to the enclosure.
Tim Sallows is the resource conservation officer in Riding Mountain National Park.
"Most people, when they first see a bison, are amazed at how big they are. You'll be amazed at how high they can jump and how fast they can run," said Sallows. "In Lake Audy, they have a beautiful pasture they roam around on. The Bison are keeping it natural. You'll see many different flowers. The Bison are resting there and waiting for people to come see them."
As is the case with all wildlife in RMNP, do not feed the animals. It is illegal. If you are caught and convicted, you could be fined up to $25,000.
Another big no-no when visiting the Bison enclosure is getting out of your vehicle.
"We suggest people don't get out of their vehicles when they're in the Bison enclosure," said Sallows. "They can move pretty quickly. They go like 60 kilometres an hour if they're in a rush to get somewhere. The chances of you getting out of the way are pretty slim."
Tim also encourages people to take plenty of photos. You're also asked to drive through the enclosure slowly.
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Wab Kinew knows everyone in Dauphin wants Emergency Department services back.
He's set to meet the needs of people by getting a temporary Emergency Department set up.
"Really appreciate how everyone is working together to make this happen," said Kinew. "We've heard from the physicians and nurses about what the services need to be. We've got the restoration people and engineers telling us what's possible on the ground. We have people from the health system coordinating and bringing it all together."
Over the next few weeks, you can expect a lot of activity around the hospital getting the temporary facility set up.
Kinew walked through the Dauphin Regional Health Centre last Friday. He had hoped to get the building back in working order by Labour Day. However, that isn't possible. There is extensive damage in the basement and cleaning needs to be completed. Not to mention replacing all the electrical and mechanical.
Kinew has been planning for a temporary hospital. Now, he's making it happen. A temporary Emergency Department is expected to open by Labour Day.
"We know how important healthcare is and how good the staff has been about working at other facilities," added Kinew. "Nurses travelling. We're going to work on the needs for the nurses so they get travel compensation. Make sure the surgeons are busy, so we don't lose anyone during this process."
Temporary generators and breaker boxes are already on site. You will notice trailers and other equipment moving in over the coming days.
Manitoba's premier knows how important healthcare is for people in the Parkland.
"It's just a huge amount of work getting the electrical, the diagnostics, the treatment spaces," said Kinew. "So that if you show up, god forbid you have an emergency, and you need that healthcare, you'll be able to get your vitals taken by a nurse. You're going to get assessed by a physician, and they will do what is needed to take care of you."
A diagnostic patient service Centre is also open in the Dauphin Provincial Building.
It's on Level 1, in Room 111, at 27 Second Avenue Southwest. It's open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can call 622-3582. The Centre offers walk-in X-ray, urine collection, blood tests, electrocardiogram (EKG) & Holter monitoring services.
Kinew says the Centre will continue to operate.
"It'll take a bit of the pressure off standing everything up on the hospital site," offered Kinew.
Wab appreciates everyone in the region for pushing for this. He said it's all going to come together and will meet the healthcare needs of those who need it.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
In a Facebook post, the City of Dauphin said last Friday that Darby, the City Shop Cat, passed away after 12 years of service with the Public Works team.
Darrell Aitken, Acting Director of Public Works and Operations, said though some people might just see Darby as a cat, the Public Works team saw him as a friend and a fellow professional.
"Darby was kind of our pest control person, or cat, and at the old CN roundhouse at the City Shop, we had lots of mice around, and so Darby was on patrol," said Aitken.
One of the pictures from the post (and used for this story) shows Darby playfully interrupting Public Works staff as they decorated last year's Christmas Parade float. As Aitken said, pets like Darby are always appreciated, wherever they are.
"Just like at people's homes, pets are good, so everybody appreciated Darby, and he would make his away around," said Aitken.
Though the old master is gone, Public Works isn't left without a pest control professional. They've had Casper, another cat, for a few months, who learned a few things from Darby.
"We have a cat now called Casper. She came on a few months ago, and so actually she helped Darby out, Darby wasn't too mobile in the last little while, and he had a friend for a bit, and now Casper has taken over Darby's position," said Aitken.
Part of the City's Facebook post honouring Darby says they recognized his service to the City in 2024, marking 10 years, to show how important he'd become to city staff.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
A 14-year-old faces a charge of aggravated assault after a stabbing on the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation.
On Saturday at 10:50 a.m., Swan River RCMP responded to a home on the Nation. A 19-year-old female had been stabbed multiple times. The victim had been at a different home overnight and woke up to realize she had been stabbed while she slept. She ran outside for help and a passerby drive her home. Her family members then called for help.
She was transported to the hospital in Brandon for treatment. Officers then arrested the youth.
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500 people set the stage in year one.
550 people entered the gates in years two and three. Year four is right around the corner, and organizers are expecting the biggest turnout yet. The Whitemud Music Festival is this weekend at Lansdowne Centennial Park in Arden. The two-day festival gets underway with The Ridge Rockers, Vinyl Revival, and The B34ST on Friday night.
Friday gets underway at 7:00. The entertainment begins at noon on Saturday and runs past midnight. The list of performers on Saturday includes the Steven Smith Trio, Hicktown, Vintage Voltage, and Ronnie Ladobruk, to name a few.
Rob Cameron says it's going to be another tremendous weekend. He added organizers have been blown away by the support over the past three years.
"Yeah, the support has been great," said Cameron. "The response and comments we get from the attendees and bands that come are super positive. It's always nice to hear good things."
Food trucks are on site throughout the weekend, and there's free camping. People have compared this event to a mini Countryfest with 600 people instead of 9,000. Country, country-rock, rock, everything you could want.
Snake Oil - the Ikons of Rock will rock the stage on Saturday night.
Cameron says they take great pride in keeping costs down. A weekend pass - which includes your camping - is $90 before you arrive at the festival. If you get a ticket at the gate, it's $110. A Friday day pass is $50 and $70 on Saturday. You can get tickets at the Neepawa Legion and the Municipality of Glenella-Lansdowne office.
"We don't overcharge for our beverages at the bar," ended Cameron. "We just want everyone to come and have fun. Relax, sit in their lawn chair, or get up and dance. Whatever people want. We're about the hospitality. We get a lot of comments about the friendliness and hospitality that we put on."
It's year four, and it's shaping up to be the biggest year yet. The Whitemud Music Festival runs on Friday and Saturday at Lansdowne Centennial Park in Arden. For more on the festival, head here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
