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Former Progressive Conservative cabinet ministers say their government tried to push through a controversial silica sand mining project in Manitoba just days before the new NDP government was officially sworn in.
Premier Wab Kinew claims the former Progressive Conservative government tried to approve an Alberta mining company's proposal to drill for sand in southeastern Manitoba days after the Tories lost the provincial election in October.
Alberta-based Sio Silica wants to set up a mining operation in southeastern Manitoba. The process would extract 1.36 million tonnes of silica sand in an area near Vivian by drilling wells.
According to statements acquired by CTV, Former Kirkfield Park MLA Klein, who served as environment and climate minister in the former PC government, said Jeff Wharton – then minister of economic development, investment, and trade, called him in mid-October in an attempt to push through licensing to approve this operation coming into Manitoba.
These calls were made in defiance of Mantoba's caretaker convention, in which the government is supposed to refrain from making major decisions during an election, – a time when they can't be held accountable in the legislature.
The decision now falls to the NDP to determine the fate of this silica mining operation in the province.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
With the new year right around the corner, many Manitobans are excited to see some savings at the pumps.
Following up with their election promise, A gas tax holiday is slated to start on January 1st. This will remove the 14 cents a liter tax on fuel, as well as the 3 cents a liter tax on marked gas.
This gas Tax holiday will have a ripple effect through industries, as trucking companies are set to save thousands of dollars in fuel costs.
Families on average are expected to save roughly $250 through saving on fuel as well in this time.
Before his election in October, Premier Wab Kinew said the six-month tax break would cost the province $165 million, but that his party is prepared to extend it so long as inflation remains high.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
As we get ready to ring in the new year, several businesses will be changing up their hours.
Co-op Gas Bars, Both Locations:
- December 31st, 6:30 am - 9:30 pm
- January 1st, 6:30 am - 9:30 pm
Liquor Mart:
- December 31st, 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- January 1st, Closed
Co-op Food Store:
- December 31st, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- January 1st, Closed
Safeway:
- December 31st, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- January 1st, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
No Frills:
- December 31st, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- January 1st, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Walmart:
- December 31st, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- January 1st, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Dauphin Clinic Pharmacy:
- December 31st,12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
- January 1st, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Super Thrifty Pharmacy:
- December 31st, Closed
- January 1st, Closed
Dauphin City Hall:
- December 31st, Closed
- January 1st, Closed
Dauphin Vet Clinic:
- Closed, but emergancy services will be available.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The RM of Gilbert Plains will be holding a public hearing soon about a potential Cannabis Shop coming to the area.
The Hearing will include the application for conditional use needed for this store to open, but there's already been some backlash.
Several individuals on public online forums have already stated they're against this, but to make your voice heard, you can attend this public hearing.
the matter will be discussed on January 2nd at 6:30 pm at 204 Main St North in Gilbert Plains.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Dauphin R.I.D.E returns Sunday night from 9 pm to 3 am to make sure you and your vehicle get home safely after ringing in the New Year.
Keep in mind that Dauphin RIDE is run by volunteers and also services communities outside of Dauphin such as Ste Rose, Winnipegosis, Gilbert Plains, and Grandview
If you need a ride Sunday night either in Dauphin or from out of town, you're asked to call 638-5707 before 1:30 a.m.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Efforts are well underway in Swan River to ramp up security measures throughout the community, with hopes of curbing its crime rate.
According to a CBC report, several security cameras have been purchased and placed near the town's outskirts, as well as in areas within the community where crime has been frequently happening.
A total of 20 cameras have been installed since November, with a goal of having at least one camera in 84 different locations.
The cameras were purchased thanks to a $40,000 grant from the town, along with additional money chipped in by local businesses.
The town also purchased a security patrol vehicle, which first hit the road in September and comes complete with dashcams, and a two-way radio.
In 2022, Statistics Canada said Swan RIver's Crime Severity Index was at 506, more than three times higher than the provincial average at the time of 146.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
One of the organizers of a grow project near Keld has been recognized by the Dauphin and District Community Foundation as their Philanthropist of the Year for 2023.
Jason Beyette played a key role in lining up donations of seed and other inputs, as well as organizing agronomy services for the project, which saw 160 acres of canola planted and harvested west of Dauphin.
Once that crop is sold, the proceeds from it will be turned over to the Dauphin and District Community Foundation.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Dauphin Recreation Services wants to remind the public that the Outdoor Rink is NOT ready for use as of yet, and are asking the public to stay off of it until an opening date is announced.
In a post on their Facebook page, DRS says someone broke into the rink and got onto the ice, leaving holes in the ice and rips to the tarp.
Dauphin Rec Services staff has been working towards getting the outdoor surface ready, but the warmer-than-usual winter that we have experienced so far has provided challenges with that.
They add that they realize some people are anxious to get out on the rink, but ask for some more patience until the facility is completely ready.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A 2021 drug bust in Thompson will return to court in the new year.
Early on the morning of March 13th of that year, Mounties pulled over a taxi on Princeton Drive in Thompson and arrested a passenger after seizing about 140 grams of cocaine and some cash.
30-year-old Christopher Cordell of Duck Bay was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.
He appeared in Thompson court last week and had his case pushed back until January 16th.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
An errant cigarette butt was discovered to be the cause of a fire that took place on Saturday.
shortly after 10:30 am, fire crews responded to a report of smoke coming from a home's roof area.
The fire was extinguished after roughly 40 minutes.
The cause was determined to be accidental, originating on the exterior of the building. No one was injured in the fire and the damage is still being assessed.
Fire Chief Cam Abrey notes that fires like these can be sneaky, as it could be a smoldering butt in a trash can, an ashtray knocked over, or more.
He also offers a few tips to avoid these insidious fires, including making sure your butt is completely extinguished and storing the remains in a metal container outside.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
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- Contributed by René Huebener
