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There are a lot changes being proposed in the Manitoba electoral boundaries for the Parkland area.
The number of divisions will not change and remain at 57; however the changes are based on population.
The changes include separating Gilbert Plains, Grandview and Roblin into Riding Mountain division.
Dauphin and Swan River will mix together and Neepawa would be part of the Agassiz division.
Alison Mitchell, Manager of Communications, explains how the population impacted the proposed changes.
“It is based on population, so the Parkland’s was the only region in the province that had an overall decrease in the population, as according to the 2011 Census. So we look at the 2016 Census when the commission is doing their work, so while the City of Dauphin and the R.M. of Dauphin, as well as the Town of Swan River did have slight increases; there were overall decreases in the population.”
Other factors that may be considered in keeping communities of interest together are boundaries such as rivers, parks and railways.
A public meeting on the changes will be held in Dauphin on September 13 at the Lions’ Den from 10:00 in the morning until noon.
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A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for the Parkland.
Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for a dangerous thunderstorm to develop.
The main threat will be heavy rainfall of more than 5 centimetres, nickel to quarter-sized hail, and gusty winds.
We should expect scattered storms this afternoon and evening.
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- Contributed by Josh Sigurdson
One of the first accidents involving farm equipment on a highway in the Parkland happened this past weekend.
Rob Tuff, Constable with the Dauphin RCMP has more on the incident.
“On Saturday May 19, 2018 just after 11:00 p.m. officers from the Dauphin RCMP received a report of a 2 vehicle collision on highway 20 approximately 25 kilometres north of Dauphin.
Investigators attended the scene and determined that a southbound 2008 Chevrolet pickup truck had rear-ended a self-propelled sprayer which was also travelling southbound.
The driver and lone occupant of the truck, a 23-year- old Dauphin man, was transported to hospital. The driver of the sprayer, a 22-year-old Gilbert Plains man, was not injured.
The investigation continues. Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor.”
RCMP would like to remind motors to take their time and be courteous when farm machinery is on the road.
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A new Recreation Director has started in the community of Gilbert Plains.
Chantal Gamache comes from Laurier and went to school in McCreary.
This is her first recreation position after university and so far she is enjoying the job and community.
Gamache is planning upcoming events for the community.
“I have a few upcoming events that I’ve been working hard to deliver to the community. We have a heritage day coming up for the students, I have a wine and paint night for the ladies, and Canada Day is the next big event.”
She started her position as the new Rec Director on April 25.
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A Neepawa business has been named one of Travel Manitoba’s new Star Attractions.
Farmery Estate Brewery is now one of 63 designated tourist locations in the province.
Warwaruk tells us what having this designation as a tourist designation means for his company.
“It brings us a better awareness within our community and with people traveling down the highways. It just goes to show that when you invest in rural Manitoba it’s a good dollar spent. The thing is we want to continually invest further, employ people and invest that money back into the community.”
Star Attractions in Manitoba include parks, historical sites, and casinos.
Star Attractions have the potential to attract a large number of visitors from outside the immediate community.
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- Contributed by Josh Sigurdson
Changes to increase the open market for Manitoba commercial fishers were announced today.
Improvements to regulations of fishers only selling to Manitoba buyers such as restaurants, community centres and grocery stores were made.
These fishers will be required to become fish dealers with streamlined reporting requirements.
An investigation is still ongoing in the case with fishers from the Interlake region not being paid.
No charges have been laid but enforcement actions are being contemplated.
Also it was announced that channel catfish may now be sold in Manitoba but only to final consumers, not restaurants, stores or fish dealers.
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Going green has paid off for the City of Dauphin in more ways than one.
Not only has Dauphin saved energy and money, but have become a leader province wide.
Brad Collett, City Manager, tells us the special recognition they received.
“The City of Dauphin’s really excited and proud to be named Manitoba’s Sustainable Community of the Year by Manitoba Sustainable Development and the Province of Manitoba for 2017. We received the award at the legislature on Tuesday, May 22.”
The city has worked to reduce energy by installing solar panels and energy efficient street lighting as well as increased their recycling program to include composting materials.
Upcoming projects include the installation of two more solar panels and the development of a compost site at the landfill.
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Nearly 700 people have been evacuated from their homes in Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, just northeast of Swan River.
They’re currently staying in hotels in Brandon, Swan River and The Pas.
The fire has grown over 2700 hectares as of yesterday and three water bombers and a helicopter were brought in on Sunday to assist in putting it out.
No homes have been lost yet, but the air quality remains very poor with the amount of smoke in it.
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The fire in the RM of Grahamdale, located close to Ashern and Eriksdale, is still blazing but is getting under control.
We spoke with Reeve Clifford Halaburda to get an update on the situation.
“Everything is stable right now. The wind has turned around from the southeast. The equipment is all out working. We have 20 bulldozers working in the bush working, we got 4 water bombers, and there is a ground crew of 120 men. Right now we got a command post set up at the Camper Hall. If the weather is in favour, they are talking this morning, that we can probably get the fire well under control. So, it sounds good.”
Halaburda wants to stress Highway 6 from south of Ashern to highway 68 south is still closed.
He says the RCMP are out there guiding the traffic and stressed everyone follow signs.
It was announced this morning that the municipality can begin accepting food donations again. The RM of West Interlake Office in Ashern will be the drop-off point for anyone wanting to donate.
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- Contributed by Josh Sigurdson
Stopping for a break at a highway rest area may become more difficult.
The province is considering closing some of the highway rest stops in an effort to save money.
Pine Grove rest stop, along the TransCanada between Winnipeg and the Ontario border, is facing closure.
The provincial government feels that motorists would rather stop at a gas station to purchase goods and take a break.
A review of Pine Grove, is being conducted by the province, after receiving a petition to keep it open, however it was noted that the future of other rest stops will depend on how close they are to a private business.
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A possible online threat forced Rossburn Collegiate to close yesterday.
A disturbing image was circulated on social media on Monday evening.
The photo showed a man with a weapon and he appeared to make a threat toward the school.
The RCMP is still investigating the incident.
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