Road Restrictions Help Logging

Next week’s start of spring road restrictions will be affecting the Swan River area.

Zone one, which encompasses Swan River, Dauphin, Brandon, and Winnipeg will be broken into two sub-zones to maximize benefits to local industry.

Zones two and three are unchanged. Swan River will move from climate zone 1 into zone 1b.

Dauphin will be in zone 1a after the restrictions come into effect.

The changes will help logging trucks.

Logging trucks will have, on average, 14 more days of hauling at higher than normal summer weights or at full summer weights.

This will reduce hauling costs, assist job retention and improve commodity prices.

It will also help make the local logging industry more competitive with other jurisdictions, reduce fuel consumption, reduce emissions and decrease environmental pollution.

Spring road restrictions are expected to begin next week in some parts of the province.

Details: Contributed by Isaac Wihak; Published: Mar 16, 2019 - 6:07 am

Reservations for provincial campgrounds are set to open starting next week.

They are staggering reserving spots starting with cabins, yurts, and group areas this Monday at 7am.

On April 1st campsites in Winnipeg Beach, Betula Lake, Big Whiteshell, Brereton Lake, Caddy Lake, Falcon Beach, Falcon lakeshore, Nutimik Lake, Opapiskaw, Otter Falls, West Hawk Lake, and White Lake are opening.

Then on April 3rd, you’ll be able to book a campsite in all other parks across the province.

You can book online at http://prs.gov.mb.ca and call 1 888-482-2267.

Annual provincial park entry passes can be bought online through Canada Map Sales at www.canadamapsales.com as well as at retail outlets or provincial park offices.

Details: Contributed by Josh Sigurdson; Published: Mar 16, 2019 - 5:05 am

The City of Dauphin has had to deal with some profanity-laden garbage bins.

Deputy City Manager Renee St-Goddard explains that in this one case there were obscene words spray painted on some bins.

“It just seemed to happen this one time. We just wanted to make sure, because we were letting the property owner know that this wouldn’t be tolerated and if the situation wasn’t rectified we could have removed the bins and had the homeowner purchase new ones.”

She continues, “We encourage residents to maintain their bins in proper order and not alter or put profanity or otherwise on them.”

The city administration wants to also remind people to properly set out their bins to ensure garbage gets taken away.

Details: Contributed by Josh Sigurdson; Published: Mar 15, 2019 - 6:00 am

The Centennial Arena in Swan River is experiencing an issue with their ice making system.

The town administration is confirming that a leak is present within the 260 brine loops inside the floor. Town crews are currently loosing 1000 gal/day through the leak in the system which is required to keep the ice intact.

The town is getting a contractor to troubleshoot the issue.

The Swan Valley Stampeders have been notified and will be advised of any progress.

The Town and council don’t want to speculate on any outcomes.

They will provide further information as it becomes available.

Details: Contributed by Josh Sigurdson; Published: Mar 15, 2019 - 6:00 pm

On Wednesday, March 13^th Island Lake RCMP conducted a drug investigation involving a male passenger from Sandy Bay First Nation, on a commercial flight.

Lawrence Ashley McIvor was travelling from Winnipeg to Island Lake, which is near the Ontario border.

McIvor was suspected to be trafficking illegal drugs into the region when searched, officers found 140 grams of cocaine and 100 Percocet pills.

The 26-year-old has been charged with two counts of Possession for the purpose of Trafficking.

The Island Lake RCMP are continuing their investigation.

Details: Contributed by Isaac Wihak; Published: Mar 15, 2019 - 3:20 pm

Today at the Dauphin Friendship Centre, First Nations councils within Treaty 2 are meeting for the special session.

Norman Bone, chief of Keeseekoowenin First Nation, says they are talking about child family services and Bill S3.

“They are important to talk about because they inform us or brief us as to what’s going on in Canada and for us, it’s important when we’re in a position to rebuild our own governance ability.”

Bill S3 is in place to amend the Indian Act in regards to membership.

“It’s difficult for us because we are being asked to amend the Indian Act. At the same time, it’s been our source of difficulty as First Nations. We’d prefer to have our own discussions of membership in our own setting as First Nations people in terms of how we’d maintain and get control over it for our own journey.”

Today’s session is set up in a way for everyone to be able to respond, not just chiefs and elders.

Chief Bone is looking forward to everyone participating in the discussions while preparing for enjoying the activities that are going on as well.

Details: Contributed by Isaac Wihak; Published: Mar 15, 2019 - 2:07 pm

Premier Brian Pallister says he is devastated by the news of the shootings in New Zealand, calling them ‘cowardly.’

He condemns the attack against Muslims and says Manitobans’ prayers are with the victims of the senseless attack.

"We stand together with you in peace and solidarity."

The government has reached out to the Muslim community in Manitoba to offer support during this difficult time.

Details: Contributed by Josh Sigurdson; Published: Mar 15, 2019 - 10:29 am

Roads have been safer so far in 2019 than in the past 10 years.

In the first two months of 2019, five people died on roadways, in 2018 the number would already have been 13.

In the last decade, the average after two months is ten people.

So far this year there hasn’t been a single off-road vehicle fatality, which is better than the 3 deaths to this point in 2018.

Deaths on Manitoba roads continue to be attributed to distracted driving, impaired driving, speed and not wearing a seatbelt.

Details: Contributed by Isaac Wihak; Published: Mar 15, 2019 - 5:02 am

The City and Rural Municipality of Dauphin are coming together as part of a new committee.

RM Reeve Ron Ryz says three representatives are coming from the city and three are coming from the RM. “We will basically discuss any upcoming issues. We haven’t struck up a meeting yet but the plan is to work together, and we have to look at things as a region.”

Deputy City Manager Renee St-Goddard shares what both sides hope to get out of these meetings. “I believe trying to get out of these meetings is just coming, having more transparency, open communication with the RM. We work closely with them quite often, so I think to make sure we keep the communication open and make sure we know when we can support each other.”

Some issues that they share responsibility for are the airport, the rec centre, and supporting economic development in the region.

RM Reeve Ron Ryz explains why they stopped holding these meetings in the past. “I think it’s just councils got busy doing their own things.”

The first meeting is expected to take place in a few weeks. Both sides hope this committee can meet once a month.

“We’re quite looking forward to working with the city,” Ryz said. “I think with new council coming in; I think the direction is we have to work together and work together as a region.”

No word yet on where the meeting is to take place.

Details: Contributed by Josh Sigurdson; Published: Mar 15, 2019 - 5:00 am

There are mixed reactions from around the community about the Best Western and restaurant that are going to be built on Main St. South in Dauphin.

Ryan Rauliuk thinks it will help with the festivals. At this point, he doesn’t want to make a prediction for the restaurant. He hopes it will be a locally owned restaurant that uses local resources.

Stan from Dauphin isn’t so fond of the restaurant.

“It doesn’t help me so what’s the difference.”

He isn’t pleased with the Best Western either.

“I think two hotels is enough for Dauphin. It’s just a money racket because it’s only for festivals and that’s it. I don’t profit out of the hotel that’s what it is.”

Al Jackie who works at the Dauphin Marketplace Mall is more enthused about the two.

“I think it’s good for the city, more and more competition, more spaces, it’s always good. I hope it’s a family type restaurant.”

If you have a reaction you’d like to share, give us a call at 638 9022.