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If you like some adventure during the winter months, Riding Mountain National Park has a lot to offer.
Whether you want to go skiing, ice fishing, fat biking, hiking, or camping, the park is open and waiting for you. There are also many cultural experiences you can take in as well.
If you are new to the park, or just want more information about trail conditions, current activities and more, the best place to start is the newly-renovated Visitor's Centre.
"The Visitor's Centre has kind of turned into our full-on information hub now which was always the intended purpose ... it has everything from trail conditions to activities that are going on", said Scot Shellborn, the Visitor Services Coordinator at RMNP.
You can also get park passes there as well as fishing permits. The fishing permits sold at the Visitor's Centre are not provincial fishing licences and are required to fish within RMNP.
One of many things RMNP is known for is great ski-only and multi-use trail systems. The dumping of snow we have received already this winter has helped greatly with grooming the trails. "They've put down a great base for the trails so they are in great shape", said Shellborn. You can also check trail conditions before you head out.
Have you ever gone winter camping? There is lots of opportunity for that as well. If you like to have some creature comforts while you camp, you should consider renting an oTENTik at either the Wasagaming campground or Moon Lake.
"All you need to do is bring linen and food and it's like having your own little cabin in the woods in the winter", explained Shellborn.
The oTENTiks at Wasagaming Campground have electricity and wood stoves. They are also connected to the ski-trails so you can strap on the skis and head out right from your oTENTik. The Moon Lake oTENTiks do not have electricity but they do have wood stoves for heat. If you prefer traditional camping without the extras, there are regular campgrounds and backcountry camping as well.
As well, to take in a broader scope of what adventures are possible at the park, check out the Winter Adventure Weekend at RMNP from February 3rd to 5th. More details to come.
"We're winter people, so we should get out and enjoy it"
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
As the Christmas season came to a close at the end of December, the RCMP also closed the books on a busy month.
In December 2022, there were 116 drug and alcohol-related occurences. 34 criminal charges were laid and 65 license suspensions were given out as a result.
The following tickets were also issued:
- Speeding - 935
- Driving an unregistered vehicle - 217
- Driving without motor vehicle liability insurance - 131
- Driving without holding a valid drivers licence - 113
- Driving while disqualified - 75
- Disobey a traffic control device, namely stop sign - 127
- Using a phone or other hand-operated device while driving - 62
- Fail to produce licence to a peace officer when required - 48
- Improper equipment or operation of equipment - 41
- Operating a vehicle with a number plate obstructed in a manner capable of preventing accurate image - 24
The RCMP say they continue to see high-risk behaviours on roadways in Manitoba. They remind people to make smart choices by focusing on the road, slowing down, buckling up, and driving sober.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
The Dauphin and District Community Foundation (DDCF) has reached another milestone and has now raised $4,750,000.
Executive Director Kit Daley says there's a lot of excitement around the newest milestone, and it means they can give out even more money in grants. The foundation will be giving out over $140,000 in grants this year says Daley.
"Some of which has already been committed to Youth in Philanthropy and the Shane Allard Memorial Goalie Clinic, which leaves just over 67 thousand for each of our (two) intakes. In addition to that, we have over 30 thousand in scholarships, over 20 thousand in designated funds, plus we have our managed funds and our community funds, so this year we will be putting over 200 thousand dollars back into our community."
Daley says that their Spring Grant intake is now open until the end of February, and the amount they're able to give out in each intake has risen from just over $49,000 to over $67,000. The Online Grant Application can be found on the DDCF Website.
On top of their grants, the DDCF is one of the participating foundations across Canada taking part in the federal government Community Services Recovery Fund. The Fund is a collaboration between community foundations, Canadian Red Cross, and United Way Canada, to support community service organizations recovering from the pandemic.
"If you are a registered charity, a non-profit, or an indigenous governing body, and you're looking to adapt and modernize your internal processes, this might be an opportunity to receive funding to help."
DDCF is proud to be one of the participating community foundations across Canada taking part in the Government of Canada...
Posted by Dauphin & District Community Foundation on Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Anyone looking for more information on the recovery fund can call the DDCF at 204-638-4598, or go to the Community Services Recovery Fund website.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Over 700 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine are off the streets thanks to a police dog in Brandon.
The Brandon Police Service K-9 unit was conducting a traffic stop along the Trans-Canada Highway on Wednesday when Police Dog Storm(Pictured) indicated there were drugs in the car. As a result, police searched the vehicle, and found the drugs in a hidden compartment.
A 20-year-old from Edmonton was arrested for Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking and Possession of Crack Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking. The drugs had an estimated street value of more than $70,000.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
R-C-M-P say a 30-year-old man from Morden has been charged in a string of robberies at financial institutions in southern Manitoba. Police say thousands of dollars were taken in five robberies between November 10th and January 3rd in Glenboro, Steinbach, Lowe Farm, and Miami.
The major crimes unit noticed similarities in the robberies -- including in the suspect's clothing and the notes handed to tellers. The note would state that it was a robbery, then the suspect would flee the scene. The suspect made away with cash in each robbery except the one in Steinbach. No injuries were reported and no weapon was used.
Police say a suspect arrested Monday has been charged with five counts of robbery.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
The Manitoba government is removing some barriers to trade within Canada. It's doing this by removing more exemptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA).
Economic Development, Investment, and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen made the announcement today, saying that the reduced restrictions could help increase Canada's real GDP by over four percent.
“As part of our government’s ongoing focus on growing our economy and securing the good jobs so necessary for prosperity and expanding social services, Manitoba continues to be the national leader in reducing internal trade barriers within Canada.”
Last year, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business recognized Manitoba's earlier work in this area in their 2022 report card. Manitoba shared the top grade on that card, and now the government is furthering that work with yesterday's announcement.
The Manitoba government is removing additional exceptions under the CFTA including naming and business activity restrictions for corporations providing land-surveying services in Manitoba, office and practice location requirements for inter-jurisdictional law firms, and residency requirements for individuals applying for wild rice harvesting and export licences (also removed from NWPTA).
Cullen says that with these new removals, Manitoba will now have the lowest remaining CFTA and labour mobility exceptions in Canada.
“As Canadians face ongoing affordability concerns and economic challenges, Manitoba continues to lead by example and will keep pushing for necessary progress across the country."
The CFTA seeks to enhance trade, investment, and labour mobility within Canada through the free movement of persons, goods, services, and investments within an open, efficient and stable domestic market.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Emergency Crews responded to a gas leak on the first block of 2nd Ave. NE, off of Main St. N, in Dauphin this afternoon (Thursday, January 12th). A building on the street was being demolished, and workers apparently hit a gas line that was supposed to be shut off.
The Dauphin Fire Department and EMS left the area shortly after arriving, and Manitoba Hydro was also on the scene. A portion of 2nd Ave. NE remains closed due to the demolition, and we'll bring you more information as soon as it's made available.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Riding Mountain National Park(RMNP) reminds ice fishers of some things to keep in mind to help prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species(AIS) this winter.
Things you can do to help prevent the spread of AIS are keeping your equipment free of any aquatic plants, mud, and water or ice. As well, drain residual water on land away from the lake and make sure all your equipment is dry before being used.
If your equipment is coming from an area where AIS are known to be, it must be decontaminated. An easy way to do this is by letting your equipment stay outside in -10 or cooler temperatures for at least 3 days. If you aren't sure whether your equipment is contaminated or not, you can phone 204-396-4579.
Ice fishing in RMNP is only permitted on Clear Lake and Lake Audy. However, the Lake Audy area remains closed to visitors for the time being due to unstable road conditions from the storms that occured last June. For more information on recreational fishing in RMNP during the winter, click here.
🤚We need your help! The AIS station may be closed in the winter, but we still need to prevent AIS from entering the...
Posted by Riding Mountain National Park on Wednesday, January 11, 2023
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
A website called fishingbooker.com listed Dauphin Lake as one of the 8 Best Fishing Destinations in Canada for 2023.
Dauphin Lake is the only place on the list located in Manitoba and it is billed as "an unmissable fishery" where Walleye is a year-round favourite catch.
The website notes that fishers can also catch Northern Pike, Burbot, Yellow Perch, Freshwater Drum, Carp, and Smallmouth Bass, thanks to seven tributaries to the lake which provide a variety of fish and in good quantity. When you do not feel like fishing, the lake is also known for clear waters and sandy beaches to take advantage of in the summer.
The list ranked from 1 to 8:
- Calgary, AB
- Sooke, BC
- St. Lawrence River, QC
- Avalon Peninsula, NF&L
- Haida Gwaii, BC
- Lac Seul, ON
- St. Peters Bay, PEI
- Dauphin Lake, MB
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
While September is recognized as world Alzheimer's Awareness Month, the Alzheimers Society of Manitoba (ASM) dedicates January to taking a more local focus.
ASM Senior Manager of Regional Services, Liz McLeod, looks after all of the regions outside of Winnipeg, and she says it's important that people know how to find the resources they need.
"In January we do more of a local focus on the local resources, the local opportunities, and the things that we can do here in Manitoba to provide people with support and education, and let them know that we're here and we can help them on their Journey."
McLeod says each region across the province has its own resources and support groups, and while the ASM had to close its physical Parkland office during the Pandemic, they still have all the same resources in the area.
"One of the best things people can do is go to our website, which is alzheimer.mb.ca. There's a wealth of resources on that website, such as a list of all of our support groups. There's also a page on caring for someone with dementia, so they can scroll up and down on that page and find resources."
She says you can also find contacts for each region on the website. Geoff VanMackelbergh is the Regional Coordinator for the parkland, and McLeod says you can give him a call or an email to find out about programs specific to the Parkland as well.
"He's also doing support groups in Gilbert Plains and in Grandview, so we're trying to get more people out in those support groups and let them know that we're back in the region."
VanMackelbergh can be reached at 204-638-4483, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Manitobans will see a slight increase in what they pay for car insurance coming this spring.
While Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) rates will technically be decreasing by 3.8 percent on April 1st, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) has also approved the removal of a five percent Capital Release from this year.
The Capital Release is determined every year, and is based on the state of the MPI Capital Reserve fund, which they say helps maintain rate stability and reduce the number of increases.
After the removal of the Capital Release, the average Manitoban driver will be paying 1.54 percent more, although the change will ultimately be determined by a number of factors, including driving record and type of vehicle.
MPI was originally seeking a 0.9 percent decrease, then changed the request to 0.05 percent this fall, rather than the 3.8 percent decrease the PUB granted.
If the 0.05 percent decrease was approved, Manitobans would've seen an average rate increase of 5.54 percent after the removal of the Capital Release.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
