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Manitoba Public Insurance has filed its provisional General Rate Application with the Public Utilities Board, requesting approval of a three per cent increase to overall rates for the 2025/26 insurance year.
In a news release, MPI said the proposed rate increase is necessary to address a steady and prolonged rise in the cost of claims as well as the cost of labour, raw materials, and technology across their Basic, Extension, and Special Risk Extension lines of business.
The Corporation’s total insurance expense for the year was $1.7 billion, an increase of $334 million or approximately 24 per cent compared to the previous year.
In addition, they say the August 2023 hailstorm in the Winnipeg area was the largest natural catastrophic event in MPI’s history.
Over 15,000 hail-related claims were filed last year, which resulted in a negative $50 million impact to net income, created significant backlogs and increased the amount the Corporation had to pay out in claims. In the last year, the average cost per claim has risen by over $1,100.
The Public Utility Board normally issues its order in December. The proposed rates would be effective April 1, 2025, but because renewal dates are staggered, some vehicle owners won’t pay their new rates until March 31, 2026.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Swan River Town Council has given First Reading to their Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, which proposes several changes to that community's current Animal Control Bylaw.
Among the significant changes are cats being required to be licensed on an annual basis, much like dogs already are.
As well, cats and dogs of all ages would need to be licensed under this new by-law. Previously, cats and dogs under four months of age did not need to be licensed.
If passed, the new by-law would also limit the number of animals at a single property to 2 dogs and 2 cats, no matter how many tenants live at the property.
It also states that any animal impounded 3 or more times in a 12-month period while owned by the same owner, will be sold, disposed of to a new owner, or be destroyed regardless of its licensing status.
All dogs are to be sterilized unless an exemption is granted, with un-sterilized cats and dogs being subject to an un-sterilized fee that will be added to their yearly license fee.
Un-sterilized animals that are impounded would also be sterilized, with the costs associated to that being added to other fees that have to be paid in order to redeem the animal.
The new by-law would also set specific fine amounts for all offences, as well as increases in fine amounts for repeat offenders.
Residents wanting to look at the complete by-law can do so on the Town of Swan River website.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Score Store is a non-profit thrift shop in Erickson that opened in 2020.
One of their main goals is to help improve life for everyone in the region by providing things that can help improve one's mental and physical well-being. That's where the Leda Lake Park project comes in. Located in the community, the park will be going through some upgrades so more Manitobans find themselves wanting to visit the community and park.
Steve Langston says they first received a $75,000 grant through the Province of Manitoba and then another $75,000 from Trails Manitoba. That $150,000 was then matched by fundraising which brought their total up to $300,000.
Now recently, Sunrise Credit Union announced they have donated $25,00 to the Leda Lake Park project through their Building Communities Grant Program. That's now a total of $325,000 that will go towards the extensive upgrades.
"When the quality of life improves, it's good for everyone," said Steve Langston. "When we got the call from Sunrise Credit Union that they would be providing us $25,000, that was massive. Now we can spend more time finishing the project and not worrying about raising funds, which is great."
The park will include mountain biking trails, a covered lookout, and a boardwalk, to name just a few of the amenities. There are already campsites in place and plenty of water to soak in when the dog days of summer hit.
"By adding these things to do, it's super valuable when it comes to the tourism aspect of things," ended Langston. "Our goal is to attract more visitors and we believe these upgrades will achieve that."
Sunrise Credit Union also announced they are donating $10,000 towards the emergency exit at the Prairie Skills Centre in Deloraine, $10,000 towards the Oak Lake Care Centre, and another $5,000 towards the Pow Wow grounds on the Swan Lake First Nation.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A study is underway into improving safety at the intersection of Highway 5 and the Trans Canada Highway, and Manitobans are being invited to provide their feedback.
The intersection near Carberry was the scene of a horrific crash on June 15th of last year between a bus and a semi truck, that resulted in the death of 17 people and injuries to 8 others from Dauphin and the surrounding area.
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor says the government wants to hear in particular from people who use that stretch of highway often and can best weigh in on what improved safety features should be considered.
A public open house regarding design work for improvements to that intersection will take place on July 16th from 6:30 to 8 pm at the Carberry Community Memorial Hall.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
It was a weekend that will not be forgotten.
The Village of Winnipegosis was bumping as Mossey River Days took centre stage. The three-day festival was a hit again despite some inclement weather on Friday. As the party rolled into Saturday, gorgeous weather allowed the kids in attendance to spend their day on the bouncy castle and for those wanting to enjoy a beverage, the beer gardens were a big hit amid a heatwave that hit the Parkland.
Riley Chartrand is co-chair of Mossey River Days and he's thrilled how everything played out.
"It was an incredible weekend, we had great volunteers and sponsor support," said Chartrand. "The kids had fun on the bouncy castles, full from when they opened until they closed. Everything went well, I can't imagine things going better than they did."
Chartrand was also very pleased with the entertainment that rocked the village. The Chris Barker Band was a big hit from 7 to 8:45 on Friday while Nelson Little, Christa Lucas, and Frannie Klein closed Friday night. Desiree Dorion even made a special appearance.
"We are so grateful to have so many incredible performers from here in the Parkland, what great entertainment," offered Chartrand.
Riley added that the Boo's Bubble Family Fun Kids Carnival was a big hit. The weekend also included a pancake breakfast, museum tours, a fire department display, Asham Stompers, and fireworks, to name a few.
As the 2024 edition of Mossey River Days has now come and gone, preparations for 2025 will soon begin.
"We will be back. We'll take a little moment here to decompress from this weekend," said Chartrand. "We will soon hit the drawing board to try and make next year even better than this year."
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
50 years in the community, 50 years making a difference, 50 years doing incredible things.
The Dauphin Friendship Centre (DFC) is all set to celebrate its 50th Anniversary all week. The festivities will open up with 730CKDM's Morning Show featuring Justin Allin from 7 to 11 on Monday morning. There is also a Sunrise Ceremony from 6 to 8 on Monday morning.
The Lions Club will then be serving up a beautiful pancake breakfast and there will also be guided tours of the Friendship Centre.
Jarri Thompson is the Events Coordinator at the DFC and she is thrilled about this week.
"We are very excited, the Friendship Centre has been pretty much a cornerstone of the community for 50 years," said Thompson. "It is very exciting to see that we have lasted for so long."
The DFC is all about making a positive change in someone's life. Thompson has been at the Centre for six years and she has loved every moment.
"It has been extremely meaningful," said Thompson. "When you spend your days making a difference in so many people's lives, you see these families grow, become stronger, and happier in the community. It's so meaningful for all involved."
The week-long celebration continues on Tuesday with an Indigenous Tradeshow & Exhibition from 11:30 to 3:30. On Wednesday, there will be a Picnic in the Park starting at 5:00 p.m. with dancers taking centre stage between 5:30 and 6:00. Thursday will see Time capsule and staff/youth centre celebration.
Then on Friday, it's time to wrap up the week in style. The Blast from the past dinner and dance will take place with DJ Christopher Flett. Doors open at 5:30 with supper and speeches beginning at 6 and a dance at 7. There will also be a lock box surprise.
If you purchase a ticket for the dinner ($22 for members, $25 for non-members), you will get a key. Then when you arrive, you can try to unlock the box; however, only one key will end up working. Inside the lock box will be a ton of goodies.
There will also be prizes for the best outfits from the '70s, '80s, and '90s, to go along with a 50/50 draw. All events will take place in the green space and if it rains, things will move inside. However, the forecast for this week is calling for a ton of sunshine and hot weather.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
If you need help finalizing a cover letter for your resume or preparing for an upcoming job interview, the Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation has you covered.
They are hosting a Job Interview and Cover Letter workshop on Tuesday from 10 am to 12 noon at their hall on 37 – 3rd Avenue North West.
The event is for anyone between the ages of 13 and 29, with snacks and beverages being provided.
Pre-registration is required with the deadline for that being Monday.
You can register by calling Rowan at 431-345-1969.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Manitoba government has created a new grant program to support events and activities that encourage Manitobans to reflect on the impacts of the residential school system.
Premier Wab Kinew announced the creation of the Orange Shirt Day fund this week, which contains $800,000 to be used on one-time grant funding for projects and initiatives that advance truth and reconciliation by raising awareness of Orange Shirt Day and creating opportunities for Manitobans to come together in observation, reflection, and commemoration.
Orange Shirt Day, also known as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, takes place on September 30th and was designated as a provincial statutory holiday in December of last year.
It is a day to recognize and reflect on the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, honour the survivors and remember the children who never returned home.
Eligible applicants include grassroots or non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and leadership organizations, educational institutions, daycaresm and municipal governments throughout Manitoba.
Applications for the fund are now open and are due Aug. 1.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A heavy police presences reported on yesterday morning has yielded results after a warranted search of a home.
Dauphin RCMP, along with assistance from the Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, and the West District CREST unit arrested 11 people and seized weapons, drugs, and more.
Collectively, Officers seized firearms, weapons, gang clothing, cash, 11 grams of psilocybin, 7 grams of meth, an assortment of pills and drug paraphernalia.
From the 11 arrests, all were released without charges, but the investigation continues, and charges are anticipated.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
A 26-year-old Waywayseecappo woman will have a preliminary hearing in September regarding Manslaughter charges she faces in relation to a death one year ago in that community.
The preliminary hearing for Talisa Brandon is set for September 25th in Rossburn.
Meanwhile, a 26-year-old man charged following a May 11th incident on the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation will be back in court later this month.
Errol Leask was arrested on multiple charges after a suspect was reported to be wielding a weapon and threatening people, before allegedly stealing a family member's vehicle.
Leask returns to court in Swan River on July 17th.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Main Street in Dauphin is a happening place.
Service roads are being installed on both sides of the road. At the corner of Whitmore is where you will see some great things happening at Twin Motors. A foundation was laid and walls have now been put up. Within the next 10 days, crews will be adding a roof.
It's a project that is certainly coming to life which has the crew at the dealership very excited.
"It's pretty exciting, those walls went up in three days, I think people in town were shocked," said Nick Jewell. "What a neat way to build a building. It's very exciting for the staff and I think it's exciting for the entire community. This intersection will all be updated and changed, great things are happening."
The new building, once complete, will include two showrooms, an express lane, a service drive-in, and a heavy-duty bay in the back. An express lane means no appointment will be necessary. Jewell also commented on the excitement of the heavy-duty bay.
"We can do service on bigger trucks, things like ambulances," offered Jewell. "Trucks are getting bigger as the days go on as well."
In the meantime, if you're looking to get yourself into a Dodge, Jeep, or Ram, Twin Motors still has you covered. They have moved their fleet to the Rotary Arena and that's where the salespeople are. They will be there until the end of next week.
"We have some extra special pricing on the vehicles, some are down to 0%," ended Jewell. "We have up to $15,000 off on some of the Rams, Grand Cherokees have 10% off, and we have a great display of used vehicles as well."
Jewell expects that his crew will be able to move into the new building by December, but that could be pushed back slightly. He expects to be operational in the building by February and the full project, he hopes will be complete by May.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
