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It's been a busy summer for the Minnedosa Kayak Club.
The Club provides kayaking programs, instruction, and rentals so you can get out on the water and enjoy Minnedosa Lake. They've been holding camps all summer and are currently in the midst of a four-day one right now.
More than 200 Manitobans have used the Kayak Club to learn the ropes and get out on the water. Janice Maguire-Fraser runs the Kayak Club.
"I wasn't sure what this year was going to be like," said Maguire-Fraser. "It has far surpassed my expectations. We have met some amazing people and families. It's been absolutely fantastic."
Janice understands being out on the water in a kayak can seem daunting. She says, however, with some proper instruction, you'll feel very safe.
It certainly isn't for everyone, but if you enjoy being on the water and going on an adventure, it could be perfect for you.
At the Minnedosa Kayak Club, they provide all the instruction that you'll need to enjoy yourself while building your confidence on the water.
There are many health benefits of kayaking. It helps to increase your muscle strength, especially in your back, arms, shoulders, and chest. It also helps increase your torso and leg strength.
Kayaking can be peaceful, or it can be exhilarating; it's based on your skill level and what you like.
So if you've ever been thinking of hitting the waters on a kayak, Janice says get in touch with her.
"My girls started when they were quite young. We have kids' kayaks that allow them to get on the water in a kayak made the perfect size for them," commented Maguire-Fraser. "It goes right up to adults and seniors. It's a great opportunity to get out on the water. It's also a great stress reliever."
Safety is the main priority for the Minnedosa Kayak Club, and thanks to a generous donation from the Spruce Plains RCMP and the RCMP Marine Division, the Club's safety needs have been boosted. They donated personal flotation devices and safety equipment to the Kayak Club.
The RCMP said partnerships like this support their ongoing efforts to promote public safety.
"A generous donation like this gives our program that extra boost. Safety is our utmost priority," ended Maguire-Fraser. "My main goal is to see people go out on the water, have fabulous experiences, and then go home and share that with their family and friends. This safety equipment will allow that and much more."
If you're interested in getting out on the water and having some fun, you can get in touch with the Minnedosa Kayak Club here. You can also call Janice at 204-868-5911.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Winnipeg Boldness is an initiative that seeks to create large-scale, systemic change for children and families in Winnipeg’s Point Douglas neighbourhood.
The project uses tools and processes from social innovation to develop community-driven solutions to create better outcomes for the neighbourhood’s residents. Diane Roussin, who grew up in the Parkland and is a member of the Skownan First Nation, is the president and CEO of Winnipeg Boldness.
Diane has been with them since 2014. Winnipeg Boldness has a way of serving communities and families from an Indigenous approach that resonated with Diane and aligned with how she was raised, her values, and how she was treated in life.
"We all knew that beyond serving families through programs, there are many systems out there that don't serve families very well," said Roussin. "Things like the child welfare system, the justice system, education system, and healthcare system. There needs to be change in those systems. That's what Winnipeg Boldness is all about."
It's about finding ways to change those systems to better serve Indigenous families. In January of 2018, Diane received the Governor General's Award for Outstanding Indigenous leadership.
By this time, Diane had been working towards making a change for kids in the inner city of Winnipeg. Diane's name was put forward for the award, and when she received the call saying she won, she was humbled.
"What is clear to me when I got that award, there are a lot of people that support the work I do and support me," added Roussin. "I feel that I've been surrounded by really good friends, family, colleagues, and allies. There are a lot of people working towards the same cause."
The Skownan First Nation member has worked within several different sectors. They include the business, government, philanthropy, not-for-profit, and health sectors. She is often asked to sit at different tables for her insights and perspectives.
She has always made herself available for honest and curious conversations. Roussin has served on many different committees and boards. Quite often, she was the first Indigenous person to sit on a board or take a leadership role. That was the case when Diane was appointed as the board chair of the Winnipeg Foundation.
She became the first Indigenous person to hold the role. It began on January 1, 2026, and she will serve as board chair for two years. The Foundation's board of directors elected Diane to the post.
"Always grateful. I always go to my gratitude teachings," added Roussin. "Very grateful and humble that they would put their trust in me. I'm very excited to work with the very first Indigenous CEO of the Winnipeg Foundation, Sky Bridges."
Diane works tirelessly for initiatives that promote Indigenous People’s values and ways of knowing and being.
The colonization and history of racism have forced some Indigenous people into instances of having to be scrappy and agile to stay alive. Right now, she's trying to change the conversation to helping families thrive.
"That's the thing we're trying to change. Moving our condition from doing all the things to stay alive to living in conditions where we can thrive," added Roussin. "When I say alive to thrive, that's what people seem to understand most when I talk about our work."
Thanks to her efforts and incredible work over the years, Diane added another decorated award to her trophy case. She was appointed to the Order of Manitoba.
Established in 1999, the Order of Manitoba is the highest honour in the Province of Manitoba. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field, benefiting in an outstanding manner the social, cultural, or economic well-being of Manitoba and its residents.
Diane is widely regarded by many as one of the province's most influential Indigenous leaders.
When Diane looks at the people who have received the award in the past, she's honoured and humbled.
"You know, I do take the bow as an individual," she continued. "In addition, I take this award as recognition of the work of our families and the vision of our families. While there are challenges in the North End in Winnipeg, there are strengths as well. This award, to me, represents the strength we see in the North End."
While she no longer lives in Skownan, it's where she grew up. She spent time in multiple different Parkland communities, including Rorketon and Dauphin. She graduated from the DRCSS. At the end of the day, during all of her successes, Roussin never forgets her roots. She's proud to be from Skownan and thanks everyone for their support over the years.
"Being raised in a really strong, proud, and loving family is very important," commented Roussin. "Knowing that there is a community there rooting for me. I'm related to many people in Skownan. I'm very proud of Skownan."
Diane Roussin of the Skownan First Nation has spent more than two decades advancing Indigenous-led solutions that support children, youth, families, and communities' ability to thrive.
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Through their From the Ground Up - Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program, the Province of Manitoba has donated $100,000 to St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Fork River.
Hope Toporowski, Secretary-Treasurer, said the donation means a lot more than just the money to the community: it means the Province wants to support one of the community's most important gathering places.
"It's our spiritual gathering place, I mean that is where you fulfil your spiritual needs, and you make friendships within the community throughout the Church...[the donation] will definitely extend [the Church's lifespan] because it's been going downhill the last few years with the water conditions the way they are, it is deteriorating, and it is rapidly deteriorating now," said Toporowski.
The Church has been around for 88 years. It's withstood the test of time for the most part, but parts of the foundation are in desperate need of repair. Toporowski said this donation will go to helping extend the Church's lifespan by repairing the foundation, which wasn't built with much reinforcement.
"This is our third application to a Government program. We desperately need a new foundation underneath the Church...in the days when the Church was built, which was way back in 1938, I don't know if there was such a thing as rebar, if there was they probably couldn't afford it," said Toporowski.
The announcement was made by Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard in a news release on Saturday, which was released at the same time as the Church's annual Zabava. Dauphin MLA Ron Kostyshyn was in attendance, and said the Church has been doing a lot for Fork River since it was built.
"The Church remains a vital hub for worship, community connection and cultural preservation. The legacy of Ukrainian families who worked tirelessly to preserve our rich traditions deserves to be recognized and celebrated," said Kostyshyn.
The Province's news release details some of the efforts that the Fork River community has made to preserve heritage, saying seniors in the community had recently undertaken an effort to identify unmarked graves, combing through many years of physical records. That effort led to the creation of signage and a weatherproof cemetery map.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
A temporary shared health diagnostic patient service Centre has been set up in the Dauphin Provincial Building.
It's on Level 1, in Room 111, at 27 Second Avenue Southwest. It's open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can call 622-3582. The Centre offers walk-in X-ray, urine collection, blood tests, electrocardiogram (EKG) & Holter monitoring services.
Around the Parkland, the Ste. Rose Emergency Department continues to be staffed 24/7 to provide ED services to support the needs of Dauphin and surrounding area residents. This includes staff who can support those struggling with their mental health and addictions.
The Grandview Emergency Department remains open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week. Additionally, an outpatient treatment clinic is open in the Community Health Services Building.
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The Manitoba Emergency Management Organization, in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, is coming to the Parkland.
Recovery specialists will be available at the Dauphin Fire Hall to help residents affected by flooding after last month's devastating flood. Specialists will help residents understand insurance claims and access information on recovery programs, services, and eligibility requirements.
Specialists will be at the Fire Hall on Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Around the Parkland, they'll be at the George P. Buleziuk Centre at 106 Shell River Avenue South in Russell on Wednesday from 9:00 to 7:00. On Thursday, they'll be in Roblin at the Community Centre on 55 6 Avenue NE from 9:00 to 7:00.
If you require virtual support, that option is available. To book a virtual appointment, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also call 1-800-863-6582 and leave a message.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
City of Dauphin staff have been hard at work getting set for this Fall's municipal election. Even though the election date is October 28th, more than two months away, there's already a lot of work taking place behind the scenes.
Lisa Gaudet, Deputy City Manager, said it's always one of the biggest efforts City Staff undertakes every four years.
"Conducting a municipal election is one of the largest administrative projects the City undertakes every four years, and staff have been preparing for months to ensure the election is conducted fairly, securely, and in accordance with Manitoba municipal legislation...for the next several months, staff will be maintaining the voters list, processing sealed envelope applications, preparing ballots and election materials, and recruiting and training election officials, and just ensuring that every aspect of the election complies with provincial legislation," said Gaudet.
If you're not on the voters list, or need to update your information, call the Dauphin City Hall at 204-622-3200. Keep in mind, if you need to change or update your information, you'll need to bring two pieces of government ID.
Gaudet, like most of the City Staff, feels exercising your right to vote is one of the most important civic duties residents have, as it gives them a voice to help shape the future of Dauphin.
"I would encourage everyone to make sure they're on the voters list, make sure they learn about the candidates and the issues, and that they consider running for Council if they've been thinking about it, and most importantly that they exercise their right to vote on October 28th...a strong voter turnout helps to ensure our Council reflects the priorities and values of the community, so it's very important. This election will shape the direction of Dauphin for the next four years," said Gaudet.
More information about the upcoming election can be found on the City of Dauphin's website.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
August 12th is going to be a great day for space enthusiasts. There's a total solar eclipse in parts of Iceland and Spain, with a partial eclipse visible in some parts of northern and eastern Canada. Here in Manitoba, most of the spectacle will take place at night.
Pierre Langlois, Manager of Space Astronomy and Science Missions at the Canadian Space Agency, said meteor showers are an especially unique phenomenon. The Perseids meteor shower happens every year, when Earth passes through the tail of Comet Swift-Tuttle. Langlois gave a very Canadian analogy for what the process is like.
"When you see meteor showers like that, it's the same thing as when you see snow coming towards your windshield as you're driving when it's snowing. So it's not those particles coming towards the Earth, it's the Earth ramming into that comet tail," said Langlois.
Rural Manitoba has a unique advantage over urban centres when it comes to viewing the Perseids meteor shower: very little light pollution.
"Depending on the size of the particles, you'll get more or less light, and of course if it's a very dim meteor, the grain of sand is very small, there might not be enough light to be easily distinguishable, and it's gonna be obscured by the city lights...going in a darker place allows you to see more of these dust particles, as opposed to staying in the city where you'll only see the biggest ones, the shiniest," said Langlois.
All you need to do is drive ten to twenty minutes out of town, put your car in park, and look up. Langlois recommends to bring a comfortable chair or blankets, and to be patient if you don't see anything right away.
"Stay twenty minutes outside, because your eyes will get accustomed to the darkness, your eyes will be more sensitive if you stay a lot longer," said Langlois.
The Perseids meteor shower is the brightest annual meteor shower, featuring between 50 and 100 meteors per hour during the peak. This year's peak is expected for the night of August 12th into the morning of August 13th.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Manitoba's severe weather season has been a bad one. From frequent tornado warnings to what feels like severe thunderstorms every other week, Manitoba is meeting or above weather averages in almost every category.
Dr. David Sills is the Director of the Northern Tornadoes Project - an initiative from Western University in London, Ontario to track, categorize, and research every single tornado in Canada. Is the goal ambitious? Yes, but Dr. Sills said that's the point.
"It's ambitious because Canada is such a large country, but when it comes to tornadoes that actually cause significant damage, we're confident that we're getting nearly all of the tornadoes that are occurring across the country," said Dr. Sills.
The Northern Tornadoes Project has an open data website, where you can access all of their research, and data maps made using ArcGIS. Dr. Sills said they get most of their information from social media, so they rely a lot on people telling them where severe weather might be.
"Sometimes we get information straight from Environment Canada or from media sources, but a lot of it comes from social media, and so we build a map of where all these reports are coming from so we know where to focus our attention," said Dr. Sills.
A large amount of their attention this year has been focused on eastern Manitoba and other parts of the Prairies. The Northern Tornadoes Project has 3 teams: one based in London, Ontario at Western University, one based out of the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, and one in northern Alberta. Dr. Sills said the number of strong tornadoes the Prairies have seen this year is something that raised a bit of concern.
"They've been busy in Manitoba, and yeah, we've had some powerful tornadoes on the Prairies this year, we've had three EF3 tornadoes, so that's enough to take the roof off a house and some walls. One in Manitoba near Rossburn, one in Saskatchewan near Oxbow, so near the border, and then another in Alberta, near the Saskatchewan border east of Edmonton," said Dr. Sills.
What's the purpose of the Northern Tornadoes Project? Through their research and data, Dr. Sills hopes his team can make positive change in a lot of storm-affected areas, including construction and insurance, that will make life for Canadians in tornado affected areas much safer.
"One is for risk modelling, so that's very useful for industry, especially insurance, also it's useful for informing the building code. There are certain measures that could be implemented in the building code that would make homes, especially new homes, much more resilient to tornadoes," said Dr. Sills.
The Northern Tornadoes Project recently hit their 1,000th tornado milestone, having catalogued and tracked more than 1,000 tornadoes across Canada.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Environment Canada says they'll launch a new weather alert system as early as Tuesday, which will allow forecasters to better define what areas will be affected by severe weather.
The new system is called a Polygon-Based Warning System. It essentially allows forecasters to draw a shape on a map, and have an alert sent out to that specific area. Currently, emergency weather alerts rely entirely on cell tower coverage areas, so there isn't that much specificity.
This new system will only be applied to extreme and severe weather, like tornado warnings. For less intense alerts, Environment Canada will still use cell tower based coverage.
So far this year in Manitoba, there have been 10 confirmed tornadoes, well above Manitoba's 30 year average of 8.5 tornadoes. This new alert system will help to give Manitobans better forecasting for weather events that are increasingly concerning.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
It's the annual Mud Bog Weekend in Grandview, chock-full of events in almost every part of town. From the Mud Bog itself to the chainsaw carving competition, there's something for every interest.
Before the main events started to kick off this morning, there was a Classic Car Night at GVLC last night to start things light. Alia Marcinkow, Sponsorship Concierge with the Grandview Mud Bog, said it went well, and was a great way to open the weekend.
"Yesterday's kickoff at the GVLC, at Grandview Liquor Company, was wonderful, we had a great turnout, some old cars and a taco night, and it was just everyone coming together and visiting, and a chill kind of evening before all the events start," said Marcinkow.
Things got busy in Grandview this morning, and are getting even busier throughout the day. Kicking off with the CKDM Morning Show with Alec Woolston at Anderson Place, and a BBQ starting at 11:00 AM, and the Town Parade starting at 3:00 PM to signal the start of afternoon and evening events. Marcinkow said even though the planning committee had a feeling this year's attendance would be lower than last year, they didn't skimp out on the festivties.
"I think we realized that this year might not be as big as other years, especially with lots of floods that were going on in the area, kind of just hope it's more of a celebration, a chance for people to let loose a little bit and come enjoy some entertainment in our small town," said Marcinkow.
With it being the Mud Bog Weekend, there's one central event for the weekend, being the Mud Bog itself. Marcinkow said it always draws a crowd, and they're using some tricks from last year's event to make this year a lot smoother, especially on the side of registration.
"Our main event on Saturday, the Mud Bog, kind of kicks off around 12:00, 12:30, we have registration at 10:00, there's two registration gates again this year. Quads are registering on Main Street and trucks are on Railway," said Marcinkow.
Last month's flooding put a small kink in their plans to host the Mud Bog Weekend this year, but after some discussion, and taking inspiration from the next town over, the kinks were easily worked out. Marcinkow said she felt the event is something the community and the region needs, especially after recent hardships.
"Our neighbouring community Gilbert Plains did go on with their Homecoming, and I did have a chance to attend that, and it just seemed like everyone in their community needed that at that time, so that was a factor in our decision making, that we would watch and wait, see how our park cleaned up, see how the water was going, if the river did go down," said Marcinkow.
Friday through Sunday, there's near constant events in Grandview. Click here to view the full schedule of events on the Grandview Mud Bog website.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Last week, the City of Dauphin's Public Works team swarmed the streets to complete repairs on several major roadways.
Darrell Aitken, Acting Director of Public Works, said though they made a lot of progress and filled a lot of potholes, there's still a good amount of work to do.
"875 square metres of patching that we did, 36 different spots around town, from the north end to the south...we're still not finished yet, we've got some other ones on Main Street that we're waiting for Meseyton's crew to come with their paving outfit, and we'll catch those in a couple weeks when they're in town to do our paving," said Aitken.
As they wait to complete the rest of the smaller road repairs across the city, crews are still working away at the city's two major projects in the north end, on MacLeod Avenue and Sandy Street.
"[Crews] are currently on MacLeod just finishing the base work this week, and so they're hoping that the curb and gutter crew will be in next week to start putting the new curb and gutter down...they'll be paving afterwards, so then probably in a couple weeks, we'll be seeing the paving crews move in, pave Sandy Street and MacLeod at the same time," said Aitken.
Aitken said the Public Works department is always looking to hear from residents about potholes or other needed road repairs. Even if crews aren't in your area, that doesn't mean they're not working to fix Dauphin's roads.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
