Hot weather on the August long weekend sounds like the perfect time for people to enjoy nature in lake country, which is exactly what plenty of people did in and on the countless water bodies that are within a relatively short drive from the Swan Valley. Pictured here, Nick Gowler visits from Minnedosa and tries his luck at catching fish in Two Mile Lake on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 3).

The Roblin Ag Society’s annual fair and rodeo kicked off Thursday with the popular King Farmer competition, a family affair this year, featuring six teams and 10 stations.
The event saw a record calcutta of $15,600 this year and was won by the father-son team of Mark and Trey Leflar. 
With the long weekend and having to go to print Friday morning, you’ll have to wait until our Aug. 12 issue for more fair and rodeo coverage.  

Many in the tri-community will remember Dr. William Fouad and his time as a physician in northern Manitoba. Dr. Fouad’s son, Paul, has penned a memoir of his parents’ experiences, from migrating to another country to settling in northern Manitoba. Recently, Dr. Fouad and his wife, Laura, celebrated their 60th Anniversary amongst family and friends.
“This memoir started as a gift to my parents and something they could leave their grandkids,” said Paul Fouad. “Their grandkids are disconnected, not only from my parents’ culture but their life story as well. This is a way for them to connect.
“As I began writing this, I really got into character and what my parents were about. My dad is a remarkable person and my mother is very special too. Now that I’m older, I’m starting to see the incredibleness of what he did and how difficult that must have been. For someone to leave family, uproot to a new country, and leave behind their culture to form a new one with their family.

The Opasquia Trails held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on July 19 at the Grace Lake Boardwalk. The past year was discussed and the goals that were accomplished.
“The AGM focused on highlights from our 2024 year,” said Opasquia Trails Board Member Meagan Molin. “This included all of the progress and completed aspects of our accessibility plan, an overview of our financial situation, streamlining of our information storage, new merchandise, and events such as the trade show. We took a good look at what goals had been achieved, and which ones we need to continue working towards.”
This year, the boardwalk sustained some damage that really set things back.
“The boardwalk was placed along the west bank, as traditionally the winds blow from the west, thereby blowing any melting ice away from the boardwalk,” said Molin.

The family of Kendara Ballantyne are still looking for answers and healing as they host the sixth annual Remembering Kendara Memorial Walk. Each year, this walk is to remind everyone of what happened to Kendara, but it’s also to help everyone who has been impacted by a missing or murdered Indigenous Person (MMIP).
“I don't know if our walk has been a solution in preventing people from going missing, but it has definitely become an outlet of healing in our journey,” said Gloria Ballantyne-Packo.

Residents at the Swan Valley Personal Care Home (SVPCH) have another beautiful view to enjoy thanks to the talents of local artist Melanie Bird and the financial donation from the Swan Valley Credit Union. This is the second mural that Bird has painted at the care home, with the first one being a scenic farm setting.
“Last summer, I painted a wall for the residents on the north end of the building and so the PCH approached me about doing another mural for the residents on the south end of the building to enjoy,” said Melanie Bird.
“The PCH wanted paintings that reflected the beautiful Valley in which we live. Since many wonderful lakes surround our valley, they decided to choose a lake/wildlife scene for this painting. The painting isn’t necessarily Wellman Lake specifically. It was intended to represent the lakes that surround our Valley in general.
“However, since we have a family cabin at Wellman Lake, the scenes are definitely inspired by that lake,” said Bird. “I tried to incorporate a variety of wildlife that we would typically see at any one of our lakes in the area, including deer with fawn, a mallard duck pair with some ducklings, geese, moose, rabbit and a loon.
“I’m hoping that each resident, no matter which lake they most often visited, will feel a connection to the painting.”
Bird was able to complete the mural from start to finish in just under two weeks, as there were many components to finalizing the mural and ensuring its longevity.
“I started the painting on July 3 and finished it on July 14,” said Bird. “I’m the type of artist who likes to stay focused on the painting until it is complete, so it was a relatively quick project. The actual painting took about four full days of painting and then it needed to cure for a few days before I put a couple of layers of protective coating on, so that it will be enjoyed for years to come.”
The response from the residents and visitors has been complimentary, as many enjoy the new view on the walls. Most viewers respond to the wildlife portrayed in the mural. Bird has enjoyed working on both murals for the care home and is open to doing more in the future.
“Everyone who walked by was always so happy to see the painting come to life,” said Bird. “Some residents really enjoyed commenting on the animals in particular, giving ideas of other animals for me to paint as well. I think they will really enjoy looking at this painting every time they walk by. Having the opportunity just to work at the PCH for those days was richly rewarding for me. I truly loved the interactions I had with both staff and residents.
“I would be more than happy to paint more murals at the PCH if they decide they would like it, but for now, no other plans are in place.”

The Swan River Valley Agricultural Society Grounds were once again bustling with activity as the NorthWest Round-up and Exhibition (NWRE) drew crowds from near and far. Whether it was the shows and races in front of the grandstand, the tastes of the food booths, the entertainment of the midway, or much, much more, the NWRE had a little something for everybody. Pictured here, a view of the grounds from 1,000 feet up.

Work on the accessibility project at the Roblin Centennial Arena is proceeding well.
The project, which also includes an elevator, is expected to be done in time for hockey season.
Check out the photo in this week’s Review.

The Benito Splash Park seems to have taken off with some full-force momentum. The project started as an idea, to raising almost half a million dollars, and now breaking ground for construction. There are still opportunities for people to donate or for local businesses to purchase naming rights.
“We broke ground on Monday, June 23, 2025,” said Benito Splash Park Committee Member Holly Kushniryk. “The ground base is currently being built and then they will move on to creating the mechanics of it all before pouring the cement.
“Construction is estimated to take just over one month, if everything goes smoothly. We are hoping to have the park open and running within the first couple of weeks of August, fingers crossed.
“A total of $420,000 has been raised so far, but we aren’t done yet, so we are asking people to please consider donating,” said Kushniryk. “Every amount helps and tax receipts will be issued. There are also options to have logos and names on water features, or naming the park itself is still up for grabs. Those interested can call, email or find us on Facebook for more information.”
The Benito Splash Park has an assortment of water features that are guaranteed to provide amusement and thrill to all those who use the facility. The splash park is also being made accessible in terms of entry, so that all may use it.
“There are nine main water features, along with several fountains and ground sprinklers,” said Kushniryk. “These features are great for all age ranges, toddlers to teens, and older, if you want to be adventurous.
“There will be a path directly to the splash pad, so anyone with mobility issues will have direct access to the pad and use of the features. This was one of the main motivators for deciding on a splash park when thinking of ways to attract families to the community.”
The support to bring this project to fruition has been remarkable. The community of Benito has been the driving force behind it, but Swan River and the surrounding Valley have also contributed to the success of its creation.
“There has been a ton of support from Benito and the Valley,” said Kushniryk. “Most people are excited to see something new and fun to do.
“Of course, there are always those few who maybe don’t quite fully understand the reasoning behind our decision to build a splash park. And for those people, we would like to say that this project was fully funded through fundraisers created to unite families in a safe, fun, engaging environment. To get kids and adults alike interactive in a world of screens and technology, and an affordable option for an outing for those who can’t necessarily go on a trip to the mountains or have a cabin to go to.
“There are so many proven benefits to splash parks,” said Kushniryk. “I couldn’t possibly list them all. My only regret is not doing this sooner while my kids were younger. I can’t wait to hear the laughter and joyful screams from the children playing in the spraying water!
“Benito is on a burst of growth right now. We’ve had a few new businesses open. We’ve seen some new families move in. And I truly believe that this splash park will be that one extra exciting amenity that will help families decide to settle in our community. More foot traffic from those passing by will also mean more shoppers for our local stores, which will be awesome. All in the plan of boosting the economy of our community.
“And where else will these families head but to the bigger center of Swan River, helping to boost the economy there too, again, which is all in our plan,” said Kushniryk. “It may seem silly to some, how would one little splash park have so much impact, but it’s proven, amenities attract people, people grow the economy and create jobs, and communities grow bigger and stronger. What’s the next big project?”

Much the Swan Valley has been in a lovely state of seasonal golden orange as canola flowers bloom.