When you outgrow your home your options are simple - move or renovate.

And with the awarding of a contract for a building assessment and conceptual design of a new addition for the Dauphin Fire Station to Sputnik Architecture to in the amount of $55,000 plus applicable taxes, Dauphin Fire Department will soon have a better idea of its options.

“Our call volume has increased. Twenty-six years ago, we were running 50 calls a year. Now, we’re running anywhere between 250 to 350 calls a year. The types of calls have changed and our apparatus needs have grown, as well as the size of the fire trucks,” fire chief Cam Abrey said.

“So, the department has outgrown its home here and we’re looking towards the future as to what can we do?”

The Dauphin fire station was built in 1970 and received two additions in the 1980s, as well as a renovation in the 1990s when the RCMP moved out of the building.

A lack of insulation, problems with the roof and drainage, as well as some issues with the building envelope have all created challenges, Abrey said and need to be addressed.

“This whole plan has been in the works for about three or four years,” he said.

“The first step was doing a feasibility test on the entire station as it stands right now. So, it’s now bringing in engineers to take a look at the structure and tell us what needs to be done to make this building not more functional, but more user friendly, more environmentally conscious.”

Additionally, because it was originally constructed as the RCMP detachment and the fire department, the building also has separate mechanical systems which present many problems, Abrey said,

“We have separate (electrical) panels. We have separate furnaces and we’re looking at streamlining the services and what we can do to make it economically friendly.”

For the full story, read this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.

Since the pandemic took away its customers, Countryfest Community Cinema in Dauphin has been struggling to lure them back and, as a result, is fighting to keep the lights on.

And while the community has not been buying tickets to the same extent it once did, the cinema’s board of directors is asking for a different kind of commitment to help get it through this tough stretch.

As part of a three-pronged approach to raising an urgently-needed injection of capital, the cinema has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help raise the $30,000 needed to support operations and the $80,000 board chair Ron Hedley said is needed in the long term. The other two prongs are a corporate fund-raising drive and the sale of new monthly cinema memberships.

“The most exciting thing for me, I’ve been trying to do for five years is to have a monthly membership, a $10, $20 or $30 membership. It’s on our website now. We’re just kind of finalizing the touches of it,” Hedley said, adding the program is modeled like memberships to Netflix and other streaming services, which most people already purchase.

“So people can get one seat for $10, two seats for $20 and a family, I think for $39. But the whole idea is that it will help make us sustainable because it’s just going to be a recurring income.”

Hedley said an extra $7,000 to $8,000 per month is needed to keep the cinema viable.

“As far as extracurricular income, like away from the movie screen,” he said.

“If you want a theater, that’s what we need to do.”

Hedley said the cinema was operating smoothly when it was presented with a series of obstacles.

“We were doing well and had some financial reserves and then we were hit with hurdles such as the pandemic, the actors guild strikes in Hollywood, and the rise of streaming services,” Hedley said, adding those reserves were burned through during that period.

On top of operating costs, the cinema has a remaining mortgage of $1.139 million, reduced from the original $2.5 million in 2011, which, Hedley said, represented only half the actual value of the building.

Hedley added he has heard comments that the cinema has always been a  losing proposition, but that simply is not true.

“We’ve held our own for a long time. We just need to get over this little hump,” he said, adding the entire board is committed to the future of the cinema.

“We need a short-term lift to get us back on track. Recently, there are days you can come to the movie theatre and it feels like a private screening. This building was meant to bring people together, but right now we’re struggling to convince people to show up and see a movie.”

As part of the drive, the board has decided to change direction when it comes to day-to-day management of the business and is searching for a new general manager, a task made more difficult by the current financial challenges.

Hedley said existing staff and the board will guide the transition along with some help from City staff.

“We have 13 employees there that we want to look after, so that’s our first priority right now, to make sure there’s enough for them,” Hedley said, adding with the recent moves that have already been made, he is confident the campaign will be a succes.

“It’s a new kind of wave. I like it. A new kind of breath.”

While the Cinema is a non-profit organization and cannot issue charitable tax receipts, there are still many ways to help:

• Donate directly to the GoFundMe campaign online at gofund.me/994e7d428.
• Share the campaign with friends, family and colleagues.
• Reach out to the cinema board with partnership or fund-raising ideas.

“This is your cinema,” Hedley said.

“It’s where we’ve celebrated birthdays, fundraisers, community events, first dates, and countless family nights. If you have ever made a memory here, please help us make sure the next generation can, too.”

To discuss how you can help, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

VIA Rail passengers will now have a warm place to wait for the train in Dauphin thanks to a new partnership between the City of Dauphin and the Dauphin Rail Museum.

Beginning earlier this week, Dauphin Rail Museum extended its operating hours to ensure rail passengers, whether they are boarding in Dauphin or stopping while en route elsewhere, will have access to washrooms, a warm waiting space, and the opportunity to explore Dauphin’s rail heritage.

The Rail Museum will open its doors approximately 30 minutes before each scheduled VIA Rail arrival and remain open until departure.

Museum president Jason Gilmore came up with the idea last winter as he was clearing a path from the platform to the tracks so passengers could make their way to the train.

“Over the last two or three years ridership has been going up quite a bit comparatively and especially during the colder months, there is nowhere for people to sit, stand, use a bathroom facility, so on and so forth,” Gilmore said.

“I was out there shoveling and there was a woman with two small children, a stroller, a blind guy, some elderly people, and I did a social media post - and it wasn’t blaming - it was just we need to do better as a community. We should be welcoming, especially for travelers.”

When he approached Dauphin mayor David Bosiak about his ideas, he was strongly on board.

“Just in passing on the street, we talked about it a little bit and he was encouraging and so we are just seeing how it goes, the dynamics of it,” Gilmore said.

Bosiak said the program is about partnership, hospitality and heritage.

“We want visitors arriving by train to feel welcome in Dauphin, and this program also shines a light on the important work of the Rail Museum in preserving our community’s history,” said Bosiak.

And Gilmore hopes the partnership will not go unnoticed as VIA Rail implements its 2030 strategic plan, which includes replacement of its the entire fleet.

“I just foresee amazing opportunities for Dauphin, if and when that occurs,” Gilmore said.

“So it’s trying to show the initiative on a community level with VIA saying, ‘Yeah, we’re serious about this. Help us out. Let’s go’.

“I’m working with Dan Mazier’s office, trying to get a meeting with VIiareps in regards to the strategic plan. I have letters from all levels of government, Travel Manitoba, all the major stakeholders here that would benefit like the festivals and Northgate Trails. I’m really excited about the potential and I think this is a good first step.”

The Dauphin Rail Museum will share VIA Rail arrival and departure updates for Dauphin through its official Facebook page. Passengers and residents are encouraged to follow the Museum on social media for these updates.

The pilot program will be evaluated in spring 2026 to determine future opportunities.

The role manufacturing plays in rural economies often goes unnoticed, especially in areas where agriculture dominates the scene.

But Ritz Machine Works Inc. in Dauphin was drawn out of the shadows recently when it’s Director of Operations, Bryan Yakimishen, was named one of the top 10 manufacturing leaders in Canada under the age of 40 by Plant, a leading industry magazine.

The awards are meant to recognize the next generation of talent in Canada’s manufacturing industry and celebrate those who are helping to actively shape the future of the sector.

When the call for nominations came out, Ritz’s chief executive officer Rick Ilnisky knew his company included such a person.

“I thought of Brian right away because he’s done some great things at our company over the 10 years plus,” Ilnisky said.

“I felt that he had come through the ranks within that 10 years. He’s had the opportunity and he’s had the aptitude to succeed. And it’s nice to see a story where a fellow from a small town can go away, get his education, and come back and thrive.”

Yakimishen started his journey with Ritz in 2015 as an engineering student home from the University of Manitoba for the summer.

After completing his degree, he remained with the company as a manufacturing engineer, eventually leading the engineering department. In that role he helped implement the company’s ISO 9100.

Last year, Yakimishen became Ritz’s director of Operations, overseeing production, engineering, maintenance, quality, human resources and more.

Humbled by the recognition, Yakimishen feels the achievement is not his alone, but rather is a testament to the work of everyone at Ritz, from owners through to the shop floor.

Read the full story in this weeks edition of The Dauphin Herald.

Receiving the certificate for a successfully completed teaching exam brought back memories of a recent trip to Scotland for a local Highland dance instructer.

Mackenna Telfer was in Scotland in July to compete at the Luss Highland Games, bringing home a second place finish in her category.

The day prior to the competition, the instructor at the Telfer School of Highland Dance in Dauphin passed the exam for her Highland National teaching credentials.

“I had taken the first exam to be qualified when I was 16,” Telfer said, referring to her Associates Highland teaching credentials.

“And then I took the additional exam in Scotland and I passed it. So I have the second credentials.

“I didn’t need to take the exam. I could have still been a credible dance teacher with my Associates Highland, but I took the additional exam just because I could.”

While proud of that accomplishment, the highlight of the trip for Telfer was competing in a Highland dance competition in the Highlands.

“It’s kind of cool just to compete in Scotland,” Telfer said.

“The mountains were in the background right beside the stage. It was just beautiful scenery. So it just felt good being on the stage.”

Telfer said the setting definitely added to her performance, as she is used to competing in gymnasiums and community halls here in Canada.

“But here you have, a small Scottish community with the mountains in the background. It definitely feels a lot cooler when you’re dancing.”

The first Luss Highland Gathering was held in 1875 and has been held annually since, except for a break during the two World Wars.

Throughout the years the gathering has remained relatively unchanged with competitions in caber tossing, hammer throwing, hill races, piping, Highland dancing and much more.

Telfer competed in the Premier category.

“There were four of us in my premier category and I was the youngest one. I was 17 and I think the next person close to my age was probably close to 30 and then the oldest person in the category was in their 50s,” Telfer said

“There was two of us from Canada. There was one woman from America, from the States, and there was a man in the category who was from Scotland. He was from the area.

“It was a decent sized competition.”

The experience went even deeper when Telfer teamed up with a local highland dance school to perform at the World Skiffies, an international rowing competition, which included Team Canada.

“Team Canada was there for the World Skiffies and they came and watched us dance (at the Luss Gathering) because we had a bunch of Canadian dancers dancing there,” Telfer said.

“And we collaborated with the Highland dance school from that hometown - which is actually where my dance teacher grew up - because we were invited to perform at the opening ceremony.”

For Telfer, the trip will remain a happy memory and an experience she can share with her young students here at home.

A youth has been remanded in custody following a threat with a fire arm at Ebb and Flow School.

On Oct. 7, at approximately 11 a.m., Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP were dispatched to a report of a youth pointing a firearm at the school.

Officers responded immediately and were advised by a faculty member that a male youth, who was not a student at the school, had pointed a firearm at another student and then left the school grounds.

No one was injured in the incident, but the school went into lockdown as a precautionary measure.

Police were directed to the residence where it was believed the suspect may have came from.

When they arrived, the homeowner advised that the suspect did go to the school and had returned, but had since left again.

Police seized an air soft gun that was believed to be used in the incident.

A short time later the suspect turned himself in at the Ste. Rose du Lac detachment.

The 15-year-old was remanded until his court appearance on charges of uttering threats against a person, pointing a firearm, uttering threats to property and two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP continue to investigate.

Read the full story in this weeks Dauphin Herald.

Nicole Yunker wishes everyone a merry Christmas.

And to help make that happen, the local diva has planned a special evening of music to ease people into the holiday season, while raising funds for the Watson Arts Centre.

Tickets for Nicole and Friends: A Christmas Celebration go on sale tomorrow.

The Nov. 29 concert is a chance to sit back, take a breath and enjoy the the holidays.

“Christmas, as much as I love it, I admit it’s a busy time of year. I want people to have the opportunity to come to hear Christmas songs they love, maybe hear some they haven’t, but just to sit and enjoy. Let their heart rate slow down,” Yunker said.

“Let’s have the room filled with people, friends and family and joy. And those events are really important during busy times. We don’t always take that time to just sit and be. And that’s what this concert will be. It’ll be a joyful night.”

The friends portion of the bill includes Dauphin’s Keystone Chorus, The Basement Band, Ste. Rose Community Choir and Emanuel Nakonechny.

“These are all performers I’ve heard over the years and I thought of them right away,” Yunker said.

“I think it really speaks to the region because everybody I called said yes.”

The two-hour show will feature holiday favourites, food, drink and a few surprises along the way.

“This is joy. It’s more than the music,” Yunker said.

“I really want all of us to celebrate together and I come from a place of gratitude, because without the support of the Parkland . . . my music wouldn’t be heard. So it’s a way of saying thank you and I can do that by bringing people together.”

The classically trained Yunker has two EPs under her belt, “My Dream” and “Christmas By The Fire.” It is the success she has experienced that moved her to give something back to the organization and venue which helped her realize her life long dream.

“I’m at a point now in my career where I’m recording and I love that. But I think of the WAC, because before I was recording, I got the opportunity to sing at many events because of the WAC and I am forever grateful. And without those years of singing at concerts and people saying, ‘Nicole, you should record’, that’s what gave me the motivation to take my career to the next level. So, I want to be able to give back to the WAC,” Yunker said, adding all the performers on the evening’s bill agreed that the concert should be a fund-raiser.

“We all agreed that we’re going to do this for the WAC. We want to support them in their efforts knowing the impact they’ve had in all our lives.”

Tickets are available at the Watson Arts Centre and on the WAC website at www.watsonartcentre.com. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

“I have my sequined dress. I’m ready to go. I want everyone to join me,” Yunker said.

City Council took the opportunity to get some work done prior to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation holiday during a regular meeting, Sept 29.

Utility bills

With the postal strike, City administrators are encouraging everyhone to sign up for electronic billing to ensure they do not miss the due date for the quarterly ultility bills.

Electronic billing can be accessed by visiting www.dauphin.ca and completing registration by Oct. 9.

 Customers who do not register for electronic billing may pick up their printed bills at City Hall during regular business hours, beginning Oct. 20. Should mail delivery resume, any uncollected bills will be sent by mail at that time.

The due date for third quarter utility bills remains Nove. 17, and customers are responsible for ensuring payment is received on time. Accounts not paid by the due date will be subject to late payment penalties.

Added to taxes

Councillors voted to add two outstanding accounts receivable to the tax rolls in the amount of $2,559.85.

That total is comprised of $436.21 owing at 901 Whitmore Ave. E for  temporary storage and $2,123.64 outstanding at 29 6th Ave. SE for yard cleanup costs.

Council also opted to added one outstanding water account to the tax rolls in the amount of $33,700.53 owing at 2001-2175 Mountain Road as the owner did not pay the current water bill.

Proclamations

Council proclaimed, Oct. 1, as the International Day of Older Persons recognizing that life expectancy worldwide continues to rise and is expected to reach 81 years by the end of the century and by 2050, two billion people worldwide will be 60 years of age or older.

Oct. 5 to 11 was proclaimed as Fire Prevention Week, reaffirming the City’s commitment to ensuring the safety of those living in and visiting Dauphin. The proclamation stressed the need for fire awareness and marks the exceptional service provided by the Dauphin Fire Department.

Finally, council proclaimed 2025 as the 40th Anniversary Year of the Dauphin and District Handi-Van recognizing the  accessible, affordable and inclusive transportation the organization provides to many residents in Dauphin and in surrounding communities.

Trail dollars

Council reviewed a recent provincial news release concerning a provincial investment in more than 30 recreational trails including Dauphin’s Northgate Trails Inc., which received $15,000 for general trail maintenance.

Accounts approved

Councillors authorized the issuance of 49 cheques totalling $489,386.36 to cover accounts.

One electronic fund transfer was also approved in the amount of $1,215.37.

Recreation funding

Council authorized the mayor David Bosiak and city manager Sharla Griffiths to sign a three-year recreation funding agreement between the City and Rural Municipality of Dauphin.

The agreement will see the RM contribute $419,000 for the 2026 fiscal year, while funding for the 2027 and 2028 fiscal years will be determined on a per capita basis based on 2021 census data.

The agreement also lays out details of capital costs, cost of living increases and board governance.

Read the full story in this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.

Dauphin artists are dominating the scene at the 2025 Manitoba Country Music Awards this fall.

Local group Kate’s Outlaw is in the running for seven awards, while solo artist Desiree Dorian has been nominated in five categories.

The Dauphin-based country-rock group Kate’s Outlaw will be looking to collect hardware in several categories including Group or Duo of the Year, Roots Artist Group or Duo of the Year, Emerging Artists of the Year, Album of the Year (for their breakout album Longrider Religion) and Fans Choice Entertainer of the Year.

Frontman Kyle Neault and lead guitarist Levi Winters are also in the running for the Fay Walker Song of the Year (Songwriters) for the single “Longrider Religion,” 

Winters is also nominated for All Star Band of the Year - Guitar honours.

A fixture at the annual awards show, Dorian is nominated as Female Artist of the Year, as well as the NCI FM Indigenous Country Music Award and Interactive Artist, Duo or Group of the Year.

Dorian is also in the running for the Fay Walker Song of the Year (Songwriters) award for “Dry” off 2025’s Remember Your Name, which is also nominated as Album of the Year.

Former Parkland artist Jerry Sereda is up for Male Artist of the Year and the NCI FM Indigenous Country Music Award, as well as Album of the Year for Backroad Billionaire while Roblin’s Ryan Keown is in the running for Male Artist of the Year and Music Video of the Year for I Know You Like That.

Finally, 730 CKDM has been nominated as Radion Station of the Year.

Find all the details in this weeks edition of The Dauphin Herald.

Much of what we use in our daily lives is powered by lithium ion batteries.

The batteries are used to power smartphones, laptops, tablets, digital cameras, power tools, e-cigarettes, e-bikes, e-scooters, smartwatches, fitness trackers, cordless vacuums and more and knowing how to properly  charge, maintain and dispose of the batteries is important to protect your property and ensure your safety.

Fire Prevention Week 2025’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” and the Oct. 5 to 11 campaign is the perfect opportunity to educate yourself, says Dauphin Fire Chief Cam Abrey.

“For us in Dauphin, there hasn’t been a whole lot (of incidents involving lithium batteries). We’ve had more from charging cords or recharging items than from the batteries themselves,” Abrey said.

“But it is always a hazard that’s out there.”

Safe charging is one of the major themes of this year’s campaign.

Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface and do not overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

“Do not just leave it plugged in because the batteries can start to overheat that way,” Abrey warned, adding it all begins with buying the proper product when it comes to both the original equipment purchase and when it comes time to buy replacement batteries.

“Lithium batteries don’t last forever and when people start to replace them, everybody’s always cautious about the price and that you can find a better deal online rather than buying directly from the manufacturer. And that’s where the big hazards are coming up is that people are buying products that are not manufactured by the original equipment manufacturer,” he said.

Read the full story in this weeks Dauphin Herald.