Shawn Bailey
City council lends support to proposed housing development
Dauphin city councillors gathered for a special meeting, May 19, to lend their support to a proposed housing development.
The Willow Lake Properties proposal involves the construction of a 45-unit apartment building adjacent to Riverside Road as phase one of a larger, $11 million development, which will include affordable rental units to help address local housing needs.
At the meeting, council approved an incentive package to aid in the development and provided a letter demonstrating the need for housing in the community as the developers seek Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation support for the project.
“The request came from the developer. They’re trying to make their budget work so that this project can actually go ahead. For them to make the numbers work and for this project to go ahead, they were looking at the City of Dauphin to provide them with an incentive package,” Dauphin Economic Development manager Martijn van Luijn said, adding the City has provided incentives for all major developments in the community over the past several years.
“For this much needed development to go ahead the developers requested that we provide the water and sewer install from the nearest access point.”
The estimated cost of making the water and sewer connections to the development from the intersection of Riverside Road and Main Street South is estimated at $460,000.
But that number represents service for more than just the Willow Lake Properties project. With 60 acres of land behind the project also awaiting development, the City is also ensuring it is prepared to service that land when it is developed.
“I’ve been working with council to be proactive when it comes to development,” van Luijn said.
“We need the housing, there’s no doubt about it. If that means that we need to invest up front and that entices others to develop, that might sound as us taking a risk, but I think it’s a calculated risk. It’s something that you need to do as a municipality to be able to get people to come and develop.”
And development is badly needed, van Luijn said, adding he tried to stress that in the letter to CMHC.
“CMHC was not convinced that Dauphin needed additional housing, which is mindboggling,” he said, adding CMHC was probably relying on high level statistical data, which shows the depopulation in the Parkland as a whole.
“I provided as much data as possible in this letter, for example, a recent growth in the immigrant population and the fact that city hall gets daily phone calls from people looking for a place to live,” van Luijn said, adding Manitoba Health numbers show a population growth and he encouraged CMHC to research that.
With the new community justice centre and the new day care facility coming down the pipe, the need is only going to grow, van Luijn added.
“I put this whole package together in the hope that the developer can convince the financier to become a partner in his project.
“We’re just trying to support this as much as we can and at the same time, trying to think ahead and get ready for the future.”
Agreeing to the incentive package in principle, council will consider the $460,000 in funding as part of its 2027 budget deliberations.
Graduation Powwow set to honour the journey of all students
Everything is set for a celebration of learning at Dauphin’s annual graduation powwow, May 21, at Selo Ukraina.
Niigaani Miikana - The Road Forward - Graduation Powwow is about celebrating all people no matter where they are in their life’s journey, said Carole Shankaruk, co-ordinator of Indigenous Education at Mountain View School Division.
“It’s not just focussed solely on Grade 12s and postsecondary students, it’s focussed on all of us on our life journey in transitional moments,” she said.
“This year our focus is around this concept of the road forward. So we’ll start with the Head Start students that are coming into our Kindergartens and then our Kindergarteners coming into Grade 1. Then we’ll focus on our elementary students coming into the Mackenzie middle years, then our Grade 8s coming into the high school and then our high school and post-secondary coming into the workforce.”
Organized in conjunction with Assiniboine College, Dauphin Friendship Centre and Dauphin’s Countryfest, Shankaruk said the goal was to organize a community event and everything is coming together beyond her expectations.
Artisans and other vendors, food trucks, entertainer and community organizations, such as Prairie Mountain Health, Kids Help Phone, MMF, Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth and Service Canada are all confirmed.
“We reached out and the community is really responding. We have almost 2,000 people registered to date. We also know that there will be lots of people who attend who aren’t registering, so we know that number is going to be higher,” Shankaruk said,
“So, it's going to be an amazing community event.”
On top of the powwow dancing and drum groups, there will also be cultural workshops, crafting activities and entertainment.
“It’s fluid. Let’s say a teacher has a class of Grade 2s and they’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. They can take some quiet time in the hall where they could do some beading work or they could make their own personal talking stick. Or we have storytelling going on there,” Shankaruk said.
“People don’t have to sign up. They can just come and go as it works in their schedule.”
The day gets underway at 9 a.m. and runs to 3 p.m., with a traditional feast planned for lunch.
Transportation will also be provided for those who need it. Pickups are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at the Dauphin Friendship Centre and 9:45 a.m. at Dauphin Marketplace Mall.
Shankaruk hopes people make an effort to attend as the time is right to celebrate community.
“Coming out of the pandemic, there’s been lots of challenges for people and our youth. We know that a lot of people are struggling with mental health,” she said.
“As a community we need to we need to come together and this is a perfect time and event.
“It totally is about being together.”
Dauphin’s Countryfest launches new promotion as 2026 festival approaches
With just a couple of months until the 2026 edition of Dauphin’s Countryfest, organizers have launched a new promotion to put more people in the stands.
The Two Step and Stay program is offering a free campsite in the Fisher regular campground for anyone purchasing two general admission weekend passes for the regular price of $738 plus fees and taxes.
The promotion, Countryfest president Duane McMaster said, is about topping up an already fantastic crowd.
“Ticket sales have been good. We’ve sold more than twice as many as we did last year, the most sales we’ve had post covid. So things are moving along, but we still have tickets to sell,” McMaster said.
“Right now we’re looking at maybe 7,500 to 8,000 people there each day and we’re still selling tickets. I’d like to see it full again.”
Given the resources put into the lineup, this year the board opted to offer only weekend passes over single day admission. At this point, that is still the plan, McMaster said.
“We always want people to come for the weekend, right. We don’t want it to be about one day. We want people to come and enjoy the event for the entire weekend,” he said, adding the board will meet later this month to re-evaluate the situation.
“We don’t want to, but if it becomes a necessity, we will. But we want to have a weekend event, we’ve always wanted that.”
With everyone talking about Saturday headliner Jelly Roll, one of the hottest acts in music right now, people are forgetting about the entertainment available throughout the rest of the weekend, McMaster said.
“Everybody's really excited about Jelly Roll, but we have good entertainment on every night, Nate Smith, Tyler Hubbard. We have Brett Kissel, Blackhawk, we’ve got a lot of really good names,” McMaster said.
“We want people to come see the whole event. We don’t want it to just be a Jelly Roll concert with camping.”
While competition for entertainment dollars is tight, McMaster believes Countryfest rises above other options in not only quality of entertainment, but also in convenience and overall experience.
“The thing about Countryfest is you can pull in there on Thursday and park and you don’t have to move again until Monday. You can stay there and enjoy the entire weekend. There’s food vendors there, you’ve got your camping, you’ve got showers, you’ve got ice. Everything you need is there,” he said.
“We’ve got an incredible lineup. We have, in my opinion, the best site for an outdoor event, an outdoor music event, in Western Canada for sure, and probably in Canada overall. There’s not a bad seat in the house. We’re on the edge of a national park. It’s just beautiful, and we’ve got everything you need.”
McMaster said the volunteer board works hard to create an event worthy of people spending their hard earned money on and he believes they have achieved that goal.
“We have great value for money in my opinion. I know it’s not just the price of the ticket, but we figured it out. I think it was last year that the price of a weekend pass worked out to $6 a band. I don’t know if that’s the same this year, but it will be pretty close to that,” he said.
“I think we’ve got a great lineup. I think we’ve got a great venue. We just need people to come out and support us and keep us around. We do an awful lot of good in the community. We bring a lot of business and a lot of economic impact to Dauphin. That’s something that we need to keep supporting here.”
For those wanting to get in on the Two Step and Stay promotion, tickets are available on Ticketmaster.
City adds to tax take to keep moving forward
Not surprisingly, Dauphin residents can expect to see a slight increase in their property tax bills for 2026.
At a special meeting last night, council began the process of adopting the financial plan, which includes a five per cent increase over last year.
The 2026 mill rate of 19.021 is expected to raise just over $8.1 million compared to 2025 when 18.196 raised slightly more than $7.6 million.
When other sources of revenue are added in, the balance sheet for 2026 sets income and expenditures at $23,377,468.
Some of the other revenue sources include taxes added of $50,000; municipal service fees of $12,500, Accommodation Tax income of $440,000; business licenses of $87,500; fines totalling $100,000; sales of goods and services totalling just over $1.8 million; a provincial municipal operating grant of $1,133,307; a provincial public safety grant of $1,228,312.
“I think the budget reflects investments in our community,” mayor David Bosiak said, adding it reflects council’s commitment to moving the community forward “one step after another.”
“That’s what I like to believe and that’s what we’ve heard from the public. We’re not spending money crazily and we’re not spending money on ourselves in the sense that this is for the community. This is stuff that some people in the community would say, ‘Hey, I wanted that sooner,’ or ‘I wanted more.’ And that’s where we say ‘well, we can only do so much, but we’re doing something.’ So, here it is.
“Council was, I would say, unanimously in agreement to what we came up with in the budget.”
Read the full story in this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.
Unexpected safety grant backstops City plans for patrol
Dauphin was included in a recent $1.1 million provincial investment meant to strengthen community safety in several municipalities across Manitoba as part of its Safer Neighborhoods, Safer Downtowns Public Safety Strategy.
In what Mayor David Bosiak referred to as a pleasant surprise, the City will receive $200,000 to help support community safety initiatives and enhance security at municipal buildings,
“It appears that the government program that they had put in last year’s budget in regards to providing grants to businesses for safety equipment might have been undersubscribed,” Bosiak said.
“So the province took what was left over in that program budget line from last year and, based on conversations they had with several communities, redistributed that money.”
Bosiak believes the grant is a result of conversations city officials have had with Justice minister Matt Wiebe regarding safety concerns in the community.
“We’re not immune. We absolutely know that we’ve got some problems downtown in particular, but in the community in general with some homelessness, with some people with mental illness or some drug-related issues,” Bosiak said.
“It’s a problem. We know that, and we’re trying to do whatever we can within our jurisdiction to address it.”
While the money will be used to help support existing efforts, such as the anti graffiti program through the purchase of supplies and equipment, it will also help to support a Community Safety Patrol pilot program, which will launch soon.
“Have qualified people interact with people who might be seen as either loitering or maybe, causing minor disturbances, or just hanging around too long someplace, and ask them what do you need? How are you doing? Is there anything we can help with?” Bosiak said.
“We looked at Portage and we looked at Thompson, who have community safety officer programs and they’re expensive. But Thompson and Portage have both said it’s helped them.”
Bosiak said upset city residents often advocate for simply removing problem people from the community, or at the very least, from the public’s view. While that might be appealing for some, it is not a solution for what is a complex problem, he said.
Read the full story in this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.
More weapons charges levelled against local man
A Dauphin man out on bail awaiting trial in the United States connected to the theft of a handgun is facing additional charges following a search of his residence by RCMP.
Wilfred Kachurowski, 73, has been charged with seven firearms and gun smuggling related offences, including weapons trafficking, importing weapons knowing they are unauthorized, possession of a firearm when knowing possession is unauthorized, unauthorized possession of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a restricted firearm, and unsafe storage of firearms.
On March 23, Manitoba RCMP were notified by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that firearms charges had been laid in Minnesota against Kachurowski after a handgun was stolen during a gun show two days earlier in Newfolden, Minn.
Kachurowski was arrested at the scene and a handgun was recovered from his bag by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. He was subsequently charged with felony theft, released on bail and returned to Canada, Mar. 28.
Officers from the Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team (MILET) and the RCMP National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST) began investigating after learning additional stolen weapons may be located at Kachurowski’s residence, in the RM of Dauphin.
On April 15, MILET West officers - assisted by NWEST, the RCMP West District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team and Dauphin RCMP - executed a search warrant at the address.
Six handguns were recovered, at least two of which were identified as being stolen from the United States.
None of the firearms were stored in compliance with regulations and several firearms were loaded.
Kachurowski was remanded in custody.
The investigation continues.
Council draws attention to climate change through Earth Day proclamation
Recognizing that climate change represents the greatest challenge to the future of humanity and the life support systems that make the earth habitable, Dauphin city council kicked off its Apr. 13 regular meeting by proclaiming Apr. 22 as Earth Day.
The proclamation notes municipal governments have a firsthand understanding of community needs and are capable of “greater agility to take swift, concrete measures, with effects that ripple well beyond local spheres.”
Council also proclaimed Apr. 19 to 25 as Invasive Species Awareness Week as a way to increase public knowledge of invasive species, including Dutch elm and emerald ash borer beetles and zebra mussels, which can result in the loss of Manitoba’s unique ecosystems and native species.
Added to taxes
Councillors opted to add one outstanding water account to the tax rolls in the amount of $194.22 owing at 113 Johnson Street after the owners did not pay current water bill.
Celebration dollars
Council received correspondence from Canadian Heritage informing them they will receive a $5,000 grant under the Celebration and Commemoration Program, Celebrate Canada Component to help finance local Canada Day celebrations.
Right of way
Council received word from CN that it will be conducting vegetation management activities in the area, between April and October. Vegetation management is a crucial component of railway safety and regulatory compliance. Management through both chemical and mechanical methods is conducted in accordance with Transport Canada’s requirements.
Prairie Park Place
In her report to council, city manager Sharla Griffiths indicated the Prairie Park Place early learning centre project is progressing.
Although many of the details remain confidential, Griffiths shared the tender to bid on construction closed, Mar. 5, and Sternberg Architecture, reviewed all the bids for validity and reported on them to the City
She added the City is now working with the Province to get the project awarded so construction can begin late spring.
Read the full story in this weeks Dauphin Herald.
Process to develop City’s Climate Adaptation Plan kicks off
We all saw it during last year’s wildfire season, the risks associated with a warming climate are growing.
To help mitigate those risks, the City of Dauphin is utilizing a $15,000 grant from the province’s Climate Action Fund to develop a formal plan framework around resiliance and climate leadership objectives which reflect local realities.
The process formally began recently when council received correspondence announcing the start of the process from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), which is leading the project in collaboration with CVLNS, a community planning consultant based in Winnipeg, and the Prairie Climate Centre.
A warming of the planet is increasing climate-related risks, such as flooding, extreme heat, and drought, which pose challenges to public safety, municipal assets, and long-term sustainability.
While these risks are currently managed through existing operational practices, in a memo to council, Ashley Rawluk, a policy advisor with IISD, said a climate adaptation plan “provides a co-ordinated and proactive framework to strengthen long-term resilience and support council’s climate leadership objectives.”
The City’s climate adaptation plan, expected to be completed this fall, will focus on identifying and assessing climate-related hazards and risks to City-owned assets and services, including transportation, water, wastewater, stormwater, public works, and parks.
The development process will consider risk assessments identified by City staff and stakeholder engagement, along with the identification of adaptation actions and funding opportunities.
Rawluk said the final document will support informed decision-making and long-term resilience by providing a clear, actionable roadmap to reduce climate risks, protect municipal assets, and integrate climate considerations into everyday operations.
A Climate Adaptation Working Group (CAWG) will lead the engagement process and will be comprised of eight members representing the City of Dauphin, the Northwest Metis Council and Aninshinaabe Nation in Treaty 2 Territory.
Public input will be gathered through both in person events and an online community survey. These will share key findings from the climate hazard assessment and the emerging plan, while gathering feedback on local climate impacts, community priorities, and adaptation needs.
Read the full story in this week’s Dauphin Herald.
Manitoba’s Budget 2026 tabled with Dauphin projects prominent
Two Dauphin projects figured prominently in the tabling of Budget 2026 in the Manitoba Legislature, last week.
The budget document drew attention to the Dauphin Centre for Community Justice, with a promise of $7 million to break ground on the $142 million project this fiscal year, as well as a commitment of $1.5 million for Northgate Trails, to allow for the expansion of the network, with an eye toward integration of the system with the northern escarpment of Riding Mountain National Park.
For Dauphin MLA Ron Kostyshyn, the justice centre announcement is a bright light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.
“I think we have nightmares about what was done a number of years ago by the previous government. I’m so very proud that our government sees the importance of working with the justice facility. We know there’s a shortage in the area,” Kostyshyn said.
“I think what we’re going to be seeing is a modernized version of a justice facility to work with individuals and, hopefully, correct some of the challenges they face.”
Kostyshyn views the justice centre as one of the largest opportunities for development, not only in the region, but in the province as a whole, and he is pleased to see the project get underway in the community in 2026.
“The latest I got is the documents are being designed and going out for tender darn quick. Things just don’t happen too quick, but the intent is to, hopefully, put some shovels in ground or get some movement. But it’s happening, there’s no doubt about it,” he said.
The province’s commitment to the expansion of the Northgate Trail System is another source of pride for Kostyshyn, considering the benefits the project unlocks.
“What’s going to be one of the greatest things that’s going to be specifically for the tourism industry is the continuation of the Northgate Trail,” he said.
“I don’t think people have any idea what opportunities that will have in the future for us. It’s hard to believe Dauphin will be one of the unique locations for such a bike trail, actually internationally. In a perfect world, competitions could be held because of the trail.”
The out-of-box thinking that went into supporting Northgate is the approach the province is taking when it comes to being innovative and seizing opportunities to create economic development and economic growth.
Read the full story in this weeks Dauphin Herald.
Recycling depot misuse a problem
The City released a video last week of a man disposing of an old toilet at the residential recycling drop off located along First Avenue Southeast to highlight ongoing problems at the facility.
At their regular meeting earlier this month, council was made aware of the situation by deputy city manager Lisa Gaudet.
“I wanted to briefly highlight, sadly, the ongoing misuse that we’re seeing at the residential recycling depot on First Avenue Southeast. This site is intended for city of Dauphin for approved residential recyclable materials only,” Gaudet said.
“But we continue to see household garbage, furniture, yard waste, and materials left outside the bins.”
Gaudet said the City has been reinforcing proper use of the facility through social media messaging and public education.
“That recycling must be placed inside the bins and absolutely no garbage or black garbage bags are acceptable here,” she said.
“If the misuse continues, we may have to evaluate the depot site and ultimately might have to consider reducing the service.”
The depot is intended for approved residential recycling from city households only
Household garbage, furniture, appliances, mattresses, renovation debris, yard waste and black garbage bags are not allowed.
When using the depot, place materials inside the correct bin and flatten cardboard boxes before placing them in the cardboard bin.
Do not leave anything outside of the bins. Ottenbreit Sanitation Services rotates the bins regularly. If a bin is full, wait until space becomes available or call 204-622-3200.
When contamination or illegal dumping occurs recyclable materials may be redirected to the landfill. As well, City staff time and equipment are required for cleanup, meaning taxpayer dollars are diverted to address improper disposal.
Gaudet stressed this service is provided for the convenience of City residents and can only remain available if it is used properly.