The Northwest Métis Council (NWMC) Inc., in partnership with the Dauphin RCMP Detachment, hosted the first-ever Family Violence Initiative Nature Walk at the Northgate Trails, Sunday afternoon.

After the opening prayer, the event included speeches from Elders talking about their life experiences, a performance by the D-Town Steppers junior dancers and musical entertainment.

Brenda Winters, NWMC housing first co-ordinator, said there are different initiatives put out in conjunction with the RCMP.

“So when we had seen the ask go out there, we put together a plan. We originally wanted to do this in the fall. It would have been gorgeous. But due to COVID restrictions, we just kept postponing it and postponing it,” she said. “But it was an initiative that we thought that we could have whole families come and take part.”

To hold the event, NWMC had to meet certain criteria, such as providing printed material and speakers to give advice to family members.

“We wanted to keep it really casual, so we did ask our Elders to share family experiences. And, of course, with the Métis culture, we want the dancers and the fiddlers, so we have entertainment,” Winters said, adding there were also speakers on behalf of the RCMP.

Winters would like to see the nature walk become an annual event, noting there are a lot of initiatives available.

“It’s just for people to take action and act on them,” she said.

Winters would like to see the event go back to the original plan of being held in the fall.

“Because it’s gorgeous up here. It’s a nice place to showcase. It’s something we’re trying to get moving in the community of Dauphin for more people to use it. So I just really wanted people to see what all there is to offer up here,” she said, adding a shuttle service was available for those who needed it.

Winters noted the nature walk is open to everyone.

“It’s not just a Métis function. It’s for the whole public,” she said, adding she was pleased with the turnout of more than 100 people.

Difficulties posed by the pandemic resulted in a surplus in both the General Operating and the Utility Fund in 2021, Dauphin city councillors were told at their regular meeting, Mar. 14.

The General Operating Fund surplus came in at $697,173. while the Utility Fund had a surplus of $143,237, director of finance Scott Carr told councillors.

“Like many other organizations, we faced a labor shortage in 2021. Unfortunately, this resulted in some work not being completed as budgeted and contributed to our 697,000 surplus,” Carr said, adding the Audit and Finance committee authorized the use of $33,198 of the surplus to pay for the overage on snow clearing in the latter months of 2021, rather than draw down the Snow and Ice Reserve.

The remaining balance of $663,975 was transferred to the General Reserve to help reduce future taxation.

Carr added there were other factors influencing the surplus such as revenue coming in $465,312 over budget.

Taxes added revenue was $41,569 more than budgeted, while income from permits was $13,657, while income at the Waste Disposal Site was $42,186 higher than budget. Federal grants also came in $432,530 more than budget, however, provincial grants were $28,567 lower than budget.

Public donations and funding revenue was also lower than expected by $92,500, while insurance and other rebates were $18,083 more than expected.

When it comes to expenditures, reserve transfers were $1,057,256 under budget, while administrative expenses were $101,312 less than expected and legislative expenses were $2,328 under budget due to two councillor vacancies in 2021.

General administration was under by $44,291, while Protective Services was $10,869 under budget and Transportation was $199,747 under budget.

Environmental Health Department came in $62,990 under budget, Public Health and Welfare Services was on budget, Environmental Development, $59,693 under budget, Community Economic Development, $169,557 under budget and Recreation and Cultural Services was $46,796 under budget. Finally, Fiscal Services, $59,020 over budget.

On the Utility side, Carr said the surplus was due to unexpected savings on replacements of water and sewer mains.

“The only area we were over budget was the purchase of oxygen at our water treatment plant as we planned to be using our new oxygen generator in June 2021, but this project was delayed and will be completed in 2022,” he said.

The full surplus was transferred to reserves, Carr added.

Overall, Utility Fund revenue was $349,710 under budget. Water and sewer revenue was $12,044 more than budget, while bulk water sales were $2,047 under budget. Additionally, provincial grants were $332,157 less than budgeted and custom work sales were $21,087 less than expected.

Reserve transfers and debenture proceeds, $342,696 under budget, while utility administration was $13,887 over budget.

Water supply expenditure were $20,602 under budget, while sewage collection costs were $12,052 less than expected and fiscal services were $673,640 under budget.

Following the transfer of the surpluses, the City’s reserve funds finished the year just $25,000 less than their opening.

“This indicates our taxation levels in 2021 were sustainable,” Carr said.

The closing balance of $11,808,549 in total reserve funds is comprised of the following:
• General Reserve - $4,934,089.50;
• Machinery Reserve - $950,712.33;
• Fire Reserve - $655,384.60;
• Public Land Reserve - $743.26;
• Civic Buildings Reserve - 435,548.71;
• Water and Sewer Reserve - $1,830.960.59;
• Federal Gas Tax Reserve - $2,037,196.18;
• Recreation Facility Reserve - $447,482.40;
• Environmental Stewardship Reserve - $349,778.90;
• Snow and Ice Removal Reserve - $125,193.09; and
• Watson Arts Centre Reserve - $41,459.93.

“With inflation nearing five per cent we are already seeing much higher costs in 2022. But with over $11 million in reserves we are hopeful we can reduce the impact of this inflation by using reserves,” Carr said.
“So (2021) was a good year. 2022 has been quite a bit more expensive so far though. So we’ll see what the next nine months brings.”

The Swan Valley Cheetahs Gymnastics Club held their annual meet last Saturday in their Main Street facility.

Both local and visiting gymnasts showed their skills on the bars, beam and floor to see who would come out on top.

Results were not available at press time.

Check out the Star & Times this week for more!

Thunderhill Ski Club hosted their annual Mardi Gras day at the hill complete with races and even an easter egg hunt.

Participants were encouraged to dress up and have some fun with prizes awarded for best costume as well as to the race winners.

Get more details in this week's Star & Times!

For the last few months if you looked at the snowbanks that had been cut away from the curb you could see the various layers of winter telling the story of fresh snowfalls mixed with salted and sanded roads, plowed up to create a timeline of winter.

There's lots more in this week's edition of the Star & Times!

“One man alone can’t defeat the forces of evil, but many good people coming together can.” - Harold S. Kushner

Like so many millions of people around the world, Bonnie Kiliwnik was searching for a real way to help the people of Ukraine as they bravely fight back an onslaught of Russian tanks, soldiers and arial bombing.

Then she thought about the lawn signs made up and placed on lawns around town celebrating Major Pratt grads last June.

Get the full story in this week's Russell Banner!

Many people are sitting back and watching the tragedy unfold in Ukraine wondering why isn’t anyone doing anything and how can one help? A dedicated group of Roblinites have stepped up and decided to do something.

The “Stand With Ukraine”  event, consisting of dinner and a comedy show, is set for April 2 and is being organized to help raise funds to support a family from Ukraine to immigrate to Roblin.

The U13 Roblin Stars attended the U13 Rural “C” Hockey Manitoba provincials in Grandview March 11 to 13.

The Stars took to the ice on Friday for their first game of the weekend, against the Holland Rockets and ended the game with a 4-2 victory.

That evening, the Stars were part of the opening ceremonies, featuring nine teams who attended the tournament.

Check out this week's Roblin Review for lots more!

The Roblin MMF Local is busy planning another musical event for the community, but this time, it will be a weekend long event.

Li Festival di Michif will be a three-day music festival from July 1 to 3, featuring a variety of local talent and artisans from the area, children’s activities, food and much more.

More details in this week's paper!

Fusion Credit Union has been named a “Top Manitoba Employer” for the third consecutive year.

The annual competition recognizes Manitoba employers that lead their industries in offering an exceptional employee experience and work environment.

Check this week's paper for more!