Residents of the area got a look at three options for the valley bridge on PTH #5 at a come and go public information session Wednesday at the Community Centre.
The session was hosted by consulting firm Stantec with two reps from Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) on hand to answer questions.
Find out what’s they’re planning in this week’s issue.

Give another reason to smile. The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign has kicked off and the local Tim Hortons franchise has appointed two worthy organizations as recipients.
“This year, the proceeds from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign are going to the Opaskwayak Cree Nation Youth Centre and the Big Eddy Youth Centre,” said Tim Hortons Owner/Operator Kathryn Sanderson. “Every year, there are organizations or groups that apply to be the recipient of the Smile Cookie Campaign funds.

Opasquia School’s Family Library Night committee launched its exciting Around the World theme this month with a breathtaking trip to India—no official passport required, just imagination and community spirit.
This month, families picked up their passports from Service Opasquia and boarded Flight #1024 on Opasquia Airlines. After a smooth flight, participants were welcomed to India with a stunning peacock-themed rangoli and warm smiles from dedicated volunteers.

OCN is proud to announce the groundbreaking of a new commercial strip development, a project that has been 20 years in the making. The groundbreaking ceremony takes place on April 25, 2025, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in OCN history and development. The commercial strip is located on Highway 10 North in OCN.
OCN is employing the services of their newly acquired company. Sohkatan Contracting is a partnership developed with two Indigenous owned entities, Lonona Contracting and Paskwayak Business Development Corporation. Sohkatan Contracting is committed to utilizing local resources for equipment and labour.

Municipality of Roblin (MOR) council killed three birds with one stone at a public meeting April 16 at the Community Centre.
Roughly two dozen residents were on hand to hear council’s 2025 Financial Plan as well as participate in public hearings for two by-laws that will see the municipality borrow up to $2.45 million this year.
Details in this week’s issue.

An Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) member received the golden opportunity to be crowned the first-ever Miss Indigenous Canada last year. Jessica McKenzie has been acting as the first Miss Indigenous Canada and this opportunity has provided her with many enriching experiences.
“It’s been an incredibly beautiful experience overall,” said McKenzie. “I’ve had the opportunity of deeply connecting with OCN and its members, along with meeting so many new faces across Turtle Island. This opportunity has given our community a platform to amplify our voices. We get to share our stories, traditions, and values.

There are many outstanding works done by Manitobans that have been recognized and recently presented the King Charles III Coronation Medal for these efforts. Cameron Ritzer recently received this award for his work and advocacy in the paramedic profession.
“I have a long history of being a paramedic advocate,” said Ritzer. “Being a paramedic myself and growing up around paramedics. I’ve always been involved in enhancing the profession, especially the education standards. This year, the Paramedic Association of Canada nominated me for the award for my dedicated service to enhancing the paramedic profession in Canada.”

The tri-community has always had outstanding citizens, many of whom have been recognized and presented with awards for their community efforts. Terry McKellep has been an active volunteer for many years and sees it as a way to give back to a community that has given her family so much.
“The main reason why I started volunteering was that this community helped me to raise three incredible kids,” said McKellep. “Every one of my children is amazing, and they have taken the torch and volunteered as well. This community was a great place to raise my children and I feel it’s a good place to live, so I wanted to give back.”

The Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas has recently gone through some changes as Archbishop Murray Chatlain has moved on to become the archbishop for the Archdiocese in Winnipeg. As a young man, Archbishop Chatlain had a very strong calling for the clergy, which led him down this path of serving God.
“Many years ago, when I was a young man, for some reason I prayed a fair amount and asked for guidance from God,” said Archbishop Chatlain. “I did ask God to help me find what kind of work he wanted me to do. It took quite a while before I got an answer. I was a bit reluctant at first because I thought I wanted a wife and family, with a regular job. There was a very strong and persistent call from God to give it a try.

SVRSS students displayed their abilities in their field of choice during the Skills Manitoba competition held on April 10 in Winnipeg, with four out of the 10 students from the Swan Valley coming back with medals...