Travis
Summer Camps are back
COMING AUGUST 14! Roadshow Pickleball Manitoba will be running a youth pickleball camp for ages 12-17 years in Russell on Friday, August 14, from 10am-3pm at the George P. Buleziuk Hall (106 Shell River Ave. S). The cost is $20 plus tax, register at: Pickleballmanitoba.ca
The Russell Townwide Garage Sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 20th from 9am-3:30pm. If you would like your address added to the map, please contact the recreation office: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. From out of town? We will be offering in space inside the rink for $20.
Pickleball and Badminton will be moving to the rink for the month of July! Dates are:
Pickleball Tuesdays: 1-3pm July 7, 14, 21, 28 Thursdays: 9-11am and 7-9pm July 9, 16, 23, 30 Badminton Wednesdays: 7-9pm July 8, 15, 22, 29 Please enter through the main rink doors at the Russell Memorial Multiplex (206 Darcy St). This is FREE, we provide all equipment needed, clean indoor shoes required. NO pickleball or badminton the week of July 1.
Summer Camps are back! The camps are 1 week and meet daily from 9am until 3:30pm! Come join us for outdoor activities including arts, crafts, hiking, science, swimming, games, etc. The cost is $50 for the week! Dates and ages are as follows:
Russell July 13-17 ages 9-12, Russell July 20-24 ages 7-11, Russell July 27-31 ages 6-10 and Binscarth August 4-7 ages 7-11 Please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register!
There is a new story on the Storybook Trail! “Cool Canadian Dinosaurs” Fun Facts from Teeth to Tracks! by Canadian Girl. The trail starts just off Alexandria Ave by the Russell grain elevator on the Trans Canada Trail. Follow the trail, stopping at each story pedestal and learn about 14 different types of dinosaurs that once lived in Canada!
Healthy Baby is Tuesday, June 23rd from 11am-1pm upstairs in the Bunge Room located in the Russell Memorial Multiplex, Main St entrance. This is a free program for expecting parents and those with babies under the age of one. Come join us!
There are 2 horseshoe pits located next to the Russell Swimming Pool. They are up and ready to go! There are 2 old sets of shoes on site as well as a rake. If you would like the new horseshoes, they can be signed out for FREE at the pool during pool hours or at the recreation office (204)773-2422.
Coming soon! The disc golf course will be set up again this summer as well as the PlayBoxes in Russell and Binscarth. Stay tuned for more information!
Follow us on Facebook: Recreation Department Municipality of Russell Binscarth. Not on Facebook? Check out our community bulletin board located on the front of the Russell Memorial Multiplex (Main St).
Wowchuk urges the premier to take swift action to help residents of Swan Valley area
Swan River MLA Rick Wowchuk called on the premier today to take swift action to help the flood-ravaged residents of the Minitonas–Bowsman and Swan Valley areas. Some parts of the region were hit with up to 150 mm of rain Sunday night, causing widespread damage to highways, bridges, farmland, homes, and businesses.
“My constituents are looking for reassurances from their provincial government,” said Wowchuk. “We have communities that are entirely cut off from the outside world. We have heavily damaged roads and bridges that urgently need re-building. What is the province doing to expedite the repairs that are so desperately needed?”
Since the widespread flash flooding struck Sunday night, residents have not been able to access their homes, businesses, and schools because of road washouts and high water. Communications have been hampered by the loss of cellphone service in the area, and gas and electricity has been cut off to some communities.
I’ve sent a letter to Premier Wab Kinew asking for direct intervention from him and his Transportation and Infrastructure Minister,” said Wowchuk. “Both have been missing in action since this emergency began. The premier was eager to promise funding and pose for photo ops of him tossing sandbags earlier this spring for a potential flood. Where is he when roads and bridges are washed out? Swan Valley is in trouble.”
Meteorologists have called the storm that struck the Swan Valley a once-in-200-year event. Over 3,000 Manitoba Hydro customers are without power. The Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman declared a state of emergency Monday morning, with the Municipality of Swan Valley and Town of Swan River following suit earlier today.
A ruptured gas line in Minitonas forced the evacuation of nearby businesses and residents. The flash flooding will devastate the local agriculture industry and force some farmers to reseed their fields. As the water moves toward Swan Lake, high water levels are also putting livestock in extreme danger.
“Residents of Swan Valley need to know the provincial government has their backs during this time of need,” said Wowchuk. “I’m calling on the premier to take immediate action to provide the resources needed to assess the situation and immediately begin the rebuilding effort across the region.”
Water Everywhere!
The flood has created havoc within the Parkland region - closed roads, flooded farmland, homes and closed businesses. This
photo of the area below the Shellmouth dam was taken by Lukas Leimhofer. More photos in the June 23rd Russell Banner!
A celebration of our Journey to Home
Once again, thanks to the efforts of our colleagues, neighbours and friends, the community celebrated the impressive ethnic diversity of our area with our 2026 Culturama. This year’s theme was Journey to Home. In preparation for the event, residents of the area who hail from Austria, Germany, Egypt, Maritius, Mexico, Morocco, India, Philippines, Scotland, Ireland and Ukraine along with Metis, Waywayseecappo Treaty Four and Gambler First Nation spent weeks preparing the cuisine of their nations to share with all of us.
June 16, 2026
Slim's Cabins
Caretaker
Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve - Jordan's Principle
Various Positions
June 16, 2026
Manitoba government improves recreational trails
To celebrate Manitoba Trails Day, June 6, the Manitoba government and Trails Manitoba are improving recreational trails across the province with more than $200,000 in funding, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced.
“Trails are spaces where families can enjoy and experience the incredible landscapes and wildlife that make Manitoba so unique,” said Moyes. “Our government understands that trails are an affordable way for families to connect with nature and are essential for the health and well-being of Manitobans. We are proud to partner with Trails Manitoba to invest in the maintenance and enhancement of trails across the province.”
In all, 19 projects will receive funding through the 2026 Trails Manitoba Grant Program, including:
Winnipeg Trails Association – winter trail making and maintenance capacity boost;
Beausejour Active Transportation Committee – Rail Trail West enhancement;
Crow Wing Trail Association – stewardship and maintenance;
Boyne Valley Trail Committee – Trailhead enhancement project;
Steep Rock Cottage Owners Association – Steep Rock Trails enhancement project; and
Rossburn Subdivision Trail Association – general trail maintenance.
“Trails are critical infrastructure, providing all Manitobans with pathways to health and well-being, reconciliation, economic development, tourism and environmental stewardship,” said Jeana Manning, board president, Trails Manitoba. “We are honoured to partner with the Manitoba government, municipal and Indigenous governments, and trail organizations in delivering trail projects across our gorgeous province.”
The Winnipeg Trails Association will be among the beneficiaries of the funding, the minister noted, adding the organization has worked with numerous municipalities, community-based partners and school divisions to help develop, connect and promote active transportation across the city.
“Trails make it possible for hundreds of thousands of people of all ages and abilities to experience something magical,” said Anders Swanson, executive director, Winnipeg Trails Association. “Trails help connect us all to nature in this place we call home. We are pleased to see this support to help grow our capacity to try to do more.”
For the complete listing of 2026 Trails Manitoba Grant recipients, visit www.trailsmanitoba.ca/grants.
Manitobans are invited to celebrate Manitoba Trails Day, which takes place annually on the first Saturday in June, this year on June 6. Manitobans are encouraged to visit one of the province’s trails or join park interpreters for a guided program in provincial parks. For more information, visit www.manitobaparks.com.To mark 2026 Manitoba Trails Day, the Manitoba government is announcing the opening of two new backcountry campsites on the Black Wolf Trail in Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park.
“We know Manitobans love the challenge of multi-day hikes and to support the demand for more of these opportunities, we are excited to announce the development of new backcountry campsites on the Black Wolf Trail,” said Moyes. “This will allow people to experience this beautiful trail in a new way and try backcountry camping in central Manitoba.”
The new backcountry campsites are first-come, first-served, the minister noted. Visitors are reminded to practice ‘Leave No Trace’ principles and make sure they share their trip plan with an emergency contact. For more information on how to camp in the backcountry and about other multi-day hikes in Manitoba, visit www.manitobaparks.com.The Manitoba government recognizes the value of high-quality trails and supports the inaugural Canadian Trail Summit, which is being organized and hosted in Winnipeg by the Trans Canada Trail. The conference takes place from June 16 to 19 and presents an opportunity for the Canadian trail sector to come together, the minister noted.
To learn more about the Canadian Trail Summit, visit www.canadiantrailsummit.ca.
677 Royal Canadian Air Cadets host their annual Ceremonial Review
On May 26th, 2026 the 677 Royal Canadian Air Cadets hosted their Annual Ceremonial Review. They had an amazing crowd of approximately 70 spectators supporting the event. Major Terrence Henry generously joined the squadron as the reviewing officer for the evening. During the event, the cadets were presented with the year-end awards capping off a great training year.
The awards presented were: Level 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Excellence Awards for cadets who completed their respective level and obtained a 90% or better attendance. The Excellence in Fitness Award which is sponsored by the Russell Lion's Club and was presented by Kevan McCarthy. The Distinguished Marksmanship Award which is sponsored by the Russell Game and Fish and was presented by Ken Schmitz. The Lord Strathcona Medal presented by Major Henry and the Legion Medal of Excellence presented by Earl Smith of the Russell Legion.
The cadets had a successful training year and volunteered numeous hours with various community organizations.
The Russell 677 Air Cadets would like to thank all of the individuals and community organizations that supported us this year and made this year a success. The squadron has grown from 3 Cadets to 15 Cadets in the last 3 years and a large part of that is in thanks to the community, sponsorship committee and the local squadron staff. We look forward to our upcoming training year and an even more impressive Annual Ceremonial Review next year.
Air Cadet fall registration will be on September 8th, 2026 at the George P. Buleziuk Centre in Russell at 7:00 p.m. for youth ages 12-19.