Staff Writer
Local contractor a big part of Ruttan Mine rehabilitation project
As part of this year’s budget, the provincial government invested an additional $50.7 million to further accelerate clean up of orphaned and abandoned mines at select sites across the province, while creating a new long-term care, maintenance and surveillance program for remediated sites.
Through the Orphaned and Abandoned Mine Rehabilitation Program, the province has partnered with local companies to create green jobs, accelerate remediation activities and improve economic opportunities in Manitoba through construction, consulting and labour contracts.
And Strilkiwski Contracting of Dauphin has helped in the effort through completing clay capping on the tailings management areas as part of the Ruttan Mine Remediation project. The work will keep nearby surface water from requiring water treatment.
Capped with clay, covered with peat and seeded to promote vegetation, grass has sprouted and the area is starting to green up.
Started in July 2020 and completed this past July, the scope of the project was substantial with more than 130 people completing more than 174,000 hours of work. That work involved hauling approximately 2,500,000 cubic metres of tailings, rock, clay, and peat.
With the shoreline and erosion protection work complete along Ruttan Lake, only clean water from the environment will be draining into the lake, improving water quality.
The rock fill erosion protection in the Tailing Management Areas will aid in protecting the clay cap, preventing damage from runoff during the spring melt and heavy rainstorms.
Check this week's Dauphin Herald for more!
Fusion Flow Zone opens at Northgate Trails
Representatives from the Derailleurs Bike Club and Fusion Credit Union gathered at the Northgate Trails, Nov. 8, to celebrate the completion of the Fusion Flow Zone.
Located near the Selo Ukraina site, the Fusion Flow Zone is an elite-level five-km competition cycle trail that is part of the larger Northgate Trail System. The all-season Northgate Multi-Use Trail System was developed by the Dauphin Derailleurs Cycle Club (DDCC).
In February 2020, Fusion Credit Union donated $150,000 to the project through its Full Circle Fund. The scope of the project included the development of the trail system, as well as landscaping and installation of trail head signage and a bike repair station.
Throughout the Fusion Flow Zone, signage featuring the word “Enjoy” is displayed. Fusion uses the word Enjoy as an opportunity to brand wellness initiatives for employees, members and communities, and Enjoy is a perfect fit for the bike trails.
Get the full story in this week's Dauphin Herald!
Countryfest announces performers
Dauphin’s Countryfest is getting ready for another successful edition of Canada’s longest running country music festival in 2023.
Last week, Countryfest organizers announced the first round of artists who will perform at Selo Ukraina between June 30 and July 2, 2023.
John Fogerty, Dierks Bentley, Walker Hayes, Tenille Townes, Tim Hicks, James Barker Band, Robyn Ottolini, Jason McCoy, Tim and The Glory Boys and DJ Johnny Rivex have all been contracted to perform throughout the weekend.
“We are thrilled to announce one of the most well-rounded lineups we have ever done,” said festival general manager Rob Waloschuk. “There is truly an artist for every Countryfest fan.”
Fogerty is best known as the lead vocalist and frontman of Creedence Clearwater Revival. He embarked on a highly successful solo career in 1973. Fogerty has been named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the greatest singers and guitarists of all time.
Bentley has been pegged as “one of Country music’s most enviable brands, equal parts affability and authenticity” and boasts more than 6.4 billion overall digital streams. He has amassed nominations from the ACMs, CMAs, Billboard Music Awards, and Grammy’s and is currently nominated for CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year.”
Hayes, from Mobile, Alabama, is best known for tracks such as “You Broke Up With Me” and “Fancy Like.” He plays guitar and piano, and is known for his distinct voice. He’s toured with the likes of Kelsea Ballerini, Old Dominion, and Dan and Shay.
Townes is an award-winning singer, songwriter and musician and a 14-time Canadian Country Music Award winner, including being the reigning CCMA Entertainer of the Year.
All four performers will appear on the Club Regent Event Centre Main Stage.
Organizers also announced that Countryfest goers who purchase their tickets prior to Jan. 6, 2023, will also be able to enjoy the Thursday Kick-Off Party with The Road Hammers and Honeymoon Suite for free.
Weekend passes, VIP passes, camping and seating go on sale Nov. 21st at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online at www.countryfest.ca or by calling toll-free to 1-800-361-7300.
RIDE returning to ensure a safe holiday season for all
After a two-year hiatus Dauphin’s Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) program is returning to ensure everyone gets home safely after celebrating this holiday season.
Operating out of the Dauphin Friendship Centre, RIDE gets underway Dec. 2, and will run each Friday and Saturday night in December, except for Dec. 24 and 30, providing those who have been celebrating with alcohol or cannabis a safe way home.
Even the smallest amount of alcohol or cannabis can impair judgment, especially for someone behind the wheel of a vehicle.
To prevent that, RIDE volunteers will pick you and your vehicle up from a provided location. They will then drive you and your vehicle to your destination, preferably your home residence.
Originally founded by John Shuttleworth and former RCMP Staff Sgt. Ron Marlin, RIDE is celebrating its 30th year.
The success of the program over the years can be directly attributed to its volunteers who devote their time and work tirelessly to ensure residents remains safe.
A few volunteers are already committed to the program, however, this year in particular, more are needed to help out.
Anyone interested in volunteering or making a donation to the program can call 204-638-1463.
Facilitated through the Dauphin RCMP Detachment and endorsed by Manitoba Public Insurance and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, RIDE is a non-profit program and money contributed goes back into the community.
When the program first began, it was the first of its kind in Manitoba. Since RIDE’s inception, other communities have followed suit and have developed their own version of the program.
As the festive season draws near, members and volunteers from RIDE encourage you not to drink and drive, or use cannabis and drive.
If you need a safe ride home this holiday season, call 204-638-5707.
Getting down to business
At top, from left, newly-elected councillor Steve Sobering and city manager Sharla Griffiths look on as mayor David Bosiak reads his oath of office prior to city councils inaugural meeting, Monday night.
The new council of Bosiak, Sobering and councillors Randy Daley, Ted Rea, Kathy Bellemare, Devin Shtykalo and Christian Laughland got right down to business electing Laughland as deputy-mayor and assigning signing authority for the new administration.
The new group’s first regular meeting takes place Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.
At the bottom, Newly-elected reeve of the Rural Municipality of Dauphin, Ernie Sirski, signs his name after reading the oath of office at a swearing in ceremony, last Thursday.
Sirski and the new council, which includes Tammy Koshowski, Todd Boguski, Midge Sametz, Ron Ryz, Ken Shewchuk and Ken Plustwa, will have their orientation meeting this week, followed by their first council meeting, Nov. 15.
Ron Kostyshyn receives NDP nod
A former NDP MLA and cabinet minister is back in the provincial political scene.
Ron Kostyshyn will run again for the Manitoba NDP in the 2023 provincial election in the Dauphin riding after earning the nomination this past weekend.
“I’ve spent decades serving this community, first as a reeve and then as an MLA, because I want to make life better for families in the Parkland,” Kostyshyn said. “Over the last few years, I’ve seen how PC cuts have damaged our health care system and how their changes to Crown land leases have hurt cattle ranchers. I’m ready to fight on behalf of my community, alongside Wab Kinew, to fix health care and make life more affordable for Dauphin families.”
Kostyshyn was first elected as MLA of Swan River in 2011 and served as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives and Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation.
Prior to and following his time with the provincial government, Kostyshyn served as the Reeve of the RM of Mossey River in the constituency of Dauphin. He finished his term prior to the most recent municipal elections.
Kostyshyn was born and raised in rural Manitoba, and his family has operated a cattle ranch for decades. He has sat on the board of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, the Manitoba Conservation Commission and various other local organizations.
“Ron brings years of experience and expertise to our team,” said NDP leader Wab Kinew. “He’s committed to serving the people of Dauphin and Manitoba and he’s excited about what the next NDP government can do for families.”
As the fourth session of the 42nd Legislature came to a close, Manitoba’s official opposition focused its efforts on fixing health care and helping families in the cost-of-living crisis.
“Manitobans want to see their government fix health care and make life more affordable. This session, with a provincial election around the corner, we put forward ideas to fix the damage done to health care and help families feeling the pressure of rising prices,” Kinew said. “Working families need a government that understands the challenge they face and is ready to help them, but the PCs are only focused on helping their wealthy friends.”
In Question Period, New Democrats raised record emergency room waits and hallway medicine at hospitals across Manitoba. The NDP urged the PC government to address chronic nursing and doctor shortages and to eliminate burdensome red tape that prevents Manitoba nurses from working in the province. They flagged the impacts of PC health care cuts on families, including cutting home care supports, abandoning the foot care clinic in Thompson and blocking addictions organizations from testing street drugs.
Kinew said in this session the Stefanson PCs resurrected Pallister-era Bill 36, which would raise Hydro rates and eliminate public oversight of Manitoba Hydro, after the first bill was stalled by the NDP. Kinew announced an early campaign commitment to freeze Hydro rates so that families can catch a break, while Premier Stefanson voted for a five per cent rate hike. Kinew urged the PCs to stop raising milk prices, to use MPI reserves to lower autopac rates, and his caucus brought forward legislation to end unfair rent increases.
As part of their commitment to community safety, the Manitoba NDP announced a plan to end chronic homelessness by following a Houston, Texas model to match unsheltered people with available housing.
Parkland municipalities select new councils in general vote
Municipalities throughout the Parkland are set to get back to work under new councils following the Manitoba general Municipal Election, Oct. 26.
While some positions were acclaimed, many seats were filled following hard fought battles.
Here are the results from around the region:
Alonsa
The Rural Municipality of Alonsa will have some vacant seats at the council table following last week’s vote.
Tom Anderson was acclaimed as head of council. In Ward 1 the seat remains vacant while Tim Stott will represent Ward 2, Travis Turko will represent Ward 3, Mike Brown will serve voters in Ward 4, Terry Dayholos will represent Ward 5 and Logan Dumanske will serve Ward 6. All were acclaimed.
In the LUD of Alonsa, William Cabak and Harry Harris were acclaimed, while one seat will remain vacant.
In the LUD of Amaranth, Shirley Merke will serve after being acclaimed, while two seats remain vacant.
Ethelbert
In the Municipality of Ethelbert, Michael Goy was acclaimed as head of council, while the councillors he will work with had to compete for their seats.
Elected were Mike Moroz, who received 203 votes, or 17.74 per cent of the ballots cast; Greg Woytkiewicz, with 202 votes or 17.66 per cent of the ballots cast; Mike Semeniuk with 192 votes or 16.78 per cent of the ballots cast; and Kyle Lylyk, with 155 votes or 13.55 per cent of the ballots cast.
Coming up short in their bid for a seat were Larry Dudar with 148 votes, Mercil (Mitch) Michaluk with 142 votes and Paul Chymy with 102 votes.
Gilbert Plains
In the Municipality of Gilbert Plains, voters did not have to go to the polls as all seats were filled via acclamation.
Jim Manchur will serve as head of council, while council seats will be filled by Crystal Bates, Todd Brinkman, Trent Crowe, Ryan Paziuk, Grant Pope and Craig Von Bargen.
Grandview
Lyle Morran will serve as mayor of Grandview municipality after receiving 351 votes, or 62.9 per cent of the ballots cast to defeat Tom Worth, who earned 207.
In the rural race, Jeff Elliott received 185 votes, or 25.03 per cent of the ballots cast to earn a seat, along with Clinton Myers, who earned 180 votes and Craig Clow, who received 160 votes. Coming up short were Dwayne Bomak with 116 votes and Doug Zamonsky with 98 votes.
In the urban race, Tom Stirling led all candidates with 178 votes or 24.28 per cent of the ballots cast. Also elected were Barry Bailey with 156 votes and Jim Winfield with 127 votes. Failing in their bid for a seat were Joseph Kothlow, who received 102 votes, Vern Kattler with 85 votes and Robbyn Todoruk with 85 votes.
Lakeshore
The Rural Municipality of Lakeshore was ripe with candidates for the Oct. 26 vote. Clayton Watts will serve as head of council after receiving 364 votes, or 59.48 per cent of the ballots cast to defeat Bryan Preston, who earned 207 votes, and Jeff Konowalchuk, who received 41 votes.
In Ward 1, Fred Schurko topped the field after receiving 120 votes, or 24.29 per cent of the ballots cast. Also successful were Richard Kachur with 96 votes and Shanna Cowal with 93 votes. Coming up short in their attempts were Caudy Ray with 68 votes, Ernie Smadella with 60 votes and Malcolm Scott with 57 votes.
In Ward 2, Clayton Foster led the race with 263 votes or 25.05 per cent of the ballots cast. He will serve along with Michael R. Brunen Sr., who received 229 votes and Gavin Thompson, who earned 210 votes. Coming up short were Nathan Hulley with 178 votes, Jean Giesel with 122 votes and Brianna Williams with 48 votes.
Rick Sonnenberg is the head of council in the Municipality of McCreary after receiving 335 votes, or 82.31 per cent of the ballots cast to defeat Shawn Buchanan, who received 72 votes.
Filling seats on council are Donna Duggan, who earned 332 votes, Carey Conrad, who received 304 votes, Curt Janzen with 304 votes and Larry McLauchlan with 241 votes. Dave Thomson was the lone candidate left out in the cold after receiving 8.8 per cent of the ballots cast with 114 votes.
Mossey River
Mossey River Municipality will be under the direction of Reynold Sahulka after he was acclaimed as head of council.
In the rural ward, Barry Heppner finished atop the field with 124 votes or 27.31 per cent of the ballots cast. Also successful in their bids were Gregory Boyko with 122 votes and Larry Pascal with 113 votes. John Devos with 95 votes failed to earn a seat.
In the urban ward, all seats were filled through acclamation by Riley Chartrand, Ivan Fleming and Angel Johnson.
Ste. Rose
Robert Brunel was acclaimed as head of council for the Ste. Rose Municipality.
Steven Hopfner finished ahead of all councillor candidates with 277 votes, or 17.94 per cent of the ballots cast. He will be joined at the table by Shari Shankaruk, who received 260 votes, Ivan Worrall, who earned 255 votes and Robert Killam, who finished with 253 votes. Not elected were Noel Labelle with 247 votes, Darrel Deslaurier with 146 votes and Joey Frobisher, who finished with 106 votes.
MVSD School Board
The municipal election also included the selection of a new board of trustees for Mountain View School Division.
With most seats filled by acclamation, only one race took place in Ward 3, which includes the RMs of Dauphin, Lakeshore and Mossey River, as well as parts of McCreary and RM of Mountain. Gabe Mercier led the field with 934 votes and was elected along with Jason Gryba, who received 482 votes. Ashleigh Yaskowich, with 457 votes, and Nick Jewell with 248, failed to earn a seat.
In Ward 1, Roblin, Floyd Martens and Leifa Misko were acclaimed.
Ward 2, which encompasses Grandview, Gilbert Plains, Ethelbert and part of Mountain South saw Charlene Gulak and Paul Coffey acclaimed.
In Ward 4, the City of Dauphin, acclaimed were Scott McCallum, Kerri Wieler and John Taylor.
Female Rangers earn a split
The U15 AAA Female Parkland Rangers earned a split in a pair of games on the weekend.
The Rangers faced the Brandon Wheat Kings, Friday in Russell, where Morgan Gouldie faced 50 shots in a rough 12-0 loss.
On Saturday in Niverville, Olivia Brown made 55 saves and Lily Nemetchek had the only goal in a 1-0 win over the Eastman Selects. Peyton Lehmann-Mullin had the only assist on the goal.
Up next is a road trip to Flin Flon to face the Norman Wild, Nov. 5 and 6.
Second round of Community Infusion winners crowned
Fusion Credit Union (FCU) has announced another round of Community Infusion winners.
Launched in 2021, Community Infusion is designed to promote economic development and entrepreneurship in FCU communities.
“Community Infusion stems from the belief that economic development is the foundation behind thriving communities,” said FCU Business Development manager Mike Csversko. “With community impact being a strategic priority for Fusion, the idea of a business competition to help grow local commerce was a natural fit.”
Through the annual Community Infusion competition, current and aspiring business owners can apply to share in up to $30,000 towards a new business idea, an expanding business idea, or the purchase or improvement of an existing business.
This year, Fusion received 17 submissions from entrepreneurs from 18 communities, and the four finalists participated in the live event in Russell, Oct. 4.
The 2nd Annual 2022 Community Infusion finalists included Fierce Female Hockey Camp, Moonlit Canopy, Dauphin Lake Rentals, and Modern Mini and Me online store.
With over 85 audience members in attendance, the four businesses pitched their idea to the Fusion panel of judges, and the $30,000 was awarded.
Fierce Female Hockey Camp won first place and was awarded $20,000. Moonlit Canopy came in second and won $5,000, and Dauphin Lake Rentals and Modern Mini and Me each won $2,500.
Darwin Johns, CEO of Fusion Credit Union, was on hand to award the prizes.
“The joy on our winners faces tonight is an excellent reminder of how important it is to offer these opportunities,” Johns said. “The Community Infusion event is another great example of just how much incredible entrepreneurial spirit lives in rural Manitoba.”
Melissa Rushton, Fusion’s director of Credit Risk, acted as a judge at the event.
“It was not an easy decision to make, as we had so many fantastic entrepreneurs share their journey and aspirations with us,” she said. “Community Infusion provides a platform for great ideas to come to life, and we have no doubt Amy Doerksen and the Fierce Female Hockey group will do amazing things with this prize money.”
NCHL taking one-year pause
The North Central Hockey League will take a one-year pause after a league meeting determined there would not be enough teams to form a league for the 2022-23 season.
The Miniota-Elkhorn C-Hawks signalled their intention to join the Tiger Hills Hockey League, while the Waywayseecappo Warriors asked for a leave of absence citing player shortages and organizational difficulties.
The other two teams from last season also indicated they had player shortages. The Russell Rams said they would not be able to ice a team, while the Swan Valley Axemen were low in numbers, but said they would have enough players to play this season.
The Grandview Comets attended the meeting, held on Sept. 8, and showed interest in returning to the league.
In the end, a motion was passed to not form a league this season and reconvene in the spring of 2023 to reconsider for the 2023-24 season.
The league has been operating since 1956-57 and has missed only one season, 2020-21, due to the pandemic