The Manitoba Metis Federation celebrated Louis Riel Day at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre yesterday (Feb. 19). Traditional displays included animal pelts and trapping equipment and those were accompanied by games and crafts for youth. The event also offered a traditional feast.

Dauphin’s retail landscape is about to fill out a little more as Shoppers Drug Mart Ltd. has taken out a City of Dauphin building permit to construct a new store.

The store, planned for the former Village Mall location at 1430 Main Street South, will be approximately 15,000 square feet in size and employ up to 30 people. Construction costs are estimated at $2.45 million.

While not commenting specifically on the Shoppers Drug Mart project, mayor David Bosiak said retail developments are vital for the future of the community.

“Any kind of development that increases assessment is strategically important for our community, because it’s the only way that we can grow. And when I say grow, I mean grow sustainably. I’m not reaching for double digit growth like some of the communities around the southeast corner of the province have experienced and the challenges that come with that,” Bosiak said, adding that by making Dauphin a great place to live, work and raise a family, growth will follow. I believe that our council has a very strategic opinion on how we can grow sustainably, having wonderful community culture, by creating an environment of willingness to work together and to work on projects and the partnerships that we have coming down the road.”

Among those partnerships are the ones the City has with Pine Creek and Ebb and Flow First Nations with which they are currently involved in an addition to reserve process.

“We’re not chasing the big factories, we’re not chasing sort of low paid, under skilled workers. We’re chasing community builders. People who want to come and stay in our community,” Bosiak said, adding he has made a point of interacting with newcomers to the community to get a sense of how things are going. “And most of them seem pretty positive about the community and what they can get here. We’re close enough to Winnipeg and a big airport, but it’s a stable quality of life with, I’d like to believe good leadership, both administration and at city hall, with the right kind of initiatives coming out the other end.”

As a way of facilitating the Shoppers development, and at the same time sending a message out into the world that Dauphin is open for business, a special incentive package was developed by the Economic Development department to secure the development.

The package, valued at up to $50,000 includes:
• A rebate on water and sewer hook-up costs up to $25,000, conditional to the City performing the work. Payment would take place after construction has been completed and all bills are paid. Value: $25,000
• A 50 per cent rebate on dumping fees for the demolition waste from taking up the existing concrete slab brought to the City’s landfill site. Again payment would take place after construction has been completed and all bills are paid. Value: $5,000
• A 25 per cent rebate on the first two years of the net difference in the municipal portion of property taxes between the current assessment and the newly-assessed value of the property after completion. Value: $20,000.

Construction of the new store is expected to begin this spring, as soon as conditions allow.

Incentives such as this, tailor made to a specific project is quite likely the way of the future, Bosiak said.

“We have a couple of different kinds of incentives, but we also understand that one glove doesn’t fit everyone’s hand. So if we want to ensure that we’re responsive and that when we get into discussions or negotiations that the other entity or partner or proponent will understand that we can work with them,” he said. “So that if others want to come here, they know that they will get fair and equitable treatment.”

But, Bosiak added, there is only so much a municipality can provide to anyone and council and city administrators are acutely aware about not making promises that can not be delivered.

“It doesn’t quite happen and then, oops what do we do now?” he said. "So tailor made is probably a great way to describe how we want to move forward.”

The board of directors of Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is pleased to announce that Treena Slate has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Slate will assume the role from Brian Schoonbaert, who will retire effective April 5, 2024.

Read all about it in this week’s issue.

For anyone who likes to tour across Manitoba, there are several small diners and drive-ins that provide excellent food and receive rave reviews online. Former San Clara resident Rick Larocque’s La Rocque Dining in Wawanesa has definitely received some praise and attention for their food and has been appearing on lots of tourism social media pages as a place one must visit.

Posts about La Rocque Dining have averaged just under 400 likes and 50 comments. Their Facebook page has 5,900 likes and 6,500 followers.

Read the rest of the story in this week’s Review.

Municipality of Roblin council has approved new rates for fire protection and rescue services.

The rates were adopted at its first regular council meeting of 2024 held Jan. 9.

Find out more in this week’s MOR council briefs.

The second annual Roblin Nursery School Coed Volleyball Tournament Fundraiser happened on Feb. 9 at Goose Lake High.

There were six teams competing this year, up one from last year.

More in this issue.

Taking care of pets is a huge responsibility and judging by the number of stray and unfixed animals, more has to be done. The Pas and Area Animal Shelter (TPAAS) is now offering a Low Income Spay and Neuter Program to assist with the issue of pets not being spay or neutered in the tri-community.
“People apply to the Low Income Spay and Neuter Program that we offer here at The Pas and Area Animal Shelter,” said TPAAS Secretary Lynda Geswin. “Forms are available online through our Facebook page, at the vet clinic and at the shelter. This is a program that is subsidized both by the shelter and the local vet clinic. We are trying to support pet owners who want what is best for their pet but can't financially do it. There are only a handful of spaces per month. “The cost is $100 per cat neuter. $125 per cat spay and $170 per dog spay or neuter. Those costs include vaccinations. Animals must have their vaccinations before their spay or neuter, so people should start the application process early. “This program was pets have a longer life expectancy. only launched a couple of months ago,” said Geswin. “We have spayed two dogs, and have a few others going through the process.” Getting your pet spay or neutered alleviates a lot of problems that TPAAS is seeing with the overpopulation of stray animals. The benefits to getting your pet spay or neutered, far outweigh any negatives aspects, if there are any. “There are so many reasons to have your pet spay or neutered,” said Geswin. “In Manitoba, we are facing a cat and dog overpopulation crisis. There are so many dogs, and not enough homes for them all. There was a time when we were fairly successful finding placement for dogs with Winnipeg based rescues, but that time is over. Rescue placements are hard to come by, and the amount of animals in need seems to be in creasing instead of de creasing. “On a more personal level, spaying your pet can reduce difficult behavior such as aggression, marking territory, running away, and fighting are all common in unaltered pets. Spaying and neutering reduce the risks of some cancers, and as a result, “Some of the other challenges in pets who are not spay or neutered that we see are unneutered dogs packing up when there is a female in heat,” said Geswin. “Not only is it a challenge to keep un fixed animals at home, but they can also become aggressive in these situations. Female cats yowl and are very annoying when they are in heat. Male cats mark their territory by spraying on things. “Also, we get a lot of messages where people tell us they are over whelmed caring for a litter of puppies. Puppies are a lot of work.” TPAAS is fundraising to keep shelter operations going as well as looking for sponsors for the new Low Income Spay and Neuter Program. “We are currently looking for people who are interested in sponsoring a spay or a neuter in the month of February,” said Geswin. “Sponsor ship amounts range from $50 for a partial spay or neuter, to $485 to sponsor the full cost of a dog spay. “We are always looking for volunteers and foster homes. Specifically related to spay and neuter month, we are looking for volunteers who are willing to drive people to vet appointments. Many of our applicants do not have vehicles, and getting to appointments is difficult.” There are still lots of pets looking for their for ever home at the TPAAS. All adoption fees help cover costs of the first rounds of vaccinations and help offset some expenses the shelter has in keeping animals. “In the shelter, and in foster homes combined, we have 26 dogs, and 36 cats up for adoption,” said Geswin. “Adoption fees are as $230 male cat; $275 female cat; $325 male dog and $400 female dog. Costs include first vaccination series, which includes rabies for dogs, deworming and spay or neuter. “Adoption fees only partially cover the costs incurred by the shelter to do the basic vetting of an animal- vaccinations, de worming and spay or neuter. Almost all of our animals come needing all of those procedures done, and it is not unusual for us to have additional health related costs for an animal as well. “The shelter is open most Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.,” said Geswin. “People are welcome to come by and see the animals. We are hosting an open house during NMTF, on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m."

An incredible opportunity came to Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) last week that gave youth a chance to come up with a way to do business and pitch it in front of an audience. Bears’ Lair Youth Camp made its first stop in Manitoba to offer a free youth entrepreneurship camp for Indigenous youth ages 11 to 18. The concept of Bears’ Lair started out with a vision to encourage entrepreneurs.
“I was the Economic Development Officer for the Squamish Nation in British Columbia, for 13 years and provided grants for entrepreneurs of the nation through a trust grant,” said Bears’ Lair Creator and Executive Producer Geena Jackson. “I started teaching classes on how to be an entrepreneur at night and provided a catered dinner and daycare for youth from toddlers to young teens, so the parents could learn, while the youth played in the gym, played video games and were entertained outside the classroom. After two out of six classes, the youth started sitting beside their parents, participating in the class and answering questions faster than their parents. A light bulb went off in my head. “These youth are absorbing the information faster than the adults, they are more technical savvy, and they do not have the barriers or triggers of being an entrepreneur like adults. They don’t know the hard work it takes yet; they are a sponge of positivity and possibility for the future. It is amazing. “I held the first Entrepreneur Youth camp in 2015, for the Squamish Nation and it was a huge success,” Jackson. “Now that TV show Bears' Lair is a huge success and up lifts Indigenous Entrepreneurs, it was a natural progression to educate, elevate and inspire Indigenous youth all over Canada. They are the future leaders and decision makers.” Bears’ Lair facilitated their camp at Oscar Lathlin Collegiate (OLC) and had several activities to enhance the students’ knowledge and experience in entrepreneurship. “There were 22 OCN youth that participated, all 11-19 years of age,” said Jackson. “We created five teams and they gathered at the high school, OLC, from February 2 to 5, to learn about business. The youth learned about team building, social confidence, financial literacy, public speaking, media training, constructive comments, feedback and stepping out of their com fort zone. We also played icebreaker and team building games, and the youth developed strong relation ships with each other and new friends. “Goals for the youth are set throughout the camp using our curriculum of five team challenges. Those consist of building a brand, which involves choosing a busi 24023gm0 ness type, creating a name, motto, design a logo and determine core values. Then there is the target market component where youth create products and services to solve a problem and determine who their audience and market is. “With the marketing strategy, youth decide how to advertise and reach customers, and from that create a marketing plan,” said Jackson. “Then they work on a budget and financial plan and youth have to determine their start up and operational costs, and how they will use their budget and any revenue for the future. Finally, the youth pitch their business by using the business model created. The youth film and deliver a five-minute business pitch that is premiered at the graduation and community celebration event. They work together in their teams with the guidance of a coach to create their business, and learn each factor of entrepreneurship.” The youth were mentored by local mentors in the community, each one had diverse background that brought forward different learning perspectives. “The mentors and coaches for the camp were Bears’ Lair team members, as well as OCN leadership and local business owners,” said Jackson. “This included Holly Chartrand, who is a local entrepreneur and award winning author; Savanna Sayese, who is a teacher with OCN; Dean Montgomery, the executive Producer of Bears’ Lair TV and president of Indigenous Initiatives; Jay Falkus, the director of operations for Bears’ Lair Dream Camps and head videographer and myself. “The judges for the graduation and celebration event were also an inspiration for the youth, as they were community and business leaders themselves. The judges were OCN Chief Maureen Brown; Darryl Bauer, OCN Eco nomic Development Officer; Courtney Hester, OCN Councillor and Dan Quesnel, who is the Scotiabank Manager. They were all excellent judges.” Several incredible entrepreneurial ideas were born as a result of the Bears’ Lair camp. Al though all presentations were solid, only one winner was chosen. “There were five groups who came up with amazing ideas,” said Jack son. “Bannock to go was the concept of a bannock cafe. Spirit Outdoors was a facility for youth that has programming for after school to encourage kids to do something active and away from video games and spending more time with each other. Maskwa Café was a proposal to set up a cafe that serves coffee, bannock, treats and a bookstore. OCN Attracts was an outdoor play ground for summer, fall and winter with activities for families and youth to be entertained. Dancing Raven Event Planning was a party event planning business for weddings, graduations, etc. “The team that created Dancing Raven Event Planning won. The judges were so impressed by all of the youth, but Dancing Raven had a small team of two people and the judges liked that they took on all of the roles of the business. The two-team members, Layne Nabess and Alzena Lajambe, persevered. They had a really good business idea and presented it very well. The winning team won $250 each and all other participants received $100 for at tending. All of the students also received matching hoodies and backpacks. “The kids came out of their shell, developed new friendships, all improved with public speaking and social confidence and most importantly everyone showed up and supported their team members,” said Jackson. “ It’s been said that 95 per cent of success in anything is showing up and the 22 youth did. They were in credible and our team can not wait to come back again.

There’s some unsettling talk about the possibility of Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League restructuring and eliminating some teams that they feel aren’t meeting the competitive standard of the league. A competition committee was formed to determine the viability of league and made some recommendations for improvements.
“The hockey community is large, but at the same time small and extremely close-knit,” said The Pas Minor Hockey Association President Kevin Pettit. “Officially, the MB U18 AAA League has commissioned a committee in regards to competitiveness and equity in team formation. Last week, some insiders contacted numerous northern members of the hockey community to let them know that there was a very real potential for negative impact on rural and northern teams. At this time, the league has made no official decisions. Further, any recommendations by the league would have to also pass through Hockey Manitoba. “All hockey leagues flux and make changes. It’s normal for leagues to evaluate how they operate, and know the feasibility of the teams, and overall health of league. We currently have no female AAA U15 or U18 pro grams in the north, and just recently the Central Plains Capitals folded their U18 program. The threat of losing teams in rural areas is very real. “For us in the North especially, we often feel on the fringe,” said Pettit. “We can think of how we nearly lost the Blizzard, and just within the last few years a number of south ern Junior B teams decided to start their own league, leaving the Key “This would definitely have a negative impact to future hockey for northern Manitoba,” said Pettit. “The U18 program allows northerners to play for their home region, so they do not have to go to ex pensive programs in the south. For many in our region, the cost of attending these programs is quite frankly unreachable. This program maximizes the potential of all players that are accepted. It’s one of the biggest feeders to the Junior B program, and quite a number of players who developed through the U15 and U18 pro grams have went on to also play Junior A, College / University Hockey, and even the WHL and NHL. “Many of the impacts would be directly hurtful to our communities. For many youth, especially from our smaller communities and First Nations, the AAA players are huge role models in their com munities. They show the youth that hard work can get you to great places. Socially, physically, men tally, and overall community health - these would all be affected.” Based on data from Hockey Manitoba’s most current registration numbers, Parkland has a total of 698 total registered players, which is the lowest number per region. The committee then analysed data of the last 20 years for Manitoba U18 AAA playoffs by region and over that time span, Parkland had made it to the playoffs four times, which was also the lowest number out of all the teams in the region. Currently the focus has been on Norman and their competitiveness within the league. It has sparked a lot of outrage and concern that recommendations may be made to remove those teams in an attempt to make the league more competitive. Norman’s total number of registered players with Hockey Manitoba is 1,222 and based on the U18 AAA playoffs by region for the last 20 years, the team has made it to the playoffs five times in that span. “I’ve been president for Manitoba U18 AAA for five years now, since 2022,” said Manitoba U18 AAA President Don McIntosh. “I’m not aware of any other reviews, but things have changed quite a bit over the last few years. We started looking into this and doing re search, it’s kind of interesting how things popped out on paper. “We’re the highest league of hockey in Manitoba and the highest level, the next level is Junior hockey. Many of the players in our league aspire to play Junior hockey or in the Western Hockey League. Then those in Junior aspire to get a scholarship to play in the U.S. If a player is successful enough to make the Western Hockey League, the next step to that would be the NHL. Most of the kids playing in our U18 AAA league are aspiring to that. If you’re not participating in a competitive league to improve your competitiveness as a player, then we’re defeating the purpose of what we are in business for.” McIntosh denies any rumour about this being an attempt to remove rural and northern teams, but rather a move to make a stronger competitive No decisions have been made and the committee is not authorized to make decisions, but rather find solutions to remedy the inequity of the current structure. “We have other teams who aren’t competitive either and there are varying reasons for that. The non competitiveness of some teams brings down the competitiveness of other teams. That is simply what this is about. We’re not trying to eliminate all hockey in northern and rural Manitoba; that’s ridiculous.” “This would definitely have a negative impact to future hockey for northern Manitoba” - The Pas Minor Hockey President Kevin Pettit McIntosh says there are other options for teams like Norman and those that are struggling to be competitive in the league. “There is a U17 AAA and a U15 league in Manitoba,” said McIntosh. “Norman has a team in the U15 league, but there isn’t a U17 AAA team, so com bine that with the fact that the team in Thompson historically has not been competitive, the logic to us is that it would make more sense they form a U17 AAA team for the league, the players and everyone. “When the teams aren’t competitive, the argument is that players shouldn’t be expected to leave Norman, but the re “One option for Nor man is that they could join another region and bring their numbers up,” said McIntosh. “That would give them the opportunity to form a stronger team, which would bring up the competitiveness of the league. The other option could be that it would be an open zone and the players could go to wherever another team would take them in the province, so a high-level player would still have an opportunity to play at that level. Then there’s the U17 AAA option. “When we first got into this, we had 13 teams in the league, 12 in Manitoba and one in Kenora. The last three years, Central Plains has not been able to field a team, so now we’re down to 12 teams. The question is should we go down to ten teams and there has been some discussion about going down to nine team, but none of that has been decided; it’s all still being discussed.” No official or final decisions have been made as to the future of restructuring U18 AAA Hockey in Manitoba, as the Competition Committee must present some recommendations and a vote would then take place before going up to Hockey Manitoba. “It’s very important to note that our committee can’t make decisions, we can only make recommendations,” said McIntosh. “Things have to be brought forward at the league level, then if motions are approved, it would have to go to Hockey Manitoba and motions would have to then be passed at that level.” Based on Hockey Manitoba’s registration numbers by region and a 20-year summary of the U18 AAA playoffs by region, the committee feels the data speaks for itself and shows the current structure is not fair or equitable; therefore, players are not being provided the same opportunity to play competitive hockey with and against players of similar ability. The committee denies any rumour suggesting that they are abandoning Norman players or that this is based on travel. The committee feels their discussion is focused on a wholesale solution that would not only increase the number of Norman players who could play AAA hockey in the u18 age category, but also would provide an improved development path way from U15 AAA to Junior. No decisions have been made and the committee has not finalized its recommendations, but when they do, those recommendations will be to be approved by the League’s Board of Directors and Hockey Manitoba. The Opasquia Times reached out to representation from the U18 AAA Parkland Rangers and Norman Northstars and they failed to provide any comment for the story.

Another winner went home with the Chase the Ace jackpot after Sharon Pierrepont picked the Ace of Spades in the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 39 Swan River Chase the Ace fundraiser on Feb. 3. With eight cards remaining to choose from, Pierrepont walked away with a bonus of $35,490. Pierrepont said she plays fairly regularly and has not yet decided what to do with her windfall. A representative from Swan River’s Legion said that the Chase the Ace fundraiser – along with the meat draw that runs alongside it – brings in substantial funds from the club that allows for numerous upgrades to the Legion clubroom. In the last few years alone, the Chase the Ace funds will enable the Swan River Legion to upgrade to a brand new serving area, new flooring, a kitchen upgrade, and other building upgrades. The funds from the weekly meat draw has provided opportunity to purchase a new glass washer, new chairs, a refurbishment of the pool tables and a new TV and lounging area. The Swan River Legion Chase the Ace is held every Saturday, with a jackpot of $10,243 available with 53 cards to draw on Feb. 17.