Former Swan Valley resident Jessica Bell has been doing well for herself and her business. In the last few years since she moved from Swan River to Dauphin, she rebranded her soapmaking business from The Natural Hippie Co. to BOHO Soapworks and recently picked up a Canadian Choice Award (CCA) for the Bath and Body category.
“(When I received notification of the award), I was absolutely overwhelmed with joy!” said Bell. “I find myself needing to pinch myself along this business journey as some things feel too good to be true, and this moment was one of them.
“This win is recognition not only of talent and innovation, but of resilience, determination, drive and all the hard work that goes with it.”
The CCA celebrates the heart and soul of Canada’s business community. Every year, they shine a spotlight on small and mid-sized businesses that drive our nation’s economy, foster innovation and enrich our communities. Their mission is to recognize and uplift these businesses, ensuring they receive the acknowledgement they deserve, while taking pride in celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of Canada.
“I received notification from the CCA back in November that BOHO Soapworks had been nominated to receive recognition by my customers,” said Bell. “The CCA believes in the importance of giving the real buyers of products and services a voice. This was the first I had heard of the CCA and, after some quick research, I realized that this would be quite an honour to receive.
“The CCA requested to hear a little more from my customers, so I had posted on my social media platforms that I had been nominated for the award, and asked any customers to click a link to where they would be directed to the CCA and asked some questions about my company via feedback survey.
“The CCA also touched base with me to ask me a series of questions about my business, asking details about what my company is all about, what my goals as a business owner are, community impacts, and so forth,” Bell continued.
Under the label of BOHO Soapworks, Bell creates hand-crafted, artisanal bar soap and other hygiene and bodycare products, such as lotions, salves, balms. scrubs and accessories.
She noted that she recognizes that the bath and body care industry is a saturated market, and it requires people to have a superior product to stand out.
“I was on a mission to develop such products that not only looked fancy but were kind to our bodies and kind to the planet as well,” said Bell. “The amount of effort it takes to do the research in sourcing eco-friendly and sustainable, cost-effective ingredients, to formulating, designing and creating an eye-catching product is tremendous in itself.
“When we add in the supply shortages and cost increase we’ve incurred these past few years, it would be a lie to say I didn’t have moments where I had wondered what all of this was for. At the end of the day, I started this business with a burning passion to show others that there can be a lot of luxury in simplicity. Teach others to be mindful of their single-use plastics and provide an option that they can trust.”
Earning the recognition of the CCA reminds Bell that she is having an impact on the planet and in her community even if she doesn’t have a large business.
“It reminds me just how many lives my product has impacted and has given me a boost in motivation to keep pushing,” she said. “I am following my dreams and I am making a difference.
“This recognition not only elevates my business but also shines a spotlight on my community, where I look forward to potential local collaborations and the growth that will come.”
Bell also speaks highly of her customers.
“I’ve always believed I have the best customers in the world,” she said. “From the positive word of mouth they spread about my business, referrals, and wonderful reviews they share, and then taking the time to nominate BOHO Soapworks to shine a spotlight on my dream. I cannot thank them enough for the continued support. It goes without question that I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of them and for that I am forever grateful.”
Bell added that since the announcement of her receipt of the CCA, she has received an outpour of support and congratulations from the public.
“It means the world to me,” she said. “I am moved to tears with each and every one.”
While BOHO Soapworks does have some products available in retail locations in the Parkland – such as Buds N Blossoms in Swan River – customers can also find them at the website available at bohosoapworks.com. You can also follow the latest developments of Bell and her products on the BOHO Soapworks Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages.

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.

The SVRSS Tigers Senior Girls’ Basketball team hosted seven other teams in the Swan Valley Consumers Co-op home tournament on Friday and Saturday (Feb. 9 and 10). MBCI Spartans from The Pas came out on top in the end, defeating the Dauphin Clippers...

The SVRSS Tigers Basketball Senior Boys’ and Senior Girls’ teams hosted teams from four other schools during the Pizza Place Invitational Basketball Tournament held on Friday and Saturday (Jan. 19-20)...

One of the changes in the automotive landscape in recent years is the increasing prevalence and push to convert to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).
While vehicles designed to move from electric power instead of an Internal Combustion Engine come with many benefits, there are new challenges as well, one of which being the large battery often holding 10s of kilowatts-hours made out of components like lithium metal that pose a unique fire hazard, especially for emergency responders who are having to learn how to deal with new dangerous situations.
On Dec. 10, several Swan Valley Fire Department (SVFD) firefighters along with firefighters from Benito, Minitonas, Birch River, Barrows, Winnipegosis and The Pas attended an Electric Vehicle (EV) extrication and fire suppression information session hosted by the Swan Valley Mutual Aid District.
“Kevin Patterson, from the Banff Fire Department, presented the most current information on how to extricate occupants safely and effectively from EVs, along with several extinguishing methods for EV battery fires,” said SVFD Captain Kurt Rewerts. “He also helped dispel many common misconceptions about working with EVs.
“As part of the presentation, Patterson presented both in class and utilized a cutaway Tesla Model X car, split down the middle, showing what a normal EV looks like on one side and the unique electrical components, safety systems and major potential risks of EVs on the other side.
“This hands-on presentation gave firefighters an excellent vantage point to view some of the additional reinforcements located in the A-posts that would be undetectable behind the vehicle’s interior trim. It also served as an excellent reminder to firefighters providing vehicle extrication to disable the power system and ‘peel and peek’ before cutting into a vehicle. There are many safety airbags discretely located in many spots within the vehicle, all of which pose a significant risk during extrication operations for both the vehicle occupants and first responders.”
Rewerts noted how it came as a surprise to himself and others that the battery packs in these vehicles are made of several thousand – between 7,100 and 8,500 – lithium-ion batteries not much larger than a household AA. The pack of batteries is located deep within the floor of the vehicle and surrounded with a highly reinforced frame and skid plate to prevent damage from normal daily usage.
“The issue for firefighters in the event of a battery fire comes from a motor vehicle collision or hitting the ditch filled with large stones that may potentially damage the cell pack,” said Rewerts. “Even if one of the battery cells becomes compromised, it may self-ignite and start a chain reaction within the battery cell pack. During the fire suppression portion of the presentation, it quickly became clear that a battery fire in an EV will be a major event, involving significant amounts of water and time on scene.”
The last 10 years has had a dramatic rise of EVs in North America. In 2021, roughly 86,000 were registered in Canada alone.
“There are many advances in tools and methods to assist in extrication and fire suppression involving EVs,” said Rewerts. “However, currently there is no one new tool or method that a department has to quickly extinguish a battery fire. The SVFD and surrounding fire departments are very capable in conducting extrication and fire suppression on all vehicles. This course was another incredible tool for the firefighters to use on scene.”
SVFD Fire Chief Darren Fedorchuk added that the member municipalities of the Town of Swan River and the Municipality of Swan Valley West have been very supportive of their local fire departments.
“The SVFD is a very well equipped and highly trained department, and we continue to be proactive in advancing our tools and skills to ensure we provide the most efficient and effective service to the Valley and to support our surrounding fire departments,” he said.
“EVs are new and require special considerations such as the location of the battery cell and requiring large amounts of water. The water supply on two pumper trucks currently may not be adequate to provide complete extinguishment, especially if the incident originates outside of Town limits (with no fire hydrant accessible). The SVFD does have supports in place from Mutual Aid and local water suppliers to assist in the event additional water is required. There may come a time when a water tanker truck may be required to assist with these specialized fires and other events where large amounts of water are needed.”
How can firefighters work with Electric Vehicles
The first issue firefighters have to do when arriving at a scene of a vehicle incident is determining whether a vehicle is gas/diesel, hybrid or electric, as many manufacturers use very similar chassis/body with just different internals.
“On the side of the road, there are only a few different ways to tell if you’re dealing with an EV and that is an electrical port on the front corner, whether or not there is a gas door, or unique decals,” said Rewerts.
Due to the battery pack being located on the underside of the vehicle, fire crews have limited access to get water to the cells to cool and extinguish, and using foam to cool and smother isn’t effective on lithium-ion batteries fires either.
“Even once the fire is out, fire crews will need to provide a fire watch for several hours after the incident to ensure no other batteries have been compromised and no re-ignition of fire,” said Rewerts.
“Typically, an EV fire burns at roughly 5,000F – or 2,760C – while a gasoline engine vehicle fire burns at 1,500F or 815C. There is also a much more highly toxic, carcinogenic smoke as a result of off-gassing from a battery cell.”
Rewerts added that the danger of a battery fire means that procedure of controlling the scene would be adjusted.
Often the ultimate solution to control an EV battery fire is to either let itself burn out if there are no other exposure risks, or constantly apply water for several hours. Either method comes with the risk of air pollution or water pollution as well.
Fire crews would also need to work with secondary responders such as tow trucks to ensure that batteries do no re-ignite after they are removed from the scene, stored securely and monitored.
“The big question for many firefighters from this course is ‘How can I cut up the car without electrocuting myself?’,” said Rewerts. “To date, no firefighter has been electrocuted while conducting extrication or fire suppression of an EV. Extrication of occupants is similar to gas engine vehicles, but emergency staff must be extra vigilant isolating the battery and drive system of an EV and ensure proper extrication practices are used.
“Manufacturers of EVs have added several safety features to allow emergency crews to quickly disable batteries and drive systems of their vehicles. This in turn allows first responders to quickly extricate occupants. Manufacturers are also providing First Responder Rescue sheets for EVs which can be found on their website or emergency responder apps.”
The SVFD has not yet dealt with an EV fire directly, but expect they will account for a very small percentage of the car fires in the Swan Valley.
“EV technology is advancing at a light speed pace and first responders have the daunting task of continually upgrading their education and skills to ensure up-to-date, safe, efficient and effective services are provided to the public and themselves,” Rewerts concluded.

Another successful Eisner Xmas Stash and Dash event saw crowds of hundreds driving around Swan River frantically attempting to crack the always clever puzzles of Jason Eisner and his family, in search of one of 11 prizes over three evenings (Dec. 18-20) totalling approximately $10,000 in donated products from the local business community.

Multiple homes in Swan River have been shuttered in the last month due to reported health and safety violations, which has forced the people living there to be abruptly evicted with a questionable future of where they are going to be able to live next.
One such resident was Brenda Cook, who was living in the white house at the corner of First Street South and Seventh Avenue South before she and everyone else in the building were unceremoniously told to leave following an investigation from Manitoba Justice that determined the house was an unsuitable habitation.
Cook was one of three people on the lease for the rental property, all three paying $500 each every month. Some of the people living there with her were her adult children and her niece.
“When I stayed in there I fixed that place up with my son Matthew helping me,” said Cook. “I had a group of friends that were helping me with everything, food, blankets, dishes.”
When Cook was told to leave, she was given 20 minutes to gather what she could and leave. Most of her belongings were left behind.
“I only took the jackets, the socks, the sweaters, my blanket and my pillow,” said Cook, noting she didn’t even take the blankets of her children.
“I went to my cousin’s because I feel safe with her. But I don’t really like staying there because there’s no heat or running water.”
Cook added that on the night after they got evicted, people were walking around all night and she was worried somebody would freeze. The night following the eviction on Nov. 23 was one of the coldest overnight periods in the last month.
“I even kind of forgot I was evicted because I said to (my son) Matthew, I just want to go home,” she said. “Oh wait, we don’t even have a home.”
Cook has struggled with addiction and substance abuse since 1999, but said she has been clean for three years now.
“I was using because of my common law husband running in and out with other women,” she said. “I started drinking.
“When he started leaving me longer and longer, I started using bad. And my mother taught me how to use these drugs. I was getting them from her.”
While she has since learned how to budget the disability cheque she does get, when she was living on harder times while in Brandon, she would stand on the street corner and sell herself to get by.
“I did everything for drugs and money and alcohol just to get by,” said Cook.
Cook also mentioned that her childhood wasn’t easy as well, having to take care of her parents and her brothers and sisters when she was only six years old because her parents were busy drinking every night.
“I blame my dad for my mom’s death because she got cancer from second-hand smoke and my mom wasn’t a smoker,” said Cook.
Cook had her first child when she was only 12 years old and more after that. However, she did end up pursuing an education and achieved her certification in Early Childhood Education Level 2.
“I wanted to work in Wuskwi Sipihk and wanted to become a homemaker there,” she said. “I can still have a job there, but I don’t have a way to get there.”
Though there were only three people on the lease for the White House, several others lived there and many more were present at the time the Department of Health did their inspection.
But, Cook insisted that the home was a safe and welcoming place.
“People thought we were cooking drugs in this house and I was thinking, ‘What? Come look around the house and check for yourself,’” she said. “(I would tell them) ‘If you think that’s what’s going on here, I don’t want you to come back.’”
Cook added that her son Matthew had to resort to throwing people out a couple of times.
Cook also noted her efforts to maintain the property, mowing the lawn and doing her best to fix windows that were broken, always being as resourceful as she could be.
The house was one of the places she could feel safe. While she generally isn’t bothered having to walk around Swan River, Cook explained how she has been harassed by others in town before and feared for her safety, having to defend herself.
One of the local blessings was having Meet Off Main when it was still funded and open, as it helped feed everyone.
“It helped a lot,” said Cook. “On weekends I had to cook for these people that come in and out to eat. I’d make bannock and soup, coffee and tea. We were trying to help each other.”
Despite hot meals no longer being on the menu, she added that the current CMHA supports in their new facility on Seventh Avenue North are good as well.
It remains to be seen what solutions will come for Swan River residents with vulnerable housing situations.