Dawson Trail Dispatch January 2023

HyLife Gives Major Holiday Boost to Food Banks FCC Funding Helps Community Food Bank

The second annual HyLife Holiday Helpers company food drive was hugely successful. Across operations, HyLife employees donated to 15 food banks, totalling $50,000 including more than 2,400 non-perishable items to local food banks.

In true holiday spirit, the donation deliveries came with a generous surprise twist. Several food banks and a breakfast program will also receive a cash donation, thanks to additional funds from our

HyLife Fun Days this past fall. During December, $50,000 was shared with organizations working tirelessly to make the holidays bright for their neighbours struggling with food insecurity.

“This is an early Christmas gift. HyLife has been generous towards Accueil Kateri in the past, not just for us but for various non-profit organizations,” said Armande Leclaire, Manager, Accueil Kateri. “They are great corporate citizens.”

Like so many, the need to support those facing challenging times is growing in Leclaire’s community of Ste. Anne.

“We are registering new clients all the time; people are doing the best they can. Life, gas, rent, and food are so expensive right now. We are hearing all kinds of heartbreaking stories, and so many families are stressed,” added Leclaire. “Our board and volunteers are passionate, and Continued on page 2...

Thanks to Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and their AgriSpirit Fund, the Accueil Kateri Centre in Ste. Anne will receive $20,000 to put towards the purchase refrigeration and freezer food storage equipment for the food bank.

The food bank was one of 85 projects funded across Canada. The fund focuses on communities with populations fewer than 150,000. Total approved project funding this year was $1.5 million.

Over the past 19 years, the FCC AgriSpirit Fund has supported 1,529 projects, an investment of $19.5 million.

“At FCC, we applaud all Canadian non-profit groups that invest time and energy to support their fellow citizens,” said Shannon Weatherall, FCC senior vice-president of Prairie operations. “Through the AgriSpirit Fund, FCC supports causes that contribute to a sense of community and help improve the quality of life for rural residents. It’s one of the ways FCC gives back to the communities where our customers and employees live and work.”

The next application period opens April 1, 2023. Registered charities, municipalities, First Nations and non-profit organizations interested in funding can visit fccagrispiritfund.ca for eligibility requirements, to apply online and view past projects.

While the special deliveries were made to different food banks, each group expressed the same increase in community needs. In Grunthal, Manitoba, the Caring Hands Food Bank was determined to keep up with demand. “We are going one month at a time. Every little drop will, over a length of time, help fill the bucket. We are thankful and will put this new donation to good use” said Carol Boonstoppel, Grunthal Caring Hands Food Bank. “One of our big focuses is the kids, supporting our schools to buy snacks and ensure the youngest are not going without.”

Submitted photo

RMs of Tache and Ste. Anne Share Award

By Dan Guetre

Two municipalities are sharing the 2022 Manitoba Good Roads Association award for Highest Standard of New or Rebuilt Road.

The association was established in 1909 to promote the development of a good road network throughout Manitoba.

road shared between the two municipalities.

“The award is for a shared project for a stretch of rebuilt road between 42N and 43N,” explained Tache Mayor Armand Poirier.

“This is proof positive of the great things that can be accomplished by working with neighbouring municipalities,” he added.

Conference.

In addition to sharing this award, former Tache councillor Jacques Trudeau was awarded last spring an honorary Lifetime Membership to the association.

Both Tache and Ste. Anne tackled rebuilding Municipal Road 30E, an intermunicipal we are getting it done for our neighbours, our community.”

Poirier is looking forward to spring where the award will be presented during the Manitoba Good Roads

According to Poirier, Councillor Trudeau’s name was submitted for an Honorary Membership in the Good Roads Association for his many years of dedicated service.

Trudeau was President of the association from 2009-2017.

HyLife Gives Major Holiday Boost to Food Banks

Between the annual employee food drive and monetary donations, HyLife will reach 15 charities in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan and in Windom, Minnesota.

“Being a food company, we feel committed to supporting those who work to ensure no one goes hungry. HyLife is proud of our employees who feel empowered

to give what they can. Wrapping up the donations with cheques worth $50,000, thanks to our generous partners, is the perfect way to embrace the season of giving,” shared Sheldon Stott, Senior Director of Corporate Sustainability, HyLife, while delivering food donations and an $8,000 cheque to South East Helping Hands in Steinbach.

While the special deliveries were made to different food banks, each group expressed the same increase in

community needs. In Grunthal, Manitoba, the Caring Hands Food Bank was determined to keep up with demand.

“We are going one month at a time. Every little drop will, over a length of time, help fill the bucket. We are thankful and will put this new donation to good use” said Carol Boonstoppel, Grunthal Caring Hands Food Bank. “One of our big focuses is the kids, supporting our schools to buy snacks and ensure the youngest are not going without.”

Lorette Dog Park Now Open!

By Angelique Forest

In the last few days of November, the RM of Tache announced that the Tache Dog Park located in Lorette is now open for public use. The park is equipped with

dog waste stations for dog owners’ convenience.

The RM encourages dog owners to be responsible and keep the park tidy by remembering to clean up after their furry friends.

This new off-leash park encourages owners to responsibly exercise their dogs locally instead of having to commute to other local off-leash parks, such as Maple Grove Park in St. Vital.

In true holiday spirit, the donation deliveries came with a generous surprise twist. Several food banks and a breakfast program will also receive a cash donation, thanks to additional funds from our HyLife Fun Days this past fall. During December, $50,000 was shared with organizations working tirelessly to make the holidays bright for their neighbours struggling with food insecurity. Submitted photo

In addition to sharing this award, former Tache councillor Jacques Trudeau was awarded an honorary Lifetime Membership to the Good Roads Association for his many years of dedicated service last spring. Trudeau was President of the association from 2009-2017.

Submitted photo

Like a Good Book?

ROC Eastman

“Virtual Book Sale” Website Will Not Disappoint

By Dan Guetre

Recreational Opportunities for Children Eastman (ROC Eastman) is restocking its virtual book sale website with hundreds of titles available for all lovers of books.

“Our online book fair first started during the pandemic in 2020 when we were limited to how many in-person fundraiser sales we could host,” explained Steph McLean, Development Coordinator and Family Recreation Practitioner with ROC Eastman. “After a brief hiatus in mid-2022 for a few months while we moved our books to a new warehouse, our online book fair came back in November and we are working at building up our online inventory again. We have done a few upgrades and overhauls since then!”

McLean explained that the books are all gently used donations, and they sort the best of the best books for online sales.

The books are categorized by age level and sub categorized by genre - you can also search by author or title.

Online, they accept credit card, visa debit, Apple Pay & Google pay. They offer free local pick up in Steinbach and Beausejour, or a flat rate shipping/delivery for $15 (Canada-wide). Additionally, orders over $50 also are eligible for 10% off.

At this time, ROC Eastman does not have an exact date for the next in person book fair.

“We recently moved to a long term home, and while we are back at sorting books and running our online book fair, we still need to do some updates to our warehouse space to comply with our retail permit before selling to the public in person,” explained McLean. “For sure by spring 2023, but our fingers are crossed for earlier!”

Currently their warehouse holds thousands of books, so the time and commitment to put all of those books online just isn’t possible.

“We take the best of the best books off of our warehouse shelves to add to our online inventory first - any books that don’t sell online will be added to the shelves during our next book fair,” added McLean. “So, if you want the best and newest books - head online first!”

Their online inventory is growing weekly and currently has approximately 500 books for sale. They are adding about 100 new titles to the inventory weekly. New books hit the website on Fridays at 8 am.

“Our online book sales generate a significant amount of funds which is continuing to grow as we expand and advertise, now that we are back!” said McLean. “There is potential to raise over $1,000 a month for our charity just through our online sales… how incredible!”

McLean noted that none of this would be possible without their volunteers.

“All of our book donations are hand sorted and categorized by the heart and soul of our book fair - our volunteers!” she said. “While the website is run by ROC staff, that portion of the online book sales is so small in comparison to the gift of time and energy our volunteers give us.”

To shop online for books visit the online book fair rocbookfair.square.site.

“TikTok Elf” Spreads Cheer Through Richer

By Angelique Forest

Spreading cheer this holiday season was a hot topic, especially with the increased financial struggle many are experiencing this year. One woman’s decision to venture back to her home town brought smiles to a couple of dozen households.

Jennifer “Mallory” Claeys, with the help of her online TikTok community along with friends and local businesses, and armed with a creative idea gave back in her own way.

Claeys, with the support of Hello Taxi, loaded up 24 bags filled with treats and randomly delivered them throughout the community she grew up in.

Claeys does this in memory of her late father, Richard Claeys, who she says taught her the value of charity.

Claeys remembers how her father would drop off “care packages” at people’s doorsteps at night in Richer to help local families in his own way. Her father would help absolutely anyone she added.

This memory rubbed off on her and defined part of her personality.

“When I turned 25, I started doing this… but everywhere,” she explained. “I’d pay for people’s groceries, orders at restaurants or in line at McDonalds.”

Now, eleven years later, some businesses are used to her random generosity.

“The Shell in La Broquerie knows

me for this… I’d put my arm up in the back of the store and pay for whoever was at the till,” she said.

She hopes to help those struggling, knowing that hampers can sometimes come with few items and less treats at times.

“Had I started before December 1st there would have been boxes not just bags,” said Claeys proudly.

Claeys describes herself as a pretty shy person and initially this idea made her a bit nervous but in the end she came away with a different feeling.

“It was absolutely amazing,” admitted Claeys. “Everyone I met and everywhere I went, people were in absolute shock. Happiness and wonder and the moment they knew what was going on… I was already gone to next place.”

Claeys would like to remind everyone that giving is something we can all do and it’s not just about Christmas… it’s everyday.

“Be that miracle in someone life, in any small way and don’t always expect a thanks,” said Claeys. “In the end like my dad said ‘you’re smarter than you think, you’re stronger than you feel, and more beautiful than you’ll ever imagine’,”

Claeys appreciates all the help she received from businesses, friends and family. She feels encouraged to do this again next year.

Photos Courtesy of Jennifer Claeys

Jennifer “Mallory” Claeys, with the help of her online TikTok community along with friends and local businesses, and armed with a creative idea gave back in her own way.

Claeys, with the support of Hello Taxi, loaded up 24 bags filled with treats and randomly delivered them throughout the community she grew up in.

2022 A Year in Review

July began where June had left off, with Canadians across the political spectrum furious at being unable to access basic government services.

Ideology aside, the Trudeau Liberals were failing to perform the most basic functions of government. Their decision to hire thousands of new bureaucrats has led to a scenario that continues today: more government employees working longer hours and achieving less than the public service was producing prior to COVID. Conservatives offered a list of helpful suggestions to improve service but, as usual, our commonsense solutions fell on deaf ears.

July also saw the largest service outage in Canadian history as Rogers dealt with a “system glitch”.

As Canadians struggled, Mr. Trudeau spent most of July in the air. He attended the G7 and NATO summits, and the Papal visit, but most of July’s travel was not government business but rather fundraisers (four) and photo-ops. Then he took off on vacation. For most people, travelling to another province or country to check out local points of interest, attend special events, and take pictures is called a vacation. After racking up roughly 26,000 km on the taxpayer’s dime (and burning roughly 120 tonnes of CO2) to raise money and take pictures only served to solidify the perception of our Prime Minister as entitled, hypocritical and out of touch with Canadians.

Summer also saw intensified calls from Canadians to scrap the useless ArriveCan app.

It was also during August that the Director of the Canadian Institute

for Inclusion and Citizenship called the Liberal Government’s MAID law the biggest existential threat to disabled people - we could add the elderly, the poor, children, the mentally ill and (according to recent reports) veterans - since Hitler’s Nazi Germany. Conservatives continue to push for a halt to the Trudeau Government’s increasingly permissive MAID legislation.

In September, Canadians bid a sad but fond farewell to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For many (myself included) Her Majesty was the only Monarch they had ever known in their lifetime. Her example and the sense of constancy and calm she provided will be sorely missed.

September did bring one positive and that was the landslide election of the Hon. Pierre Poilievre as leader of the CPC. Pierre ran a great campaign, connecting with Canadians who have been left behind by this government. Conservative are energized and united and ready to win the next election.

The fall brought intensified calls to deal with the growing cost of living crisis. Reckless Liberal borrowing and spending was driving inflation to record rates and Canadians were (and remain) struggling

to make ends meet. The Liberal Government’s tone-deaf comments about how they had made Canadians “better off” or how Liberal Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland was going to cancel her Disney Plus subscription just served to further prove that this Liberal Government is out of touch and Canadians are out of money.

November saw a return of the freedom convoy as the Emergencies Act Inquiry was convened. Canadians look forward to the results in February’s report, though no one is holding their breathe that it will do anything more than confirm what most Canadians already know: whether they agreed with the truckers or not, the threshold for the act was never met and the Liberal government misled the Canadian people.

December brought a fresh attack on gun owners as the Liberal Government broke their word and added hunting rifles and shotguns to their list of banned weapons. Rather than go after illegal guns, smuggled from the US, this Liberal Government continues to target law abiding Canadians.

There’s so much more we could say about 2022, but I think most of us would rather put this long bleak

year behind us.

The beauty of a New Year is a fresh start and fresh possibilities. While the players remain the same, I truly believe Canadians are coming out of a long cold dark winter.

It is my hope that 2023 is the year we finally send Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Government packing. That a new Conservative Government begins the long slow process of cleaning up Liberal messes and helping Canadians who have been left behind to finally get ahead. Of restoring common-sense and a government that serves all Canadians.

As your Member of Parliament my pledge for 2023 remains what it has always been: to serve Provencher. To boldly be a voice for Provencher views and values in Ottawa and offer common-sense solutions. To represent you and your family and help build the Canada we all want to see, for ourselves and for our children.

Government’s Attempt to Recreate the Wheel Results in the Same Flat Tire

collected data and conversations with experts, the Province seemed to turn a deaf ear and blind eye to what they were seeing and hearing. Although frustrated, the groups had to begrudgedly bow to the Province and allow them to spend our taxpayer money on an “unbiased” report even though the opponents had already predicted the answers.

ed to it at no cost from the vocal opponents of the project.

A report published by Arcadis Canada about the proposal by Sio Silica Corporation’s Environment Act Project Proposal just reiterates what opponents and environmental groups have been saying all along… there are too many unanswered questions and transparency is sorely lacking.

The report was commissioned by the Province of Manitoba Clean Environment Commission and published a few months ago.

While many opponents of the project wanted to completely reject the idea based on their

The report concedes that there are flaws in the extraction methods, project scope, geotechnical and topographic impacts, water treatment, air quality assessment, protection from microbial contamination, longterm effects, and a lack of detail in a closure plan. It further addresses the lack of supporting documents of how to protect from the impact any “accident or malfunction” leading to further criticism of the Management Plans and the lack of detail.

“The Management Plans submitted to date lack the information necessary to confirm that operational practices will be capable of identifying and mitigating potential environmental impacts from the Project.”

These concerns are similar to the data the Province already had hand-

Additionally, the report also reiterates the same concern from the public… “The Proponent’s level of public engagement on the proposed undertaking is not commensurate with known and potential public concerns” and “The Proponent has provided some information on the condition that it be kept confidential and withheld from the Public Record. None of the information provided to Arcadis to date would normally be classified as confidential. This has the potential to limit the use of critically important information during EA decision-making and to erode public trust.”

The 45 page report could be seen as a collection of all the concerns already presented to the Province over time listing the potential negative impact and lack of detail in the Sio Silica “sales kit.”

The Province has a choice. It could try and reinvent the wheel again hoping for a different outcome or it could listen to those Manitobans out there that want to protect our quality of life for future generations.

Food Security Funding

Happy New Year, everyone! It’s hard to believe that it is officially 2023; time has really flown by. I hope you all had a safe and joyful holiday season, full of delicious food, lots of rest, and time spent with loved ones. It was so nice to be able to get back to normal last year, and I’m looking forward to seeing what this year has in store.

I would like to start the year off by highlighting a recent announcement. To help alleviate food insecurity, our provincial government is distributing $3 million to Harvest Manitoba, as well as an additional $1.75 million to 29 organizations across Manitoba as part of the Food Security Fund.

This funding provides direct support to local food banks, soup kitchens, and organizations across our province, at a time when it is needed most.

I am pleased to announce that Accueil Kateri Centre Inc. will be receiving $30,000 to help them be able to continue providing these vital

services for the community. This funding will help put food on the table of many households throughout our province, and I am proud to be part of a government that prioritizes these important initiatives.

For more updates and information, visit my website at boblagasse.com. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact my constituency office at ca.lagasse@outlook. com or 204-807-4663.

Bob Lagassé is the MLA for Dawson Trail.

Passing Bill-36: Limiting Manitoba Hydro’s Rate Increases

Now that we are fully into the Manitoba Winter months, we all know that as the temperatures drop the heating costs will rise. Not only in our homes but also in our businesses, schools and community facilities. In the end we are all ratepayers and all have a vested interest in keeping Manitoba Hydro’s utility strong and the rates affordable.

Wab Kinew spent the past few months running a fear-mongering campaign against our government’s plan to strengthen Hydro. It’s clear what their motives are: they are against the strengthening of Manitoba Hydro and the Public Utilities Board because it would mean that no government will ever be able to again do what the NDP did – triple Hydro’s debt and weaken the utility, affecting ratepayers. The NDP began by falsely claiming that Bill 36 https://web2.gov.mb.ca/bills/42-4/b036e.

php “interferes” with the Public Utilities Board (PUB), when in fact it will save Manitobans money and prevent major hikes to Hydro bills.

But then the NDP flip-flopped. They claimed that they would “freeze” Hydro rates – which would, by definition, be “interfering” with the PUB. Not only that, it would also weaken Manitoba Hydro’s position and put Hydro into even more debt – debt that the NDP had already tripled to $25 BILLION.

It’s clear that the NDP have no solutions, and they would only push problems further down the road with false promises while debt continues to pile up. This is something we witnessed while the NDP were in power, leaving behind a mountain of debt and a trail of bad decisions for our PC Government to clean up.

Our government is dedicated to making life more affordable for Manitobans and that is why we passed Bill 36, which will ensure that Hydro rate increases are limited to 5 per cent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. It

also sets PUB hearings to three-year proposals rather than one, which will save ratepayers millions.

This means that if inflation is high like this year – which saw rates of over 8 per cent, Hydro’s increases can’t exceed 5 per cent. This is integral to ensuring that Manitoba Hydro remains sustainable. Manitobans own Manitoba Hydro, not the NDP. We need to protect our utility and make sure that it can continue offering clean, affordable energy for generations to come.

Here in the Lac du Bonnet constituency, I had the pleasure of visiting with some of our community organizations who hosted holiday events and helped raise money, food, toys and clothing to prepare hampers and/or donate to a local food bank. I sincerely want to thank all the volunteers who continue to put in the time and effort to improve the lives of others both during the holiday season and throughout the year.

So, from my family to yours, we wish you all the best in the New Year. Looking forward to a great 2023.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at wayne@wayneewasko.com, or call me at 204-268-3282. Also, you can follow me on Twitter @wayneewaskomla and friend me on Facebook.

Wayne Ewasko is the MLA for Lac du Bonnet and the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning.

The Provinces’ Environmental Mishmash: We Need Federal Legislation with Teeth

By Monica Guetre

This year, I hope we really take many moments to stop, observe and listen. I hope that we really see what we are doing and incorporate conscience action into protecting our waterways and our land.

I really hope that this year is the turning point and we never have to say, “I remember those great old days like walking through tall wild grass prairie or through shaded woods; paddling a canoe or skipping a stone across a crystal clear lake that we could actually drink from; hearing loons calling to each… Those were the days we could walk into so many natural wonders.”

Our reminiscing could end up being a family get together sharing pictures of our travels or posting on-line the lost natural beauty so that the next generation has an inkling of what they missed out because they were born a bit too late.

In December 2022, during the UN biodiversity conference COP15 in Montreal, about 20,000 delegates from more than 190 countries put forward their ideas and concerns on what the UN has declared as a universal human right: “Healthy Environment”.

At the agreement’s most basic level it is all about how we treat each other, our families, communities, seniors, children, the most vulnerable; our in-between spaces that should remain wild for all living creatures, and use that as a measurement of our self worth individually and as a country. It means walking the talk.

Many of us believe in this basic healthy environment principle and many of us live this philosophy daily. This very basic right to a healthy environment has evolved as our understanding of how we fit in has evolved.

This basic “Right” has been expressed by many over decades and even for thousands of years when First Nations arrived in this land. You could say Canadians are lucky because we have about 20,000 years of accessible knowledge; we just have to listen and brush up on our curiosity skills.

Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, “Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.” He also said, “The indifference, callousness and contempt that so many people exhibit toward animals is evil first because it results in great suffering in animals, and second because it results in an incalculably great impoverishment of the human spirit.”

The COP15 meeting has Canada committing to working in collaboration with Indigenous partners, the provinces and territories, stakeholders, and other levels of government to reach its goals of creating 10 new national parks and conserving 25% of lands and waters by 2025, and 30% of each by 2030. The consensus goal is to conserve one third of our water and land. Canada got off easy as our nation currently has a low population density

Now the bigger questions arise. What third and how do you maintain biodiversity

if it’s only in areas already sparsely populated or carve out protected geographical areas disconnected from each other? How do we protect the ocean along our the coasts from international encroachment or from industry, municipalities and residents dumping their waste water, chemicals and so much trash when we don’t enforce existing provincial-territorial and federal regulations?

Even a former Prime Minster was involved in a secret project to store nuclear waste in Labrador, one of the top natural wonders of this country.

Yes, if we make radioactive waste, we have to store it safely for a very, very, very long time so that it does no harm. But instead of being secretive and nontransparent when energy comes with baggage, maybe we should find solutions to solve our energy making that isn’t associated with high pollution potential. Make it clear, we are no longer in the business of using our tax dollars for another nonrenewable, non-sustainable and polluting energy choice.

A major discovery last month could provide renewable clean energy essentially forever when the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in the US harnessed nuclear fusion for the first time. If scaleable, this is a game changer.

From now on governments need to move forward and focus our very limited tax dollars to support healthy environments that embrace renewable energy to meet zero emission and zero pollution targets.

Our Canadian track record is dismal on health environments. In the 6th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity which is an overview of our progress to meet the 2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets. While it says we are on track to meet 11 targets plus the marine and coastal portion of Target 1, we are progressing at an insufficient rate to meet 6 other targets plus the terrestrial and inland waters portion of Targets.

Without Federal legislation that actually has teeth and protects all of Canada from ourselves and international global forces how do we put the brakes on our needs for competing land uses, pollution, population growth and our human activities?

It would be great if our politicians not only say the words but make it a reality in cross-party legislation. Just say no instead. Stop wasting tax dollars with another report that’s been done hundreds of times in some other form over many decades.

Francis of Assisi, said, “If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.”

I hope you agree it is much easier and rewarding to work alongside “mother nature”, than against her.

I hope this year, you and your family have the chance to experience Canada, and please remember leave no trace that you were there so that others can enjoy her beauty too.

Town Council Confirms Support for Development

By Dan Guetre

At a recent Town of Ste. Anne council meeting, councillors reaffirmed their support for their local Community Development Corporation (CDC) by assuring there is money set aside for it to operate.

The mission of Ste. Anne Community Development Corporation is to promote and enhance development in the areas of economic development, entrepreneurship, tourism and community activities for the Town of Ste. Anne. The CDC operates as a committee under the municipal council.

Additionally, all members of council, including the Mayor, were appointed to the CDC board of directors.

“Our CDC has purchased the old Petro Canada in town and we are actively looking to grow our CDC and become far more active to grow businesses in our community,” said Mayor Yvan St. Vincent. The old Petro Canada, also previously know as Amber Auto sits across from the Clearview Coop facility and the Ste. Anne Police Department complex.

St. Vincent is hoping this site could be part of a larger plan to attract business and interest in the community.

“We are looking for board members to join our group and we want to get the word out that the site is ripe for development for businesses!!” he added.

With Hopeful Anticipation!

My first column of 2023! A whole year, fresh and new lays bare before us. What events, both good and bad will greet us in this new year? After having experienced the year of 2022, the year that was but is no more, I am looking forward to this new year with hopeful anticipation in my heart and mind.

To take some time to reflect on the previous year and mention a few of the highlights and touch upon some of the sadder notes is often a great way to bid the departing year goodbye and to ready ourselves for the approaching year.

One of the great things that occurred last year was that my oldest son received his driver’s license. This has been a great thing for the family at large as this was soon followed by his getting a car. His first car, what a great moment in a young person’s life! It has also been a boon to the parents as the new driver can now drive his siblings around while the parents can chill at home. Of course, it also means that there is another vehicle in the driveway that we have to dodge as we head off to work in the mornings. So far, so good.

Another great thing that occurred was the joining of two little kittens into our household. Dare I say... family? With Raja being one of the chillest kittens I ever met, his brother Poseidon makes up for it in pure craziness. Of course, each of their attitudes can quickly infect the other and cause bouts of full out snoozefests, which even an earthquake would not stir, all the way to the other end of the spectrum where both kittens are climbing the curtains and attacking the feet of any hapless humans that should dare to be passing by.

The saddest event of the year would be the sudden death of my young nephew Jon. A tragedy that has sent ripples throughout the lives of the many, many people that this loveable, young man had touched. Being a believer that this world is not the end but that we all go on once our time on this earth is finished, I do believe that he is no longer in a world where there is pain, where there is only happiness and love. May we all look to this truth to ease our sorrows and let go of the grudges that we all carry. Life is much too short.

As I stated earlier, I am looking forward to this new year of 2023 with hopeful anticipation in my heart and mind. I can choose to be negative or I can choose to be positive, both will create a result but only one choice will make life better for me and those around me.

Until next time, take care and keep your world spinning.

Tache Receives Support for “Greening Up” Closed Waste Sites

By Dan Guetre

The RM of Tache has signed an agreement with Tree Canada to plant just under 100,000 white spruce trees in the municipality.

The agreements allow for 15,000 white spruce at the old landfill site on Gendron Road south of Lorette and an additional 80,000 white spruce throughout the Monominto Trails park located at the corner of Hwy 501 and Monominto Rd.

“This was an idea that had been pursued some time ago,” said Tache Mayor Armand Poirier. “Applications had been submitted to Tree Canada but had suspended its projects for some time.”

“They are now processing applications,” added Poirier. “They have approved 2 projects for us.”

These are not the only plans in the works for securing some greenery.

“It is my understanding that Robert Freynet and a committee [in Ste. Genevieve] will be making an application for trees for the Site Historique Mgr. Taché,” said Poirier. “But no announcement has been made so and I have no idea for the time being where they are at with their application.”

Poirier said the project will not cost the residents anything as Tree Canada will look after the project. The applicant must follow a few simple rules in the agreement.

“We signed a contract committing to having the trees in place for a

minimum of 20 years,” he said. This means that no harvesting can take place. Additionally, before planting gets underway, the municipality needs to assure the group that the land is free from livestock and is accessible.

Piney-Stuartburn Cooperation Levels Up

By Dan Guetre

Over the years, the neighbouring municipal councils of Piney and Stuartburn have built a solid working relationship taking advantage of savings resulting from cost sharing as they promote and grow their region.

At council meetings, both councils have decided to formally put some money aside in the form of a joint reserve fund targeting economic growth and tourism. A commitment of $45,000 annually from each municipality will be committed to the established Piney, Stuartburn Economic Development Board.

“This Board discusses and decides

what the monies will be spent in but it is allocated for tourism and economic development in both RM’s,” explained Stuartburn Reeve Michelle Gawronsky.

Both councils are taking the steps to enshrine the agreement by creating the bylaws necessary.

“Council must create a reserve bylaw so the monies can be moved into that account,” added Gawronsky. “This will still continue to be a joint committee with representation from each municipality.”

As a newly elected Reeve, Gawronsky is quickly working on getting up to speed on all the mov-

ing parts of her municipality and the commitments.

“My understanding is this was created to ensure each municipality has the ability to make use of any grants or projects such as ‘Sunrise Corner’ where both municipalities’ events, projects, etc can be advertised and info shared,” she added.

“With the Province’s announcement of the upgrade that has been committed to for Highway 201, this Board will be instrumental in promoting such things as any employment or tourism opportunities for both our Municipalities,” said Gawronsky.

80,000 white spruce will be planted throughout the Monominto Trails park located at the corner of Hwy 501 and Monominto Rd. 15,000 white spruce will be planted at the old landfill site on Gendron Road south of Lorette. Google Maps screenshots

Recreation Opportunities are Solid as a “ROC”

By Dan Guetre

A pilot project started over a decade ago through the Province of Manitoba with a goal to support families and decrease the need for government-assisted income has become a staple on the Eastman scene known for serving countless families by equipping children so they can participate in recreation.

Recreational Opportunities for Children Eastman (ROC Eastman) was an experiment and when asked if they believe the Province is happy with the results?

“I sure hope so!!” said Steph McLean, Development Coordinator and Family Recreation Practitioner with ROC Eastman. “The Province has supported us throughout the years with a year-by-year grant of $50,000. We are very grateful and hope they continue to find value in our services.”

The operating costs of the organization has grown to $250,000 annually, most of which is funded by generous donors and fundraisers keeping the Provincial commitment minimal.

Recently, the group has just wound down their annual 50/50 draw fundraiser which sold out and saw the 2022 winner Barb G., take home $50,000.

ROC Eastman will use its share of the fundraiser split almost evenly between children’s recreation activity registration fees, equipment, at-home activity kits and transportation, with the other half going to-

wards home visits where staff sits down with families to understand which activities might meet each child’s interests and values, and find solutions to individual barriers so the kids can enjoy positive experiences.

“Barriers might be mental health challenges, disability supports, transportation, medical challenges, financial constraints, unsure of what activities are offered near home, how to register, how to apply for activity grants, comfort with joining a program, trauma experiences, to name a few,” explained Mclean. “Each child and parent is unique and we are honoured to be invited to help. Our ROC families are incredible and work hard for their children.”

ROC Eastman is gearing up for a busy 2023 working on finalizing their events and programming schedule.

“We love our community delivery and donation days!” said McLean. “We typically host two tours every year; one in spring and one in fall.”

“Each season, we try to visit 3-5 different communities in both the south and north Eastman region, rotating which communities we visit regularly to be able to meet and connect with more people!” added McLean. “That being said, we can gladly distribute equipment all year round! Just reach out to us - we are happy to make arrangements for anyone in need who is living in Eastman who may need equipment

for their children or themselves. We also accept donations all year round as well!”

Dates for some of the events happening in 2023 have not been officially worked out yet but here is a general calendar of activities people can watch out for:

Spring 2023

- In-Person Book Fair fundraiser (Steinbach)

- ROC The Rink Corporate Hockey Tournament Fundraiser (Ste. Anne)

- Spring Community Delivery & Donation Days (various locations in North & South Eastman)

Summer 2023

- Cyclathon Fundraiser (In person event - Steinbach, virtual/ remote event options also available)

- Potential summer In-Person Book Fair fundraiser (Steinbach)

Fall/Winter 2023

- Fall Community Delivery & Donation Days (various locations in North & South Eastman)

- Potential fall/winter In-Person Book Fair fundraiser (Steinbach)

- ROC Eastman 50/50 fundraiser (Province-wide)

McLean hopes to have specific dates nailed down and invites the public to visit their website roceastman.ca as updates come in. You can also connect with ROC Eastman on their Facebook page.

Seine River School Division Receives Grants to Promote French Language

By Dan Guetre

Both the Lorette Collegiate and the Sainte-Anne Immersion schools received grants from the Province of Manitoba’s to support French-language programming in schools.

Collège Lorette Collegiate will use the funds towards their “Building Learner Confidence and Engagement in Français” program.

École Sainte-Anne Immersion has

earmarked their funds towards their Teacher Support Service (Service d’appui aux enseignants).

“French-language instruction is an integral part of Manitoba’s education system and key to the vitality of our francophone community,” said Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko during the announcement.

“Our government knows that ac-

cess to Français and French immersion education enriches the lives of students and helps prepare them for success in the future,” added Families Minister Rochelle Squires.

These grants are funded under the terms of the Canada-Manitoba Agreement on Minority-Language Education and SecondLanguage Instruction.

Ste. Anne Curling Club Plans for Busy 2023

In a recent notice, the Ste. Anne Curling Club announced their schedule for the 2023 season along with a call out to volunteers to fill in around the club or work on a project.

Along with league play, the Club has scheduled their Junior Bonspiel for January 21. Curling drop-in nights are planned for January 14 and February 11 which are perfect for those who want to try curling in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, or for those who like to curl

but couldn’t commit to a league.

Their open bonspiel will run on March 17, 18, and 19 with the hope to recreate the great success from last year. They predict this will be extremely popular so are asking everyone to keep their eyes open for more details and sign-up early.

Their famous suds and spuds fundraiser will happen on April 28.

The Club needs to upgrade its cameras in the facility and are hoping someone will come forward to

take on the task to do some research, get some quotes, and potentially apply for some grants.

Although often the league reps cover the bartending duties, they would rather have other volunteers to help out here. They are asking members to talk to their rep if anyone has their bartending certificate and can help out once and a while. You can even keep the tips! If you don’t have a certificate, you can easily get one at smartchoicesmb.ca.

Barb G. was the 2022 50/50 draw winner taking home $50,000. Submitted photo

Manitoba to Launch Centralized Emergency Care Service

A new service will support safe, consistent and timely emergency care by offering health-care providers in rural, northern and some Winnipeg facilities improved access to specialist consultation for clinical advice and transfer of patients, Health Minister Audrey Gordon announced recently in Steinbach.

“As a single point of contact, the provincial Virtual Emergency Care and Transfer Resource Service (VECTRS) provided by Shared Health’s Emergency Response Services (ERS) will support continuity of care in urgent, emergent and critical situations,” said Gordon. “This will support decision-making for patient care when time is of the essence and empower health-care providers across the province with access to a dedicated team of experts who can answer questions and co-ordinate patient transfers to the most appropriate location for care. This will lead to better patient outcomes and improved capacity across the health system.”

VECTRS is a centralized and co-ordinated source for clinical guidance and patient transport support. The service will respond to calls from urgent care centres including those in Winnipeg, rural emergency departments, health facilities and nursing stations across the province as well as ERS teams in need of consultation and specialist advice, the minister noted. The virtual service will be staffed by emergency physicians, advanced care paramedics and advanced practice respiratory therapists to provide 24-7 emergency care and transport advice in co-ordination with on-call specialists while coordinating referrals and prioritizing patient transfers to the most appropriate location for ongoing care.

“With the ability to connect with emergency care specialists virtually, health-care providers can receive medical advice immediately for the patients in their care who are suffering from an emergent life, limb or vision threatening condition, or another acute change in their health status,” said Dr. Rob Grierson, chief medical officer of ERS with Shared Health. “With this new model of care, emergency care teams can spend less time determining where they should bring a patient, less time arranging the transport of patients, and more time focusing on the care of their patients.”

“This service is especially beneficial for rural health-care providers working in emergency departments as it will provide rapid virtual support and consultation with an emergency specialist who can help with the care plan of critically ill patients. This advice will help determine appropriate transfer locations better and, in some instances, may prevent an unneeded transfer altogether. As well, this service will help minimize the amount of time a rural health-care provider spends co-ordinating transfer plans,” said Dr. Denis Fortier, regional lead of medical services and chief medical officer, Southern HealthSanté Sud. “Ultimately, the Virtual Emergency Care and Transfer Resource Service will support the best and most appropriate care closer to home, while ensuring safe management and co-ordinated transfer of patients requiring more advanced critical care. This in turn leads to better patient outcomes and supports our valuable rural health-care providers.”

Clinically complex and high priority inter-facility transfers will be supported, triaged and co-ordinated through VECTRS, ensuring timely access to air and/or ground transport for patients in need of transfer to an appropriate facility that can support care needs. The VECTRS team will offer clinical guidance and oversight throughout complex patient moves, removing the current requirement for facility-based physicians to co-ordinate these transfers with receiving sites.

“This new service will make it easier for doctors to consult emergency medicine specialists and arrange urgent patient transfers between hospitals, and we hope to see it expand in short order to include other specialists too,” said Dr. Candace Bradshaw, president, Doctors Manitoba. “Doctors are wasting time on inefficient administrative tasks, but changes like this will help to give us more time to do what we love, and that’s providing medical care to Manitobans.”

Less urgent inter-facility transfers will continue to be triaged and co-ordinated by the Shared Health ERS Medical Transportation Coordination Centre and the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Communications Centre.

VECTRS is anticipated to be up and running in May 2023 in advance of trauma season.

Ritchot Councillor Receives Award for Volunteerism

By Angelique Forest

Ritchot Mayor Chris Ewan took to social media to congratulate a Ritchot councillor, Janine Boulanger, who was honoured for her volunteerism with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award.

The mayor himself also received the award for his leadership role during the pandemic and the spring flooding.

Springfield-Ritchot MLA Ron Schuler was on hand to present the medals.

Only 1,000 awards will be presented in ceremonies throughout the province during the Platinum Jubilee year. Recipients must have made a contribution to Canada, Manitoba or a particular region or community.

Boulanger was a tireless volunteer and has been serving her community as the councillor for Ward 4 since 2017 and is also the president of the Grand Pointe homeowners association.

Shaun Crew, a third resident of the area also received the medal. As an entrepreneur, Crew has also been a long-time volunteer in the municipality serving on multiple boards.

This is the second round of medals being given out. In September, MLA Kelvin Goertzen, RCMP Staff Sargent Harold Laninga, musician/mental health advocate Rob Nash and Michelle Sawatzky-Koop, who is a radio host in Steinbach and community advocate also received the honour.

Tache Eyes Long-term “Active Transportation” in Municipality

By Dan Guetre

The RM of Tache has set their eyes on the future of what their municipality should include for its residents in order to get around beyond the traditional roadway system.

According to CAO Christine Hutlet, the $52,500 project’s goal

is to identify and plan the development of future active transportation nodes that would allow for biking, hiking, and other non-motorized means of transportation.

The Government of Canada has agreed to pick up $50,000 of the costs for the study following an agreement signed recently, leaving

council with a small cost of only $2,500.

Council plans to seek out an expert to undertake the project.

“The RM will engage a consultant that has experience in these types of plans through a request for proposal process in the new year,” explained Hutlet.

Former Ste. Anne CAO Back in Municipal Role

By Dan Guetre

The RM of De Salaberry has announced that Jennifer Gilmore, the former CAO of the RM of Ste. Anne has been hired to fill their vacant position of Municipal Planner/Development Officer.

According to CAO Denise Parent, the Municipal Planner/Development Officer is responsible for implementing multiple concurrent applications and providing the necessary information to various groups (Council, public, administration, other levels of government) involved in the area of municipal planning and development.

Gilmore was hired to replace the previous employee who had left the position.

“[The] past employee’s spouse took a career in another province,” explained Parent. “They have since relocated their family.”

Some of the duties include reviewing development applications to determine compliance with the

municipal Development Plan, Zoning By-law, and other planning and development related by-laws and policies. Additionally, the person is responsible to research and review relevant by-laws and policies to keep Municipal Council and Administration up to date.

Gilmore will act as a primary contact and respond to planning and development related inquiries from the public, elected officials,

municipal staff and provincial government agencies.

Parent is confident that Gilmore will be an asset to their municipality.

“Jennifer has over 10 years of experience working in a municipal environment and is a welcome addition to the team,” she said.

Gilmore spent almost a decade as CAO for the RM of Ste. Anne and was previously the Acting CAO for the RM of Stuartburn.

Jennifer Gilmore. Meeting

Janine Boulanger was honoured for her volunteerism with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award. Submitted photo

Senior Encounter with Aethos Taekwondo at Villa Youville

By Lionel Bernier

Students and instructors from the Ste. Anne and Lorette branches of Aethos Taekwondo paid a Christmas holiday visit to the seniors of Villa Youville in Ste. Anne on Thursday December 29. This occasion was orchestrated by the Villa’s Services & Activities Coordinator, Joanne Comeault, and Aethos Taekwondo’s Ste. Anne Branch Instructor, Melody Tardiff.

Twenty-five members from the Taekwondo club arrived in the afternoon for a demonstration of the martial art of Taekwondo.

From Ste. Anne Branch there were also Charlie Tardiff, Rynn Todd, Nicholas and Thomas Sarkonak, Christopher and Emmanuel TataDeku, Finley Chislett-Funk, Jérome, Colin, and Annick Vielfaure, and Corbin and Aubree Woodhall.

The contingent from Lorette Branch included Master Lionel Bernier, Elisabeth Fust, Rya Bernier, Reid and Sara Ammeter, Julien Comia, Anna Diadiun, Yakiv and Demian Sydoriakin, Matylda Stasica, Parker and Hudson Greening, and Frederik Kehoe.

MC for the demo was Melody Tardiff who introduced the group to the seniors and leading the demonstration was Elisabeth Fust as the conductor.

Taekwondo kicking techniques, blocks, punches, pushups on the knuckles, and stretching were per-

formed by the students under the direction of Fust. Matylda Stasica demonstrated her amazing flexibility by doing a full split to the delight and awe of the seniors. All the students had an opportunity to demonstrate various kicks and punches on re-usable boards.

The first three colour belt patterns, Taegeuk Il Jang, Taegeuk Ee Jang, and Taegeuk Sam Jang were performed by the colour and black belts. The first degree (Dan) black belt pattern called Koryo was performed by all the black belts that included Melody Tardiff and Reid Ammeter followed by the third degree black belt pattern, Taebaek, which was performed by Elisabeth Fust, Charlie Tardiff, and Rya Bernier who all hold that rank. Finally, a series of controlled sparring matches were put on for the enjoyment of the seniors.

The best quote from one senior was “How long does it take to train them?” “Years” was the reply from Master Bernier.

The highlight of the afternoon was involving the seniors in punching kicking paddles held by the young students who went from senior to senior. Many smiles were evident and some even radiant ones with this interaction between young and old. Certainly, the timing of this activity for the residents of Villa Youville during the Christmas holidays was a welcome treat for everyone.

Municipalities Gauge Interest in Provincial ‘Daycare Building’ Program

By Dan Guetre

Following the announcement that the RM of Ritchot is moving ahead with their plans to have a new 72-space daycare centre in Ile des Chenes, the RMs of Tache and Ste. Anne are now having similar discussions.

To qualify for the daycare facility, municipalities have to provide a minimum of two acres of serviced land with 15 years of free rent and support services including snow removal, landscape maintenance and repairs. These support services reduce costs for child-care operators, ensuring long-term sustainability of centres.

After an initial round of 9 facility approvals, the Province is now soliciting additional proposals to develop up to eight more facilities in communities throughout the province with close to 600 additional child-care spaces to be identified by the spring.

The daycares are built off-site in modular sections, moved to the communities and put together. JQ Built, with the approval of the Province, manages the builds and even advertises this project as a “Daycare in a box”.

Tache Community Daycare recently made a presentation to the municipal council with an expression of interest in the new daycare building program the Province of Manitoba has created.

“Council has committed to supporting Tache Community Daycare’s RFP application for an RTM Daycare facility to supplement their capacity by an additional 78 children,” said Tache Mayor Armand Poirier. “The RM will commit 2 acres of land which backs onto the present Taché Community Daycare’s facility located on Dawson Road in Lorette.”

“Council passed a resolution to support the Day Care’s application of intent,” confirmed Tache CAO Christine Hutlet. “The Municipality owns a parcel of land that is just over 2 acres in Lorette that would fit this proposal.”

“Administration has already reached out to a few of the Municipalities involved to gain their perspective and so far it has been positive,” she added.

At a recent RM of Ste. Anne council meeting, preliminary discussions were held. With a deadline on the near horizon to submit an expression of interest, council agreed to investigate and reach out to the daycare facilities in the RM of Ste. Anne and the Town of Ste. Anne to gauge the interest. An investment of two acres, building the foundation for the building to sit upon and a commitment to maintain parts of the facility over the next 15 years seemed to garner the

their staff to gather

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

interest of council who instructed

Front row: Parker Greening, Thomas Sarkonak, Finley Chislett-Funk, Christopher Tata-Deku, Frederik Kehoe, Demian Sydoriakin, Colin Vielfaure, Emmanuel Tata-Deku, Annick Vielfaure, and Aubree Woodhall. Second row: Nicholas Sarkonak, Corbin Woodhall, Matylda Stasica, Julien Comia, Yakiv Sydoriakin, and Jérome Vielfaure.

Back row: Melody Tardiff, Rynn Todd, Rya Bernier, Anna Diadiun, Reid Ammeter, Sara Ammeter, Charlie Tardiff, and Elisabeth Fust. Photo by Lionel Bernier Christopher Tata-Deku.

Photo by Joanne Comeault

Annick Vielfaure.

Photo by Joanne Comeault

Species at Risk Spotlight: Chimney Swift

By Norm Gregoire

One of my favourite things in winter is the comfort that comes with heating a home with wood. Yes, there is a lot more work involved compared to the ease of moving a thermostat up or down, but for me it’s worth it. There is a threatened bird that is linked with our use of wood, the chimney swift, whose Canadian population has plummeted by at least 95 per cent since the 1970’s.

Chimney swifts are regularly misidentified as a swallow. They have a sooty-grey, cigar-shaped body with long curved wings and a short stubby tail. Also look for a lighter coloured throat patch.

Another identification feature would be to watch the bird in flight. Chimney swifts have a distinct jittery flight pattern and often, an almost constant chittering call while foraging.

While in the air, they are on the hunt for insects such as beetles, flies, wasps, and ants, to name a few. A single chimney swift may eat close to one thousand insects per day! They spend most of their lives in flight, and when they do roost, they do not have the ability to perch. Instead, the bird must cling to whatever surface it calls home for the night.

Mid-May is when the swifts return to Manitoba for breeding. Nests are built in protected, dark areas where there is a consistent ambient temperature. The nest is built mostly with twigs and is stuck together using the bird’s saliva.

On average, four to five eggs are laid and incubated by both parents and hatch within three weeks. The chicks are ready to leave the nest within a month of hatching.

By late- August most chimney swift start their migration towards South America. During this time, it is common for chimney swifts to gather together making large flocks. An amazing spectacle to see is (occasionally) thousands of chimney swifts entering or exiting a roosting area in unison.

Chimney swifts are now more numerous in urban areas. Traditionally, old growth, hollow trees, or caves and crevices were used for nesting and roosting. After widespread deforestation chimney swifts’ numbers began to fall; however, they are adaptable birds.

As the use of chimneys became widespread with settlers, these birds began to take advantage of the chimneys, which offered a great substitute to the natural choice.

As time passes fewer people are using wood as a heat source; therefore, there are fewer nesting options for chimney swifts. The chimneys that are still standing have also undergone changes, such as capping, and that has prevented swifts from accessing them. So, what can we do to aid the chimney swift?

The Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative can help to cover the costs of chimney repair if they are known to be used by chimney swifts. Most likely, the chimneys in use would be on older structures such as outbuildings or abandoned homesteads. You can also report sightings of swifts, or even volunteer to watch a chimney and record the number of swifts using it.

If you would like more information on what you can do to help the chimney swift or other species at risk, please contact me, Norm Gregoire at sarcommunityliaison@gmail.com.

De Salaberry Businesses Now Required to Arrange Alternatives for Recycling Pickup

By Dan Guetre

In the past, businesses in the St. Malo and Otterburne collection areas were able to have their recycling picked up similar to the residential service offered by the municipal government.

This is soon to change as businesses will now have to seek alternative means to send their recycled waste to a depot.

“The Municipality has been reviewing the curbside recycling collection program within its waste collection zones,” said De Salaberry CAO Denise Parent.

She explained that the contractor for recycling collection had been picking up commercial recycling as a service to the Municipality under the residential recycling contract but now due to increasing operating costs and Provincial funding limited to residential recycling programs, the Municipality’s collection program will be limited to household residential pick up

effective March 1, 2023.

“As of March 1, we encourage businesses to continue with their recycling efforts by contacting EPIC/ Smile of St. Malo to make their own arrangements for recycling pickup services for items such as paper, cardboard and plastic containers,” said Parent.

She explained that the current contract had expired and the contractor is now imposing cost changes for the service rendered.

“With the proposed changes council has surveyed its residents and will be introducing a recycling bylaw,” added Parent. “This bylaw will be the same footprint as the current waste collection bylaw for the municipality.”

“Since not all businesses use the recycling system, and with a potential change in the level of service (by-weekly pickup) council is proposing that we allow the contractor and the business to make their own recycling arrangements,” she elaborated. “Businesses are encouraged

to contact EPIC/Smile of St. Malo to make their own arrangements as the requirements vary for each business.”

A public hearing is scheduled for January 17, 2023 for the residential by-law needed to make the change.

Parent is hopeful businesses will continue to recycle and reach out to the contractor.

“I don’t see any effect to a business recycling as they will now be able to directly communicate with the contractor their needs in terms of service,” said Parent.

With the provincial funding designated towards residential recycling, the RM of De Salaberry is not alone in clamping down on the business collection which was previously absorbed by the municipality and/or contractor. Rising costs to run the program has forced those involved to re-evaluate. The RM of Ste. Anne is just one of many other municipal governments also in the process of finding a solution for the businesses within their jurisdiction.

Piney and Stuartburn Create Online Job/Volunteer Tool

The focus of Sunrise Corner Economic Development has always been on the balance between building sustainable communities and maintaining the wonderful quality of life for the region. With that in mind, Sunrise Corner has developed a free online tool to help connect residents of all ages with

the opportunities they’re seeking. Whether you’re looking for a volunteer experience, a full-time paid job, or a contract position, Sunrise Corner’s WorkFinder will be the place online to find what you’re looking for in southeast Manitoba.

Employers, non-profits and community clubs are invited to

post all job openings and volunteer gigs on WorkFinder. The only parameter they have is that opportunities are located within the RMs of Piney or Stuartburn, or neighbouring communities within easy driving distance.

Visit sunrisecornermb.ca/opportunities/workfinder to view the listings or for more information.

Photo By Mannac via iNaturalist

Chimney Swift.

“Businesses are encouraged to contact EPIC/Smile of St. Malo to make their own arrangements as the requirements vary for each business,” stated De Salaberry CAO Denise Parent. Submitted photo

Lower Your Family Income and Increase Benefits

First, Happy New Year to you and your family; I hope 2023 is a better year for everyone; healthy and more affordable; and I am optimistic that the world finds peace in 2023.

There are two family benefits provided by the federal government that are income tested: Canada Child Benefit and the new Canada Dental Benefit. Both benefits are increased for those with lower and moderate incomes.

Canada Child Benefit

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) has been around since 2016 and most families are quite familiar with the monthly benefit.

The benefit is maximized for families with incomes under $33,000; the CCB is reduced as income rises to about $71,000; and reduces even more with each dollar of income over $71,000.

I have written articles in the past to encourage families to buy RRSPs to reduce family income to not only save on taxes but to also increase the monthly CCB.

As an example, a family with combined income in the $50,000 to $70,000 range and if the higher income spouse earns more than $50,000, the RRSP contribution savings can be over 55% (combined tax savings and increased CCB) depending on how many children you have.

And now with the new Canada Dental Benefit, there is even more reason to do some tax planning with RRSP contributions.

Canada Dental Benefit

During the past few months, we have provided information about the new Canada Child Benefit. See the previous articles at dawsontrail.ca or steannetaxservice.ca

The new Dental Benefit or CDB is for families with combined income less than $90,000 that do not have a dental plan. The benefit is even higher when incomes are under $70,000. The dental benefit is for children born on or after December 2, 2010.

How much can you receive?

Combined family income under

$70,000 are eligible for the full benefit of $650 per child; family income $70,000 – $80,000, $390 per child; family income $80,000 – $90,000, $260 per child; family income over $90,000 do not qualify.

There are two claim periods. The first benefit period is for children under 12 years old as of December 1, 2022 who receive dental care between October 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. This benefit period is based on 2021 income. Too late to make changes to reduce your 2021 income.

The second benefit period is for dental care between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024 and is based on 2022 family income. You CAN do something to reduce your 2022 family income.

Reduce Income with RRSPs

If your family income for 2022 is just over $70,000, it may be a very good idea to get your income under $70,000 to increase your CCB monthly starting July 2023 and also to increase the dental benefit for each child from $390 per child to $650 per child!

Or if your income is just over $90,000, you may want to get it reduced so you qualify for the new Canada Dental Benefit!

You can reduce your family income if you purchase RRSPs before March 1, 2023. RRSP contributions made during the first 60 days of 2023 can be deducted on your 2022 taxes.

Our existing clients may benefit from our tax planning and can call us to arrange a “what if” and estimate your taxable income for 2022 to find out how close you are to some of these thresholds.

We can use your last pay statement of 2022 to estimate your income. We will also want to see the 2021 end of year pay statement and compare to your 2021 T4. We want to make sure there are no surprises of taxable benefits that are not reflected on your pay statement that may only appear on your T4.

An example of a taxable benefit is life insurance paid by the employer. A vehicle allowance may also be added to your T4 and it may or may not be shown on your last pay statement. Or if your employer matches your RRSP contributions, that may also be considered a taxable benefit.

Normally RRSPs work best for those taxpayers that are in higher tax brackets. But with the new Canada Dental Benefit, RRSPs are even more important for families with low to moderate incomes!

2023 KEY DEADLINE DATES

Tax return filing deadline for Personal Income Tax: To be filed on or before May 1st, 2023.

Tax return filing deadline for Self-Employed Individuals:

To be filed on or before June 15, 2023.

Any tax balance payable to the CRA for 2022 must be paid on or before May 1st, 2023.

RRSP Contribution Deadline: The RRSP deadline for contributions related to the 2022 tax year must be made before March 1, 2023.

If you are required to make installments for the 2023 taxation year, the first installment is due by March 15, 2023. You can log in to your CRA My Account to check if you are required to make installments.

Anni Markmann is a Personal Income Tax Professional and Certified Financial Planner; living, working, and volunteering in our community. Contact Ste Anne Tax Service at 204-422-6631 (phone or text!) or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne (near Co-op) or info@ sataxes.ca.

Navigating Life with His Book

Here it is, 2023 already! Some of us wondered if we’d ever make it. The circumstances of life over the past few years made our lives difficult and the decisions we made were questioned at every turn. But a new year lay ahead of us and new decisions will have to be made. On what do we base those decisions?

During the era of great sea expeditions in the 15th and 16th centuries, sailing ships travelled vast, hazardous oceans and navigated dangerous coastlines. Captains used various navigation techniques. One of these was a book called a “Rutter”, a log of events kept by earlier voyagers who chronicled their encounters with previously unknown and difficult waters. By reading the rutter, captains could avoid hazards and make it through difficult waters.

In many ways, life is like a voyage, and we need help in navigating life’s perilous seas of dangers and decisions. The God of heaven knew we needed help, so he graciously has provided us with a spiritual “rutter”. That rutter is the Bible. It is our instruction manual for life. As you reflect on the teaching of the Bible, you’ll be reminded of God’s past care for us and assured of his guidance and help over the present circumstances in life and his ever presence with us for the future. His word warns us of dangers and pitfalls we will encounter and promises strength and guidance over those times.

All of us have access to God’s Rutter, the Bible, here in Canada. A captain would have been foolish not to use a rutter in days gone by. Similarly, we would be foolish not to use God’s rutter for us today.

When you trust Christ as your Saviour and then begin to read God’s Word, God opens up truths that would otherwise seem a mystery. Are you God’s child today? Are you reading his Book to guide you through this new year and the rest of your life? God bless you as you seek him.

Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue Needs Foster Homes

By Angelique Forest

Steinbach and area animal rescue is in desperate need of fosters for their rescues.

Nearly every day, the rescue receives intake requests and is unable to help these cats and dogs until more fosters are signed up. All vet care, food and other supplies are covered by the rescue, and all that is asked of a foster is that you provide a safe loving temporary home, a ride to vet appointments/adoption events, and help with socialisation or obedience/training if required. SAAR fosters rescue hundreds of animals each year.

The Foster Co-ordinators work with you to make the experience positive and rewarding, and can also spread the word through friends and family once you’ve begun fostering.

If you don’t have the space or time to be a foster, the rescue also accepts donations or all kinds and encourages those who have questions about how they can help to reach out through social media, email or by phone call. All details, along with foster applications can be found

Annual Arts Council Giving Campaign Reaches Half Way

As one of the largest rural Charitable Arts Councils in western Canada, the board and staff at the Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) are committed to making opportunities accessible for everyone and are excited to announce they’ve raised over well over half of their $79,000 goal.

“We’re passionate about keeping arts and culture a vital part of our society and building lasting relationships with our donors and sponsors,” said David Klassen, Executive Director of SAC. “Their support results in a bright future for SAC and the community we serve.”

Klassen added that over 40 percent of SAC’s annual income is from fundraising and donations. This support allows the non-profit to provide services and programs to as many people as possible. With diverse programming that builds essential skills

for social and emotional well-being, free after-school arts programming and bursaries for youth, SAC helps to keep the community healthy by providing connection and belonging to many.

“We want to ensure that SAC can continue to grow the quality programs we are known for and want to invite the community to join us in our pursuit,” added Klassen. “Whether you are a business looking to sponsor our work or an individual looking for a place to donate, consider us in your end-of-year giving plans, and watch your generosity at work.”

Klassen said that the staff, volunteers, educators, and instructors continually strive to live the mission of SAC to enrich the quality of life for everyone through the arts by creating and supporting vibrant communities.

SAC relies on the community’s support to reach thousands of people every year with quality concerts, classes, and events.

“We are incredibly grateful for both the corporate community and individual supporters. The generosity of our community plays a huge role in our work,” said Klassen. “As a charity, we rely on donations to accomplish our goals and to make our programming accessible to everyone.”

For nearly four and a half decades, donors and sponsors have helped the Steinbach Arts Council enrich the lives of community members through supporting arts and culture.

To help SAC reach its goal, donate to the Steinbach Arts Council today, it’s simple. Go to steinbacharts.ca to donate, or call the office at 204-346-1077.

Award-Winning & Juno-Nominated Sultans of Strings Concert

The Steinbach Arts Council is proud to present Sultans of String in concert on January 19.

Thrilling audiences with “Energetic and exciting music from a band with talent to burn!” (Maverick, UK) for more than a decade, Sultans of String have hit #1 across Canada on Top 10 national radio charts, and received multiple awards and accolades, including three JUNO nominations and three Canadian Folk Music Awards. Join the celebration of musical fusion and human creativity, with warmth and virtuosity and world rhythms that will excite audiences to their feet.

David Klassen, Executive Director of the Steinbach Arts Council, is delighted to bring the Sultans of String to Steinbach.

Join

and Sultans of String at the SRSS Theatre at 7:30 pm on Thursday, January 19th.

For tickets, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call Tara at 204-346-1077.

Calling All Local Artists!

The Steinbach Arts Council would like to see your artwork and invite you to participate in the “The 25th Annual Southeast Open Judged Exhibit,” taking place in March of 2023.

The Southeast Open Judged Exhibit is open to artists of all ages within Southeastern Manitoba and welcomes any art medium at any skill level.

Categories include oil, acrylic and watercolour painting, charcoal, ink, pastels, coloured pencil, pencil, printmaking, mixed media, digital art, photography, pottery, sculpture, crafted, and fibre arts.

They are also introducing our non-competitive distinction for all adult and juvenile categories. If you don’t want to com -

pete with the other artists, but still want to show off your work, then just indicate that on your application. They want everyone to have the chance to show off their work.

Applications are open now until February 17. The show will run from March 3 to the 31. Applications are available at saconline.ca.

“This group is so talented. They are polished, they’re high energy, and they’re guaranteed to brighten up your new year!” said Klassen.

the Steinbach Arts Council

The Sultans of String.

Submitted photo

About Us

Pat Porter Active Living Centre (Serving Seniors Inc.) is a non-profit organization that provides programs, activities and services for seniors and members of the community. Seniors are the foundation of our community and our goal is to keep them a part of it for as long as possible. Read on to find out about everything we offer and how we can help you. Check out our Website for Programs & Events – patporteralc.com. Our Centre offers a great variety of events and programming weekly. Ranging from Fitness Programs to Recreational and Social Programs, there is something for everyone!

Current Programs

Cost is $2 for members and $4 for nonmembers. * Programs are subject to change

Morning Walking: Monday – Friday, 8:30 – 9 am.

Coffee Corner: Monday – Friday, 10 am -12 pm.

Pickleball: Monday – Friday, 910:30am.

Beginner Pickleball: Monday – Friday, 10:30 am- 12 pm, Tuesday 2 - 3:30 pm, Wednesday 1 - 3 pm (1 court) and 4 – 6 pm, Friday 1 - 3:30 pm.

Evening Pickleball: Mondays, 7 – 9 pm.

Badminton: Monday – Friday, 1 -3 pm.

Registration required at patporteralc.com.

Cards: Card games are played Monday to Friday from 1 - 3 pm.

Fitness Classes

Laughter Yoga: Monday, 1 - 2 pm.

Fitness Drumming: Tuesday, 1 - 1:45 pm.

Pace: Wednesday, 1 - 1:45 pm.

Floor Curling: Wednesday, 1 - 3:30 pm.

Yoga with Carrie: Friday, 9 - 10 am.

Old Time Country Jam: Wednesday, 7 - 9 pm.

Craft Corner: Friday 1 - 3 pm.

Choir: Wednesday, 10 - 11:30 am.

Steinbach Rockin’ Rollers: Sunday 5 - 7 pm. A fun new roller-skating program is now being offered at the Centre. All skill levels and ages welcome, and no pre-

registration required. Cost $5 ($3 for Pat Porter members). Please bring your own roller skates. Registration required at patporteralc.com.

Special Events

Pat Porter Active Living Centre will be offer a LUNGtivity ™ series of classes.

A low intensity community exercise program for individuals living with lung disease.

The goals of the LUNGtivity ™ program are to:

- Reduce feelings of breathlessness during daily activities.

- Remain independent for as long as possible.

- Be active in a safe and accessible environment.

- Be supported in lung disease selfmanagement.

LUNGtivity ™ is a continuation of the exercise portion of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program offered in Manitoba. Before starting this exercise program, you are not required to complete a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. However, it is strongly recommended either before participating in LUNGtivity ™ or at the same time as LUNGtivity ™. This is the exercise program for you if you can:

- Safely attend a community exercise class.

- Walk and transfer to a chair on your own or with a gait aide (cane/walker, etc.).

- Administer/change and manage your own oxygen (if you require oxygen).

- Have an emergency contact available during your exercise class for safety. For more information on upcoming classes, please contact Carrie at 204320-4600.

Square Dancing: Starts Tuesday, January 13 from 7:30 - 9:30 pm.

Our Programs

Daily Program schedule will be growing to offer Square Dancing classes weekly. Cost $2 for members and $4 for nonmembers.

Painting Workshop

Tuesday, January 24, from 1:30 – 4 pm. Cost $20 members/ $30 non-members. Led by local artist Doug Enns. All supplies included. This months painting features a winter bird. RSVP by calling 204-320-4600.

Cooking Demo with Southern Health Thursday, January 26 from 1:30 – 4 pm. Cost $5/person. Learn about healthy eating during a demonstration and tasting session along with recipes to try at home.

Pancake Breakfast Thursday, January 26 from 9:30 – 11 am. Cost $8/person. Enjoy a stack of pancakes and 2 sausages. All proceeds going to the Steinbach Meals on Wheels Program.

Rentals

We have rooms of a variety of sizes and prices. For pricing and room, availability visit our website patporteralc.com, email rentals@patporteralc.com or call 204-320-4600.

Meals on Wheels

A healthy, warm and delicious meal cooked fresh daily and delivered to your door. We have two Meals on Wheels programs running out of Steinbach and Grunthal. Meals may be purchased for $8 for delivery (residents of Steinbach and Grunthal) or pickup. A meal includes soup, a main dish, sides and dessert. Please call 204-320-4600 with any questions or to order a meal. To receive a same day meal, you must call before 9 am.

Steinbach’s Accessible Transit Need a ride to an appointment or other errand? Steinbach Accessible transit can get you there! This service is available to residents of Steinbach. Please visit our website patporteralc.com for a full price list. Services are available Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm and every other weekend. To book a ride, call 204326-4055. If your call is not answered, leave a message with the answering service. Appointments must be booked in advance to ensure availability.

Free Public Skating Available at St. Malo Arena

By Dan Guetre

After multiple requests from their residents, the RM of De Salaberry has now been able to work with arena management to set aside some time slots for free public skating at the St. Malo Arena facility.

Council had asked the administration to “arrange an acceptable solution” and it wasn’t long before time slots were added to the arena calendar.

During council discussions, there was some concern that coming up with times could be difficult to ensure that hockey programming would not suffer.

“…there won’t be any suffering to the hockey program as management was able to work around the hockey

program,” explained De Salaberry CAO Denise Parent. “…there is public skating available during the week and on Sundays when there are no games

scheduled.”

To view the entire schedule, visit saintmaloarena.com and view the ice arena calendar.

A New Year’s Wish Perspective

2 Corinthians 6:2… 2) “For he says, “In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favour; now is the day of salvation. “(NIV) The old gives way to the new: We are all set to go for another twelve months: We have left the old year behind; all things are new and pure; nobody can stop us; we are into the New Year, and we want nothing to do with the Old Year. Sound familiar? Sure, it does, we have all said that many times: But I need to remind myself that God is the Master of time, and that I am the slave of time. Time passes so quickly when you are older… I never have enough time. If only I could add, say, thirty extra minutes into an hour. I would now have another twelve hours in a day, and I could accomplish everything I ever wanted to do.

We are so keen on the New Year that sometimes we forget the past. Well, you say, “That yesterday is history. There is extraordinarily little we can do about it, so you may as well stop making a noise about it.” All right!! I get the point. There are folks who can allow the yesterdays to be at rest, and they have luck on their side. But the yesterdays can also trouble us, it can squeeze the joy out of life, and it can enslave us. I remember moments last year when things just did not seem to go the right way, and at that time everything came undone. I remember November 5 - 2008 at 3:00 in the morning when I woke up with bad chest pain. The pain did not go away as they usually had in the past; rather, the pain became more severe. My wife phoned our son and minutes later I was in the hospital having a heart attack. The following day the ER relocated me to the big city where they did an Angiogram procedure. The Doctor told me I had blocked arteries in my heart that required triple bypass surgery to correct the problem. Six days later, I had the surgery.

Before my surgery I had days where thoughts came to me… thoughts about the surgery, its dangers. I thought of family, friends, all those who were praying for me, my preaching ministry. I remember a certain amount of nervousness. But then I remembered that God still loves me even when I feel down and out. Oh yes!! He picked me up and re-energized my spirit.

What if I were to tell the clock to stop because I can not start the New Year unless I clean up left-over business left over from 2022. Did you know that your yesterdays and my yesterdays are not dead at all? The past is what is driving you and me right now. It has moulded us and formed the way we think, for good or for bad.

Have you ever said, “This year I will have more time to do the things that are important to me?” But the old saying “Tomorrow never comes” takes over and shapes our agenda.” At this point in time, I find all sorts of excuses to wait until tomorrow to do that which I should do today. The most important thing that I need to do today is take care of all the unresolved situations from last year. Ask yourself this question: Should I contact “you know who” to make things right? Do I need to confess to God my past sins and then ask the Holy Spirit to give me the power to stay away from those things I know are wrong for me to do? Our Scripture lesson says, “Today is the day of salvation.” The “day of salvation” should never be a yesterday event; it should be a present-day event, this very moment, so that we can live by grace.

Suppose you and I sacrifice and work hard so that people will have the opportunity that this world can afford them. Then suppose folks feel no debt of gratitude; and suppose they fail. Not because they have not the ability, but because they will not try, because they have forgotten the love that gave them so much. That is what breaks the heart of wellmeaning people. When God gives us all His grace and we foolishly go our way and frustrate that grace, we break the heart of Christ. To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done.

Would you pray this prayer with me? “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have peace in my heart, I really want that peace, joy, and happiness that I long for. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will bring honour to Your Name.” Amen.

St. Malo Arena will offer free public skating this winter.

Submitted photo

RCMP FILES

Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Shoplifters Target Electric Toothbrushes

Steinbach RCMP received a report of shoplifting from the Shoppers Drug Mart in Steinbach. On October 13, between 10 am and 11 am, two females entered the Shoppers Drug Mart and stole over $2,000 in electric tooth brushes from that location.

Surveillance captured images of the two females who are believed to have stolen the items from the store.

If you have any information related to this matter, please contact the Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-4452, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1800-222-8477, or a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Tim Hortons Locations Fall Victim to Theft Vehicle Stolen from Hotel Parking Lot

On the night of December 12 to the 13 the north end Tim Hortons in Steinbach suffered a break-in. The pair of thieves made off with $250 and 3 cash drawers that were removed from the cash registers. These thieves entered the business through the drive thru window.

Steinbach RCMP also received a report of a break-in at the Tim Hortons on Hwy 52 in Steinbach that occurred at 2 am on December 16. The thief made off with the charity coin box, which had about $250 change in it. Other damages caused by the break-in totalled $300. The thief is believed to be male, with a slim build, wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, black and white shoes and a blue backpack.

If you have any information regarding these matters, please contact the Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-4452, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

On December 13, at approximately 4:53 pm, Steinbach RCMP received report of a white Honda HR-V LX 2016 bearing Manitoba plate KXF335 that was stolen from the parking lot of the Days Inn in Steinbach. The theft occurred 1015 minutes prior to being reported to police.

If you have any information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-3264452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

RM of Stuartburn Looking for Info on Sign Vandal

Submitted photos

C ommunity E v E nts

Steinbach

Beach

Falcon

Bingo – Wednesdays at 7: 30 pm, early bird games at 7 pm at the Whiteshell Community Club 20 301 Pr, Falcon Beach. Contact 204-349-2293.

Grunthal

Coffee Connections - All adults ages 55+ are welcome to join us at the New Horizon Centre for a time of visiting, while enjoying coffee, tea and refreshments. Join us and bring your friends. There is no cost. Contact Anita Funk 204-371-9134.

Ile des Chenes

Yoga - Thursdays at 9 am and Wednesdays at 9:30 am. Gentle yet invigorating yoga for adults 55+. $5 per class. Contact yogaforyoumanitoba@outlook.com to register.

Lorette

Family Library Night – Wednesday, January 11, at Bibliothèque Taché Library, 1082 Dawson Rd. Visit the library and enter the monthly draw.

Magic Show – Saturday, January 21 from 11 – 11:40 am at Bibliothèque Taché Library, 1082 Dawson Rd.

Mitchell

Toast & Coffee – On Tuesdays, drop-in for toast and coffee for $2 and a menu is available with prices according to what you order at the Mitchell and Area Community Centre, 130 Ash St. Contact Jane Penner 204-346-2469, jpenner@jantre.com.

Richer

Richer Recovery AA Group - Meets every Monday from 7:308:30 pm at LUD Hall. If you would like more information, call Jeff at 204-371-5518 or Albert at 204-380-3058.

RM of Stuartburn

Services to Seniors - Access Credit Union sponsored Free Shuttle for residents of the RM the first Friday of each month. Call to book a ride and do your banking and shopping locally or book your doctor’s appointment and we will get you to your appointment. Call 204-425-3701.

Services to Seniors Steinbach Shuttle - Subsidized cost $15/ person. Minimum of 8 participants required for the trip to take place. Departure from Shady Oaks at 9:30 am. Call 204-4253701 to book a seat.

Sprague

Sprague Service to Seniors Seeking Volunteers - Seeking individuals to assist and to provide a few services to seniors within our community such as snow removal, transportation for a fee, volunteers in the congregate Meals Programs as well as home cleaning services to seniors for a fee. A criminal record check is required for cleaning services and transportation. Email lgdseniors@gmail.com with your rates and for information, or call 204-437-2604.

St. Pierre-Jolys

3234 Manitoba Horse Cadets – Thursdays, 6:30 – 9 pm at the Community Hall from September to June. Cost is Free. Meet new friends, fun, adventures, leadership, citizenship, community service, drill band, orienteering, and more. Contact Captain Phil Atkinson 3234Army@cadets.gc.ca or phillip.atkinson@cadets.gc.ca. Website 3234manitobahorse.ca.

Ste Genevieve

Mini Library - Every second Tuesday of each month, Taché library holds a “mini-library” at the Community Centre from 6:30 -7:30 pm. Come check out some books, exchange and request items from the library.

Sultans of Swing World Music – Thursday, January 19, 7:30 pm at the SRSS Theatre. Tickets $26/adult or $12/ student. Sultans of String have thrilled audiences with their genre-hopping passport of Celtic reels, Flamenco, Djangojazz, Arabic, Cuban and South Asian rhythms. The group celebrates musical fusion and human creativity with warmth and virtuosity, with world rhythms that excite audiences to their feet!

Winter in the Village – Until March 8, bring your friends and family to Mennonite Heritage Village for skating, snowshoeing, kick sledding, and so much more! Be enchanted by the village light show, skate along Main Street or on the ice rink. Explore the grounds via snowshoe or sled. End off the night with some complimentary hot chocolate. Warming hut will be open for visitors. Sunday and Monday closed, Tuesday – Thursday 9 am – 5 pm, Friday and Saturday 12 – 8 pm. Admission Adult/$6 and Senior (65+) $5, Student (13-22) $5, Child (6-13) $3, 5 & Under free.

Steinbach & Area Garden Club – Monday, January 9, 7 – 9 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village, Hwy 12. Speaker Joe Grande, serving on the executive board of Bonsai Winnipeg over 22 years as web designer and teacher for the Introduction to Bonsai Course for beginners. He is editor of BCI Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Magazine published quarterly by Bonsai Clubs International and distributed to members all over the world. Annual Membership- Individual $20; Family $30. Contact sagcnewsletter@gmail.com.

Ukrainian Settlement Support Donation Drop Off – Tuesdays, January 3 and 17 from 5 - 8 pm at Southland Church. Specific areas of need for donation: furniture, mattresses and box springs, bedding, clothing for men, women and children of all ages, coats and jackets (all seasons), shoes/ boots, other household items for Ukrainian families. Dropoff at marked storage units in the parking lot; use west entrance, closest to Bush Farm Road. If you have to donate outside of the defined dates/times, please ensure to clearly label “Ukraine” on the items and they will be designated for the Ukraine relief initiative.

Astronomy & Group Walks – Fourth Tuesday of the month until March 2023, 8 – 9:40 pm with Chris Desrochers. Meet at the L.A. Barkman Park Gazebo. Walk along Bush Farm Tail, around Abe’s Hill, and observe sights of the night sky, using telescopes at the conclusion of the walk. Dress for the weather and for walking, bring binoculars and questions.

January 24 (sights visible: Mars & Jupiter); February (sights visible: Mars, Jupiter, Venus, & Half Moon) and March 28 (sights visible: Mars, Venus, & Crescent Moon).To register, email smclean@jakeepplibrary.com or mredekopp@ jakeepplibrary.com. If the sky is unclear and weather is too poor, the hosts will make the decision to cancel 1-2 hours before the event and will send out an email to participants to let them know.

Assassinating Thomson Play - Tuesday, February 28 at 7:30 pm, SRSS Theatre presented by Manitoba Theatre Centre. A one-man play written and performed by Bruce Horak, a well-established theatre and visual artist who lost 90% of his vision after a childhood battle with cancer. The play is named for an unsolved mystery in Canadian art history – the mysterious drowning in 1917 of Group of Seven precursor and iconic painter Tom Thomson in an Ontario Lake.

Cost $28/adult and $12/student. Contact 204-346-1077, tara@steinbacharts.ca.

Chase the Ace Fundraiser - Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue – On Mondays at Smitty’s Restaurant. Come out and try to win cash. The jackpot goes up weekly until the Ace is drawn!

Royal Canadian Legion Steinbach Branch - Meets first Tuesday of the month via Zoom at 7:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary meets first Monday of each month, 7:30 pm. Steinbach Legion, 227 Main St – Unit 5. Email steinbach190rcl@ outlook.com.

Al-Anon - Monday 7:30 pm Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre back door, downstairs. For information call Lloyd 204-3264365.

Creative Writers Club - Second Wednesday every month at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. This is not a class but rather a writing share group where we hope to foster and encourage our participants’ love of writing. Feel free to bring 5 pages of writing (single sided, double spaced) to share with the group. Our evening will begin with an ice breaker and then move into share time. Coffee and tea will be served. Contact Madison Redekopp email mredekopp@ jakeepplibrary.com.

Steinbach Professional Development Toastmasters Club – On Thursdays at 9:46 am, Eastman Education Centre, 385 Loewen Blvd. How can a person get the message across well, keep meeting participants engaged, and fully use the capabilities of videoconferencing platforms? What works? What doesn’t? What is the etiquette expected? Join us in person or by zoom on 12 pm every Wednesday. All guests are welcome! Contact Mark Hiebert 204-371-5197, email mhiebert@barkmanconcrete.com.

Knit-Wits Fibre Craft Club- First Tuesdays of the month at 6 – 8 pm, Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting, cross stitching and other types of fibre crafting? Join other adults for an informal knitting, crochet, etc. circle. All skill levels welcome. Please bring your own project/supplies.

Craft Night - Wednesdays at 7 pm, Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. Ages 16 years and up join us for a free event, with coffee and crafting. Our craft for the evening will be a beaded spring wreath. There is limited space available. To sign up, email mredekopp@jakeepplibrary.com.

Book Club - Meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 7 - 8:30 pm Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. Books are available at the circ desk as well as on our Libby App (free with your library card). Please sign up by email mredekopp@jakeepplibrary.com. Limited space available.

Steinbach & Area Lions Club - Meets second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 6:30 pm, South East Helping Hands. Contact 204-326-2313.

Vita Jarvis Picklyck Rec Hockey Tournament – February 17, 18 and 19 at the Arena. Admission $5/day or $12/weekend. To register contact Steven Watts 204-905-1416 or Dane Zarazun 204-754-7543.

Please submit your events for inclusion each month by emailing them to editor@dawsontrail.ca

Ritchot Senior Services January Events

Quilting & Knitting – Tuesday, January 10 and 17 from 1 - 3 pm at 457 Main Street, St. Adolphe.

Touch Quilts - are being created that will be donated to the Manitoba Alzheimer Society. Touch Quilts provide individuals in the late stages of dementia with an opportunity for sensory stimulation which is important for someone affected by dementia because it can provide feelings of comfort and relaxation.

Knitting - A variety of knitwear is being created such as mittens, hats and scarves. These items are donated throughout the year to different groups to help provide comfort to those less fortunate. If you are interested in participating, come on by. Everything you need to help is supplied foot Care Clinics - By appointment only.

For more information, please contact Janice at 204-883-2880.

Upcoming clinic dates: Ste Agathe – Wednesday, February 1 and Thursday, February 2. St. Adolphe – Monday, February 6, Tuesday February 7 and Wednesday, February 8.

Ile des Chenes – Tuesday, January 10 & Wednesday, January 11. Heart to Home Meals - To place your order please call 1-204-8168659 or 1-888-216-1067. Call Heart to Home and they will send you a menu. Menus are also available to pick up at Ritchot Senior Services. We ask you to please call or email Ritchot Senior Services after placing your orders and let us know you have placed an order. This will assist us in organizing volunteers for delivery of meals to you.

Order your meals by: Wednesday, January 4 meals will be delivered directly to you on January 5. Wednesday, January 18 meals are ready for pick up or delivery on January 19. This service is available to all areas of the Ritchot Community including St. Adolphe, Ste Agathe, Ile des Chenes, Grande Pointe, Howden and Glenlea. There are no contracts, no minimum orders.

Coffee with friends – Thursdays, January, 12, 19 and 26 at 11:30 am. Open to everyone. $2 for bottomless coffee and a treat. Ritchot Senior Services, 457 Main Street, St. Adolphe.

Bingo – Tuesday, January 31 from 1:30 – 3 pm at 457 Main Street, St. Adolphe. Play for fun prizes. $2 admission. You must pre register for this event.

Lunch & Learn – Tuesday, January 24 at10 am, 457 Main Street, St. Adolphe. Learn a little about staying safe while using your tablet, phone or computer. Stay after for bowl of soup and chat with friends. You must pre register for this event.

Exercise - Strong & Centered – Mondays, January 16, 23 and 30 from 9:15 – 10 am at 457 Main Street, St. Adolphe. Class begins with a gentle range of motion and progresses to exercises that are designed to strengthen muscles ending with quiet meditation. With the ability to change the color of the lighting in the space, you will also have the opportunity to experience how different colors of light can affect your mood. Chairs are used to assist with balance and stability. Bring a yoga mat to add more stabilization to the chairs, a yoga strap or tie and a bottle of water. Cost: $24 for 3 classes. Drop-in fee of $10 if space allows. You must pre register for this activity.

falls Prevention - Wednesdays and Fridays in January at 457 Main Street, St. Adolphe. This class continues as part of a 6-month commitment.

Ste. Anne Dog Park Being Discussed

By Dan Guetre

Most municipal governments are requiring larger developments to reserve an area for community green space or pay an alternate cost. This policy is seen as beneficial as it accommodates micro spaces throughout the landscape with playgrounds and other recreation opportunities.

At a recent council meeting for the Town of Ste. Anne, while the standard designated space was included in the agreement, councillors were a little more specific to what they wanted the space for.

At the November council meeting, there was a decision to enter into an agreement with a developer for Green Space to be set aside specifically for a future dog park near Caledonia Road, a route near the east end of the community.

While Mayor Yvan St. Vincent admitted the potential dog park “is far from a done deal” there could be a time in the commu-

nity’s near future where an off-the-leash friendly space is available for canine family members.

“The ‘Green Space’ for a dog park has been a request of council to be included as a condition of subdivision,” confirmed Town of Ste. Anne CAO Marc Darker, “however the placement, look, size has yet to be established within the development agreement, that will only be this summer sometime.”

A further caveat in the potential agreement placed on the developer would be to rebuild Caledonia Rd and pave it to the town boundary as per the towns servicing development standards.

The agreement still has to be accepted by the developer and Town council has to approve a zoning by-law amendment. The zoning by-law change has already been passed through two readings and vote and will be enacted if a third reading is also approved.

Narth Nominated to Represent PC Party in La Verendrye

By Dan Guetre

The La Verendrye PC Association has cho sen Konrad Narth to represent them, follow ing the retirement announcement from MLA Dennis Smook who will not run in the next Provincial election.

Smook, first elected in 2011 made the pub lic decision to retire after serving his region for over a decade.

“I have been honoured with being selected to represent the conservative vote in La Ver endrye and look forward to getting to know everyone in our vast constituency,” said Konrad Narth who garnered more votes from the local membership than fellow Progres sive Conservative Jen Brandt. “As I move on toward the next provincial election I am starting with reorganizing and strengthening our constituency association.”

Narth is hoping to hold a constituency AGM early in 2023 and is confident he can build a strong group of individuals interest ed in providing direction, help, and general suggestions as the election approaches.

“I would really like to see representation from each of our communities on the associ ation board of directors,” said Narth. “From that point on, until the writ is dropped, I want to use these community contacts to get into each community and hear from people and what their concerns are.”

While Narth is confident he knows the demographics of the region through his involvement on the RM of Stuartburn municipal council, he is eying his move into the provincial political forum with a clean slate.

“I am very passionate about political representation being of the people to the government and not the government to the people,” explained Narth. “With that being said, being on the ground and talking to people is going to be my largest goal between now and the election.”

Narth is appreciative of the dedication Smook has shown to his constituents and recognizes the value of his work to build relationships.

“I will greatly rely on his relationships and contacts leading up to the election. There will be a need to fundraise for this next election and Mr. Smook has 3 terms of experience with that which I know will be an asset to my campaign as we move forward,” said Narth.

Narth is ready to expand on the foundation Smook has built and create his own brand of ideas and accomplishments.

“As much as I respect and value the work MLA Smook has provided to La Verendrye, I also feel that I have additional knowledge and abilities that will set me and my representation style apart from Mr. Smook,” explained Narth. “I respect but do not aspire to following in the footsteps of MLA Smook.”

“I have been involved with provincial politics most of my life and all of my adult life. Many of the friends I’ve made throughout my lifetime have also been involved in provincial politics and I feel that if I’m elected as the next MLA that I am comfortable and connected enough to the Manitoba Legislature to hit the ground running without needing to have Mr. Smook help me more than necessary,” he added. “Mr. Smook is a naturally friendly and helpful person but he has earned his retirement and I need to build and develop my own relationships so I would not want to need to rely on his help after being elected.”

Narth explained that while he has his own

ideas, his priorities will be based on what he hears from the communities.

“There are many issues that are close to my heart that I take special interest in but I will not be running the in the election on an agenda that I have established,” said Narth. “I feel strongly about needing effective representation for the constituents of La Verendrye and that is why I will focus on getting to know all of the communities across our constituency.”

“The important issues and concerns of the people will be a priority as I move forward to represent them and the Manitoba Legislature,” he added.

He does admit he has a personal passion for anything surrounding economic development including community development and agriculture.

“These are areas of natural interest that I have taken lead on throughout my years of community representation at the municipal level,” said Narth. “We have so much to offer in La Verendrye and there are many untapped opportunities.”

With a potential provincial election set for anytime between this spring to fall of 2023, Narth is already seeking input and ready to answer questions.

“I have started to send out emails to our conservative membership to have people get in contact with me and will now be making community contact to open that line of communication with everyone,” explained Narth. “I encourage people to reach out at any time and look forward to meeting them.”

He plans on setting up opportunities to meet and talk to La Verendrye residents in the new year by hosting some town halls.

“Without the opportunity to talk to individuals and community groups it is difficult so I encourage everyone to get in contact with me so that we can open the line of communication,” said Narth.

Konrad Narth can be reached on his cell number at 204-232-7543 or by email at k_narth@hotmail.com.

Dog parks are hitting the mainstream in many urban enclaves due to public pressure. Niverville established a dog park years ago and Lorette has completed theirs, recently opening it to the public. File photo

The La Verendrye PC Association has chosen Konrad Narth to represent them, following the retirement announcement from MLA Dennis Smook who will not run in the next Provincial election. Submitted photo