September 3, 2026

RCMP investigate $50,000 wire theft

By Jann Perry

RCMP are investigating the theft of $50,000 worth or wire from a gravel pit in the Seddons Corner area.

On Aug. 30 at 8:30 a.m., Lac du Bonnet RCMP received a report of a break and enter at a gravel pit on Julius Road in the RM of Reynolds. 
It was reported that two males broke the locked gate and entered the gravel pit. They drove in using a red side-by-side and stole cables worth approximately $50,000.

The two suspects left, driving towards Hwy 44. The first suspect was wearing a bright blue shirt. The other suspect was wearing face covering, white dirty shirt, dark pants and gloves. 

Anyone with information about this theft or the identity of the suspects is asked to contact the Lac du Bonnet RCMP at 204-345-6311 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com

Students heading back to class

By Mark T. Buss

With students heading back to school, the RCMP and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) are sending a reminder to all drivers to stay vigilant in watching for children and driving with caution.

As of Sept. 1, school-zone restrictions in Manitoba have taken effect. RCMP ask all drivers to slow down in these areas and remain alert when approaching school zones.
Along with reduced speeds, parents and motorists need to remember that children are sometimes unpredictable. Drivers are reminded to use extra precautions in and around schools including waiting for children to cross intersections and roadways completely before proceeding.

“It’s important that drivers observe the speed limits and slow down,” an MPI spokesperson advised. “Reducing the vehicle’s speed could save a life. Slowing down allows the driver to react quicker and reduces braking distance.”

“Whether it’s pedestrian traffic or parents dropping off their children, school zones can be very busy. Slowing down can make everyone safer.” 

The province introduced legislation in 2013 to give local authorities the power to create reduced speed zones for schools. As a result, many municipalities throughout Manitoba have taken the opportunity to reduce speed limits in these areas.
Drivers throughout the North Eastman area are reminded to reduce their speeds to 30 km/hr while in designated areas.

MPI advised that over the last five years, more than 5,000 provincial offence notices for various infractions, ranging from speeding to use of a hand-held electronic while driving, failure to stop at pedestrian crosswalks and other traffic control devices, have been issued to drivers.

If You are Taking the School Bus
- arrive at the bus stop early
- wait in a safe place away from the edge of the road
- wait for the bus to come to a complete stop with its overhead red lights flashing or its stop arm activated before approaching

When Leaving the Bus
- always cross the road in front of the stopped bus, never behind
- look all ways and wait for the driver to signal before crossing in front of the bus
- walk – don’t run – across the road

Drivers
- Slow down in school zones and watch for children crossing the road
- Slow down and prepare to stop whether you are behind or approaching a bus
- Stop for school buses when red lights are flashing – it’s the law and it saves lives
- Stay alert around crosswalks, bike riders, and busy pick-up/drop-off areas

Beausejour doctors at full complement

By Tony Zerucha

For the first time in a long time, Beausejour has enough doctors, with several taking new patients – a credit to the dedicated recruiting strategy involving the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (IERHA) and municipal officials.

IERHA vice president of community and continuing care Kim Minnis said a key part of the strategy was highlighting the reasons why doctors would want to relocate here. Like any person considering a move, doctors want to know about housing quality and supply, schools, child care options, recreation and other amenities.

“With the Whiteshell and Winnipeg both nearby, it’s the best of both worlds,” Minnis said. “The Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority works well with the RMs and municipalities.”

Over the past decade, the IERHA has faced some of the most significant physician shortages of any health care region in the province. In 2017, the IERHA was listed as being short 45 doctors with more than 420 North Eastman residents unable to find one close to home. The issue also lead to rotating weekend ER closures between Beausejour, Pinawa and Pine Falls.

Minnis credited elected officials and municipal staff for rolling out the red carpet on recruiting drives. That warmth and community spirit are important drivers. Recruitment teams also used the Community Recruitment Tool Kit, which was developed by the Province of Manitoba and several health-related agencies. The kit describes the needs prospective doctors might have and shares recruiting tips other municipalities find useful.

Some of those new doctors are also being prepared for emergency room duties. Depending on the doctor’s education focus, that preparation may require some courses, mentorship, or other support. Those extra doctors should soon be staffing emergency rooms.

According to the latest IERHA update, Beausejour has five primary care providers, and four are accepting new patients: Drs. Roque Nepomuceno, Nadia Parvez and Nazukjit Nijjar along with nurse practitioner Sanisha Taylor. Dr. Rachel Awopetu at the Hew Primary Health Care Centre is also accepting patients. Both doctors at the Beausejour Guardian Medical Clinic are also accepting patients – Drs. Ayo Abioye and Abubakar Nabage.

Looking ahead, Minnis said administrators are identifying what the Beausejour area does well from a clinical perspective and its approach to care. She said it’s part of a wider approach that considers mental health, chronic disease, physical activity, and diet. That holistic approach aims to reduce the burden on the health care system by addressing issues as they arise instead of waiting for people to visit emergency rooms.
Beausejour’s recent success comes as the Province of Manitoba announced that 4,725 net new health-care workers have joined the workforce since October 2023.

Mayor Ray Schirle said the recruitment effort goes back more than a decade to when he was chair of the Beausejour Brokenhead Development Corporation. There were plenty of meetings and recruiting trips where Schirle and others met with doctors about to graduate. 

Recently, Beausejour hosted eight doctors interested in practicing in the area. They toured the community and saw all the region has to offer.

“Beausejour’s been very proactive on that,” Schirle said. “While we have a full complement of doctors, it doesn’t mean we can stop.”

Schirle explained that good access to quality medical care brings additional benefits. People considering moving to Beausejour are more likely to come if they can readily access that care. That’s good for the community and good for business.
The next step for Schirle is to see emergency rooms fully operational.

“We’re going to continue keeping on it,” Schirle said. 

Métis Local Red River Cart arrives Sept. 19

The Lac du Bonnet Red River Métis Local invites the community to the Lac du Bonnet District Museum Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the arrival of their new outdoor exhibit – a handmade full-size Red River Cart.

The Wheels of the Homeland event at Halliday Park is a free community event bringing people together to celebrate local Métis heritage while recognizing Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. Throughout the day, there will be guest speakers, the Norman Chief Memorial Dancers, Métis fiddle music and storytelling, a community lunch and the official arrival of the cart itself.

The Lac du Bonnet Red River Métis Local’s Red River Cart project is a community-driven initiative. The cart will serve as an educational tool to teach community members and visitors about Métis history, the impacts of colonization and the significant role of the Red River Cart in trade and transportation. 

Through collaboration with the Lac du Bonnet and District Historical Society, the project will create a permanent exhibit that provides accessible historical education for students, researchers and the general public. 

This project has been years in the making and only now is coming to fruition. The Red River Cart project consists of two phases. Phase 1 in 2025 focused on constructing the cart’s base and protective canopy, and confirming its place with cart production by Jerome Cartworks, local orgnaizations and volunteers that supported the project.
Phase 2 in 2026 involves delivery and installation of the cart as well as providing historical interpretation. While the cart will arrive in time for the celebration, the interpretive signage for its permanent display will follow. This is an important part of the project for the Lac du Bonnet Red River Métis Local as the Red River Cart will serve as a landmark of historical significance, enriching the community’s cultural landscape for generations to come.

While the event is free, tickets are required. They can be obtained via email at mmf.ldblocal@gmail.com or by calling 204-213-0326. Please bring a lawn chair.

Double B Ag Fest ready to ride

By Mark T. Buss

Beausejour’s Double B Agricultural Festival will be back in the saddle next weekend with live entertainment, agricultural activities and semi-pro rodeo excitement. 

The Double B Agricultural Festival will occupy the Co-op Community Complex Sept. 11-13 with a carnival and midway run by Select Shows and rodeo entertainment provided in conjunction with the Canadian Cowboys Association.

The Brokenhead Agricultural Society is once again sponsoring the Double B Agricultural Festival and have been a crucial component in the event finding success for over 30 years.

Incorporated in 1917, the Brokenhead Agricultural Society started with local farmers striving to help each other and local families and that has remained the guiding principle for almost 110 years.

Schedule of Events

The Manitoba High School Rodeo competition begins at 2 p.m. Friday followed by the opening of the Select Shows midway at 5 p.m. 
Saturday will start with a pancake breakfast running 7 to 9 a.m. The Manitoba High School Rodeo will immediately follow.

At 10 a.m. the Double B Agricultural Festival parade will depart where floats, horses, cyclists, machinery and other participants will head west down James Avenue and turn north on First Street. The parade will turn right on Park Avenue and right again on Fifth Street South as they wave to the hundreds of children and onlookers lining the roadways.

Chainsaw carver displays will begin at 10 a.m. and run to 4 p.m. 

The Select Shows midway and Prairie Exotics will open at noon and run all afternoon along with children’s activities including a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, glitter artists and more. Applause Events featuring Dino-Mite Adventures will take place from noon to 5 p.m.

The CCA semi-pro rodeo main attraction will begin at 6 p.m. with bull and bronc riding, calf roping, barrel racing and more. Intermission will feature Truco Trick Riders, wild pony races and wool riders.

The Double B Agricultural Festival’s legendary fireworks display will illuminate the sky when the sun goes down on Saturday evening, followed by a barn dance and saloon at the Brokenhead River Community Hall with a mechanical bull from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Jerry Sereda Band will be performing. Admission will be $15. No minors allowed.
Sunday will begin with a pancake breakfast starting at 8 a.m. The midway will re-open at noon along with children’s activities and the chainsaw carvers display.

The CCA semi-pro rodeo events will continue at 1 p.m.

Gate admission to the Double B Agricultural Festival on Friday is free with Saturday priced at $20. Sunday admission for adults will be $15. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

For 50/50 tickets or for more information, go to brokenheadag.ca

Pinawa housing landscape in transformation

Two six-suite rental units currently under construction in Pinawa continue to transform the community’s downtown and provide more housing options.
Burrows Road from Vanier to Massey has undergone changes in recent years, with the addition of rental multiplexes north of the apartment building in 2025. 

Vogt Construction is building new units on the south side of Burrows between the Catholic church and the apartments. Each suite is 1,100 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an attached garage. Construction on the complex began in April with occupancy for the first building tentatively slated for late in the fall.

The construction crew has had to deal with the usual Pinawa challenges of granite and bedrock, but they are at the roofing stage for the first unit. Once that’s complete, framing will begin on the second unit.

Many long-time Pinawa residents have downsized and moved into the downtown housing, making their homes available for purchase for the next generation of Pinawa families.

Oakbank development receives new phase approval

By Tony Zerucha

Houses will soon rise near the municipal offices in Oakbank after Springfield’s council approved a set of variances, along with the second phase of development.

The variances cover phases 1A and 1B of the Emberside development, which is located off the southeast corner of Springfield Road and Springfield Centre Drive. The first variance allows some lots to be up to 1,118 square feet smaller than the required 8,500 square feet. Several lot widths will range from 49 to 64.7 feet instead of the required 65 feet. Some yard setbacks were reduced to five feet from either 10 or 15 feet, depending on the lot’s location.

“The subdivision has an assortment of many lot sizes and shapes to represent various needs of the housing market and reflects the intent of the RM of Springfield development plan,” Oakbank Development Corporation said in its submission to council discussed at their Aug. 27 meeting. “The development plan states that council should encourage a variety of housing type and tenures. This is achieved by having an assortment of lot sizes and shapes.”

Oakbank Development Corporation also sought approval for Phase 1B, consisting of 29 single-family residential lots. Council unanimously approved the variances and Phase 1B.

Consultant David Jopling said Oakbank Development Corporation sought the variances in bulk so individual lot owners would not have to appear individually to obtain them. He said Springfield’s proposed new zoning bylaw, if passed, would have negated the need to appear, but because it remains in limbo, the variance application was necessary.
“We hoped the zoning bylaw would have gone through, but that hasn’t happened,” Jopling said.

Planning staff routinely send developer plans to a host of utilities, provincial and federal departments and neighbouring municipalities for comments and any suggested conditions. Several government agencies asked if Springfield’s current water and waste infrastructure could absorb the new homes. CAO Colleen Draper said it can.
Jopling said show homes could begin to be built this fall. Lots could also be open to market this fall. Homes could be completed by next fall.

Traffic will access the development from Painted Sky Way, which runs off of Springfield Road. Once in the development, Painted Sky Way will intersect with Borealis Bend.

Fears for Dugald Oakbank Water System

By Tony Zerucha
Part II of II

While he’s hopeful that the RM of Springfield will receive its environmental license for the Dugald Oakbank Water System (DOWS) before this fall’s election, Mayor Pat Therrien fears its fate could ultimately be determined by the next council, making it one of the biggest issues in this campaign.

The Clipper contacted every candidate registered by Aug. 19 and asked them if they would advocate for or against DOWS. The responses range from complete support to opposition, mostly based on how it is funded.
Of the four mayoral candidates, only Melinda Warren said she supports moving forward with DOWS as is. 

Daniel Page said he will listen to the public.

“I believe a decision for DOWS and how we approach this project belongs to our residents, given numerous concerns raised publicly that appeared to be inadequately addressed nor exhausted openly among the present council,” Page said.
Margaret Marion-Akins also called for more public input. She said additional concerns include financing, debt repayment, associated municipal infrastructure costs, and who’s on the hook if revenue projections from new home construction fall short of projections.

Marion-Akins said DOWS symbolizes competing visions for Springfield’s future.
“(It’s a) broader discussion of what do Springfielder’s want for their municipality,” she said. “Do we want to keep our 70-30 rural-urban split?  Do we want four or five times more annual small lot urban growth in Oakbank and Dugald over the next 20 years? Do we want to maintain our rural identity and values?”

She added that the majority of Springfield homeowners have invested in their own septic fields and wells, while urban residents have also paid connection fees or levies.
Edwin Giesbrecht said he supports reliable and sustainable water infrastructure for Dugald and Oakbank, but cannot support DOWS without “a comprehensive and publicly accountable assessment of the project, its financing and every reasonable alternative.”

“My responsibility, if entrusted as mayor, would be to Springfield as a whole,” Giesbrecht said. “That requires balancing infrastructure needs and future growth against affordability, existing obligations, long-term water security, responsible stewardship of Springfield’s own water resources, and the ability of Springfield as a whole to carry those costs.

“Every reasonable alternative – including phased or modular concepts where practical – should be thoroughly and expeditiously assessed, with the full costs, benefits and allocation of those costs clearly established, followed by timely and responsible decision-making.”

Ward 1
Incumbent councillor Glen Fuhl said he will continue to advocate for DOWS. One Ward 1 opponent, Rod Fraser, said he needs more concrete information before providing unconditional support.

“Residents deserve clear and accurate information about the project’s final scope, total cost and impact on taxpayers,” Fraser said. “I would also like to see developers contribute more funding upfront so that the financial burden does not fall disproportionately on existing taxpayers.”

Candidate Jill Overall said with the current council split on this controversial project, she would want to gauge resident preferences first to see how people, particularly in her ward, would want her to proceed.

“A project that holds this much significance to the taxpayer will span 20 years, costing significant taxpayer dollars as well as large amounts of our reserve funds,” Overall said. “It’s critical to get it right.”

Ward 2Coun. Andy Kuczynski said he supports DOWS in principle, but not under its current funding structure. Kuczynski also asked why rural residents on their own water systems should be forced to pay for urban infrastructure.
Should DOWS be built, Kuczynski said Oakbank well owners who wish to connect to DOWS must pay extra costs, they will also have water bills for the first time, along with

utility maintenance costs. 
“The residents of old Oakbank will need to be asked by the RM and come to a consensus if they even want to go this route and hook up to the DOWS,” he said. “If developers want to come here and build housing, they should be responsible for paying for their portion up front for water and lagoon that they require – this should not be the responsibility of the taxpayer to subsidize their business venture.  Then when the developer sells their lot they can pass those expenses on to the buyer, not the taxpayer.”

Of note, developers currently pay $15,500 per residential equivalency unit in capital water and sewer levies.

Kuczynski’s opponent, Justin Hall, said he supports DOWS.

“My support is not a blank cheque,” Hall said. “I believe the project must proceed with full financial transparency, continued efforts to secure grants and a fair funding structure that requires developers and new users to help pay for the capacity they need.

“The debate over the proposed plant is about more than pipes and construction costs. It is about whether our community has the infrastructure required to support housing, business investment and public safety. Springfield needs more seniors’ housing, daycare spaces, rental housing and commercial development. Without adequate water and wastewater capacity, these projects become more difficult – or even impossible – to approve.”

Hall said cancelling the project would not eliminate Springfield’s need for additional water capacity. It would postpone the decision while construction, labour, material and financing costs could continue to rise.

Ward 3
Coun. Mark Miller is also opposed to DOWS’ current funding model.
“Rural residents are subsidizing the cost of bringing water to homes in these towns,” Miller said. “Alternatively, a local improvement district (LID) and federal funds to mitigate the cost of the project should have been secured. In addition, the proposed initiative allows for reverse osmosis (RO) which is an environmentally and emerging human health concern.

“(DOWS) can be successful in a scaled back version and staged approach to make it more affordable and environmentally sustainable. I would place an emphasis on securing federal infrastructure dollars and ensure developers who are creating new projects are contributing equitably as they are in the position to yield the most financial gain.”

Newcomer Frank Simard supports DOWS.

“To my understanding, we are just about to exhaust the availability of water to Springfield residents with what we have at hand today,” Simard said. “Moving forward, if we want growth to our community, yes the water treatment plan is of my interest.”

Ward 4
Prospective Ward 4 councillor Adrian Brown also supports DOWS. 
“I understand that what is currently in place will be sustainable for a few more years, but we will outgrow it sooner than most of us think,” Brown said. “The population using the current system has gone from 4,600 in 2021 to close to 8,800 in 2026 with projections to be close to 13,000 in 2031 and upwards of 20,000 by the year 2040. As costs are only going to keep going up, the time to invest in this development is now in my opinion.”

Candidate Georgina Mustard did not respond to requests for comment.

Agassiz Garden Club annual show a colourful event

The Lac du Bonnet Community Centre was filled with family and friends of local gardeners, crafters, and photographers who came to view the finest produce and creations on display at the Agassiz Garden Club’s annual show Aug. 10.

Exhibits by seniors in the Lac du Bonnet Adult Day group and some very excited youngsters were a special attraction. Coffee, tea and sweets baked especially for our

Little House on the Prairie themed show were enjoyed by all our visitors. 
Club president Laverne Wojciechowski and vice president Laurette Greenlay presented the special awards and plaques to adults and children.

Best cut flower: Rosie Boel
Best gladiolus: Karen Johnson
Best floral arrangement: Rosie Boel
Most points in flowers: Laverne Wojciechowski
Most points in vegetables: April Obirek
Most points in baking: Carol Clegg
Most points in show: Laverne Wojciechowski

 A new award in memory of Jean Martel was presented to Gwen Veilleux for the best rose in the show. Jean’s son Mark Martel gave a fitting tribute to his mother, who became the most dedicated members of the Agassiz Garden Club after being persuaded to join by her neighbour, Mary Yakem.

To conclude the evening Wojciechowski thanked the Community Centre for the use of the facility and Agassiz members, friends, and families for their summer of work to stage our usual impressive display.

Winterhawks retooling for 2026/27

By By Tony Zerucha

With hockey season fast approaching, Springfield Winterhawks’ general manager Steve Gault is busy retooling a roster in hopes of bringing an SEMHL championship to town. 

Gault hopes the combination of fresh blood and returning veterans will help improve on a 2025-26 campaign that saw his club lose to Ile des Chenes in the semi-finals.
There’s a change in between the pipes, as veteran netminder Steve Christie has retired to join the Winterhawks’ coaching staff. Third-year goalie Ashton Howarth returns to battle for more action after competing in 19 games in his first two campaigns.

Howarth is joined by former Steinbach Piston and Selkirk Steeler Cole Plowman. Since leaving the Pistons after the 2023-24 season, Plowman has suited up for the NCAA’s University of Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves and the University of Manitoba Bisons.

Gault has signed three local players who were key parts of the Transcona Railer Express’ 2025-26 championship squad. Eastman Selects’ alum Trey Sellen brings scoring punch. In 153 career regular-season games, Sellen scored 44 goals and chipped in 78 assists for 122 points. Sellen was a playoff force the past two seasons in amassing 17 goals and 27 assists for 44 points in 31 games.

Former Springfield Sabre and Xtreme rearguard Kaden Bruchanski brings size and skill to head coach Grant Sellen’s defense corps. Bruchanski suited up for 162 regular-season Railer Express games and contributed 30 goals and 79 helpers. A 2025-26 assistant captain, Bruchanski had 37 points in 31 playoff games over the past two seasons.

Nolan van den Bussche was the Railer Express captain last season. His Railer Express resume includes 176 regular-season games, 57 goals, 98 assists, and 155 points. The MMJHL’s fourth-leading scorer last season, van den Bussche scored four goals in the championship-clinching game.

“In that seventh game, Nolan literally carried us on his back,” Railer Express head coach Derek Gagnon said this spring.

Another former Steeler, defenseman Eric Krywy, joins the Winterhawks after a four-year career at Minot State University. Krywy was the Steelers’ captain in 2020-21.

Gault is waiting for several players to confirm their winter intentions, but did confirm that Carter Barley is back for another season. The impact forward joined the Winterhawks two seasons back after his own four-year Minot State stint, where he was also a captain. Barley has 69 points in 35 regular-season SEMHL games and 35 points in 16

playoff games, including 24 in Springfield’s near miss title run from 2024-25.
Veteran Dexter Kuczek also returns. He has spent three SEMHL seasons between the Winterhawks and Warren Mercs after four years in the Canadian college ranks.

Beausejour Slo-Pitch League playoffs a homerun

By Mark T. Buss

The Beausejour Slo-Pitch League (BSL) closed out the 2026 season with a homerun of exciting action Sunday.
In women’s play, A5’s defeated Die Hards 20-9 in the A-B final.

On Saturday, A5’s topped Leftovers to win the A event and punch their ticket to the

Sunday final. The Die Hards came out on top of Leftovers 6-5 Sunday afternoon to claim the B event but could not get past the eventual winner-take-all champions.
The Diamond Divas topped Drink N’ Run 11-1 in the C event.
The Highway Hitmen defeated defending champion Ruth Place Eagles in the A-B final, by a score of 18-3.

The Hitmen won the A division Saturday over the Eagles, who rebounded to win the B event Sunday over Blue 12-5. Needing to win twice, the Eagles were hoping for a repeat of 2025 where they did double off the Hitmen. It was not meant to be this year as they came up short, dropping the first game. 

The Gophers defeated Tropics 15-2 in the C final.

In co-ed competition, Old Dawgs retained their title in dramatic fashion by defeating

One Hit Wonders in the A-B final. With Old Dawgs winning the A final Saturday, One Hit Wonders defeated Rippers 9-8 Sunday afternoon to win the B event. The Wonders won the first game of the A-B final 3-2 but they could not finish the job as the Old Dawgs were victorious 23-2 in Game 2.

Comets defeated Bats and Beavers 20-15 in the C final.

The Clipper Weekly

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