November 12, 2026

Hwy 11 bridge reconstruction begins

By Tony Zerucha

Despite earlier assurances that the Hwy 11 bridge over the Whitemouth River would remain open during rehabilitation work, area residents, commercial traffic and emergency responders must contend with a three-month detour to PR 406 in the New Year 

Inspections over the past three years revealed a long list of issues with the 84-metre structure near Elma, which was built in 1981. That led inspectors to recommend a “major rehabilitation for concrete repairs, joint replacement and sidewalk rehabilitation.”
Provincial inspections found severe abutment disintegration past reinforcing. In some spots there were 17.5-centimetre holes. Sidewalks and approaches have concrete defects and voids behind walls. Barriers display missing bolts, with other bolts no longer fully-threaded. Retaining walls are disintegrating, and support piers show cracks and deterioration.

Over the past decade, maintenance crews patched concrete on a south abutment and repaired poor concrete at several joints as holes had formed.

The rehabilitation will extend the service life of the bridge and be designed to meet current Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure standards. The rehabilitation will also include a pedestrian sidewalk that is separated from the road with a traffic barrier.
The Province of Manitoba said the repairs to the bridge’s substructure and superstructure are designed to extend the bridge’s life by 25 years. Preliminary work has begun and is to be completed in the fall of 2027.

Once completed, the new structure will feature a cast-in-place concrete deck, improved drainage over the bridge, a sidewalk separated from the roadway, and steps to address deterioration on the piers and abutments.

“For the safety of the public, the existing sidewalk crossing over the bridge will be closed during construction,” a provincial newsletter states. “Note that the Elma Wayside Park will also be closed during construction to allow for a construction staging and lay down area.”

In a recent update, Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure representative Lakhdeep Brar broke the project into six stages. The first two consisted of demolition and substructure rehabilitation work.

The bridge closure occurs during the third stage from January to March 2027, when the bridge will be jacked so deck expansion joints can be demolished and replaced. Sidewalk work will also occur. The final stages consist of a complete concrete deck overlay, joint seal installation and asphalt paving. Brar said weight restrictions are not required.

Coun. Duncan McDougald said municipal officials were told of the closure during a May meeting. The project will also soon be discussed amongst the new council.

Initial repair plans were shared with council during the recently-completed term. Two reasons for the delay were to avoid disrupting bird nesting season and to re-tender the work.

“The repairs are largely structural, so to the average person driving across the bridge, it probably won’t look or feel much different once the work is finished,” McDougald said. “The province had originally planned to begin the full closure in September, but at the request of the RM of Whitemouth council, they agreed to hold off until December. September is still a busy time in our area, with both local traffic and tourists, so we certainly appreciated their willingness to work with us on that. 

McDougald conceded that the closure will be a significant inconvenience for motorists using Hwy 11, but said the repairs are necessary to keep the bridge operational for years to come.

“The detour along PR 406 isn’t a bad alternative, although it is a gravel road,” McDougald said. “Depending on where you’re coming from and where you’re going, it might even be a little quicker for some people, travelling between Whitemouth and Elma. For others, it’s going to mean extra travel time and a change to a route they’ve probably been taking for years. Nobody looks forward to road construction, but I think people understand that keeping our bridges safe is more important than avoiding a few months of inconvenience.”

McDougald is concerned about Hwy 44 bridge repairs happening concurrently.
“My biggest concern is emergency services, because a few extra minutes can make a big difference when someone needs help,” he said. “From what I understand, the province usually works with the appropriate emergency service providers to plan for these closures, but it’s something I would like to know more about and will be looking into, particularly with Hwy 11 being completely closed for several months. 

“We need to make sure our fire departments, ambulances, and other emergency responders can get where they need to go without unnecessary delays.”

Gillis School gets new play structure

By Edna Barrie

A new play structure at Tyndall’s Gillis School is being touted as an example of what a small community can accomplish when they have a shared goal of creating something meaningful for children.

Five years of planning, fundraising and finding the right play structure have paid off. On Oct. 29, Gillis School volunteers, staff, parents and students held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally celebrate and officially open the space for students and public use. 

Gillis Parents Advisory Council (PAC) chair Amanda Duke took the opportunity to thank and acknowledge all who helped organize fundraisers and worked tirelessly to bring the project to a successful conclusion. 

“This is a place for the community to come and gather,” Duke said.

The five-year project began with former Gillis principal Anthony Penner and safety concerns raised by PAC. Building a play structure is expensive, but the wooden structure at Gillis was old, outdated and dangerous. 
An assessment of student wishes was taken into account.

“Some wanted slides, while others wanted climbing structures and others wanted... and the list went on,” Penner said.

It took strategic planning by PAC and Penner to design a structure that would accommodate most of the student needs before contacting Playgrounds R Us for options. The team agreed on a structure valued at approximately $110,000. 
A provincial grant was received through the Healthy Kids, Healthy Community Playground Structure Fund – a $3 million fund, which invests in safer, more accessible and high-quality play spaces for public schools. For the 2026-2027 budget year, a total of 43 playground projects will be built across Manitoba through the new fund.

“This was done for the kids,” Penner said. “This new structure is wheelchair accessible and is a wonderful addition to the school grounds.”

Penner also encouraged parents to get involved with parent committees.

Pinawa Fire & Rescue receives equipment grant

By Jann Perry

The Pinawa Fire and Rescue Service has received a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada for more than $24,000 to acquire specialized equipment and training for surface water and ice rescue operations.

Pinawa Chief Mike Purtill advised the fire department was grateful for this opportunity to strengthen their ability to protect both residents and visitors. The new equipment and training will enhance our response capabilities and help ensure the best possible outcomes for individuals in distress on the water or ice.

As a community surrounded by lakes, rivers, and year-round recreational activities, Pinawa benefits greatly from continued investments in public safety. This grant marks an important first step in a broader initiative to expand and enhance water rescue and water safety capabilities throughout the region.

That equipment and training was put to the test in September when Pinawa Fire and Rescue Service responded to a report of an adult and four children, ages 8 to 11, in distress on Lone Island Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park. Severe weather prevented the group, who were travelling in one canoe, from returning to their launch point. They were able to send a satellite distress call to 911 and reached shore, where they took refuge in a safe area. Initial reports indicated that some members of the group may have been experiencing hypothermia. 

Purtill coordinated communications among RCMP, EMS, Conservation and fire personnel on a common radio channel. Conservation responded with two officers. Of the 12 Pinawa firefighters who responded, four water rescue technicians were deployed along with their special operations trailer, which carries rescue boats, safety equipment, rigging and lighting.

All five individuals were brought to safety shortly before 10 p.m. They were assessed by EMS and everyone was confirmed to be in good health.

“Overall, the incident was managed smoothly and successfully,” Purtill said. “I only wish they were all that straightforward.”

Established in 2005 by former firefighters and Firehouse Subs founders Chris and Robin Sorensen, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides lifesaving equipment, funding and resources to first responders and public safety organizations.

The commitment of Pinawa Fire and Rescue Service is to provide the highest level of emergency response in the most effective and efficient manner possible. Support from organizations such as the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation plays a vital role in helping them build, strengthen, and sustain these critical rescue programs for the community..

New Co-op food store, admin office coming soon

Beausejour Co-op is excited to announce plans for a new food store and administration office development on the east end of Beausejour. 

This development marks a significant investment in the community’s future and greatly enhances the shopping experience for members and customers.
The development will be located directly south of Tim Hortons along PR 302. It will include a new 30,600-square-foot food store and a separate 5,000-square-foot administration office, creating a modern efficient hub to serve the growing needs of the region.

Designed with convenience and accessibility in mind, the site will feature 156 parking stalls along with dedicated truck and trailer parking spaces, providing ample room for customers visiting the store.

The new food store will offer an expanded product selection, a modern shopping environment, and a significantly larger pharmacy. It will also feature the bakery, deli, meat and produce departments members and customers have come to know and enjoy. 

“As our community grows, we want to make shopping more convenient while keeping the service and local commitment our members and customers know us for,” said Beausejour Co-op GM Kevin Van Den Bussche. “The new store will give us more room for the products and services our members and customers rely on; alongside the familiar fresh departments they enjoy.”

The current Beausejour Food Store will continue operating and serve customers until the new facility is ready to open.

“Our Co-op is part of this community, and we want to help it thrive,” said Beausejour Co-op board president Malissa Rowan. “This investment is about looking ahead, making sure our Co-op remains ready to serve our members and their families into the future.”

The new food store and administration office is estimated to open in late 2027. Beausejour Co-op is not releasing the total estimated cost of the facilities.

Stanley County Cut-ups provide spirited show

By Brian Adolph

EMCA welcomed The Stanley County Cut-ups to the stage on Nov. 6 for an evening of spirited bluegrass.

The Cut-ups, individually and collectively, have been favourites in the Winnipeg folk scene for decades. Featuring Tim Osmond on banjo, Jeremy Penner on fiddle, Jeremy Hamm on mandolin and fiddle, T. J. Blair on guitar and Jess Reimer on upright bass – and with everyone contributing vocals – the group delivered a golden-age bluegrass sound reminiscent of Flatt and Scruggs and Ricky Skaggs.

The program included great versions of Those Memories of You (made famous by Dolly Parton and Trio) and an uptempo rendition of Neil Young’s Helpless, which showcased the group’s wonderful harmonies.

Some of the show’s best moments came when the quintet launched into frenetically paced tunes like Pig in a Pen and Russian Grass, giving the musicians an opportunity to show their chops. Osmond, Penner and Hamm thrilled the audience, tossing solos back and forth and infecting everyone with the obvious joy they take in performing at breakneck speed.

And then the lights went out.

The band bravely soldiered on without missing a beat when the lighting system briefly lost power mid-tune. The only illumination came from audience members who helpfully switched their cell phones to flashlight mode.

With the lights restored, the Cut-ups completed their show to a standing ovation, leaving the crowd with, as one reviewer put it, “their bluegrass cup filled.”

Beausejour Brokenhead Christmas Hampers 2026

The Beausejour Brokenhead Christmas Hamper Program is preparing for what could be its biggest year yet, with more than 100 food hampers anticipated for the 2026 holiday season.

For many, Christmas is a time of joy, family, and celebration. However, for some families in our community, the holiday season can bring added financial stress and uncertainty. The Beausejour Brokenhead Christmas Hamper Program hopes to ease some of that burden by ensuring local families and individuals have food on their tables and a little more peace of mind during the holidays.

“Our hope is to take a little weight off families’ shoulders during what can be a difficult time of year,” says Vanessa Kehler, president of the Beausejour Brokenhead Christmas Hamper Program. “We are so fortunate to live in a community that cares, and it takes all of us coming together to make this program possible.”

This year marks an important change for the program, as it will focus exclusively on providing food hampers to families and individuals in Beausejour, Brokenhead and the surrounding areas. While the program’s focus has changed, its mission remains the same: bringing our community together to support those who need it most.

The program’s success depends on the generosity of local residents, businesses, organizations and volunteers. Every donation, sponsorship and helping hand makes a difference, and as the need continues to grow, community support is more important than ever.

Applications for families and opportunities to sponsor a family will run from Nov. 9-23. The annual Red Apple Toy Drive begins Nov. 12, followed by hamper preparation from Nov. 28 to Dec. 8. The community is also encouraged to take part in Fill a Sleigh Day with Red Apple on Dec. 5. Food hamper deliveries are scheduled for Dec. 11 and 12.
There are many ways to get involved, whether through donations, volunteering, sponsorships, or simply spreading the word. Individuals, families, businesses, and organizations are all welcome to be part of this important community initiative.
Those interested in applying, donating, volunteering, or learning more can contact the program at bbch1225@outlook.com or call 204-205-0960.

As preparations begin for Christmas 2026, the program extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who continues to support its efforts. With community help, they hope to make this their biggest and most meaningful year yet, bringing a little extra comfort, kindness, and Christmas cheer to local families who need it most.

LdB firefighters showing holiday spirit

By Jann Perry

Lac du Bonnet firefighters are once again playing the role of Santa’s helpers for some seniors in the community

Until Dec. 4, they are accepting financial donations for their annual Santa for Seniors project. The money raised is used to buy Christmas gifts for the Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home’s 30 residents.

Santa for Seniors organizer Sheyanna Augustine, a member of the Lac du Bonnet Fire Department, said they have been doing this since the pandemic. She said members of the fire department personally deliver every gift, adding the presents help seniors feel valued and cared for during the holiday season.

“We look for monetary donations,” said Augustine. “We buy the residents certain gifts that they need.”

Augustine said the gifts are typically useful items and the care centre staff help with planning the purchases.

Local businesses also contribute gift items. All gifts are wrapped and given along with personalized cards. Augustine said the fire fighters work with care centre staff to select a suitable date for the gift delivery.

She said the work involved in the project pays off when residents receive their gifts.
“The smiles on their faces are amazing.”

To make a donation, call or text Augustine at 204-799-4053 or drop off donations at the RM of Lac du Bonnet administrative office during working hours.

Springfield Chamber brings back Magic on Main

By Cathy Juskow

The Springfield Chamber of Commerce is bringing Magic on Main back to Oakbank on Nov. 14, from 5-9 p.m. and encouraging businesses along Main Street to light up and decorate their storefronts to help create a festive atmosphere throughout the evening.

“Our goal is to create an event that not only brings people to Main Street for a fun evening but also introduces them to the incredible businesses we have right here in Springfield,” Chamber executive director Ashley Stevens said. “We want people to discover somewhere new, reconnect with familiar favourites, and remember to shop local throughout the holiday season and beyond.”

There will be a holiday market with local vendors, music and entertainment including a magician and other festive entertainment. Springfield Tiny Tots will be hosting a fundraising bake sale, and the Springfield Food Bank will be there, so bring a tin for the bin. 

Activities for kids will include Santa’s mailbox to bring letters to Santa to mail during the event, with Santa himself making a special appearance.

There will also be a Christmas tree lighting ceremony with street warming stations serving hot chocolate to keep you warm, and an alpaca to warm your heart. 
The Chamber is introducing a digital passport program for participating businesses to register and be featured on their interactive digital map, making it easy for visitors to discover local venues throughout the event. Participation is free for Chamber members and they encourage visitors to explore participating businesses and check in at various locations. Prizes will be awarded to one customer and one participating business.

Comets pull away from the CRJHL pack

By Tony Zerucha

A 4-3 win over the Arborg Ice Dawgs on Oct. 30 has the Beausejour Comets sitting nine points ahead of the pack early in the 2026-27 CRJHL season.

Down 1-0 after 20 minutes, the Comets took advantage of some Ice Dawg penalties to score two straight power-play goals to gain a 2-1 lead 15 minutes into the second period. Luke Wagner and Jackson Kostiuk supplied the firepower. Arborg replied seconds after Kostiuk’s marker to tie the game at 2-2.

Job Peters scored with 28 seconds left to give the Comets another lead, but Arborg responded 12 seconds later to make it a 3-3 contest after two periods.

That score held until deep into the third period, when Vaughn Senebald scored with 89 seconds remaining to give the Comets another victory. 

Credit Arborg netminder Alex Myers with keep his team in the game; he made 49 saves. Comet puckstopper Carter Warren was no slouch either, as he turned aside 34 Ice Dawg attempts.

Beausejour now hits the highway for a four-game road trip beginning Nov. 6 in La Broquerie. Their next home action is on Nov. 22 at 4:30 p.m. against the North Winnipeg Satelites.

Kostiuk and Peters sit one-two in league scoring with 25 and 20 points respectively. The third-place scorer has 15 points..

Lac du Bonnet Lions Seniors’ Christmas Dinner Dec. 13

By Jann Perry

The Lac du Bonnet Lions Club and friends will be treating local seniors to a Christmas party Dec. 9 at the Lac du Bonnet Community Centre.  

The Lions’ 2026 Seniors Christmas Celebration is set for noon to 3 p.m. where participants from the Town and RM of Lac du Bonnet and Ward 4 of the Municipality of Alexander can celebrate with friends and make some new ones. Features include a gift raffle, dainties and entertainment

Last year, over 300 seniors were served a delicious meal at the annual Christmas event. It was a lovely afternoon with lots of food, entertainment and prizes.

The Lions have also scheduled the celebrations to the afternoon so no one has to drive in the cold, dark night – including Santa Claus.

Spearheaded by the Lions, invitations can be picked up from event sponsors including the Lac du Bonnet Legion and the Pioneer Club. Please RSVP no later than Dec. 1.

Comets win streak hits seven games

By Tony Zerucha

The Beausejour Comets extended their Capital Region Junior Hockey League winning streak to seven games with a thrilling 8-7 overtime win over the La Broquerie Habs on Nov. 6. 

La Broquerie started the scoring bonanza only 28 seconds into the game, but former Pinawa Panther star Jaedys Dancyt replied at 5:59 to make it 1-1. Les Habs scored two more before intermission to make it 3-1 after 20 minutes.

The Comets replied with a vengeance in the middle frame, scoring four unanswered goals to take a 5-3 lead. Jackson Kostiuk scored twice, with Job Peters and Maverick Shmon also lighting the lamp.

La Broquerie was far from done, as they opened the third period with three goals to take a 6-5 lead at 14:35. Former Eastman Select star Kasen Mateychuk scored one of the goals. Following a five-game WHL stretch to close out 2024-25, Mateychuk split last season between two MJHL squads before joining the Habs this season.

The Comets depth then went on display, as Springfield Sabre alum Liam Johnston knotted the game at six with his second of the campaign at 15:57. That deadlock only lasted 35 seconds, as the Habs regained the lead at 16:32.

Luke Wagner then took over. Dancyt and veteran Seth Hlady set him up at 18:04. Wagner’s second goal of the game from Carter Lee with 5:45 remaining in overtime finally ended the back-and-forth affair.

Shmon, Dancyt and Kostiuk led a balanced attack with three points each. Overall, 12 Comets registered at least one point. Sawyer Abraham faced 27 shots, while the Comets directed 44 at former Eastman Select Jaxon Loewen.

With 28 points, Kostiuk has a six-point lead over Peters for the CRJHL scoring lead. Kostiuk leads Peters and Arborg’s Brandon Burak by one goal; Kostiuk has 11 in 10 games. Kostiuk’s 17 helpers are five more than Peters’ 12. Vaughn Senebald is tied for ninth in scoring with 12 points. Former Eastman Selects Mateychuk, Steele Jowett and Colton Pakoo also reside in the Top 10 scorers.

Comet Carter Warren leads the league with a 2.00 goals-against average and .946 save percentage.

The Comets have three more road games before coming home for a Nov. 22 matinee against the North Winnipeg Satelites. This weekend, they visit Arborg on Nov. 13 and St. Malo on Nov. 15.
.

 High School Hockey Round-Up

MWHSHL
Sabres Lead the Division

Ellie Skibo’s goal with two minutes left in the third period gave the Springfield Sabres a come-from-behind, 2-1 win over the JH Bruns Broncos on Nov. 2
The Sabres were down 1-0 late in the second period when Skylar Di Vito netted her fourth of the season at 13:16. Gracie Andersen earned an assist.

Springfield peppered Bronco goalie Aiyanah Clemons with 48 shots in the 50-minute game, but didn’t get the winner until Skibo solved Clemons at 17:56 of the final frame. Bella Magura set her up. Danika McLean made 12 saves to improve her record to 2-1. McLean sports a 2.00 goals-against average and .902 save percentage.

Six different Sabres scored goals as the team improved to 6-1 with a 6-0 whitewashing of St. John’s Ravenscourt on Nov. 5. Andersen, Alex Sholdra, Kennedy Cockerill, Sierra Sanclemente, Brooklyn Brodeur, and Miley Sorin provided the firepower, while Lily Wassing turned aside six shots for the shutout. Wassing improved to a perfect 4-0 in four starts with a division-low 1.00 goals-against average.

A balanced offense and stingy defense are keys to the Sabres’ early success. Through their first six games, the team only allowed nine goals against. Twelve skaters have scored at least one goal, while four are averaging at least one point per game. As of Nov. 2, Skibo and Andersen are among a group tied for second in division scoring. 
Results of the Nov. 9 were unavailable at press time. This week, the Sabres visit Murdoch Mackay on Nov. 16. Their next home game is on Nov. 18 at 3:30 p.m. against Garden City.

WHSHL
Barons SplitThe École Edward Schreyer Barons dropped a 5-3 decision to the Warren Wildcats on Nov. 2.  

Following a scoreless opening frame, the Barons built a 2-1 lead courtesy of goals by Karson Adam and Braden Hummerston.

Beausejour surrendered four straight goals to open the third period to fall behind 5-2. Madden Chalmers replied ate to make the final 5-3.

Caughner Busch turned aside 24 shots for the shutout as the Barons improved to 4-2 with a 5-0 win over Leo Remillard on Nov. 5. Teagan Fuerst scored twice, with Nathan

Gorski, Chalmers and Liam Bulgrin chipping in singles. The win leaves the Barons tied for third in the division. They are a scant two points behind the division leader.
Results of the Nov. 10 game were unavailable at press time. This week, the Barons host College Pierre Elliott Trudeau on Nov. 12 at 3:30 p.m.

Sabres On a Heater
The winning streak reached three games with a 3-2 road win over the Sturgeon Heights Huskies on Nov. 4. 

Grady MacDonald opened the scoring at 2:11 of the first period with an unassisted goal. The Huskies tied it at 8:20, but Colby McDonald scored shorthanded after converting Bradley Boychuk’s pass at 10:39 to make it a 2-1 game after the first period.
Toby Hobday gave the Sabres a lead they wouldn’t relinquish 5:57 into the second frame. The Huskies later made it 3-2, but Springfield held on for the 3-2 win. Carter Huzel made 25 saves for the win.

Results of the Nov. 10 game were unavailable at press time. This week sees the Sabres on the road Nov. 12 and then returning home for a four-game homestand beginning with a return visit by the Huskies on Nov. 13.
– Zerucha

The Clipper Weekly

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