The North-West Regional Library’s Swan River Branch just recently finished showcasing a new art display done by local artist Gus Martin. Martin’s love of art, drawing and painting was fostered at a very early age, continued throughout his school years and onto a career he loved.
“I started with art right off the bat as a young child,” said Martin. “I was constantly drawing and even received awards for my artwork when I was younger. In grade 5, I had a teacher who was very into art and she noticed I put more effort into what I was drawing. She worked really hard to help me. She even approached artist, A.Y. Jackson of the Group of Seven, to come to our school and I had the opportunity to hear how he paints. I think that may have helped direct me in terms of the way I wanted to go with my art.
“This teacher put in a lot of effort to help me attend an art high school known as Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts. It was a bit out of our neighbourhood and required me to take a bus there. It was there that I learned about graphic arts and other styles of art.
“After that, I went to Ontario College of Art and then I went on to work in an advertising agency where I was a graphic designer, illustrator, visualizer, and then later on an art director,” said Martin. “I did that in Holland, Europe, and because I had dual nationality, I did that for about 15 years. I met my wife in Canada, but she was also from Holland.
“We moved back to Canada to Muskoka, Huntsville, Ontario. There, I started up a sign shop where I did some really off-the-wall signage that was handcrafted. It became very popular in town and created a look for most of the stores there. I did that for 25 years and it was a very successful business.
“Our daughter was very musical and she went to university to study piano,” said Martin. “She was looking for jobs and got one in Swan River. Her husband also got a job in Swan River, both as teachers. They had children and all of a sudden, life got hectic. We had retired and in 2021, decided to move to Swan River so we could help out with the grandchildren.”
Martin has adapted to life in the Valley and puts a lot of focus into painting. He finds beauty in the natural surroundings and puts it on canvas. Martin has also showcased some of his work in other art galleries.
“In the last six years, I’ve been doing what I really want to do, and that is painting,” said Martin. “I started doing that in the cold winters and built my studio. I started painting quite a few paintings over the winter and it’s built up.
I’ve put paintings up at the library and at the North West Round Up and Exhibition. I’ve had an exhibition in Wasagaming, which went very well. I received a good response and sold some of my work.
“My daughter is very active with the library and they asked if I would be interested in displaying my work there,” said Martin. “This is the second time that I’ve done this. There is a wide variety of people who go to the library, so I tried to choose a diverse collection of paintings to show something for everyone who goes there.
“The paintings I do are mostly of this area and consist of the river, farm animals, landscapes and other things. It’s very intense and detailed work that I do. Generally, a painting can take anywhere from a week to three weeks to finish. I do all acrylic painting and it’s something that I enjoy working with. I started with watercolours just to get the feel for mixing colours, then I switched over to acrylic. I love working with acrylic paint because it’s very forgiving and if I want to change something, it’s easier to do.
“It allows you to do a lot of detail,” said Martin. “It compares to oil-based paintings, but acrylic paint dries much quicker. When I’m painting, I like to keep going and not have to wait for things to dry. I usually paint for four to five hours a day.
“I like to use a photograph when I am painting. I walk my dog every day, and when I see something, I take a photo for reference. When I’m painting it, I make it look the way I want it to or my interpretation of it. “
Martin has really found something he is passionate about when it comes to painting. He plans to continue with it and just go wherever it takes him.
“I still want to keep painting and doing it for my own satisfaction,” said Martin. “If it goes anywhere, it doesn’t matter because I really enjoy doing it. I have sold some paintings and at times it almost feels like giving a child away, because so much work went into them. I would like to go to Winnipeg and do something, but the distance is just too far.
“I did showcase and sell my work in Wasagaming, which wasn’t too far. There is a really nice gallery there. I know there is one in Yorkton and I’ve been debating whether or not to try there. I’m not sure where this will go, but I’m just enjoying it for now.
“With all the jobs I had before, there were a lot of pressures with timelines to turn things over quickly,” said Martin. “Now with this, I can take my time and I enjoy what I’m doing. I had the benefit of knowing what I wanted to do back when I was a kid. I loved art and got into my own world at that time. Throughout my whole life, I was fortunate to do what I loved.
“I wish I could go back and find that Grade 5 teacher and tell her what a difference she made in my life. It’s very special to have had a public school teacher put a person on the career path they loved for most of their life.”

Residents of Benito and the surrounding area have been waiting in great anticipation for the newest addition to the community, the splash park. From conception, this project hasn’t taken very long to get off the ground. In a short time, the splash park committee has been able to draft up plans, raise funds, break ground, and install water features.
“Fall 2023, the idea came forth that we should build a splash park,” said Benito Splash Park Committee Member Holly Kushniryk. “At first, it kind of came off like a joke for little old Benito, but then, after thinking about it, we thought, why not? What is stopping us? So the research began. Who knew there was so much to know about a splash park?
“We had to choose what company was best suited for our needs, wants and price point. In January 2024, we had our first in-person meeting with PlayQuest, and the fundraising and grant applications started. We worked with PlayQuest until June of this year to build the perfect park, picking the features, where we wanted them placed, everything down to the colours.
“On June 25, we broke ground,” said Kushniryk. “According to PlayQuest, it was the fastest they have ever seen a splash park go from planning stages to being built; most take three to five years, so we are feeling pretty accomplished. The water features were delivered on July 29, and cement was poured on August 22 after a long wait due to weather delays.
“Finally, on September 4, the water features were set up. As of September 16, the long-awaited hydro hookup took place. Technically, right now, it’s not quite operational yet. We have not had any water run through the whole thing as a finished project. Optimistically, if all goes well and the weather cooperates, we may be able to run it for a couple of days this fall yet, with a grand opening planned for this coming spring.
“We were trying so hard to have it up and running for early August, but unfortunately, there were just too many setbacks,” said Kushniryk. “Now it’s something fun to look forward to, to get us through a long, cold winter.
“Currently, it’s the smaller finishing touches needed to complete the project. The PlayQuest team has to come out and train our people in programming the computer aspect of the park, along with the seasonal maintenance. We need to tackle the landscaping, smoothing and levelling the ground, planting grass seed in the black dirt that surrounds the park before the snow falls, so come spring, everything should grow fresh and green.
“We plan to add some benches, picnic tables and garbage cans,” said Kushniryk. “And of course, we will be designing a sign this winter to showcase everyone who so graciously supported us in this huge project.”
The splash park has many fascinating and fun water features that are sure to be a splash with participants of all ages and abilities.
“This splash park is going to be so much fun,” said Kushniryk. “It has 11 main water features with 15 ground fountains and jets. Some highlights include the Dump Bucket, which has splash park users anticipating the bucket to fill while standing beneath and becoming soaked when it finally tips. The Water Fight tubes are sure to be a hit, for who doesn’t like spraying their friends? In Benito, there is somewhat of a rivalry between the Winnipeg Blue Bomber and Saskatchewan Roughrider fans, so you’ll note one water fight tube is blue and the other green just to have a little fun.
“The Cascade River will bring out the imagination of all ages with hands-on water exploration and interactive waves and orbs. And for those who don’t want the full water experience and just a quick cool off, we have a Mister, located on the edge of the park for easy access. As for the rest, you will just have to come out and have a look for yourself. Each water feature has its own interactive uniqueness that is sure to bring a smile and giggle.”
The splash park committee is still raising funds for the final stages of the project. Ideally, they would like to have some in reserves for maintenance and upkeep of the splash park going forward.
“Donations and fundraising have been going great,” said Kushniryk. “We haven’t quite reached our goal yet, so if you want to donate or have an amazing fundraising idea, feel free to reach out. Tax receipts are available.
“To date, we have raised just over $425,000. We are working on getting another $75,000. The park itself came in just under $460,000, but we wouldn’t mind doing some extra landscaping, purchasing some tables, benches, and, of course, it doesn’t hurt to have a (reserve) fund for future expenses. Nothing lasts forever, we all know that, so having a head start will be very beneficial. We already have ideas for the next projects, so the fundraising never stops.
“Naming rights have not yet been purchased,” said Kushniryk. “We are looking for $50,000 to secure naming rights indefinitely. So, if you want a permanent advertisement location on Hwy. No. 83 for your business or perhaps honour a loved one’s memory in a unique way, please think of the Benito Splash Park.”
The response to the splash park in Benito has been overwhelming, with more support for the project than objections.
“With the amount of phone calls and messages I have been receiving asking if the park is open yet, I would say the feedback is nothing short of amazing,” said Kushniryk. “People want a place to take their kids and grandkids to play that is safe, clean and fun. That is exactly why we built this splash park.
“The community of Benito has been totally supportive and asks daily when they can put their Speedos and bikinis on, so please don’t hit the ditch watching the show as you drive through town.
“There are still a lot of questions and a tiny bit of skepticism from a few surrounding this project, in which I am more than happy to answer or discuss,” said Kushniryk. “Please don’t hesitate to track me down. I truly believe this will be a great place for families and friends to come and spend quality time together, get outside away from the never-ending screens, and have some good old-fashioned fun in the sun.”

Sometimes people and animals are born with challenges that may impact the way they live. For some, it can be debilitating and for others, an opportunity to overcome adversity. Former Valley resident Michelle (Gerhardt) Neufeld had dedicated her time and energy to rescuing and saving animals, to find them a loving home.
“My family lived in the Valley around 1979, when my father managed the Macleods hardware store,” said Neufeld. “We stayed until about 1982 or 1983 and became close friends with the Hagglund family, who we remain connected with to this day. Since 1988, we have called Steinbach our home.
“I’m the president of Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue, which I founded in 2013. Today, we are one of the largest animal rescues in Manitoba outside of Winnipeg and Brandon. Each year, we take in hundreds of animals and help them find loving homes. We operate a brand-new facility in Steinbach, built in 2024, and continue to rely heavily on our incredible network of fosters and volunteers.”
One cat in particular has found its way into Neufeld’s heart and home. This cat was born with a birth defect, but is one of the most remarkable pets Neufeld has ever been in contact with.
“Dory the cat was found about nine years ago with her two siblings when they were only three weeks old,” said Neufeld. “All three were suffering from severe eye infections. Sadly, it was soon discovered that Dory’s eyes had never developed and she was completely blind. Our family fell completely in love with her and decided to adopt her. Her sisters were adopted by other families.
“Despite her disability, Dory’s personality is unlike any other cat. She is truly remarkable. She’s friendly with everyone she meets and thrives on physical affection. When someone greets her, she often rises onto her back legs and wraps her front paws around them. People are always curious about this behaviour, and I explain that since Dory is blind, physical touch is how she sees people. Combined with her sharp hearing, her blindness has made her even more affectionate and deeply connected to those around her.”
Dory has been like a mascot for animal rescue. Her story teaches students and people the importance of pet safety and how an animal with a disability can provide a truly loving and amazing experience as a pet.
“Dory is the official ambassador for Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue,” said Neufeld. “Together, we’ve visited schools and daycares, teaching children about animal care, how to approach stray animals safely, and the importance of spaying and neutering. Children are naturally drawn to Dory because of how interactive she is. We also share an important lesson with them: although Dory is blind, she still experiences the world fully—just in a different way. Her story helps kids understand that being different is beautiful.
“Over the years, Dory has become a recognizable face for our rescue. She appears on many of our posters and is even featured on a large billboard outside of Steinbach promoting animal rescue and spay/neuter awareness. Her life is a testament to resilience. She could easily have been discarded as a kitten because of her disability, but instead she has found her purpose by enriching lives and showing the world that being different doesn’t limit what you can accomplish.”
Dory has not only found her way into people’s hearts, but is now on the big screen as well.
“In the summer of 2023, we were approached by our rescue colleague, Courtney Voth, who trains animals for movies,” said Neufeld. “She asked if Dory might be interested in being cast in the upcoming film The Long Walk, based on a Stephen King novel. We sent in her headshot, and the director immediately loved her look. Soon after, Dory was officially cast.
“Filming took place just outside Winkler, in La Rivière, the Pembina Valley of southwestern Manitoba, during August. It was a one-day shoot, and the film crew went above and beyond to ensure Dory’s comfort. They provided us with a hotel in Winkler so we wouldn’t need to travel early in the morning, shaded our van from the summer heat, and created a special setup for her. They were incredibly attentive, allowing breaks whenever she needed them. Dory’s role was to sit on a custom-built mailbox for her scene.
“Being on set was an amazing experience,” said Neufeld. “As her handler, I got to witness the incredible effort that goes into filming even a single scene, shot repeatedly from every angle. Everyone loved Dory: the director himself came over to pet her, and several actors stopped by to meet her. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Neufeld has cherished her experience with Dory and hopes it helps everyone to realize that being unique is worth love and acceptance.
“And through it all, Dory continues to inspire,” said Neufeld. “She’s living proof that every life has value, that challenges can become strengths, and that being different is something to be celebrated.”