Dauphin fire chief Cam Abrey was pleased to report a positive staffing situation for the Dauphin Fire Department as part of his report on the department’s operations for the first quarter of 2026 to Dauphin city council at its regular meeting, May 25.
“For the first time since 2019, we’re currently at a full number of roster membership on the department,” Abrey said, adding there are currently 42 department members.
“In looking at our members, we have five with firefighting level one, 14 that have completed their level two, six in the process of completing their firefighting level before July 1 of this year. Then, the recent recruiting efforts have bolstered our membership where we’ll hopefully have 17 individuals start their formalized training for firefighting level one this September. Those individuals are on the department right now and taking part in training, just not for level one.”
The full roster takes some pressure off of veteran department members, who, at times have difficulty trying to balance their personal lives, careers, and commitment to the fire department, Abrey added, pointing to a trend which has seen a steady increase in calls between 2005 and 2025.
In terms of operations over the first three month of 2026, Abrey said the department had 60 emergency responses, a 23 per cent increase over the same time period in 2025.
False alarms continue to be ranked as the highest in call volume, at 37 per cent, followed by motor vehicle accidents at 25 per cent, kitchen fires at 10 per cent, EMS lift assists at 10 per cent, and structure fires at eight per cent.
“One thing to note . . . we had three structure fires, one quite large. All of those as a result of cooking fires and all properties were insured by the owners, but they had renters in them and in two of the three they had no tenants insurance,” Abrey said.
“It is something we encourage through the fire department, that all tenants get tenants insurance. We also encourage property owners to ensure that their tenants have contents insurance, so that they’re looked after, as well.”
Other call categories include vehicle fires, which accounted for three per cent of calls, outdoor fires at two per cent, carbon monoxide alarms at two per cent, and a catchall “other” category, which accounted for three per cent of department responses.
Training continues to be a major focus for the department, Abrey said, adding three members recently completed their firefighting level on practical exams ahead of written exams they will write later this month. In addition, four local firefighters will travel to Brandon in the coming days for written and practical exams for hazardous material awareness and operation certification.
In early April several members travelled to Roblin for ice rescue training on Goose Lake.
“That’s the first time in a number of years that we’ve been able to host the ice rescue training in this area,” Abrey said, adding Goose Lake is also the perfect location for surface water rescue training, which is set to take place later this summer.
April also saw a farm accident rescue seminar hosted locally on behalf of the mutual aid district, which included several local firefighters, as well as two from Pine River, one from Roblin and four from Swan River.
A school bus rescue seminar was also set for this past weekend, Abrey added.
“This assists students with the knowledge and practical skills required with mass casualty motor vehicle incidents,” Abrey said.
“We typically host this program once every two years and again we have several members that are enrolled in the training and we’ll be working alongside others from Robin and Swan River fire departments.”
A new district training plan is in the works to being in September and carry through to June 2027.
“We typically get together with the 11 fire departments in the district, decide what courses are needed and then make our submission to the Emergency Services College,” Abrey said, adding the college puts out calls to instructors in an effort to solidify dates.
“Once we have dates finalized, then our students can begin their variety of specialized training opportunities.”
Finally, Abrey provided council with an update on the fire station assessment, which took place recently
The final report from Sputnik Architecture indicated, “the fire station is structurally serviceable, but exhibits aging infrastructure, localized moisture damage, and functional inefficiencies. With targeted roof and envelope rehabilitation, improved mechanical integration, and space reorganization, the facility can continue to operate safely until full replacement or major retrofit.”
The report also included Class C estimates for a proposed addition which ranged from $5,689,640 to $6,541,121.
Fully realizing there is not enough funding available for the entire project, Abrey has met with Project and Development manager Justin Tokarchuk to prepare estimates for priority roof revitalization, electrical upgrades and HVAC improvements.
“We are hoping to have estimates on some of that work ready for the 2027 budget, and we’ll, obviously, be exploring some potential provincial and federal grant programs to assist with those project costs.”

People making their way between the north gate of Riding Mountain National Park and the City of Dauphin will now be travelling on the Lt.-Col. William G. Barker VC Highway.
The Manitoba government officially renamed the section of PTH 10 at a special gathering Friday at the Dauphin airport, which also bears the name of the locally-born World War One ace.
Local historian Al Gray, along with Hugh Arklie, a Winnipeg-based fan of Barker’s accomplishments, spearheaded the push to have the highway renamed as a further tribute to Dauphin’s most famous son. Along with the airport and the highway, the local air cadet squadron and a Kindergarten to Grade 5 school are named after Barker, as is a United Kingdom’s 7th Poseidon Marine Patrol aircraft stationed at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, Scotland.
“We started with the process of Whitmore and Main to the north gate of Riding Mountain. It is 10 miles. We could have gone a little further maybe, but I learned a long time ago not to be greedy,” Gray said.
“I’m so honoured that through the efforts of Hugh and I, through the courtesy of Ron and staff that we’re here today. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Representing the provincial government at the ceremony Agriculture Minister and Dauphin MLA Ron Kostyshyn highlighted the significance of the tribute for the community.
“This recognition helps honour his legacy and ensures future generations understand the important role he played in both Canadian history and our local heritage,” said Kostyshyn.
“These signs will serve as a lasting tribute to Lt.-Col. Barker’s remarkable legacy and connection to our region for years to come.”
The renaming initiative received strong public support, as well, from both the City and Rural Municipality of Dauphin.
“The people of Dauphin care deeply about the city’s history,” mayor David Bosiak said.
“It is truly appropriate that the major highway leading into the city from the south bears the name of one of our finest heroes.”
Barker is widely recognized as one of Canada’s most decorated war heroes. During the First World War, Barker was credited with 50 aerial victories and is the most decorated military member in Commonwealth history, receiving the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Service Order with bar and the Military Cross with two bars.
Born on a farm near Dauphin, he enlisted in the Canadian Mounted Rifles in late 1914, later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. He later earned a reputation as a daring pilot on the Western and Italian fronts.

With the start of June comes the recognition of Pride month and all the activities surrounding the acknowledgement and creation of safe spaces for 2SLBTQIA+ individuals. This year, Tri-Community Pride has been working on a plan to bring more education and awareness to the area.
“We have been working on completing a Yearly Strategic Plan for the Tri-Community Pride,” said Tri-Community Pride Member Holly LaJambe. “We asked the public to join us, share opinions, and tell us what they need to see in the tri-community. We also partnered with Rainbow Resource Centre, Hope North Committee, and The Pas Community Renewal Corporation to bring a Pride Beading Event to our community, which presented 2SLGBTQSIA+ information and resources while learning to bead a rainbow pin.

The Minitonas 4-H Beef Club held their 72nd Annual Show and Sale last weekend Saturday (May 30), at the Swan River Valley Agricultural Society Grounds. The 4-H club had a total of 15 showmanship classes being judged by Keegan Blehm throughout the day.  Here, Oscar Yakielashek proudly shows off his steer to the crowd and judges. See more A10

Agricultural producers across the Swan River Valley were hard at it last week getting their crops seeded in hopes of bumper crops come the fall. Here, Jared Penner puts the finishing touches on a field of freshly planted canola.

An enthusiastic group of first-year medical students from the University of Manitoba’s Max Rady College of Medicine will participate in Rural Week across the Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region from May 25–29 and June 1–5.
Coordinated annually by the Department of Family Medicine, Shared Health (Manitoba Healthcare Providers Network), and Manitoba’s rural regional health authorities, Rural Week offers students valuable first-hand experience in rural and northern medical practice, while highlighting the benefits of living and working in these communities.
This year, Prairie Mountain Health is hosting 41 students across 14 communities, including Brandon, Carberry, Dauphin, Deloraine, Grandview, Hamiota, Killarney, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Roblin, Russell, Souris, Ste. Rose, and Virden.
The program introduces students to both the clinical and community aspects of rural healthcare, often their first exposure to rural practice. During the week, students will shadow physicians, connect with healthcare teams, and explore local services, while also engaging in community activities that showcase rural life.
PMH Associate Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kyle Conrad, a past Rural Week participant, understands the program’s impact. Dr. Conrad is also a family practice anesthetist based in Brandon, while also supporting Minnedosa, Neepawa and Northern Manitoba.
"My experience with Rural Week played a significant role in shaping my career. I clearly remember how welcoming the community was and how proudly they showcased the care and services they provide. That experience has stayed with me, and I’m proud to continue providing care in rural and northern Manitoba. Rural Week is an essential recruitment initiative—it’s about more than healthcare; it’s about the strength of our communities and the people who make them thrive."
PMH extends sincere thanks to physician preceptors, healthcare professionals, and community volunteers whose dedication makes Rural Week possible. The program’s success reflects the commitment and hospitality of participating communities.
Rural Week was introduced in 2003 as an optional experience within the University of Manitoba’s first-year medical curriculum and became a mandatory component the following year

By Terrie Welwood
Russell Banner
For Prairie Mountain Health, the region’s Recruitment and Retention Team it’s ‘all hands-on deck’ with their near constant search for doctors.
As such, the team partners with representatives from the province, region and individual communities to all work together to promote the benefits of living and working in rural Manitoba.
A very valuable part of this initiative involves the prospective physicians touring around various Manitoba communities. They will be arriving at those communities after their successful completion from the PMPH sponsored Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates (MLPIMG) program.
In return for the regional sponsorship, MLPIMG doctors agree to practice in their respective communities for four years.
In Russell, councilors Wes Anderson and Brent Havelange toured Dr. Porimol Debnath around the area where he visited the health facilities here as well as several local attractions.
Dr. Debnath is hoping to be arriving in the first week of September and begin his medical practice in Russell, although, as that is dependent upon the completion of the necessary paperwork for licensing, the exact dates have yet to be determined.
His interest in general practice is conducive to the much needed medical doctor shortage across rural Manitoba.
Read the full story on the front page of this week's Russell Banner.

Cree writer, filmmaker and public speaker Sonya Ballantyne has had a busy year and recently published her latest graphic novel. The graphic novel is a self-reflective memoir about Ballantyne’s life through the lens of a superhero overcoming life obstacles.
“The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne is the superhero origin story of myself,” said Ballantyne. “It looks at my childhood as if I were a comic book hero, aware of their destiny, but uncertain of their powers and abilities. It looks at growing up on the Misipawistik reserve in Grand Rapids and how my interest in nerdy things helped me deal with the racism and sexism I faced.
“The Pas Regional Library also made a cameo in the first few pages of the graphic novel!”

The Parkland Mavericks overcame a slow start to win their season opener in Winnipeg, Saturday.
The Manitoba Wombats took an early 12-0 lead, but the Mavericks regrouped and stormed back for a 38-22 victory.
Ronin Mouck and Daniel Evans had two tries and two converts each and player-coach Codi Harrigan, Alex Boshoff and Riley Keith had a single try each.
Harrigan said the Mavericks were caught offguard by the Wombats strong start.
“We have a lot of new players that came out. We just had to learn where we needed to be and we had to learn our systems again. Just get used to each other, really,” he said.
“Then as soon as we found our chemistry, things started working out in our favour.”
Harrigan was pleased to see how every player supported their teammates on the field.
“If guys made a mistake, we kept our chins up. Kept our heads up. And we just went back to our systems. We kept playing our system.”
The Mavericks return to Winnipeg this weekend to face the Assassins, Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
Harrigan hopes the team can keep building on its momentum.
“I think we will. These last couple of practices the guys have really bought into the system we’re introducing. They’re really happy with it and it was our first time to try it out and it worked out for us. The guys are happy and they’re looking forward to practice again,” he said, adding he is expecting a tough game against the Assassins.
“We will put in the work we have to do.”
The Parkland Lady Mavericks will play their first game, Saturday, when they face the Lady Barbarians in Brandon at noon.

Both Dauphin Clippers rugby teams ended the regular season 4-0 and will host the semifinals, this week.
The Clippers JV team played three games last week, ending its regular season with a 2-2 record.
Garrett Urichen had two tries to lead the Clippers to a 20-17 win over Crocus Plains, May 19.
Ivan Brazhko had the other try and Rudy Oosthuizen added a convert and a penalty kick.
Following a 60-7 loss to Souris on Thursday, the two Dauphin teams hooked up in the regular season finale, Saturday, which saw the varsity boys score a 33-29 win.
Josh Yakielashek with two, Ryzlie Nepinak, Blake Thacker and Ben Miner had tries for the varsity team and Jordan Evans added four converts.
Oosthuizen had two tries and a convert for the JVs. Cody Love, Urichen and Hendrik DuPlessis had the other tries and Love also had convert.
JV coach Henk DuPlessis felt the team played well in the three games to end the season.
“For a JV team, Grade 9s and 10s, they’re still boys, playing against men. What else can you ask of these kids? You can’t ask anything else. They showed a lot of heart,” he said, adding the team has improved since the start of the season.
“I could see the ball was moving a little bit today. Better tackles, hitting the rucks better. I talked to them at halftime and it helped. It looks like they improved. I think every game is getting better and better,” DuPlessis said.
“I’m really waiting for two more years.”
Varsity coach Aaron Miner liked what he saw from his team.
“We went out there and did exactly what I thought we were going to do. We were going to go out there and work on some of our set plays. We weren’t going to go out there and kill them. We were just going to go out there and practice what we’ve been practicing for the last couple of weeks,” he said.
Miner said it was hard to get up for a game against a group of, essentially, teammates.
“But wow, you look at how much they’ve grown since the opening kick off to today. It’s just amazing. I parrot what Henk says. I’m so excited about the future of this JV team in two years time. Even next year,” he said.
“We were worried about losing 12 players to graduation this year, but I think the program is going to run strong for at least the next three to four years.”
With three bonus points, the JVs finished in second place behind the varsity team. They were to have played Crocus Plains, but the Brandon team forfeited, so they will advance to the final and will face the winner of the game between the varsity squad and Souris on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in Dauphin.
The varsity girls will host the Crocus Plains Plainsmen Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
The final will take place on the weekend.