The Winnipeg Jets lost a close contest to the visiting Kings from Los Angeles at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg Jan. 10.
Jets face visiting Kings at home
Celebrating first baby of the year at SRHC
The first baby of 2025 arrived at Selkirk Regional Health Centre at 2:12 a.m. on New Year’s day.
Local to Selkirk, Tisha Hanson welcomed daughter Azayla who weighed seven pounds and 13 ounces and was 19.75 inches long.
Hanson says they had a good experience in the Selkirk obstetrical unit thanks to the staff.
“The staff were really good with her and me. They did everything I needed.,” Hanson said.
Chair of the Selkirk Hospital Gift Shop volunteers, Betty Milkowski, and volunteer Bev Hykawy maintained a tradition by gifting Azayla and mom with diapers, playpen, toys, blankets and clothing to celebrate the arrival of the first baby of 2025. Milkowski said the volunteers make the gift tradition possible.
“The most important thing is all the work that the volunteers do to help us. They make it possible for us to donate and help. This has been going on since the first hospital was built in Selkirk and the original ladies auxiliary was founded. Congratulations to Tisha and her new baby girl,” Milkowski said.
Dr. Bunkowsky attended the delivery.
In 2024, 443 babies were born at Selkirk Regional Health Centre.
Anyone interested in delivering with Selkirk’s obstetrics unit is invited to call 204.482.5800 for more information and to arrange a tour.
MPI raising rates
MPI thanks the Public Utilities Board (PUB) for its response to the Corporation’s 2025/26 General Rate Application, which begins April 1, 2025. MPI respects the independent role of the PUB and will work to implement the order that has been issued for the Corporation’s compulsory line of business (Basic insurance).
Coverage under MPI’s Basic insurance is mandatory for Manitoba drivers and rates are regulated and approved by PUB annually.
For the 2025/26 insurance year, PUB has ordered a 5.7 per cent increase to Basic insurance rates, which will represent an increase of $50.84 per year or $4.24 per month for the average passenger vehicle policy.
To ensure customers can choose the type of coverage that best meets their needs, MPI also offers additional options through its Extension line of business. These products are not mandatory and customers may choose to purchase them from any insurance provider in the province. With 96 per cent of customers choosing to purchase Extension products from MPI, the Corporation is proud of the value and convenience these options offer to Manitobans.
MPI’s Extension product portfolio includes additional third-party liability coverage, rental vehicle insurance and the option for customers to pay slightly higher premiums for their insurance to reduce the deductible they would pay in the event of a claim. For example, MPI’s current Basic insurance deductible is $750, but most Manitobans choose to pay for additional Extension coverage that reduces their deductible to $200.
In the current insurance year, MPI’s Board of Directors approved a 10.32 per cent increase to Extension rates, which represented an increase of $9.60 per year for the average passenger vehicle policy.
Beginning April 1, 2025, Extension rates will increase by two per cent, which will represent an increase of $1.99 per year on the average passenger vehicle policy.
MPI regularly reviews the pricing of its products to ensure we are continuing to provide high-value options for customers that are priced competitively when compared to other providers.
PUB has also approved MPI’s application for a $10 increase to the cost of an annual driver’s licence. This helps support the Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIPP), one of the most comprehensive universal injury protection plans in North America. MPI has not increased the cost of a driver’s licence since 1997.
An expansion of the Driver Safety Rating system was also approved in the 2025/26 order. Customers who move to the new level 19 on the scale will receive an additional discount above the current maximum of 46 per cent.
All changes delivered in the order will be in effect as of April 1, 2025.
Garry Theatre to be revived primarily as a film theatre under community-driven leadership
For decades, the Garry Theatre was Selkirk’s entertainment capital, the place where family and friends went for a good movie and a good time.
That key part of Selkirk’s history is about to be revived.
Over the past year, the city has taken important steps toward revitalizing the Garry, with a clear focus on community engagement, thoughtful planning, and creating a sustainable, vibrant cultural hub for future generations.
“The Garry Theatre is part of Selkirk’s history and the fabric of our community. It has been an important part of our cultural infrastructure,” said Duane Nicol, the city’s Chief Administrative Officer.
“It was important for the city to purchase and preserve the Garry Theatre, not only because it holds a special place in the hearts of multiple generations of Selkirk residents, but also to ensure its reopening is handled responsibly in a way that ensures its future.”
Where We’ve Been: Understanding the Need
The journey to reopening the Garry Theatre began with a deep dive into understanding the current state of the theatre. The city purchased the Garry in 2021 while the world was still dealing with the pandemic. The city’s preliminary assessment of the building found that the building was in a poor state of repair and would need some work before it could be reopened to the public.
The city later conducted a comprehensive building assessment to determine the theatre’s condition and the work needed for its revitalization.
“The Garry Theatre is part of Selkirk’s history and the fabric of our community.”Duane Nicol, Chief Administrative Officer
“It’s an old building, and it had old building problems,” Nicol said.
“It was out of date, not accessible, and it had failing mechanical systems. To make the theatre’s long-term sustainability feasible, the city had to invest in some building upgrades.”
In 2022, the City engaged Urban Systems, a consulting firm, to undertake a feasibility assessment and a business plan, to determine if reopening the Garry was a viable community investment. To support this work, extensive community consultation — such as surveys, public meetings, and one-on-one discussions — followed, to ensure everyone had a voice in the future of the Garry.
What the city heard loud and clear was that the community wants the Garry to return to its roots as a movie theatre, while also supporting other cultural, social, and private events.
What’s Been Done: A Vision for the Future
Urban Systems found that reopening the Garry Theatre was possible; however, its viability will depend on community support.
“The Garry Theatre was closed because it was no longer viable as a private business. It’s an old building, with a single screen, lacking the bells and whistles of the more modern theatres. It failed as a business, and so we know that if it’s going to be successful, it needs to operate differently and we know it needs community support,” said Nicol.
The plan confirms that reopening the Garry Theatre as a theatre primarily for films can be successful with start-up resources coming from the city, and if it’s successful, can be feasible with limited on-going support from the city.
“The Garry Theatre has been a cornerstone of our community’s identity for decades. Bringing it back to life as mainly a movie theatre fills a cultural gap in our community,” said Brady Clark, the city’s Director of Culture, Recreation, and Green Transportation.
The plan also highlights the potential for additional opportunities for use of the theatre, including private rentals for events like weddings, conferences, birthdays and community gatherings.
“While the theatre will primarily show movies, the Garry is about more than just films. It’s going to be a hub for cultural and social activities — a place to bring the community together,” said Clark.
The plan includes the necessary upgrades for the building and operational strategies to help the theatre get off the ground and thrive for years to come.
“The Garry is about more than just films. It’s going to be a hub for cultural and social activities — a place to bring the community together.”Brady Clark, Director of Culture, Recreation & Green Transportation
In the new year, the Garry will undergo a series of significant accessibility upgrades and renovations. Improvements will include an accessible entryway, a wheelchair lift for theatre access, dedicated wheelchair seating, renovated accessible washrooms, new flooring and seating, roof repairs, and new HVAC and electrical systems.
What’s Next: Community-Led Leadership
As the revitalization of the building is completed, the next steps in the Garry’s journey will be the forming of a board of directors and hiring a theatre manager, as the Garry will operate as an independent, community-led, non-profit organization.
“The success of the Garry is dependent on the establishment of a community-led organization, similar to the very successful Gwen Fox Art Gallery, the Marine Museum and Holiday Alley, which just wrapped up its latest successful celebration,” Nicol said.
“Allowing the Garry to be community-led will help ensure that it meets the needs of the community who will have creative licence over its programming. The Garry failed as a private business, so a different operating model was necessary. To be viable, the theatre needs a paying audience, it needs deep community support. The best way to ensure that, is to ensure it’s nimble, flexible, and responsive to the community’s interests.”
The board of directors and theatre manager will be responsible for overseeing the theatre’s operations, running programming, and ensuring that it remains a community-oriented space.
By being led by people who care deeply about the theatre and its role in Selkirk, this non-profit will have the ability to respond to the needs of Selkirk residents and keep the theatre aligned with the community’s collective vision.
“We’re excited for what lies ahead. The community has spoken, and the future of the Garry Theatre is one of cultural vibrancy and inclusivity,” Nicol said.
“The community is invited to continue to be a part of the Garry’s journey, whether that’s through attending events at the theatre, volunteering, or supporting the new non-profit organization that will bring the Garry Theatre to life once again.”
The city’s goal is to work with the community to bring new energy and purpose to the Garry Theatre. Stay tuned for more updates.
For more information and to get involved, visit GarryTheatre.ca.
Walking, jogging, rolling in the New Year
The Walk, Jog & Roll Program in Selkirk provides the opportunity for participants of all ages to be physically active throughout the winter months.
According to the City of Selkirk, walking, jogging or movement using a mobility aid can improve your overall health and fitness, and maintain mobility, bone health and functional independence.
**Rollerblades NOT permitted. Ages 12 and up. Children accompanying adults must be in a stroller or carrier at all while on the walking track.**
Program Details
- Location: Selkirk Recreation Complex – upper concourse (enter through main entrance)
- Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Program Dates: September 23, 2024 to April 25, 2025
Holiday Closures:
- September 30 (Orange Shirt Day)
- October 14 (Thanksgiving)
- November 11, 2024 (Remembrance Day)
- December 24, 2024
- Dec 25 & 26, 2024 (Christmas)
- January 1, 2025 (New Year’s Day)
- February 17, 2025 (Louis Riel Day)
- April 18, 2025 (Good Friday)
- April 21, 2025 (Easter Monday)
Jets face Red Wings
.The Winnipeg Jets lost a close contest to the visiting Detroit Red Wings at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg Jan 4.
Jets host visiting Ducks
The Winnipeg Jets lost a close contest to the visiting Ducks at Canada Life Centre Jan. 2.
Canada Post Service Resumption: Ongoing Impacts to MPI
While Canada Post has resumed service, some Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) documents and cheques continue to be impacted due to backlogs and delays.
MPI is monitoring these issues to ensure customers are able to access their documents in a reliable and timely way.
Please see below for a full list of impacted communications:
Cheques
Beginning December 30, MPI will resume distributing most cheques through Canada Post.
The following types of cheques issued by MPI between November 7 and December 27 will remain available for customers to pick up at the MPI Service or Claim Centre location closest to the address on the customer file:
- Injury claims (including income replacement)
- Physical damage claims
- Refunds
- International Registration Plan (IRP)
- Manitoba Electric Vehicle Rebate ProgramCheques will be available for pick up at MPI Service and Claim Centres until the end of the day on Tuesday, January 7. Please note: Cheques at the Swan River Claim Centre will only be available for pick up until the end of the day on Tuesday, December 31. Cheques that have not been picked up by these dates will be sent to customers through Canada Post.Identification is required to claim a cheque. Customers will need to provide one piece of government-issued photo identification or two pieces of government-issued non-photo identification.To find the closest MPI Service Centre, please use the Service Centre Locator Tool.
December 30, 2024
Customers with questions about the status of their payments can call MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll free at 1-800-665-2410.
Driver’s licences and identification cards
Earlier this month, MPI began distributing new and renewed Manitoba driver’s licences and identification cards through Canada Post. However, due to anticipated delays and backlogs, customers are encouraged to keep their temporary documents, including any condition documents issued, and not dispose of any expired cards until they receive a new one. Customers with expiring temporary licenses and cards should visit their broker or an MPI Service Centre to request a replacement.
Annual statements
Until mail service stabilizes, customers will continue to not receive their annual statements for their driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance. These include upcoming annual statements of account (reassessment notices) and renewal statements.
Reminder: With MPI’s five-year driver’s licences and policies, customers only need to visit an MPI Service Centre or Autopac broker once every five years, unless they want to change or cancel their policy between renewals, or they change their name, address or other personal information on their driver’s licence. However, customers are still required to pay for their driver’s licence and vehicle insurance every year. Years between renewals are considered reassessment years.
Customers who don’t receive a statement should keep track of the due date of their insurance and driver’s licence/ID card. Due dates are four months after a customer’s birthday. For example: If your birthday is on September 20, your due date is January 20.
To determine if a customer is in a renewal year and needs to have a new driver’s licence or identity card photo taken, they should check the expiry date on their current document. If it expires in 2024 or 2025, they must visit an MPI Service Centre or broker on or before the due date.
For more information about renewal status, please visit a broker or MPI Service Centre. Customers can also call MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665- 2410.
Driver abstracts and claims experience letters
Driver abstracts and claims experience letters continue to be available, however, non- urgent requests will not be distributed until mail service stabilizes.
Customers can continue to visit an MPI Service Centre to request a driver abstract and/or claims experience letter and have it completed while they wait. Customers who wish
to complete a request form and apply for these documents without visiting a service
centre must include a fax number in their application. Drivers abstracts and claims experiences letters cannot be emailed to customers.
Personalized licence plates
Approved personalized licence plates, replacement specialty plates, and any new member-based specialty plates will not be mailed until mail service stabilizes.
More information will be shared at mpi.mb.ca as it is available.
Leave a lasting legacy
Every year, municipalities must establish a pre-determined budget on how they will be spending taxpayer money. These municipalities have a fixed income and to make room for necessary upgrades to essential services and infrastructure, some non-essential services may need to be scaled back or cut altogether. These services often include heritage and culture, accessible transit, parks, and recreation. While they are deemed non-essential, these are often the services that mean the most to citizens.
By creating these endowment funds, we’re providing a sustainable source of funding for what matters most to our citizens. We’ve carefully included contributions to each endowment fund through day-to-day operations, including rental fees, transit fares, and movie production to guarantee these endowments see a steady income.
The Selkirk Endowments are held by the Selkirk and District Community Foundation (SDCF). The SDCF uses professional investment fund managers to invest these endowments, so we are confident every dollar contributed will be stretched as far as possible. Once established, endowment funds must mature over a five year period before we have access to their contributions. This money will be used to fund the long-term maintenance costs of capital projects, so we can enjoy the most of our services today, tomorrow and forever.
All donations will be made through Canada Helps, Canada’s largest charitable social enterprise.
Gifts will then be transferred to and held by the Selkirk and District Community Foundation
Established in 2012, the Selkirk Heritage Endowment Fund was created to provide a sustainable source of funding to support a future municipal museum for the City of Selkirk. The city is currently creating an online portal for a virtual museum, with funds helping with technical support. Funds from the Selkirk Heritage Endowment Funds have also been granted to the Marine Museum of Manitoba to help with their operations.
Established in 2018, the Selkirk Parks Endowment Fund to provide our parks, park amenities and programs and sustainable source of funding. This endowment fund helps Selkirk’s parks to continue to offer the beautiful natural spaces, trails, equipment and other amenities our citizens and visitors come to expect. The city takes pride in the fact there is a neighbourhood park within an 8-minute walk of almost anywhere in the city, and this fund helps maintain those parks and it’s amenities.
Established in 2020, the Selkirk Recreation Endowment Fund hopes to maintain Selkirk’s many rec facilities, including Selkirk’s new Recreation Facility, which will eventually replace the Selkirk Arena in the near future. The money raised will help with replacement costs for equipment, upgrades to dressing rooms and upgrades for accessibility.
Also established in 2020, the Selkirk Accessible Transit Fund hopes to do just that, provide accessible transit for all citizen in Selkirk. The money raised will go to into upgrades to our current fleet, and hopefully making transit options more available across Selkirk.