Canada’s national women’s soccer team earned a 4-1 victory over visiting Haiti at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg May 31.
Team Canada claims victory over Haiti
Valley Fiber expanding internet service throughout the Interlake
WINKLER, MB — Valley Fiber is proud to announce its continued expansion across rural Manitoba, with construction planned to bring ultra-fast fiber optic internet to the Rural Municipalities of Fisher, Grahamdale, Piney and West Interlake in 2025. This year will also see the conclusion of construction to the Rural Municipalities of Victoria Beach, Alexander, Lac du Bonnet and St. Clements.
In line with Canada’s Connectivity Strategy, Valley Fiber is helping ensure that more Manitobans—no matter where they live—have access to ultra-fast, reliable internet. As part of an over $300 million investment, this build is designed to expand digital access, boost economic development, and level the playing field for rural communities across Manitoba.
Bringing Next-Generation Service to Rural Manitoba
Residents and businesses on the Valley Fiber network benefit from:
- Dedicated fiber connections with symmetrical upload and download speeds that exceed the CRTC’s universal service objective.
- Affordable, high-performance Wi-Fi coverage, including unlimited data usage for homes and businesses.
- Access to additional services including TV, phone and managed business Wi-Fi.
- 24/7 local support from a Manitoba-based team that understands the needs of rural communities.
“Connectivity is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said Ryan Klassen, CEO of Valley Fiber. “For these communities, this upgrade means a real, tangible shift in daily life. We’re talking about remote work and virtual schooling that finally works without interruption and competitive opportunities for local businesses and farms to expand their digital reach. This expansion is about more than technology—it’s about opportunity, growth, and empowering rural Manitoba.”
Local governments see the potential as well.
“Bringing reliable, high-speed internet to the RM of West Interlake is a game changer,” said Clayton Gibson, Economic Development Officer for the RM of West Interlake. “This partnership with Valley Fiber helps ensure our residents and businesses have access to the tools they need to grow, connect, and thrive. It’s about building strong, future-ready communities and keeping West Interlake competitive and connected.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Valley Fiber to the RM of Piney,” said Reeve Wayne Anderson. “As a proud Manitoba-based company, their commitment to bringing world-class fiber optic connectivity to rural communities like ours is exactly what we need to support local business, education, and families. This is a huge step forward for our region.”
Communities coming online in 2025
Construction will begin in spring 2025, with service activations rolling out in phases throughout the year to the following communities:
- RM of Alexander – Belair, Great Falls, Hillside Beach, Lester Beach, Pinawa Bay, Poplar Bay, Silver Falls, Stead, Sunset Bay, Traverse Bay, White Mud Falls
- RM of Fisher – Fisher Branch, Hodgson
- RM of Grahamdale – Grahamdale, Gypsumville, Hilbre, Moosehorn, Mulvihill, St. Martin, St. Martin Junction, Steep Rock
RM of Lac du Bonnet – Crescent Bay, Lee River, Lee River Falls, Riverland, Seddons Corner, Wendigo Beach - RM of Piney – Badger, Piney, South Junction, Sprague, Vassar, Woodridge
- RM of St. Clements – Beaconia, East Selkirk, Grand Marais, Greenwald, Highland Glen, Kirkness, Lakeshore Heights, Scanterbury, Sherwood, Thalberg
- RM of Victoria Beach – Albert Beach, Victoria Beach, Wanasing Beach
- RM of West Interlake – The Narrows, Vogar
By the end of 2025, Valley Fiber expects to serve over 220 Manitoba communities on its fiber network.
Residents can visit valleyfiber.ca to confirm their address is eligible for service.
About Valley Fiber
Valley Fiber is a Manitoba-based telecommunications provider working to close the digital divide across the province. Founded in 2016 by a group of Manitobans who believed rural communities deserve the same high-quality, fast, and reliable internet as anywhere else, the company brings ultra-fast fiber internet, TV, phone and business connectivity solutions to underserved areas. Combined with their fixed wireless service, the company specializes in helping rural Manitobans access new opportunities for work, learning, and growth. Valley Fiber also operates the only Tier 3 data centre located outside Manitoba’s floodplain, providing secure, high-performance infrastructure to support the region’s digital future.
Bombers sign quarterback Collaros to one-year extension
WINNIPEG, MB., May 23, 2025 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed quarterback Zach Collaros to a one-year contract extension through the 2026 Canadian Football League season.
Collaros is entering his sixth season with the Blue Bombers and has firmly established himself as one of the greatest pivots in franchise history.
A two-time Grey Cup champion with the club in 2019 and 2021, he has helped guide the team to five straight championship game appearances while twice being named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player (2021, 2022) and CFL All-Star (2021, 2022). No other quarterback in league history has started more than three consecutive Grey Cup games.
Since his arrival from Toronto at the trade deadline in October of 2019, the Blue Bombers are 57-18, including playoffs, in games in which he has started.
His 49 regular season wins ranks third in franchise history behind only Ken Ploen (82) and Dieter Brock (71) and his 16,177 passing yards is fifth in Blue Bombers history.
Collaros threw for a career-best 4,336 yards in 17 games in 2024 with 17 touchdowns against 15 interceptions as the team was 10-7 in his 17 starts. He had four 300 yards-plus passing performances last year, including a season-high 432 yards in a win over Edmonton in September. He also threw for six touchdowns in that game, tied for second most in franchise history with Sean Salisbury (Sept. 10, 1989, vs. B.C.) and Jack Jacobs (Oct. 4, 1952, vs. Calgary) behind Jim Van Pelt’s record seven touchdown game against Saskatchewan on August 29, 1959.
Collaros has now suited up for 158 career CFL games with Toronto (2012-13), Hamilton (2014-17), Saskatchewan (2018-19) and Winnipeg (2019-). His 32,935 career passing yards ranks 17th in CFL history and his next passing TD will be the 200th of his career.
Bezan returns to parliament for eighth term
Selkirk, MB – James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk – Interlake – Eastman, released the following statement:
“I was honoured to be sworn-in for the eighth time as the Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman.
“This role is not one I take for granted. With the trust of our constituents, I humbly return to Parliament to continue standing up for, and serving, the great people of our riding.
“I was also asked by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to continue to serve as Shadow Minister for National Defence.
“It is a privilege to fight for those brave Canadians who proudly don the uniform to fight for all of us. The service and sacrifice of our troops, as well as their families, is a continuous inspiration. Our Conservative team will always put the safety, defence, and security of Canada first.
“Two of my Manitoba colleagues were also appointed to the new Conservative Shadow Cabinet. I want to congratulate Raquel Dancho, Shadow Minister for Industry, and Dan Mazier, Shadow Minister for Health on their new roles.
“Our entire Conservative Shadow Cabinet is ready to push for the government to boost Canadians’ buying power through lower taxes and less inflation, unleash resources to bring home paycheques and production, secure our streets by locking up criminals, get immigration under control and unite our people under our proud flag.
“Let’s get to work.”
Oak Hammock Marsh reopens after major renovations
After more than 18 months of major renovations, the Harry J. Enns Wetland Discovery Centre at Oak Hammock Marsh in the RM of Rockwood has reopened to the public.
“This renovation is more than just a facelift, it’s a complete reimagining of how we connect people with the natural world,” said Jacques Bourgeois, spokesperson for the Discovery Centre. “We are thrilled to welcome visitors back to experience wetlands in a whole new exciting way.”
The #25 million renovation project enabled the local discovery centre to improve its infrastructure, visitor spaces while enhancing hands-on learning experiences.
Renovation highlights include:
- Revamped Exhibits: A complete overhaul transformed the former space into a welcoming gateway featuring interactive displays on wetland flora and fauna. Our main exhibit hall, the Morrison Wetland Hall, is now segmented into thematic zones showcasing the ecological importance of wetlands, highlighted by a striking floor- to-ceiling “Wall of Species”.
- Upgraded Theatre: Enhanced with state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and projection systems, offering a more engaging venue for presentations and events.
- Restored Diorama: A refreshed display that now includes a dynamic day-night lighting cycle and ambient soundscape, bringing the marsh environment to life.
- Modernized Café: Located on the second floor with panoramic marsh views, the café features a contemporary design and upgraded kitchen facilities.
- New Event and Conference Centre: A versatile space designed for hosting community gatherings, meetings, conferences, and educational programs. Complete with a new catering kitchen and full-service bar.
- Energy Savings: Although we were considered ahead of our time in terms of sustainability, the infrastructure improvements will increase our energy efficiency by almost 50%.
The Centre had been closed since November 2023 to facilitate these upgrades. During the closure, public programs continued at the nearby Willow Retreat and through virtual offerings. The surrounding trails and marshlands remained open year-round, allowing visitors to stay connected with nature.
The grand reopening on May 24 will feature half price admission all weekend, special programming, guided tours, and family-friendly activities as well as a special gift for the first 100 visitors.
Piper celebrates Victoria Day with music
The St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg hosted a Pop-up Piper at the English Garden inside the Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg on the afternoon of May 19.
The local St. Andrew’s Society did its part to help Manitobans celebrate Victoria Day as piper Matthew Owen Hunt of the Lord Selkirk Robert Fraser Memorial Pipe Band stood close to a statue of Queen Victoria in Assiniboine Park’s English Garden.
“We thought it fitting to celebrate Victoria Day with a spirited performance, marked by renewed national pride,” said Society President Dwight MacAulay.
In additional to honouring the late Queen Victoria, the St. Andrews Society also wanted to honour His Majesty King Charles III’s upcoming visit to Canada for the reading of The Speech from the Throne.
Additional Pop-up Piper dates will be announced soon with all performances being sponsored by the St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg and are open to the public at no charge.
“The Pop-up Piper has become one of our society’s signature activities,” said MacAulay. “SASOW is excited to celebrate our country’s rich multicultural heritage and youth with a series of performances throughout the summer.”
Jets earn Game 5 victory
The Winnipeg Jets needed a victory in Game 5 of the best of seven playoff series against the Dallas Stars and the Jets did exactly that.
Celebrating history in Selkirk
Local history and heritage was celebrated in Selkirk at Memorial Hall during the evening of May 14 as the ninth annual Evening of History took place.
The City of Selkirk established the Selkirk Heritage Endowment Fund in 2012 to provide a sustainable funding source for the Selkirk Museum.
MPI offering condensed Driver Z courses this summer
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is increasing access to its popular high school education program, Driver Z, by offering condensed courses in select communities across Manitoba this summer. Now more students will be able to complete the training in less than half the time of the regular program.
Driver Z uses a mix of eLessons, virtual and in-person classes, and in-car learning to give students the tools, knowledge, and confidence to reduce risk and prevent collisions when they get behind the wheel.
In response to high demand for the Driver Z program, MPI is creating more capacity by offering the regular 12-week course in five weeks in July and August 2025. The condensed course will consist of two weeks of virtual classes and three weeks of in-car lessons. Students must attend all classes with no exceptions.
“Students will need to diligently complete the lessons, study for the Knowledge Test, and practice driving with their co-pilots to be successful in this condensed course,” said Maria Campos, MPI’s Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer. “We are able to offer this alternative in the summer months as students are off school and able to participate during the day, making it possible to cover all the course content and ensure they have the necessary training to be safe drivers on our roadways.”
The condensed courses are being offered in July in:
- Arborg
- Beausejour
- Brandon
- Portage la Prairie
- Steinbach
- Winkler
- Winnipeg
In August, the courses are being offered in:
- Brandon
- Steinbach
- The Pas
- Winkler
- WinnipegRegistration for summer courses will begin on May 28, 2025, at 8 a.m.
- A listing of all available summer courses will be published on May 23, 2025, on MPI’s website.To register, students should visit an Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre in advance to get set up as a customer and purchase the Driver Z service. Completing these steps ahead of time will allow you to easily and quickly register by phone, at an Autopac agent, or MPI Service Centre when courses become available. More information on registering is available on our website.“We want to increase access to Driver Z for students, as we firmly believe that training young drivers from the start of their driving careers leads to safer roadways,” said Campos. “We have doubled our student capacity from last year and look forward to continuing to expand how many students we can accommodate. We are hiring new driving instructors and introducing innovative ways to offer Driver Z to Manitobans, like this condensed summer program.”