The Winnipeg Jets faced Carolina at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg Nov. 21.
On the move: MPI warns of increased wildlife activity
Living in a province as varied in landscape and lush with green space as Manitoba means we need to be very aware of when wildlife is active. October and November are the months when Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) sees the most claims reported for wildlife-vehicle collisions across the province. Wildlife is especially active this time of year along treed roads, at dusk and dawn.
In 2024, there were 17,195 wildlife collisions reported to MPI, with November being the highest month at 2,019 collisions. October and November saw 22 per cent of all wildlife collisions for the year. So far this year, there have been 9,419 collisions, with the busiest month yet to come.
“When we talk about wildlife collisions, this is not just about damage to a vehicle, lives are involved,” said Maria Campos, Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer for MPI. “There have been 613 people injured in wildlife collisions in 2024 and 2025, with one young person tragically losing their life. Please remember that wild animals can appear anywhere, even in cities, and we all need to have heightened awareness, especially during the fall months.”
These collisions are not just with deer or smaller animals. MPI has seen an increase in bear collisions. In 2024, there were 208 collisions with bears and there have been 123 of those collisions so far in 2025. Collisions with larger animals also increase the risk of injury.
Collisions with wildlife can not only cause major vehicle damage, but put the lives of you, your passengers, and the animal at risk. Here are some tips to help you, and our furry neighbours, get home safely.
- Be alert when you see wildlife crossing signs. Drive cautiously and watch for movement near brush, tall grass, or treed areas.
- At night, travel at a speed that allows you to stop within the reach of your headlights.
- Scan the roadsides (passengers can help with this) and watch for the reflection of eyes inyour headlights or animal silhouettes against the road.
- High beams can help you see animals earlier, but remember to dim them for oncoming traffic.If you see an animal:
- Slow down, brake firmly, and be prepared to stop.
- Where there is one animal, there are likely more, so make sure to keep scanning for others near the road.
- Give a short honk to encourage them to move along.
- Avoid swerving as it could cause you to collide with an oncoming vehicle, hit the ditch, orlose control.
Selkirk exits Capital Planning Region
The City of Selkirk has officially been formally removed from the Capital Planning Region (which operates under the name Winnipeg Metropolitan Region) after the Province notified the city of its adoption of Manitoba Regulation 84/2025 on October 23.
Selkirk Council unanimously voted on June 9 to request that Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard remove Selkirk from the Capital Planning Region (CPR), which was established by the previous government through Bill 37 — The Planning Amendment Act and the City of Winnipeg Charter Amendment Act. Bill 37 arbitrarily forced Selkirk and other municipalities into the CPR without consultation or consent.
Bill 42 allows municipalities to opt out of Capital Planning Region
Following significant public opposition to the CPR’s Plan 20-50 Region Plan, the Kinew Government introduced Bill 42, The Planning Amendment Act, on November 4, 2024. This act granted municipalities the ability to opt in or out of the CPR, directly addressing long-standing concerns voiced by Selkirk and other communities regarding their involuntary inclusion in the CPR and being subjected to Plan 20-50.
By withdrawing from the CPR, Selkirk restores its autonomy to make land-use and other municipal decisions and ensures the city will retain control of utility and transportation infrastructure as well as economic development activities.
In addition to the new regulation, the Province of Manitoba announced late last week that it would accept all nineteen recommendations from an independent review of Bill 37.
“We are grateful to Premier Kinew and Minister Simard for removing Selkirk from the Capital Planning Region. And we are hopeful that the outcome of the Bill 37 review is the restoration of some of the other authorities and responsibilities that Bill 37 stripped from all Manitoba municipalities. These are very positive steps in the right direction,” said Johannson.
Selkirk never belonged in the Capital Planning Region
From the bill’s introduction, the City of Selkirk joined with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) in their strong opposition to this coercive, misguided, and red-tape laden piece of developer-driven legislation.
“We agree with Minister Simard when he says that Bill 37 was ‘intended to squash local community voices and centralize top-down control over municipal decisions.’ Selkirk, AMM, and many other municipalities have raised concerns about Bill 37 and its clear effort to remove the ability of local councils to make land use decisions that are in the community interest,” said Selkirk Mayor Larry Johannson.
Municipalities should be able to plan their own growth and shape their own futures
The City of Selkirk has long advocated for municipalities to have the ability and supports to plan their own growth and shape their own futures based on local needs and priorities.
“The city will review the recommendations and will continue to work with AMM to advocate for planning rules that ensure decisions about Selkirk’s development are made in Selkirk, by people elected by the citizens of Selkirk.”
The City of Selkirk is also seeking additional clarifications to ensure the legislation accurately reflects the current status of municipalities and Selkirk’s role in the CPR.
“On October 15, Selkirk Council wrote to the Minister with another suggestion to address a concern created by Bill 37. Specifically, we asked that the government remove the names of the municipalities included in the Capital Planning Region from the Planning Act. We don’t believe it makes any sense to have us named in legislation as a member and then have a subordinate regulation that says we’re not actually a member. Since they are going to be making amendments to the Planning Act anyway – we are hoping that they correct this confusing error.”
Selkirk honours veterans during Remembrance Day service
The Selkirk Legion hosted its Remembrance Day service at the Selkirk Recreation Complex Nov. 11.
According to Selkirk Mayor Larry Johannson, who laid a wreath on behalf of the City of Selkirk at the service and also at Selkirk’s war memorial, hundreds of people attended the local service.
Casting Call: Auditions for Garry Theatre Board of Directors now open
There’s an excitement in the city surrounding the work being done inside The Garry Theatre, transforming it into a modern space where friends and families will gather to watch movies and attend events.
But perhaps even more intriguing is the chance to be a founding board member for the theatre’s rebirth, to be part of the team that successfully manages the new life of Selkirk’s iconic and beloved movie theatre.
Be a part of the team that brings the Garry back
For Mayor Larry Johannson, a lifelong Selkirk resident who’s seen his fair share of movies at The Garry over the years, it’s an incredible opportunity.
“There is truly such an excitement over The Garry Theatre. We saw it when the city first purchased it and it really has never waned,” Johannson said.
“The response from the community about the reopening of the theatre was phenomenal and it’s really the biggest buzz right now. I know there are incredible leaders in Selkirk who will want to get in on the ground floor here and be part of the team that brings The Garry back to its former glory, its former status as the place to be for entertainment. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be connected forever with the second act of the theatre we all love.”
Applications are now available for Garry board members
The City of Selkirk is looking for people interested in becoming board members and applications are now available.
The new Garry will be an independent, community-led, non-profit organization and it will show movies, host live performances, community events and more and be run by a volunteer board.
“This will be a governance board, and their purpose is to set the vision for the theatre’s,” says Kyla Ray, the city’s Manager of Cultural and Recreational Programs.
“We’re looking for people who have specific skills that will ensure The Garry Theatre will be successful, and that includes knowledge of what it takes to run a business.”
There has been overwhelming public support for reopening The Garry since the city purchased it in 2021, including mass participation in a survey on the theatre’s future – more than 1,100 people took the survey – and many of them said they were willing to volunteer and become board members.
“We gathered names of people who expressed interest so we could reach out when applications opened. Those who indicated interest will still need to submit an application in order to be considered,” Ray said.
“The board will have between seven and nine members, and eventually sub-committees will be formed as well.”
Seeking specific skillsets
The city is looking for board members with knowledge of operating a business, and knowledge and experience with financials, marketing and human resources. Previous board or volunteer experience is preferred as are strong community engagement skills.
The city has a comprehensive governance manual board members will follow, which includes bylaws, policies and templates for meeting agendas and minutes.
“They’re not starting from the ground up, the governance manual is a foundation that’s there for them,” Ray said.
“This will allow the board to hit the ground running without having to develop these documents from scratch. The city will also provide training and support to the board members.”
“Our recruitment effort is focused on building a board with the business and organisational development acumen needed to give the Garry the leadership it needs to be successful”Selkirk’s CAO Duane Nicol
Selkirk CAO Duane Nicol said the city’s goal is to create an independent and sustainable community theatre, one that can overcome the challenges that caused it to fail as a private, for-profit business.
“The city has been clear from the beginning that we are not in the business of running movie theatres. We had a comprehensive business plan created to guide the development of the new Garry. Fundamental to that plan, is to have the theatre run by a non-profit corporation with a skilled board of directors at the helm. One that is focused on running the theatre as a self-sustaining enterprise. Our recruitment effort is focused on building a board with the business and organisational development acumen needed to give the Garry the leadership it needs to be successful,” said Nicol.
The board will have one employee, a general manager who has yet to be hired.
“Just like with other cultural institutions, the General Manager will report to the board directly, and all other staff and volunteers will report to the General Manager. The board will set goals and objectives for the organisation and will guide its development through policy.”
Selkirk’s Strategic Plan calls for the city to continue to evolve into a vibrant, safe, and healthy community with a revitalized downtown. Renovating and reopening The Garry is the latest in the city’s revitalization of its downtown, which has included the redesign of both Manitoba Avenue East, seven blocks of Eveline Street and Main Street North from Taylor to Manitoba.
Be a part of the Garry’s future
Ray says there are many reasons why people may want to become a board member. In the case of The Garry Theatre, the primary reason might be the connection the community feels towards it.
“We’ve learned how important The Garry is to the people of Selkirk, and there is a real desire for people to be part of this new life the theatre has, and that’s really exciting,” Ray said.
“With the renovations in the final stretch, the city is anticipating that people will be eager to see the reimagined theatre and looking forward to be part of its future.”
Other reasons for joining could include a desire to gain new skills.
“Volunteers are community-minded people who are looking to give back and help, but they’re also people who have careers and volunteering can give you experience you won’t get at work,” Ray said.
“They may be looking for experiences beyond what they do professionally, and volunteering makes them more well-rounded and they might learn skills they can take back to their day job.”
For those who’ve raised their kids and now find themselves with free time on their hands, volunteering is often a great fit.
And you don’t have to have lived in the community your entire life, newcomers are welcome to apply as well.
“Volunteering provides a great chance to network, if you’re new to the community, or you’ve opened a business in the city, volunteering is a great way to branch out and meet people.”
Anyone interested in applying to join the board can go to garrytheatre.ca/board.
Applications are being accepted until 4pm on November 29th, 2025.
Ron “Rocket” Palmer
1941 – 2025
This will not be an obituary; this will be a roast. Anyone knowing Dad would appreciate the humour as we best describe this unique “one of a kind” individual.
Dad was the Archie Bunker of Petersfield. He was your typical farmer. Loved money!!! His favourite quote was “rub 2 nickels together until the beaver farts!” Words to describe him are: loud, opinionated, obnoxious, witty, funny and a real nice guy when he was sleeping! His friends at the coffee shop can take out their ear plugs now!
Dad was a mechanic and started his career on the Diefenbaker Dam in Saskatchewan. There he met mom in Dunblane and married in 1963. They moved back to Manitoba and settled in Petersfield to raise their 4 kids.
He was predeceased by his mom and dad, Glen and Dorothy, sister Ellen Brennan and brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Alice and son Kevin.
Dad leaves behind children Dennis (Marilyn), Rhonda (Darcy) and Colleen (Mike), grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Special friend Gloria and family and ex-wife and friend Joan. Also, brother Wayne Palmer’s family, brother-in-law Jim Brennan and family.
The last 3 ½ years dad battled with Multiple Myeloma and fought the good fight right to the end. Even though dad couldn’t say words of affection, you knew he really did love his family. He was so proud of all of his grandchildren.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date.
Obituary – Elizabeth “Betty” Clare Gallaway (nee Johnstone)
Elizabeth “Betty” Clare Gallaway (nee Johnstone)
October 20, 1937 – September 20, 2025
The family of Elizabeth (Betty) Gallaway is saddened to announce her peaceful passing in the early morning hours of September 20, 2025 at Princess Court (Dryden) with family present. She was 87 years old.
Betty was born into the Johnstone family on October 20, 1937 in Selkirk, Manitoba and grew up in the family house on Dufferin Avenue. Betty and her friends enjoyed local dances and at one of these dances Betty was introduced to a young Jim Gallaway. They both were smitten. They dated, married in and settled in Dryden, Ontario to raise a family. Years later Betty was often seen in the side car of Jim’s 1948 Indian motorcycle cruising around town or on trips to Selkirk.
Betty is survived by her son Guy (Edith) and his children, Patti, Michelle, Matt and Alexa and their families; her daughter Gail (Colin Campbell) and son Michael and his family; and her son Ron (Debra) and his children Justin and Stephanie and their families as well as many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.
Betty is also remembered fondly by her former daughters in law, Denise Gallaway, Lucille Marion, and Cathy Kovacs. An extensive network of cousins throughout Canada rounds out her family including the Canvin crew.
She was predeceased by her husband Jim in 1983, parents (Fanny and Richard Johnstone), her two sisters (Margaret and Elsie Johnstone), a grandson Andy Campbell and companion Ron Ainsley in 2001.
Throughout her life Betty worked hard to provide for the family she loved and to keep her home. She worked at the Dryden Nursery School, and the Canadian Tire Store as Head Cashier. She also volunteered extensively within the community at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, the Dryden Legion, and Dryden Hospital, etc. She found time for bowling and curling too. Betty passionately enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Some favourites trips were to England and Scotland with her parents and sisters, camping with the local Sam Club, and 2 trips up the Alaska Highway. Betty even once drove a Cadillac to California for friends and in her later years took an east coast bus trip with a touring band that she said was a blast. Travel for family reunions were always full of music, games and fun including trips to Waterton National Park in southern Alberta, at Snug Harbour near Kingston, Ontario and a trip to Fort Simpson, NWT. She surely lived up to her nickname “Go Go Granny”.
Betty’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to all the Doctors, staff and volunteers involved in supporting Betty in her homes at 10 Victoria Avenue, Patricia Gardens and the final transition to Princess Count Long Term Care. There are too many to mention. Each of you makes a great positive impact into the lives of the seniors you care for.
Arrangements entrusted to, Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, ON P78N 2X3
Rotary Club’s book sale a gigantic success
The Rotary Club of Selkirk held its book sale at the Agricultural Society Building in Selkirk Park from Sept. 25 to 30
The annual event is cash-only and features books for sale at low prices, with proceeds supporting the club’s local and international projects.
