Candace Derksen

The MLA for Borderland has some new responsibilities with the governing Progressive Conservatives.

In this week's Cabinet shuffle, Premier Heather Stefanson named Josh Guenter Legislative Assistant to the Finance minister, Deputy Caucus Whip, and a member of the Public Accounts Committee. He was also re-appointed to the Treasury Board.

The CEO for the Pembina Valley Water Co-op (PVWC) says the province's funding announcement for waste water and water treatment projects is a great opportunity for the municipally-owned organization.

As part of an $850-million support package unveiled by the Manitoba government to help Manitobans make ends meet, relieve pressures on the health-care system and assist as communities and industries recover from the pandemic, the province announced a $100 million investment into waste water and water treatment facilities in Manitoba. 

Pembina Valley RCMP is warning the public and local businesses of a rise in counterfeit $100 bills in the region.
    
Just this month, businesses in both Carman and Winkler were among a handful to report receiving the fake money. 
    

2022 was another record-breaking year for Friesens Corporation. According to a year-end report, the Altona-based print and packaging manufacturer broke records for revenue, profits, and the number of employees, led by incredible results from its core business, the Book Division. 

CEO, Chad Friesen, attributed this continued success to several factors, some dating back several years. That includes investments of over $40,000,000 in equipment, expanded facilities, and new technology.

Premier Heather Stefanson has rejigged her Cabinet, in part, to fill portfolios left by departing MLAs such as Cameron Friesen.

Eileen Clarke becomes minister of Indigenous reconciliation and northern relations.

Like many households and businesses, the City of Winkler has been unable to escape the added pressures of inflation. Council and administration are busing crossing the I's and dotting the T's on the City's proposed financial plan for 2023. 

"Everything that we do is significantly more expensive than last year," explained Mayor Henry Siemens. As a result, he says they've been trying to mitigate that impact to the best of their ability while crunching the numbers. "Without robbing from Peter to pay Paul. We can't steal from the future to make this year work," he added.

The numbers are in, and 2022 was another solid year for the RPGA Planning District. 

According to year-end statistics, 188 building permits were issued throughout the year, up from 183 in 2021. 101 of those permits were issued for projects in the Municipality of Rhineland, and 99 in the Town of Altona. 

The value of permits taken out also increased year-over-year, coming in at around $34 million. The Town of Altona accounted for $14 million, up from $9 million in 2021, while values in the Municipality of Rhineland remained relatively level at $19 million.

A familiar face has announced plans to seek the Conservative nomination in Portage-Lisgar.

Morden-Winkler MLA and Manitoba Finance Minister, Cameron Friesen, says he plans to resign his seat in the provincial legislature in the near future to run for the federal post currently held by outgoing MP Candice Bergen. 

PortageOnline is following this story with more details to come. 

Visitation guidelines have been expanded for long-term care facilities in Manitoba, effective Monday, January 23rd.
    
According to Shared Health, the move comes as pandemic restrictions continue to loosen in light of high rates of vaccination and reduced severity of illness. 
    

Consistent growth, combined with an expanding industrial park, has prompted Manitoba Hydro to plan for a new distribution supply centre (DSC) north of Altona. 

According to the Crown corporation, the new DSC will increase reliability, improve voltage levels, and support growth in the community, including meeting demand from the Altona Industrial Park.