Pembina Valley Online

March was a big month for local business.  

From the 10th to the 31st, the community had the opportunity to win a $25,000 advertising campaign with Accelerate 2025, an initiative created by Golden West to boost the community's backbone with the benefits of radio and digital advertising.  

After almost twenty days of receiving entries from across the province, a Miami-based business has won the campaign.  

Today, Heat Innovations provides hydronic supply and design to commercial and residential clients across Canada.  

This means that thanks to one business, dependable hot water heating is accessible to anyone who seeks a well-constructed and long-lasting means of heating.   

 “We've been very encouraged by seeing even grandparents coming in to get machines ready for their grandchildren, encouraging the generations ahead to also expand in this craft.” 

That’s what Marge Redekopp, co-owner of Triple-S Sewing Machines with her husband Corny, says about the pair’s new family-run business in Winkler that is about to celebrate its grand opening on April 15th.  

A typical day in the Leparq Pizzeria kitchen begins several hours before opening, with the mixing, portioning and proofing of the sourdough.

“We prepare our sourdough fresh every day, ensuring consistently high quality and flavour,” says Sheila Cabildo. “Meanwhile, a pot of milk slowly transforms into rich, creamy ricotta cheese. We also carefully wash and prepare our salad ingredients in advance.”

They’re coming from all over. From Minnedosa to Dauphin to Steinbach and everywhere in between, customers in search of quality pre-owned vehicles and Old Hickory buildings and sheds are beating a trail to BG Sales.

Children are a soft spot for many.  

This is especially true for Children of Hope, a Christian organization based in Abbotsford, British Columbia, that strives to help and support children in orphanages in Mexico.  

Although the organization has roots in British Columbia and its mission in Mexico, it also has plenty of support in the Pembina Valley. 

Wes Harder serves on the board of Children of Hope, and Chris Kalansky has volunteered for the organization since 2013.

It’s no secret that one of the most divisive occurrences in the world in 2025 is the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has caused immense pain and suffering the world over, whether it’s physically or in spirit.  

Prairie Crossroads School, with its faith-based foundation and rapidly expanding student body, has garnered notice since the institution was established in 2019. 

The number of students enrolled has jumped from 33 to 136 since then.  

“We've grown over the last five years to the point where we now offer K-10,” says Travis Penner, board chair of the school. “Next year, we’ll be adding grade 11, and the following year, grade 12.” 

“Every business — industrial, commercial, hotels, restaurants, even homeowners — has certain needs that happen on occasion. When it comes to a homeowner, if a nice lady has a mouse in the house, well, people don't know how to deal with that, so we'll deal with that for them.” 

As the first month of 2025 reaches its close, changes and reductions to immigration services across Canada are setting the tone for what the next few years will look like in this regard.

When it comes to English classes offered through Regional Connections, eligibility for one group in particular will see its end before the midpoint of the year.