Pembina Valley Online

“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.  

The Garden Valley School Division (GVSD) is rolling out an exciting new initiative designed to celebrate and showcase the achievements of its schools. Superintendent Dan Ward shares that the "School of the Month" program will give each school an opportunity to highlight its unique programs and initiatives.

When it comes to end-of-life planning, most of us have a knack for avoidance. But Dorothy Stephens, volunteer extraordinaire with Dying with Dignity Canada, is here to change that. With a twinkle in her eye and decades of experience as a nurse, she’s the kind of person who can make even the most daunting topics approachable.

When last we left you, the team here at Pembina Valley Online was sharing the best and worst gifts that they've received.

Operations Manager Shelley Graham reminisced about her one-of-a-kind Cabbage Patch Kid that was made special by her mother’s thoughtfulness, Content Creator Zack Driedger shared how some unassuming mouse ears turned into trip of a lifetime, and Eagle 93.5 Morning Show Host Jayme Giesbrecht described a gift that haunted her dreams. 

Most would agree that gifts aren’t the most important part of the holidays. Even so, people from every walk of life share the emotional roller coaster that is opening gifts — some cause gasps, other groans. Some are exactly right, and others exactly wrong.  

This year, the team at Pembina Valley Online (PVOL) reminisced about surprise trips, deodorant, horse-drawn sleigh rides, terrifying dolls, and generic Christmas mugs to determine what makes the best and worst gifts.  

The Holiday Elfie Selfie contest has officially wrapped up, and we’re excited to announce our winner: Congratulations to Verna Guenther, who has won a $2,000 gift certificate to Sawatzky’s Furniture & Appliances!

A big thank you to everyone who submitted a selfie, spreading holiday cheer throughout the Pembina Valley. We received so many fun and festive photos, and it was great to see the community participating in this holiday tradition.

Toys in all their forms —  large or small, bright blue or soft pink, hardy or soft — are a staple during the Christmas season. The joy of receiving a new toy or a fuzzy stuffed companion is not limited to people. It extends to the family’s pets, too.  

At RuffMutts, which has locations in Morden, Altona, and Niverville, one can find a selection of pet toys that is thoughtfully curated to ensure that the personality and preference of each furry family member is represented.  

In the winter months, golf might seem like a distant summer memory. Golfing year-round is usually a fantasy only applicable to warmer climates, but a locally owned business in Winkler is changing that with its new high-level virtual golf experience.  

The holiday season is in full swing, and Pembina Valley residents are spreading the cheer in style! The "Holiday Elfie Selfie" contest is taking the region by storm, giving you the chance to win a $2,000 gift certificate to Sawatzky's Furniture & Appliances.