You can go swimming again in Swift Current.

The Aquatic Centre is back open this afternoon at 1:00 PM.

It had closed on Wednesday morning due to mechanical issues.

The City said on social media they appreciate the patience and understanding of residents during the closure.

The Aquatic Centre has several issues that required over $2 million in funding for repairs.

The pool also has a new piece of equipment.

They recently added a new inflatable from the Living Sky Community Development Grant.

It will be available for sure during Friday toonie swim times and weekend public swim times. 

A downed semi was seen in a ditch off the Trans Canada Highway's west-bound lane on Friday morning.

The incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. near Webb. 

Drivers in the area are encouraged to be aware and slow down when passing tow trucks or emergency vehicles.

A road closure in downtown Swift Current today.

2nd Ave N.W. is closed between Herbert St. W and Chaplin St. W due to a water main repair.

Motorists can follow signage for a detour.

Swift Current Municipal RCMP have charged an 18-year-old male after a collision with several parked vehicles last weekend.

Police responded to reports of the multi-vehicle collision on Swift Current's Central Avenue South around 1:50 a.m. on Sunday, February 16. 

It was reported that a black camero collided with three parked vehicles, no occupants were in the vehicles at the time of the collision and no one was injured.

The driver of the camero was handed one count of operating a motor vehicle while impaired and one count of operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 0.08.

The individual is scheduled to appear at Swift Current Provincial Court on March 12.

It's not every kid that gets to grow up with their own custom skating course full of ramps, tunnels and a hockey net in their backyard.
 
That's exactly what Andy Wiens has constructed for his four children. Utilizing all the snow from his and his neighbour's yard, he has constructed and sculpted an ice surface unlike any other you will see in Swift Current. Featuring a bridge and tunnel, multiple ramps, and lanes that wrap around the house into the front yard, this course is a dream for every kid who has ever watched 'Crashed Ice' in Montreal.
 
His wife, Amy Wiens, invited Swift Current Online to visit her and the kids in order to showcase her husband's creation. 

"It began in November of 2020," said Amy. "We decided to build an ice rink, and then we got lots of snow. That's when he built a snowhill. Alem would have been six and a half at the time. Not ready to skate up hills, but it helped make some pretty good sled runs."

The following year, they built the sled runs again, with Andy deciding to flood them to improve the speed. That was when the kids began skating on the icy hills, developing their skills. From there, he kept adding to the design. He even removed part of the deck railing to install a launch ramp for the kids who exit the house in their skates. 

Alem, Aniya, Ayrton, and Arabel, all enjoy the rink. They have become quite skilled in skating uphill and down the bends. The only thing they have yet to master, according to Amy, is going backwards.

The Wiens are a billet home for members of the Swift Current Broncos. While there was a time they refused to let the young hockey stars attempt the course, eventually they simply couldn't stop them any longer.

"There's been no broken bones, thankfully," said Amy. "But a few of them have been out there."

Luckily, no one has ever been hurt on the course. A few friends have even joined the kids, although that only happens after Amy calls ahead to brief them on what they will be attempting.

Amy herself does not join in, although her husband has never been shy of playing on the course he built for the kids, with the kids. 

"I think my husband is just awesome for making it for fun, for the kids to be outside," said Amy. "He does go out and skate with them. I don't skate because my wrists are valuable to my music profession."

The cost of putting this together has doubled the Wiens water bill, according to Amy. The winter hydro bill is now on par with their summer edition. 

"It's worth the cost to see the kids enjoying themselves," said Amy. 

The amount of snow used in construction is more than you might imagine. In order to properly pack the snow to make it ready for the ice layer, it needs to be dense. Andy has used all of the snow from the deck, the driveway, the yard, and even his neighbour's backyard.

"If it's not packed properly and it gets really cold and skated on, it does crack," said Amy.

The results are undeniable. A one-of-a-kind rink for his kids, and himself, to play on. 

Sadly, with warm weather now on the radar, it will begin to slowly evaporate with the rest of the snow and ice in Swift Current. Amy says they will try to preserve it as long as possible, but that ultimately the peak of the ice course season has passed.

Wiens made note that next year, they will rebuild it again so long as there is enough snow.

Swift Current residents and families are being made aware of a street closure coming up on Saturday to allow for the Center's annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser. 

First Avenue North East, between Cheadle Street East and North Railway Street East, will be closed Saturday afternoon and evening while the walk takes place. 

The road closure is set from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Everyone is welcome to come out for the fundraiser to help support free youth and family counselling services. 

For more information about the road closure, contact the City of Swift Current. 

Southwest families, outdoor enthusiasts, cross-country skiers, and more can head out to the Chinook Golf Course this weekend for the Swift Current Nordic Ski Club's annual Embrace Winter event.

Embrace Winter will be free to attend and is being held in conjunction with Family Fun Week on Sunday, February 23 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Ed Doyle, president of the Swift Current Nordic Ski Club, highlighted that during the winter, the Chinook Golf Course is home to six kilometres of groomed trails, perfect for cross-country skiing.

"It's just a fun day to join with the rest of the community," shared Doyle. "We'll have a big firepit going, we'll have hot chocolate, hot dogs, marshmallows and extra skis if the public wants to try skiing."

The event will also feature a meet and greet with the well-known Gee-Haw Dog Sled Team and an opportunity to try snowshoeing.

"It's great exposure to cross-country skiing as a winter activity and if you're going to be in the snow you might as well learn to enjoy it," he added.

Anyone interested in more information can head to the Swift Current Nordic Ski Club's Facebook Page or visit swiftcurrent.ca/familyfunweek for a full list of Family Fun Week activities.

There is a $40 fee to become a member of the club and those looking to get involved can email Ed Doyle at [email protected]. 

Hi there, I'm Arrow! I'm 9 months old and just looking for my forever human. I'm so sweet and energetic. I'd be good with being indoors or outdoors. I would do fine in town or in a rural setting. I get along well with kids, cats and other dogs. I have so far been an outdoor dog but dream about the life of being an occasional couch potato. If you're looking for your new best friend, you've just found him!

Kids in Warman escaped the cold Thursday by piling into the local rink for the ninth annual mini-stick tournament.

One of the goals of Joe and Irene's Youth Home is to help young people transition from foster care to stable homes and futures.

A Saskatchewan agricultural company has requested the Supreme Court of Canada rule on whether a thumbs-up emoji texted to a retail partner can constitute a legal contract.

The opposition New Democrats are firing back at comments from Premier Scott Moe about the March 19 return date for the Legislative session to resume.

The NDP had been critical of the government for what they called a two and a half week delay to the start of the session compared to previous years. At a news conference in Saskatoon Wednesday, Moe said the timing was normal for years following a provincial election. “If you look back it’s actually the norm,” Moe said.

Thursday morning, the NDP responded with a news release providing information going back to 2008. Those showed the spring sitting start day normally scheduled for between March 2 to 8, with budget day taking place 16 days later. 

The only exceptions were 2008 when the start day was March 10 and the budget day March 19; 2016 when the start day was May 17 and budget was June 1 due to a provincial election that spring; 2018 when the sitting started on March 12 and the budget on April 10 (Scott Moe had just won the party leadership a month and a half earlier); and the COVID-19 year of 2021 when the spring sitting and the budget were delivered on April 6. 

Another exception was the 2020 provincial budget which was originally scheduled for March 18, but was delayed at the very last minute to June 15 due to the emerging COVID-19 outbreak.

In their news release the NDP accused Moe of lying, and the Sask Party of not wanting to show up for work.

“After 17 years in government and big losses in the last election, the same old Sask. Party wants to do the bare minimum. They’re tired and just not focused on the future of our province,” the NDP release stated. “The Saskatchewan NDP continues to call on the Sask. Party government to reopen the Legislature immediately and get back to work.”

In the meantime, the Sask Party has been focusing on efforts outside the legislature. They have been continuing trade missions to other countries, with Premier Moe going to Washington D.C. and Mexico, with Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison heading to India and the United Arab Emirates and with Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding heading to Vietnam and Singapore.

The NDP has continued to call for an early sitting of the Legislature in response to the threats of a trade war with the United States. In speaking to reporters Wednesday, NDP leader Carla Beck said it was producers and industry people who wanted to see the Legislature back in action, saying that was the best way to mount a response.

“That is what we’re hearing from those producers. That’s what we’re hearing from industry, from people at the grocery store. They’re frankly very surprised that we’re not already sitting, let alone the fact that now it seems we’re going to actually be sitting for two and a half weeks less than would normally be the case.”

Frontier Days has announced their grandstand lineup for 2025.

It will include two country concerts and a return of the Destruction Demolition Derby.

The derby on Thursday, June 26th will be put on by the Swift Current Stock Car Association.

"Friday night (June 27th) we've got country music legend Neil McCoy coming to play his greatest hits and get the crowd going," said Swift Current Ag and Ex General Manager Rebecca Anderson. "Opening will be Sothern Alberta's Morgan Klaiber."

The Ag & Ex noted McCoy brings his signature energy and hits like "Wink" and "The Shake."

"On Saturday night (June 28th) we have rising country star Drake Milligan who you might know from American's Got Talent," said Event Manager Megan Muri.

They will also have cabarets on the Friday and Saturday night featuring Fox and the Hounds and the Brothers G.

The theme for Frontier Days this year is Heritage, Heart & New Horizons.

A stretch of Highway 1 between Swift Current and Gull Lake is closed due to blowing and drifting snow, according to the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline.

RCMP were seen stopping traffic in both directions near the community of Webb, as captured in a video by Trayjay Francis. Officials have not confirmed the exact cause of the closure, but visibility and road conditions have been deteriorating throughout the region.

Meanwhile, a train derailment occurred along Highway 1 near Webb earlier in the day. According to CPKC spokesperson Terry Cunha, three rail cars carrying finished vehicles went off the tracks northeast of Gull Lake but remained upright.

Related Stories:

• Train derailment near Webb
• Trans-Canada Highway closed by Swift Current

"We currently have crews on site working to re-rail the three cars," Cunha said, adding that there is no timeline for completion. However, he stated the derailment should not be affecting highway traffic.

Drivers are advised to check the Highway Hotline for updates before travelling.

A train derailment along Highway 1 near Webb.

"We had three rail cars just north east of Gull Lake this morning," said CPKC spokesperson Terry Cunha. "They derailed, but they remained upright. They were carrying finished vehicles.

"We currently have crews on site working to re-rail the three cars."

There is no timeline for when that will occur, but he noted the incident shouldn't be blocking any traffic.

A former Cree healer is now admitting he sexually assaulted 12 women in his care from 2012 to 2021.

The coldest night of the year returns once again, thankfully after the worst of the recent cold snap. 

Friday night will hopefully see hundreds of Swift Current locals joining together to raise awareness for homelessness, mental health, and wellness. By experiencing what is normally a cold evening walk through the community, the event helps to showcase a small dose of what conditions are like this time of year for some. 

Nathan Wiebe, executive director for CNOY host and organizing body The Center, is hopeful that with the warmer forecast for the event, there will be a huge crowd out showing their support. 

"We believe it's a good cause and we've seen over the years just a continued rise in the need for mental health supports," said Wiebe. "We have a lot of amazing people in our community that are trying to combat that issue and bringing their gifts and abilities to others around that are in need. We need to continue that trend."

Funding from events like this helps to support The Center in its efforts. Just last year they were able to purchase the building next door, which is currently being utilized as a space for counselling services. 

The separation of the space from the regular day programming for youth at The Center gives these youths the chance to relax and partake in The Center without having to worry about interrupting counselling that may be taking place next door. 

"And it creates more confidentiality, some safety, and justice with how its a really welcoming environment," said Wiebe. "We see a ton of value in investing some equity to continue to build into that."

CNOY is the largest fundraiser of the year for The Center. The funds from this event will help ensure they are able to continue providing an essential service to youth in the community. 

"We use this opportunity to, one, share what we're doing," said Wiebe. "And two, when you're offering free counselling, it still comes with a cost."

Currently, there are three counsellors working through The Center. In order to help cover the expense of that team and others incurred by The Center, the goal for this year is to hopefully raise $80,000. People can donate themselves, or through their favourite team online. Wiebe understands it's a big ask of the community to help raise this money, but he is confident that it's possible. 

"We're not doing that lightly," said Wiebe. "We're definitely looking for some more people to get involved. You can go to CNOY.org and search up The Center and if you want to donate to a specific team, you can! You can donate to The Center's team or your friends, team, or whatever you want to do."

Southwest writers, literature enthusiasts, and community members gathered at the Lyric Theatre on Wednesday night for Write Out Loud's Local Writers Night.

The evening showcased several passionate local authors who shared excerpts of their novels and gave the audience a look behind the curtain of story creation.

Jackie Cameron, a member of the Write Out Loud Committee, explained that Write Out Loud has been going on for more than two decades and initially began in a restaurant. 

"Once a year, in February, we invite local authors to share their works and we bring in a lot of well-known authors," said the committee member.

Brotzell, public services manager for the library, shared a bit of her first draft of an action-packed novel while Doug Cameron, a well-known agricultural writer, spoke about his sequel, Dysfunctional Regulatory Bodies.

Herbert-based podcaster, Keith Leonard, delved into the suspense of his short story, Wish Train and Bonnie Allen, who works as a senior reporter for CBC News Saskatchewan, featured her heartfelt book, Motherbird.

Chris Beuhler, a popular science fiction writer from Frontier, was also set to be featured at Local Writers Night but was unable to make it due to road and weather conditions.

Allen noted that since dedicating her life to journalism, she's found fiction writing to be a calming release.

"It's always a little nerve-racking to put your writing out there into the world, but I really appreciate how supportive this community is of local authors," shared Allen. "The event itself has such a long history in Swift Current, under various names, and I'm honoured to be counted among the authors who have been invited to read."

Doors opened at 6:30 p.m. before the author presentations began shortly after 7:00 p.m. 

Anyone interested in more information about Write Out Loud can head to lyrictheatre.ca or contact the theatre at (306) 773 - 6292.

Travel agents in Saskatchewan say they’ve had a number of trip cancellations over the past few weeks for U.S. vacations due to looming tariff threats and increased Canadian pride. Agencies say Canadians would rather travel anywhere else.

SASKATOON—The looming threat of potential tariffs on all Canadian goods will affect investments and trade as Saskatchewan and the entire country wait on whether or not President Trump moves forward with his proposal of a 25 per cent tax on all products crossing south of the border.

“It is disrupting the investment environment in Canada. The very threat of tariffs is disrupting the investment environment. I don’t know that it’s moving it to the U.S. as much as pausing the decisions. The impact in Saskatchewan is that we’re in the investment attraction game,” said Moe during a press conference on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Saskatchewan Cabinet Office downtown.

“We’ve seen tens of billions of dollars in the mining sector and the [agriculture] value-added industry that’s been attracted here. We’re not finished yet. I would say we’re just setting the pace with respect to attracting that investment and creating those jobs for Saskatchewan families that live here today and those [who] choose to live here. Anything that impacts investment attraction, like talk of tariffs with our trading partner, will have an impact, not only in this province but across Canada.”

The planned 25 percent tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel will take effect on March 12. The Trump administration’s 30-day reprieve on the 25 per cent tax on other products exported to the U.S., which could have taken effect on Feb. 4, is also less than two weeks old. 

Moe said that even though everything is still up in the air—all are potential tariffs, and none have been enacted yet—if Trump’s proposal moves forward, Saskatchewan and the entire country should be prepared.

“It would still be our hope that that isn’t the case. That being said, we do need to be ready not only from a provincial perspective but be part of a national conversation as well as to determine what the impact of potential tariffs might be and how we’re going to best not only support businesses but find a path through them,” said Moe.

“As I said, goal number one is not to have tariffs. If we do happen to have tariffs, goal two is to have them for the shortest period. If you remember, the last time, tariffs were imposed on steel and aluminum. Some counter-tariffs were imposed, and some were precise and selective counter-tariffs.”

Moe just returned from Washington, D.C., where he and other provincial premiers met with members of the Trump administration and other top Republican officials to discuss the proposed tariffs. The Saskatchewan premier then visited Mexico City and Guadalajara for a separate meeting to strengthen trade with their NAFTA partner.

He said the provincial government is ready to take action, if necessary, in case the tariffs were implemented in March. Saskatchewan is in a strong position to have leverage in any business and trade negotiations based on the fertilizer, food, and fuel products produced here, which are necessities in everyday life. Trump is proposing a 10 percent tariff on Canadian oil.

“Tariffs on any of those products will push up the fuel price for American families at the gas station and very quickly will push up the price for groceries when they visit the grocery store. We’re in a very, I think, impactful position here in the province. We’re also the least reliant proportionally of any province on exports to the U.S.,” said Moe.

“About 55 per cent of our products go to the U.S. That’s about the lowest or maybe tied for the lowest of any province across Canada. They are our largest trading partner, and we’re most certainly part of the discussion of finding a path to a long-term agreement here. Regardless of whether these tariffs come, we already see that even their threat disrupts much business, especially here in Saskatoon.”

He said steel wholesalers and retailers, not only in the province, would feel the pinch of a 25 per cent tariff on aluminum and steel, mainly if they source the products from other countries. However, this will most impact American consumers.

“We have a steel manufacturer just north of Regina in Evraz with many hundreds of people employed directly, and I would say many hundreds and a few thousand more indirectly. To speak to how operationally problematic this can be, that particular steel operator takes most of the cars from Canada and throughout the Midwestern U.S., bringing and recycling them in. They cross the border once. Then, it sends that slate steel, the product, down to a mill in Portland, Oregon, that crosses the border twice. In Oregon, they take that slab steel and make it into a product called plate steel, which crosses the border again as it comes north to either Camrose or back to Regina, where they will make a pipe out of it,” said Moe.

“That’s three times it’s crossed the border now. Since we haven’t successfully built pipelines in Canada, I suggest changing. That pipe often goes south to build a pipeline in North Dakota, Oklahoma, or elsewhere. It crosses the border yet a fourth time, a rudimentary product like steel is crossing the border four to five times in its manufacture until it finds its place in the ground for the next number of decades. Can you imagine how often an auto manufacturer crosses the border with the parts, a tractor manufacturer, or agricultural products? So herein lies the challenge regarding tariffs on any product.”

The Trans-Canada Highway has been closed west of Swift Current.

The closure stretches all the way from the city to Gull Lake. 

According to the Highway Hotline, drifting snow and blowing snow are major impairments in the area to anyone driving. 

People are advised to check back to the Highway Hotline for updates on the closure. 

RCMP were looking for Ryan Lachance, 29, since Feb. 15 after three people were stabbed on Big River First Nation.

Swift Current and southwest Saskatchewan have been hit with a last-minute blitz of winter driving conditions.

Highways in and around Swift Current are being touted to have poor visibility, snow drifts that are hard, and icy roads. 

The Trans-Canada Highway is travel not recommended all the way from Carmichael, through Swift Current, and as far east as Rush Lake. Wa warning for snow drifts is in place near Webb. 

Highway 4 south of Swift Current is also travel not recommended all the way down to Blumennort. 

Highway 363 is travel not recommended from Highway 4 to Neidpath. 

Highway 379 is also travel not recommended from Highway 4 to around McMahon.

Many other highways are listed as having poor visibility. It is highly recommended that anyone who can stay home. 

Gull Lake Fire and Rescue responded to an incident last night.

Shortly after midnight, crews were called out to rescue individuals involved in a rollover on the Trans-Canada Highway near Gull Lake.

Gull Lake Fire and Rescue reported that there were no injuries as a result of the incident. 

They later issued a statement reminding everyone that the road conditions were less than favourable due to wind and blowing snow. It was recommended that anyone who could stay home, as the official rating of the highway for motorists was travel not recommended. 

Anyone looking to stay ahead of poor conditions, delays, or detours can use the Highway Hotline to review routes, find alternative roads, or see if they should cancel travel plans altogether. 

The City of Swift Current is getting for what the heat may bring.

The forecast for Swift Current and the area is calling for an end to frigid temperatures. Recent lows and windchills below -30°C or -40°C are making way for highs of +2°C and +5°C. This means that the snowpack, which is very healthy this year, will begin to rapidly melt into groundwater.

The concern is that this rush of water won't be able to absorb into the ground fast enough, leading to possible flooding. Tom Christiansen, city councillor for Swift Current, asked if there were any plans laid by the Swift Current Fire Department in anticipation of this possibility. 

Swift Current Fire Department Fire Chief Ryan Hunter assured Christiansen and the rest of city council that he was already cooperating with others to ensure they were ready for what could be a once in 90 years level flood. 

"We've already had our preliminary meeting with our internal members," said Hunter. "We had a meeting (on Wednesday) at 2'o clock where we zoomed in all of the GMs who can make it and all of our outside mutual aid partners."

Hunter cited that in the long-range forecasts that he had been keeping track of, he saw temperatures that varied between +2°C and +10°C. Combined with how things are supposed to cool off again after the most immediate thaw, he predicted that flooding probably won't occur this weekend. 

"I don't believe the floods going to be in the next 4-5 days, but we are definitely getting prepared for it to happen in two weeks-ish," said Hunter. 

The Fire Chief predicted that the most likely timing of floods will be closer to March 28th, when the long-range forecast calls for a string of highs over or near 0°C. 

"We will be getting everything prepared at that time for the potential flood in the first week in April," said Hunter.