As was announced in September, Canada Post is increasing postage rates effective today. For stamps purchased in a booklet, coil or pane, which represent most stamp sales, the rate increases by 25 cents, to $1.24 per stamp. The price of a single domestic stamp increases to $1.44, up from $1.15. For the last decade, Canada Post has kept regulated letter mail rate increases to a minimum. Today’s rate change represents a one-time increase of roughly 25 per cent, which is required to better align stamp prices with the rising cost of providing letter mail service to all Canadians. Every year, there are fewer letters to deliver to more addresses, which adds significant cost pressures to the Corporation on top of continued inflationary pressures. While rate increases are necessary, Canada Post understands that they mean additional costs for customers, and the Corporation works to minimize the impact. For the average Canadian household, the estimated impact of the rate increase is $2.26 per year. For the average Canadian small business, the estimated impact is $42.17 per year.1 Regulatory approval of new rates Changes to Canada Post’s regulated letter mail rates follow the regulatory process outlined in the Canada Post Corporation Act. The proposed rate changes were published in the Canada Gazette in September 2024 and received final regulatory approval in late November. As an organization funded by revenue from the sale of its products and services – not taxpayer dollars – rate changes are a reality. Canadians can continue to use their Permanent™ stamps, which will always be accepted at the current domestic postage price. The rate changes also affect other products, including U.S., international letter-post and domestic Registered Mail™ items. Commercial letter mail price changes, also effective today, correspond to the regulated letter mail rate increase. Estimate based on average annual spending of businesses and households.

According to a post on their Facebook page, Daring Diva Purses will be closing their Brandon location on Monday, December 30. Daring Diva Purses is a business that offers a selection of unique purses, wallets, accessories, and stylish clothing. The Brandon location first opened in June of 2024.

Sunrise Credit Union is announcing a significant $100,000 donation to the Spirit Sands Medical Clinic in Glenboro today. This generous contribution will help ensure the initiative's success. The Spirit Sands Medical Clinic's vision is 'To meet health needs and provide comprehensive care for individuals, families and communities.' When completed, the clinic will be a 3,250-square-foot facility accommodating 3-4 health practitioners. It will offer a range of services and will serve the municipalities of Glenboro-South Cypress, Prairie Lakes, Argyle, Victoria, and Oakland-Wawanesa. "Basic health care is crucial for all neighbouring communities in the area. It is unrealistic to expect residents to travel more than 30 minutes in rural Manitoba," said Spirit Sands Medical Clinic Board Chair Ron Jeffries. "This proposed joint effort with surrounding communities is critical to keeping healthcare services localized and available for all residents." The estimated cost of the project is $2.5 million, and the fundraising effort is currently about halfway to the goal. "We're proud to support the work of the Spirit Sands Medical Clinic Board on this significant and vital capital project for the community," said Sunrise Credit Union CEO/President Tim Klassen. We believe in giving back to the community, and we are proud to support this new build. Together, we can ensure that our family and neighbours have access to healthcare for future generations." The project is expected to commence in the spring of 2025 and will take approximately one year to complete.  

Westman Communications Group (WCG), a local, member-owned cooperative providing premium telecommunication services to communities across the province of Manitoba, is poised to launch a new era of Internet for its customers. Starting in January 2025, the cooperative will refresh its Internet name from “XSTREAM” to “Connect” Internet, upgrading the speed of every Internet plan, with select communities having multi-gig service available at launch. WCG is also introducing an expanded selection of features in its newly rebranded WCG Connect Wi-Fi app. Over the past year, WCG has made tremendous investments in infrastructure upgrades and is excited to usher in a new era of Internet that will bring faster speeds and more reliable Internet services to its customers. Members can expect upgraded Internet speeds up to four times faster than they currently have, multi-gig options, revamped Internet packages, expansive new features for the app, including safe search, content restrictions, parental alerts, security, and security alarm features for an overall improved connected experience. Connect Internet embodies the core of what WCG stands for: connecting individuals, families, loved ones, and communities across Manitoba. No matter how members choose to use their Internet—for streaming, gaming, working, or staying in touch—WCG is dedicated to providing faster speeds and multi-gig options. With more devices in Manitoba households every year, WCG understands the need for higher download speeds. As a local choice for fast, affordable Internet services, WCG is proud to offer customers connectivity that keeps up with the demands of today’s technology. WCG customers can expect faster Internet in January, with multi-gig availability coming soon. For more information about Westman Communications Group and its services, visit https://westmancom.com.

We are proud to announce that nearly $37,000 will be disbursed through this fall’s Building Communities Grant Program, a testament to Sunrise Credit Union's commitment to supporting impactful projects in communities. For this fall's program, we meticulously reviewed close to 50 applications, ensuring that four deserving projects, each representing a diverse aspect of our community, were selected for funding based on the criteria outlined in the guidelines. "The Building Communities Grant Program continues to be a resounding success, supporting a varied range of community organizations and initiatives in the areas Sunrise Credit Union serves," said CEO/President Tim Klassen, "We're especially pleased with the diversity of this fall's recipients, supporting mental health and wellness for youth and seniors, assisting with new construction of a new community amenity and honouring our historic past." The Westman Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association will receive a $16,000 grant to help develop school mental health resource libraries in seven Sunrise Credit Union communities: Boissevain, Deloraine, Hartney, Melita, Reston, Virden, and Waskada. The resource library will have age-appropriate and professionally reviewed, sourced, and supported literature via paper and online books, wellness activities, and mental health content, including directories for available support through local, provincial, and national services and programs. The Deloraine Agricultural Society 'Share the Shed' project will receive a $12,500 grant. The project will see the construction of an open-sided shed at the fairgrounds. It will be used to host many events such as poker, bands, cornhole, and other entertainment. The structure would benefit the Deloraine Ag Society and other organizations within Deloraine. A grant of $5,318 will allow the Pipestone Memorial Park Committee to complete its fundraising goal and finish its project. The project, which has revitalized a vacant lot into an attractive, inclusive green space, is a testament to the program's contribution to community development. The park's centrepiece, the cenotaph, symbolizes the community's commitment to preserving history. The Cypress River Senior Centre is currently undergoing updates, and a $3,000 grant will assist with these renovations. Specifically, the grant will cover the cost of replacing the Centre's baseboard heaters and the related electrical work, demonstrating the program's support for community facilities. Since its launch in the fall of 2024, the Building Communities Grant Program has contributed $131,318 to 11 projects and initiatives, each significantly impacting and enriching our community. The next intake period for the program will be in the spring of 2025, offering more opportunities to inspire and shape our community's future.