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Friday, June 26, 2026

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Oak River celebrates store grand opening

By Anne Davison

Oak River Country Store has made a comeback and celebrated its official opening over two days, June 19 and 20. Last year when Valleyview Coop shuttered the store it looked like the end. But that was not to be.

Enthusiasm was running high as community people turned out at noon both days to enjoy hot dogs on the grill.

MLA for Riding Mountain constituency Greg Nesbitt attended Friday and on Saturday Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations MLA Glen Simard cut the red ribbon..

Originally from the small community of St. Lazare, Simard said he’s thrilled to see this small community’s resilience.

RM of Oakview Councillor Bill Aaroe, a resident of Oak River, said Oak River has affordable living and noted that council made an effort to tidy up, making the hamlet an appealing home.

The efforts and enthusiasm of local people led by Robert (Bob) Turnbull, chair of the Community Development Corporation, have made this little store come to life again to serve the people of the community.

The Co-op had turned the building over for a Dollar, and once it was determined that the building was serviceable, the CDC forged ahead with a cleanup, repairs, some paint, and

plans which included finding staff and stocking the shelves.

“We’ve set aside $65,000 for the project,” says Councillor. Aaroe. “As long as we make enough money to pay the staff, pay maintenance on the building, and pay for replacement of stock, we don't have to make money… this is a community-owned venture.”

Ken Jaworski a recent resident of Oak River, has stepped up to become store manager. It’s a change in career paths for him.

“I'm a graphic designer,” said Jaworski, “and AI is killing my career.”

He’s not brand new to running a store.

Just prior to Covid, he’d turned his hand to running a small store. It relied on tourism to one of Manitoba’s lovely parks. The pandemic slowed the traffic run and the Jaworski family made the decision to close. They moved to Oak River in part because it was affordable and had high speed Internet available.

Kathy Krahn, also relatively new to Oak River is on staff.

Now Oak River Country Store shelves carry necessities and the coffee’s on in a nook near the front door. Country Crocus Bakeshop supplies bread and fresh bakery items. The storage room carries livestock feed supplies.