On June 11, 2010, MorinvilleNews.com launched with a clear mission: “Get the news while it is still news.” For nearly 15 years, that mission shaped every decision we made, every story we told, and every late night spent delivering timely, accurate coverage of this community. That chapter of our work ends today.
From the start, MorinvilleNews.com was an unconventional idea—a digital-only news outlet in a market then dominated by a long-standing weekly print paper. But we earned our place by staying focused on what mattered: delivering relevant news to Morinville readers.
Over the years, we’ve faced our share of challenges. Social media changed how people consume news, and we were there from day one, adapting along the way. We weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, balancing a surge in the number of articles we needed to do with a drop in advertising revenue. Over the past 17 months, the federal government’s media policies further disrupted the industry when Facebook banned news outlets like us from their platform, adding to an already uphill climb.
Through it all, our goal has remained the same: keeping Morinville informed as best we could. None of this would have been possible without the support of our advertisers, many of whom have been with us since the beginning. Their commitment made it possible to deliver consistent, quality coverage for nearly 15 years. However, our involvement in community news now ends, including providing content to the other publication in town for their print edition.
MorinvilleNews.com has never been a solo effort. Lucie Roy’s dedication to capturing the community in her articles and photos added immense value over the years because of her having an ear to the ground, knowing the pulse of the community and a sincere love for the same. Colin Smith’s council coverage provided residents with insights into the decisions shaping the town. To Lucie and Colin, I owe tremendous appreciation that these few words fall short of ever conveying. Many others contributed along the way, and their efforts are also appreciated.
While MorinvilleNews.com will no longer produce or syndicate local news, my company, Pawn Marketing & Publishing Inc. and Soaring Pig Studios is not closing. That work continues, as it has for years, but will now be my sole focus as I move closer to full retirement.
MorinvilleNews.com will remain online for the time being as an archive of 15 years of stories—a resource for those who want to revisit the milestones, achievements, and moments that defined this community and which we collectively have tried to record.
Thank you, Morinville, for your support and for allowing us to tell your stories for the past 15 years.
Oh, and before I go, Ron Cust was Joe Morinville. So now you know.
Stephen Dafoe
Editor and Publisher
MorinvilleNews.com
-30-
Living in Fort Saskatchewan, but having spent 8 years working in Morinville, you have provided me with that link to the news happening in Morinville. I looked forward each day to learn what was new.
Good luck with your remaining work as you move towards retirement.
Andy Isbister
All good things come to an end, it was good while it lasted.
Steven, you have been a key to the Town of Morinville and Community happenings, supporting the surrounding communities and towns with important news. I have lived in this town for the past 19 years and looked forward to reading your online news each and every post. It is unfortunate that we will not have the ease of access to read MorinvilleNews.com, “What’s Happening” online.
Thank you Stephen Dafoe for your untiring efforts and integrity while providing the news to everyone. I know that I certainly appreciated everything that you have done. Thank you falls far short for the credit you deserve.
Thanks very much for the good words, Stephen. It’s been a pleasure contributing to Morinville News over the years. I’m sure it will be missed by its readers.
Going to miss this for sure. Very best wishes for your future.
I too will miss getting the “news while it’s still news”. I will also miss being asked if I was “joe morinville ” ……..to which I would always respond, I cannot confirm or deny that I am or am not! It was fun, and I didn’t want to be ruled out as being Joe Morinville.
Stephen, a job well done by dy a grumpy (approaching old) guy with big heart and tones of community spirit.
When next we meet, and spirts are sold, the next two will be on me.
Thx for the work and memories.
Joe.
When I worked for the Town this was my source of what was happening. I found out first hand from the Morinville news so I could pass the information on to our wonderful residents. I too had to move on from a position I loved and served my community and the residents. All the best!
Thanks to you and your teams tireless efforts in keeping our community in the loop . All the best in the futue