Barriere Welcomes First Baby of 2026: A Joyful Arrival

Five-year-old Katie Proulx has welcomed a new addition to her family, as her little sister, Vivienne Proulx, was born at 8:31 a.m. on January 3, 2026, at Royal Inland Hospital. This joyful event marks Vivienne as the first baby born in Barriere for the year. Weighing in at six pounds and 13 ounces, both mother and daughter are reported to be healthy.

Katie’s parents, Morgan and Jordan Proulx, expressed their excitement about Vivienne’s arrival, noting that this is their second child. Morgan shared, “It feels really great. We actually took a long time to have her. We went through fertility issues, and so we’re really lucky.” The anticipation surrounding Vivienne’s birth was palpable, especially for Katie, who had been eagerly waiting for a sibling.

Katie was present at the hospital to meet her sister for the first time. Morgan recounted the moment, saying, “She was in the bassinet, and daddy brought her in, and she was just speechless.” The family had the opportunity to prepare Katie for Vivienne’s arrival by telling her a late Christmas present was on its way, as Vivienne’s due date was January 5.

Celebrating New Beginnings

Now back at home, Katie is enjoying her role as a big sister, proudly showing her stuffed animals to Vivienne. The Proulx family has deep roots in the Barriere area, with Vivienne and Katie representing the fifth generation of their family to grow up there. Jordan’s family owns a farm locally, further connecting the family to the community.

The couple praised the care they received at Royal Inland Hospital, particularly during the birth process. Morgan explained that they had to opt for a C-section, describing it as “a little scary,” but commended the hospital staff for their support. “They explained everything, and she came perfectly,” she said.

The arrival of Barriere’s first baby of the new year was an unexpected yet thrilling development for the family. Currently, they are taking their time to enjoy this special moment. Jordan, who works as the supervisor-manager at Gilbert Smith mill, is taking six weeks off to bond with his newborn daughter.

As Katie grows alongside Vivienne, the two sisters are likely to share countless memories and experiences together, fostering a lifelong bond. For now, the family is immersing themselves in the joy of their newest member.