Human remains were recently discovered near The Pas.

On August 17th, The Pas RCMP were notified of possible human remains that had been located outside an address in Umpherville. Officers attended the scene and discovered the remains between two residences.

An autopsy was conducted on August 19th. RCMP confirmed the remains are those of a newborn infant or fetus.

If anyone has any information they feel would be helpful to the investigation, they are asked to contact The Pas RCMP detachment at 204-627-6204.

Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services, The Pas RCMP, and the Office of the Medical Examiner continue to investigate.

On September 1st, agencies from The Pas and OCN will gather for the monthly Commanders Cup.

The Pas RCMP, Manitoba First Nation Police Services, The Pas Fire Department, OCN Fire Department, Manitoba Conservation, Shared Health – EMS, The Pas Community Safety Officers, and The Pas Correctional Centre will all have members in attendance, ready to talk.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet with agency members to discuss how they can improve or ask questions. It’s a chance to enjoy a good cup of coffee and meet and talk with local agency members.

The event creates conversation and respectful dialogue between agencies and the community members they serve. The Commanders Cup will take place at A&W in The Pas between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on September 1st.

The Town of The Pas would like to inform residents that Maple Leaf Construction has returned to town to begin its paving and patching program.

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Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute, in conjunction with the Kelsey School Division, will be paving Wadelius Drive between Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute and Scott Bateman. Large-scale patches for Bagshaw, Reader and Trager will be repaired as well. The town is reminding those on the roads to drive with caution around work crews.

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The crews will also be working on the outdoor courts, as the next step in completing the upgrade requires a new layer of asphalt. The town of The Pas says new tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts are coming soon. Keep an eye on the Kelsey Recreation and Wellness Centre Facebook page for updates on this project.

The Pas-Kameesak MLA Jennifer Flett is now officially a member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly.

Flett was sworn in Yesterday following her victory in the July 21st by-election, where she won the seat with more than 74 percent of the vote.

Flett, who ran as the NDP candidate, now takes her place in the Legislature as part of the NDP caucus.

She will represent residents of the Pas-Kameesak riding at the provincial level, including The Pas and Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

Her swearing-in formally marks the start of her term as MLA.

A week-long cultural camp in Opaskwayak will offer young people a chance to learn traditional skills and spend time with local Elders.

The Back to the Land Youth and Elder Cultural Camp takes place August 23rd through 28th at the OCN Arbor Site.

Activities include bear grease making, Cree teachings, medicine teachings, assorted crafts, fishing and filleting, and land-based activities.

Youth ages six to 17 are welcome, although children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, contact Nancy Martin at 431-355-0631.

The Town of The Pas is reminding prospective candidates to register for the upcoming general municipal election, set for October 28th. They are looking for people with fresh ideas, diverse experiences, and a desire to make a difference. The Town of The Pas says the community benefits from a wide array of candidates with different backgrounds and views. 

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Prospective candidates must register with the Senior Election Official before they can accept contributions, incur expenses, fundraise, or borrow money for their campaign.

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Registration forms can be picked up from the Town of The Pas Office. You can also register by contacting Julie Fothergill, the Senior Election Official, at 204-281-3415.

Firefighters in The Pas have spent the past several weeks building their skills in several specialized rescue training exercises.

Members recently took part in Surface Water Rescue training delivered by instructors from the Manitoba Emergency Services College. The course included classroom instruction as well as hands-on exercises in the Pasquia River, where firefighters practiced water rescue techniques and boat operations.

For some members, the training also provided their first experience driving a boat.

The department says maintaining strong water rescue capabilities is especially important in the region, with numerous lakes, rivers, and waterways surrounding the community.

Firefighters have also been working on advanced vehicle extrication techniques. During one training scenario, crews practiced stabilizing and lifting the front end of a rolled-over vehicle 90 degrees, a maneuver known as a “vehicle taco”, to create safe access to potential patients.

The department says the training allows members to refine their technical skills and prepare for the high-pressure situations they may face when responding to emergencies across the region.

The Pas Fire Department has been keeping its crews busy over the past several weeks, taking part in a series of specialized training exercises designed to strengthen emergency response skills.

Firefighters have been working through hazardous materials operations training, including the use of the Emergency Response Guidebook to quickly identify dangerous substances, establish safety perimeters, and determine appropriate evacuation or containment strategies.

Members have also been practicing with Class A HazMat suits, working through the procedures for safely putting on, operating in, and removing the fully vapour-protective equipment.

The department says this type of ongoing training is essential to keeping firefighters prepared for high-risk incidents, including chemical spills and other hazardous material emergencies.

The continued professional development helps ensure crews are ready to protect The Pas and surrounding communities when emergencies happen.

The Kelsey Learning Center will soon open registrations for the new school year for those interested in adult learning. The Kelsey Learning Center has been serving the tri-communities of The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and the Rural Municipality of Kelsey since 1996, helping adults achieve their Mature High School Diploma.

Cam Nagle, the Education Director at The Kelsey Learning Center, talks about what they offer.

Registration begins on August 31st, and classes begin on September 10th. You can drop in to pick up a registration form at UCN, room 264, or you can call 204-627-8562 to register.

Thompson RCMP have made a significant drug and firearm seizure as part of an ongoing investigation.

On August 13th, officers executed search warrants at residences on Queens Bay and Juniper Drive, along with a targeted traffic stop.

Police seized approximately 100 grams of cocaine, 746 grams of a cutting agent, a large amount of Canadian currency and drug paraphernalia.

They also seized a loaded .357 Magnum revolver reported stolen from Winnipeg, a 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition.

Three men, 49-year-old Louis Saindon and 41-year-old Michael Naylor, both of Thompson, and 21-year-old Mohamed Aman-Shekow of Calgary, face multiple charges, including drug trafficking and firearm offences.

All three were remanded into custody.

Two Flin Flon females, ages 17 and 21, were also arrested and released on undertakings.

The investigation continues.

The Town of The Pas is getting ready to celebrate Culture Days this fall.

Former Mayor Andre Murphy has officially proclaimed September 18th through October 3rd as Culture Days in the community.

The proclamation recognizes the important role arts, culture and heritage play in strengthening the community, improving quality of life, and connecting people of different interests, abilities and cultures.

Culture Days is a national initiative designed to connect people with creators while encouraging greater understanding, appreciation and exploration of arts, culture and heritage.

The Town of The Pas says it has been a long-standing participant in the initiative, which highlights the importance of culture beginning at the local level.

The proclamation was officially dated August 10th and signed by Murphy just before he resigned from office.

The Manitoba First Nations Police Service says 19 impaired drivers have been caught over the past month as officers continue proactive traffic enforcement in Opaskwayak Cree Nation, The Pas and surrounding areas.

Police say the enforcement has involved both alcohol- and drug-impaired driving, with officers using Approved Drug Screening Equipment to detect substances including cocaine and cannabis.

In the latest incidents, police arrested a 55-year-old Moose Lake man who was prohibited from driving after he was found impaired by alcohol near Big Eddy Access Road.

Police also stopped a 33-year-old Moose Lake man near the Casino on August ninth, who provided breath samples more than twice the legal limit.

MFNPS says drivers caught impaired can face licence suspensions, vehicle impoundments, fines and criminal charges.

Police are reminding motorists that impaired driving puts everyone on the road at risk.

Curbside recycling pickup is coming to The Pas.

Starting Monday, August 17th, Tri-Com Recycling will begin collecting recyclables around town, following the same routes as regular garbage collection.

Residents are asked to have their recycling at the curb on their regular garbage collection day. Recyclables should be clean, free of garbage, and easily accessible for collection crews.

Residents are reminded that properly sorting and cleaning recyclables helps keep more material out of the landfill and gives those materials a second life.

Drop-off started again at the recycling center last month after service was stopped earlier this year.

The community is also being encouraged to share the information with friends and family as curbside recycling gets underway.

The Town of The Pas held a special council meeting last week to formally acknowledge the resignation of Mayor Andre Murphy and to consider any related matters stemming from the vacancy.

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The office of Mayor Murphy was declared vacant effective August 10th. Councillors noted and highlighted the incredible display of dedication that Mayor Murphy had shown over the past eight years, saying that his absence would be a significant void to fill.

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Deputy Mayor Carrie Atkinson will serve as the acting Mayor until elections this October. If elected, she would be the first-ever female mayor for the town of The Pas.

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The action to appoint Atkinson as mayor was defeated due to a tied vote. Meaning, Deputy Mayor Atkinson will continue to carry out the duties of the mayor for the next 8 weeks, until the end of the current mayor's term.

The Pas Community Renewal Corporation is asking for community voices and feedback during their community consultation meeting today. The consultation serves to help develop their next 5-year strategic plan.

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In the past 3 years, TPCRC has contributed or invested over $420,000 in the community of The Pas through safety initiatives, economic development, youth, family, and recreation initiatives, and community engagement and events. TPCRC has also provided funding to community members through their Small Grants Initiative.

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TPCRC has been supporting the Pas community for the past 15 years, and the feedback from today's meeting will help them identify how they can continue to support the community in the future.

The meeting will be held today from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the A&W meeting room.

Opaskwayak Indigenous Days is heading into a busy Friday as the 61st anniversary celebrations continue.

Events are happening throughout the day, starting with the cross-country foot races at eight-thirty this morning.

The two-man golf tournament is underway at Halcrow Lake Golf and Country Club, while the Nathan McGillivary Youth Relay is taking place at JARS Track.

There’s also a co-ed slo-pitch tournament, youth soccer and the AFC Memorial Basketball Tournament for athletes aged 14 to 17.

This afternoon, the Shotgun Shoot takes place at Pike Lake at two o’clock.

And tonight, the Jesse Niquanicappo Memorial Youth Talent Show and Sonny McGillivary Adult Talent Show take over the GLMC beginning at five.

The Manitoba First Nations Police Service is inviting indigenous youth to take part in a free Youth Cadet Camp later this month.

The camp runs August 24th to 27th at the Manitoba First Nations Police Service Training Academy in Southport, Manitoba, and is open to youth ages 14 to 17.

Participants will get hands-on experience through activities including crime scene investigations, police dog demonstrations, team challenges and a relay race, virtual reality and drone use, police response activities, and team-building exercises.

The camp is focused on leadership, teamwork, community, confidence and policing. Meals and snacks, travel and accommodations, and all camp activities are included.

First Nations youth from across the province are eligible and have until Saturday, August 15th to register, but organizers say spots are limited.

To register, contact the Manitoba First Nations Police Service's northern outreach liaison at outreachnorth@mfnp.ca.

The Opasquia Agricultural Society is preparing for another big Rodeo Weekend at the Ag Grounds in The Pas.

The annual event runs this weekend from the 14th through the 16th, featuring Manitoba Chuckwagons and Chariots, the Canadian Professional Bull Riding Association, bucking broncos, wild pony races, trick riders and pony rides.

Val Berscheid, President for the Ag Society, says they are also planning gymkhana events, the Tow a Tow Truck and Redneck Challenge, along with Friday evening beer gardens and open mic entertainment. A pancake breakfast is planned for Sunday.

The Ag Society says it is also making improvements to the grounds, including accessible and seniors’ playground equipment, new benches, and ten additional trees.

Last year’s Rodeo Weekend attracted about two thousand people from the local area and beyond, providing a boost to hotels, restaurants, retailers and other local businesses.

A major night of entertainment is coming up tonight as Opaskwayak Indigenous Days continues its 61st anniversary celebrations.

Flo Rida is headlining tonight’s OID concert at the GLMC.

The concert gets underway at 7 p.m.

The international recording artist is the featured performer as OID moves into the final days of its week-long celebration.

Earlier in the day, plenty is happening around Opaskwayak, including traditional events, the AFC Memorial Basketball Tournament, co-ed volleyball and the Stronger Man and Woman competition.

The crowning of the OID Princesses is also scheduled for 4 p.m. at OID Park, before tonight’s concert.

The Pas Chamber of Commerce held its August general meeting earlier this month on August 5th. One topic that was heavily discussed was community safety, particularly around loitering, public intoxication, and discarded needles near businesses. 

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The Chamber and the Tri-Community are continuing to work on long-term solutions. In the meantime, they have shared a few practical, low-cost steps to help businesses make their storefronts less inviting to loiterers.

Restrict public access to Wi-Fi, and turn off exterior power outlets and water taps that aren't needed for customers or staff. Add or improve exterior lighting, especially near entrances, alleys, and parking areas. Install visible security cameras (even signage indicating cameras are present can help). Post "No Loitering” or “Private Property" signage at entrances and along the perimeter of your property. Trim or remove hedges, vines, or other landscaping that blocks sightlines from the street, so your storefront is easy to see into and out of. If you have built-in seating, ledges, or steps that attract lingering, consider redesigning them to be less comfortable to sit on for extended periods. For businesses working alone or after hours, consider a buzzer or video entry system so you can see who's at the door before letting them in.

To report ongoing issues at your property, call Community Safety Officers at 431-355-0499 or the RCMP non-emergency line at 204-627-6200. The Chamber notes that reporting incidents helps build the statistics they need to support further funding and resources for community safety initiatives.

The Beatrice Wilson Health Center is set to hold a preschool fair on August 18th. Parents of children who are between the ages of 4 and 6 and heading to school this fall can attend an afternoon designed to help get their children prepared for school.

Parents can drop in for nutrition ideas, Jordan’s Principle OT and PT assessments, Maternal Child Health program, mental health services, and CNTH dental care. There will also be a draw to win a smoothie maker. Nurses will be on site to provide assessments and immunizations.

The preschool fair runs from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 - 3:30 PM on August 18th. Any questions can be directed to the Public Health team at 204-627-7410.

The Pas Fire Department is reporting strong progress in training, emergency response and community service.

Firefighters have responded to 24 calls for service, totalling nearly 480 man-hours. Weekly training has included auto extrication, live-fire operations and search and rescue.

Three members recently earned their NFPA 1001 Level One certification, while two successfully completed Level Two testing.

That Level Two achievement is especially significant, as it marks the first time since the 1990s that members of the department have obtained that certification.

The department has also remained active in the community, hosting five fire hall tours for 75 children and assisting with flood and wildfire response deployments in Swan River and Lynn Lake.

The Clearwater Lake Airport is also moving ahead with several infrastructure and maintenance projects this summer.

Painting and siding at the airport terminal has been completed. An airfield painting is also scheduled to be completed this month, with supplies already on site.

The airport is upgrading lighting in the hangar and terminal, while preventative electrical maintenance is planned for later this summer to improve reliability.

Equipment upgrades are continuing as well. The airport loader is expected back in service this month, with the deicer scheduled to return in late August.

Terminal improvements are also planned, including new flooring, seating and a mural, which is expected to be completed in August.

Town of the Pas Mayor Andre Murphy officially stepped down as mayor on Monday, August 10th, after eight years of municipal service, including the last four as mayor.

In a statement, the outgoing mayor says the decision was difficult, but the opportunity to be closer to family and grandchildren made it the right choice.

The mayor thanked residents and colleagues for their support, challenges and partnership over the years.

While leaving office, the mayor says The Pas will always be home, adding that this is not goodbye, but more of a “see you later.”

It’s a busy day of celebrations today as Opaskwayak Indigenous Days continues its 61st anniversary.

The Arnold Constant Memorial Parade is taking place at noon along the main route.

The parade is one of several events happening throughout the day, with Angel Races and children’s races taking place this morning.

Opaskwayak Indigenous Days celebrations continue this afternoon at Pike Lake.

A community barbecue gets underway at one-thirty, followed by children’s canoe races at two-thirty.

At three o’clock, children’s singing and the shooting of the arrows will take place.

Then at three-thirty, the focus turns to traditional dress and a pow wow.

The afternoon wraps up with the men’s and women’s canoe race at five o’clock.

The Pike Lake events are part of today’s OID celebrations, bringing together culture, tradition, family and community.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to come out and take part in today’s celebrations.

Around 450 young indigenous athletes from across Manitoba are taking part in five sports — golf, basketball, archery, track and field, and ball hockey. Lacrosse is also being featured as a demonstration sport.

The Games officially opened yesterday with a ceremony at the Sagkeeng Arena Multiplex, featuring a grand entry led by Sagkeeng Elder and former Front Runner Patrick Bruyere, along with drummers and dancers from Sagkeeng High School.

Bruyere was one of ten First Nations athletes chosen in 1967 to carry the Pan American Games torch on an 800-kilometre journey from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Winnipeg.

Sagkeeng says the Games are about more than competition — they're an opportunity for youth to build relationships, represent their communities and take pride in their achievements.

The Nation has also invested in a new track-and-field area and upgrades to its lacrosse rink, leaving lasting recreational and wellness benefits for the community.

Cultural events continue throughout the week, including a traditional sweat today, a Round Dance Wednesday and a Much Dance Thursday.