With the August long weekend seeing many people heading out to go camping, swimming, or participating in community events, the RCMP has safety tips for everyone to keep in mind.

?

Expect increased police presence and traffic enforcement. Follow posted speed limits. Drivers may be required to provide a roadside breath sample during traffic or check stops. Refusal can result in a criminal charge or driving sanctions. Alcohol and cannabis must be stored out of the driver’s reach. If you plan to consume alcohol or cannabis, arrange a safe ride. Check the weather forecast before you go.

?

RCMP say these safety reminders will help everyone have a safe and enjoyable August long weekend.

Opaskwayak Indigenous Days will be holding a children's fair on Saturday, August 15th. Kids can enjoy a mobile zipline, climbing wall, swing ride and bouncy castles.

 The Fair will also feature 2 magicians, illusionist and comedy magician Brian Glow and Metis magician Chanelle Monroe. Chanelle will be performing from noon until 2:00 PM, and Brian will be performing from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. 

The children’s fair will run from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the OCN Veterans Hall. Admission is free, and free snacks will be available at the fair as well.

There is an upcoming opportunity for nature-lovers during a weekend retreat getaway. On August 7th-9th, the Aurora Summer Ecotourism Retreat- Night On The Land will be held in Cranberry Portage. Giving participants the chance to connect with the land and experience the magic of nature.

The retreat includes a guided canoe adventure, ethical foraging and wild plant teachings, outdoor cooking over the fire, an overnight wilderness camp experience, fishing, swimming, and wilderness yoga and mindfulness. The retreat offers the chance to wind down and enjoy a slower-paced few days in nature, while learning new skills.

The fee to register is $300. To register, go to www.aurorasacredhealing.net. For more information on the retreat, call 204-620-2149.

The Pas RCMP say a woman is safe after a large emergency response Wednesday afternoon.

Just before 3 p.m. on July 29th, officers were called to the Bignell Bridge following reports that a woman had entered the water.

The incident prompted a coordinated search involving RCMP, The Pas Fire Department, EMS, Manitoba First Nations Police Service, and First Nation Safety Officers.

Police say the woman was later found safe. The Pas RCMP are thanking all emergency responders and partner agencies for their quick response and teamwork during the incident.

The Cranberry Portage Challenge is fast approaching.

This is the second year of the canoe event taking place from Cranberry through Lake Athapap.

The event looks to display the history and traditions of the portage. Dolly Charlotte, Kids Event Coordinator for the challenge, shares on the event.

Following the paddle and portage, the event will wrap up with a tea boiling on the banks of Lake Athapap.

There are both youth and adult divisions; the deadline to register is August first and the event will take place in Cranberry on August 3^rd with races starting at 10 am. Register at cranberryportagewinterfest.com

The Manitoba government is launching an independent review of the province's Child and Family Services funding and governance system.

Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine says the review will strengthen the child welfare system, improve transparency and better support children, youth and families.

The current funding model was introduced in 2019 and has never undergone a comprehensive review.

The province says it has added more than $77 million in annual funding to Child and Family Services since 2023 to address growing pressures.

An external consulting firm will examine funding, financial oversight and governance, while consulting with Child and Family Services agencies, Indigenous leaders and other partners.

The review is expected to begin later this year and take about 12 months to complete.

The Pas RCMP are crediting quick action for helping prevent injuries during an early morning house fire.

Police say officers responded to a report of a residential fire on Bell Avenue just before 3 a.m. on July 26. When they arrived, they found an attached garage engulfed in flames, with heavy smoke pouring from the building.

Officers woke the 56-year-old homeowner, who told them several pets were still inside. RCMP members safely removed all of the animals before firefighters arrived and brought the blaze under control.

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire has not been released.

The Pas Community Renewal Corporation has announced the cancellation of its annual Street Festival for 2026.

The organization says the popular event, which was set to mark its 17th year, is being cancelled because it was unable to secure the funding needed to host the festival. Organizers also say the event requires a large staff to operate, and many volunteers and staff members are currently on leave.

The Renewal Corporation says no other organization will be taking over the festival, noting it remains a TPCRC economic development initiative.

Despite this year's cancellation, organizers say planning is already underway to bring the Street Festival back in 2027. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Interim Executive Director Holly LaJambe through the Pas Community Renewal Corporation.

Residents of The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and Flin Flon are invited to take part in a World Hepatitis Day community outreach event today.

In The Pas and OCN, the event runs from 11 am until 3 pm and includes education, immunization information, outreach testing, games and a free community barbecue. It will take place at the GLMC

Hepatitis C is spread through blood-to-blood contact, but many people don't know they're infected because symptoms may not appear for years. That's why early testing is so important. Detecting hepatitis early allows people to access treatment sooner, reducing the risk of serious liver disease and helping prevent transmission to others.

Health officials encourage everyone to learn the risks, ask questions, and take advantage of the free resources available during the event.

The event in Flin Flon in support of awareness and World Hepatitis Day will take place at the primary health center from Noon to 1:30.

A 75% majority vote elected Jennifer Flett as NDP MLA for the Pas-Kammesak region in the July 21st byelection. Here, Jennifer talks about the results of the byelection and stepping into her new role.

Jennifer notes the need for improved healthcare in northern communities and says she wants to focus on Infrastructure, including the roads on highways 6, 10, and 60, to promote safety when travelling. Issues around economic development and local entrepreneurship are a priority as well.

For more information on Jennifer Flett, visit mbndp.ca.

Manitoba RCMP are reminding motorists to slow down after two traffic stops near The Pas resulted in fines and charges.

North District Traffic Services officers were conducting patrols around the community on July 22nd when they stopped two vehicles travelling at excessive speeds.

Just after 6 p.m., officers clocked a vehicle travelling 126 kilometres an hour in a 100-kilometre zone on Highway 283 near Marlow Road.

The 67-year-old Flin Flon man provided a breath sample, blew a warning, and admitted to consuming alcohol. He was issued an Immediate Roadside Prohibition, had his driver’s licence suspended, and his vehicle was towed. He was also fined 391 dollars for speeding.

About an hour later, the same officer stopped another vehicle on Ralls Island Road after it was recorded travelling 107 kilometres an hour in a 70 zone.

The 32-year-old Ralls Island woman was unable to provide a driver’s licence, and officers also found a child in the vehicle who was not secured in a car seat.

She was issued fines totalling 838 dollars under the Highway Traffic Act.

RCMP are reminding drivers that speeding and unsafe driving put everyone on the road at risk.

The Town of The Pas is encouraging residents with a passion for their community to consider running for municipal office.

The next municipal election is set for October 28th, when voters will choose a mayor and town councillors for the next four years.

Candidate registration is now open, and anyone interested in putting their name forward must complete the registration process before September 22nd.

Municipal leaders play an important role in shaping decisions on issues like community safety, infrastructure, recreation, economic development, and municipal services.

The Town says a strong election starts with community members stepping forward to help guide the future of The Pas.

Residents interested in becoming a candidate can contact the Town of The Pas for more information on the registration process.

Women across the North will have local access to breast cancer screening services this summer.

CancerCare Manitoba’s BreastCheck mobile screening clinic will be making stops in both Flin Flon and The Pas.

The clinic will be in Flin Flon from now to August 7th at the Flin Flon Primary Health Care Centre on North Avenue.

It will then travel to The Pas from August 10th to the 27th, offering appointments at The Pas Health Complex.

Women between the ages of 45 and 74 can book a screening appointment by calling 1-855-952-4325.

Health officials say regular mammograms are important because they can detect breast cancer early, sometimes before symptoms appear, improving treatment options and outcomes.

The Pas Kameesak has a new Member of the Legislative Assembly; Jennifer Flett won the seat in yesterday’s election with a landslide victory.

The riding has had a long-standing NDP stronghold, and yesterday's election results reflected that when Flett won with 75% of the vote coming in favour of the NDP.

Former MLA Amanda Lathlin held the seat for over a decade before her passing back in March.

Flett captured 2,635 votes, PC candidate Edna Nabess had 616 votes, Liberal Candidate Dan Quesnel took in 165 votes, and Wally Daudrich of the Keystone Party finished last with 105 votes.

There was over a 35% voter turnout in the constituency.

The NDP currently hold 34 seats in the Manitoba Legislature.

Two community co-operative projects in the Tri-Community area are looking to build services aimed at supporting local families and seniors.

The Northern Lights Seniors’ Non-Profit Housing Co-op has secured 26,500 dollars in seed funding from the Moffat Family Fund, the RM of Kelsey, and the Tri-Community Foundation to help move a proposed seniors’ housing development forward.

Meanwhile, the Three Rivers Childcare Co-op says it is just two people away from officially incorporating as a non-profit co-operative.

The group is looking to fill two board positions, Vice-Chair and Secretary-Treasurer, before it can complete its legal paperwork, apply for major capital grants, and begin securing a location for a 24/7, licensed childcare facility in the Tri-Community area.

The roles are open to anyone willing to help support local families, economic growth, and shift workers, with guidance provided.

The group is also asking residents to complete its childcare needs survey, saying community data will help demonstrate demand and unlock future funding opportunities.

The Town of The Pas is receiving nearly 48-thousand dollars through the Manitoba Criminal Forfeiture Fund to support community safety efforts.

The funding was announced during a formal awards ceremony held June 18th at The Pas RCMP Detachment.

The grant will be used to purchase video equipment designed to enhance safety in high-risk areas throughout the community.

The request for funding was developed through consultations between the Town’s Community Safety Officer Management, Mayor and Council, and the Chief Administrative Officer.

The Manitoba Criminal Forfeiture Fund uses proceeds from the sale of forfeited property to support crime prevention initiatives, law enforcement training, and community-based programs.

The Town of The Pas says the equipment will help support ongoing efforts to improve safety and well-being for residents and visitors.

Voters across The Pas-Kameesak head to the polls today to elect a new representative at the Manitoba Legislature.

The by-election was called after the passing of longtime NDP MLA Amanda Lathlin earlier this year. Four candidates are running for the seat: Jennifer Flett for the NDP, Edna Nabess for the Progressive Conservatives, Dan Quesnel for the Manitoba Liberals, and Wally Daudrich for the Keystone Party.

The riding includes The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Grand Rapids, Peguis and several surrounding communities. Polls will be open today from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Voters are reminded to bring accepted identification before casting their ballot.

Polling stations in The Pas will be set up at 273 Fisher Avenue. A full list of polling stations across the province is available at electionsmanitoba.ca.

Election results should be available late in the evening.

Sandy Bay First Nation released a statement Saturday, saying thoughts and prayers are with Amanda Nobiss’s family, friends, colleagues, and everyone affected by the tragedy.

Police say the woman was found deceased early July 17 after travelling to Sandy Bay First Nation on behalf of a non-profit animal rescue organization. The circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation by the Manitoba First Nations Police Service.

Sandy Bay Chief and Council say the community has been dealing with ongoing concerns involving stray and aggressive dogs, and has been working on safe and humane solutions to address the issue.

The First Nation says outside organizations and individuals have been advised that independent animal retrieval activities are not authorized without approval from the community and oversight from police or First Nations security officers.

Chief and Council are asking the public not to speculate or assign blame while the investigation continues. They say the community remains committed to finding long-term solutions that protect both residents and animals.

Thompson RCMP used drones and extra police resources to track down a suspect who fled into the bush after a traffic stop Last Thursday afternoon.

Around 2:30 p.m., officers spotted a speeding vehicle on Highway 391 and attempted to pull it over. The driver instead turned onto a gravel road, where the vehicle stopped at a dead end with five people inside.

Police say one man tossed a can of bear spray into a ditch before another suspect ran into dense bush. RCMP Police Dog Services and multiple drones were deployed to search the area.

About six hours later, a drone operator spotted the 21-year-old Thompson man hiding in a ditch along Highway 391. He was arrested without incident. Officers also found two full cans of bear spray in the vehicle.

Four males from Nelson House, including a 15-year-old youth, were charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and released. The Thompson man faces several charges, including flight from police, dangerous driving, resisting arrest and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Police say officers responded to a commercial alarm on the 1400 block of Main Street just before 5 a.m. on July 13. Investigators say two suspects arrived in a stolen orange Kubota UTV, smashed a window, and used the vehicle to pull open the business's front door. They then attached a strap to an ATM, dragged it outside, and fled the scene with it.

The UTV had been reported stolen the night before from another business on Main Street. It's described as a 2012 Kubota RTV 900XT with Alberta licence plate UTZ62.

One suspect was wearing a black hooded sweater with a white Reebok logo, along with a face covering and gloves. The second suspect wore a full-face ATV helmet marked with what appears to be a "V" or "VH."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dauphin RCMP.

Tomorrow, voters cast their votes to elect a new MLA in The Pas-Kammesak, in the provincial byelection. Amanda Lathlin passed in March, leaving the MLA seat empty. 

There are 4 candidates in the running: Jennifer Flett representing Manitoba's New Democratic Party, Dan Quesnel representing Manitoba’s Liberal Party, Edna Nabess representing The Progressive Conservatives, and Wally Daudrich representing The Keystone Party. 

Residents of The Pas-Kameesak electoral division are eligible to vote if they are Canadian citizens, are at least 18 years old on election day, and have lived in Manitoba for at least six months. All voters must show ID to register or vote. Voting is open on Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at any polling place in The Pas-Kammesak. To see a list of locations, go to electionsmanitoba.ca.

God's Lake RCMP have laid multiple charges after responding to reports of shots fired earlier this month.

Police say officers were called to the south side of God’s Lake Narrows on July 7th at around 3:30 p.m. Anishinaabe Peacekeepers reported seeing a man and woman leaving the area on a green ATV. RCMP quickly located the pair and searched the vehicle, finding two firearms hidden in a guitar case, along with ammunition, a knife and a small amount of methamphetamine.

A 30-year-old woman and 28-year-old Brett White, both from God’s Lake Narrows, were arrested. White was also allegedly prohibited from possessing firearms at the time.

Both initially faced several firearms-related charges and were released on undertakings. However, RCMP say White was arrested again on July 9th after allegedly breaching his court-ordered conditions. He now faces eight additional charges and has been remanded into custody.

The Pas Community Renewal Corporation just launched its small grants fund, providing funding for community events and capacity training. Holly Lejambe, the Interim Executive Director with TPCRC, explains how the grant process works.

Additional programming includes a drop-in makers circle on Wednesdays from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. A hemming workshop will take place next week. Holly adds that programming suggestions are welcome by calling 204-623-4269. All programming can be found on tpcrc.ca.

The Pas Community Renewal Corporation is asking for public input. TPCRC is in the process of developing its new strategic plan, which dictates the direction of the organization for the next five years. Holly Lejambe, the Interim Executive Director with TPCRC, explains.

Holly encourages other organizations, community groups, and individuals to take part in the survey. The results of the survey will impact future programming. To complete the survey, go to tpcrc.ca.

The Town of The Pas is applying for provincial funding to improve accessibility at the Civic Centre.

Council is considering an application to the Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream to help fund 250 thousand dollars in upgrades to the building's front entrance. The project is designed to improve access for residents and visitors while helping the Town meet accessibility standards.

The Town has already budgeted 137 thousand 500 dollars for the work, but would need to contribute an additional 12 thousand 500 dollars if the grant application is successful and the full project moves ahead.

Administration is recommending council approve the grant application and provide a letter of support to strengthen the Town's funding request.