École Scott Bateman Middle School is gearing up for big play tomorrow at École Opasquia School, The Scarlet Heart by Allison Williams!

 

Inspired by the early Italian theatre style of commedia dell'arte, The Scarlet Heart is an over-the-top comedic story about three thieves as they attempt to steal a valuable ruby, The Scarlet Heart, from an old miser, and the crazy circumstances that unfold throughout. As École Scott Bateman Middle School has not had a drama production in 10 years, the students have been hard at work to make an enjoyable show for all.

 

The play will take place at École Opasquia School at 6 PM tomorrow, May 14. The doors will open at 5:30 PM, and you can enter through the Constant Avenue doors. There will also be a silver collection at the door, so donate what you can, and enjoy the crazy, comedic fun of The Scarlet Heart!

With the Spring season in the air, it means for many people, it’s time for some Spring cleaning, and the Town of The Pas is here to help with their Spring Clean-Up Campaign!

 

The town will be providing trucks for the pick-up of yard waste, such as brush, leaves, grass clippings, and tree clippings. The town asks that you keep them protected from wind and animals, in disposable paper containers. Place them out before the pick-up begins, and there are no changes to the regular household garbage pick-up schedule.

 

The yard waste will be picked up on May 19^th for those on garbage days 1 and 2, May 20^th for days 3 and 4, and May 21^st for garbage day 5. A detailed list of instructions can be found on The Town of The Pas’ Facebook page. You can also call the Town Office at 204-627-1100 if you have any questions.

Jordan’s Principle is inviting you and your little ones down to the Opaskwayak Health Services Otineka Mall location today for Bear Witness Day!

 

Running from 1 to 4 PM, the event will feature a Teddy Bear Clinic, where you can bring in your favourite stuffed friend and have them get a checkup! Helping to show the doctor isn’t scary, while explaining the process to your kids so they better understand how a full checkup works, and why it’s so important!

 

There will also be draws, refreshments, games, face painting and education sessions throughout the day! So join Jordan’s Principle in honouring the legacy of Jordan River Anderson with Bear Witness Day!

It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday, a day to celebrate and show our appreciation to mothers for everything they do for us, and there are lots of events happening in the community to help celebrate this special day!

 

The Aseneskak Casino will be selling special chocolate-covered strawberries starting today, which would be the perfect gift for any mothers with a sweet tooth. The strawberries will only be available while supplies last, so get them while you can.

 

The Pas Legion Ladies Auxiliary Branch 19 will be holding their annual Mother’s Day Tea tomorrow, from 1 PM to 3 PM in the Métis Hall on 1515 Gordon Avenue. There will be door prizes, a cake walk, a 50/50 draw, a toonie table, and hampers. Admissions are $6 while kids under 5 get in for free.

 

The OCN Child and Family Services will also be holding a Mother’s Day Walking Derby on Sunday, starting at the Gordon Lathlin Memorial Centre, and running from noon to 3 PM. You will walk to 5 stations for great cash prizes, but the limit is two rounds, and prizes are for mothers only. Fruit and water will be provided for those walking.

 

So celebrate your mom out in the community this weekend, because being a mother is no easy job, and they deserve the recognition!

The Opaskwayak Cree Nation is committed to ensuring community safety and wants to share how they plan to address various concerns. That's why they will be holding a community safety meeting this Wednesday, May 6th.

 

The meeting will take place from 5 PM to 9 PM at the OCN Veteran’s Hall. You are invited to attend and learn about OCN's plans for community safety, as well as how they aim to address local concerns. Presentations will be given by the Manitoba First Nations Police Service, the OCN Government Services Branch, and the Opaskwayak Health Authority.

 

Dinner will be served, and door prizes will be available for attendees. For more information, please email executive@opaskwayak.ca.

Today is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, also known as Red Dress Day. Multiple events will be taking place in the community to honour and remember those who have been lost.

At The Pas Friendship Centre, red dress pin-making will be held from 1 to 4 PM. Then, starting at 5 PM, there will be a memorial walk. Those wishing to participate can meet behind the University College of the North campus. Following the walk, a candlelight vigil will be held at the Gordon Lathlin Memorial Centre at 7 PM. Food and beverages will be served at the vigil, but attendees are asked to bring their own chairs.

Come show your support, honour and remember those who have been lost, and stand together as a community to build a better future.

The Opaskwayak Cree Nation will be holding a community meeting tonight with the Lands and Natural Resources department to provide updates on the Land Exchange.

This meeting will cover various updates, including changes to PR 285 and Borrow Pits, the Stony Point Addition to the Reserve, and the OCN 21B Additions. Additional topics will include Provincial Trunk Highway 10 South and the Rocky Lake Access Road.

The meeting will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the Constant Room at the Kikiwak Inn. Refreshments will be served, and door prizes will be given to attendees. For more information, please contact Lands and Natural Resources at 204-627-7148.

The grinning treat that can’t be beat is back at Tim Hortons — that’s right, Smile Cookies are here! Available from today until Sunday, May 3, these smiling frosted chocolate chip cookies aren’t just a sweet treat.

All proceeds from the purchase of Smile Cookies are donated to a local charity or community group by Tim Hortons! This year, the group receiving donations is The Pas and Area Animal Shelter, an organization that cares for stray animals and finds them their forever homes.

So, help support a great cause and satisfy your sweet tooth by purchasing a Smile Cookie (or two!) this week — and feel good knowing that you’re not the only one smiling!

After a water main break caused it to be postponed for a few weeks, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #19 here in The Pas is happy to announce the return of Legion Bingo next week!

 

Happening on Wednesdays at 7 PM, with four rounds—each featuring cash prizes and a jackpot—Legion Bingo has been a staple and beloved community event for many years. The Legion has been working hard to get it back up and running.

 

For those wanting to purchase bingo cards, they can be bought at the Christ Church Parish Hall, across from The Pas Regional Library, starting April 28th. Cards will be available on Tuesdays from 10 AM to 4 PM and Wednesdays from 10 AM to 6 PM, until the Legion is able to sell them from the hall again. Please note, there is no ATM on-site, so buyers will need to bring cash.

 

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #19 thanks you for your patience during this time and encourages you to check their Facebook page for any updates on Bingo or any other events.

Today is Earth Day, a day to show our love for planet Earth, and there are some local events to help you celebrate being green!

 

The UCN Sustainability Committee will be holding a plant and seed swap event in The Pas Campus’ Lobby from noon to 6 PM, with live demonstrations on how to care for plants, take and prepare plant cuttings, start growing from seeds, and much more to help you cultivate your green thumb.

 

OCN Jordan’s Principle will be holding a contest to see how you care for our planet. Simply send a picture of you and your family or friends caring for Earth—whether by cleaning up garbage, recycling, walking, biking, or other activities—to hailey.flett-chamberlain@ocnhealth.com. Entries close at 4:30 PM, and winners will be contacted on April 23.

 

So, help celebrate our beautiful planet and ensure a sustainable future this Earth Day here in The Pas and OCN!

An Orange weather alert was issued in Manitoba yesterday due to a strong spring storm expected to hit the province, covering from April 22 to April 25. The storm is expected to bring a mix of rain, snow, and freezing rain, starting Wednesday evening.

 

The effects will vary depending on your location in Manitoba. The south is expected to see more rain, while the north is anticipated to experience more snow. Heavy snow is expected on Thursday, with 25-50 cm possible in the hardest-hit regions, including Gillam, Flin Flon, and Thompson.

 

A band of freezing rain is expected Friday morning north of the Interlakes, with strong northeast winds likely to cause blowing snow. This will make travel hazardous due to poor visibility and slippery surfaces. Power disruptions are also possible due to the strong winds, freezing rain, and heavy snow.

Local hockey fans, it’s time to get excited—the final standings of 102.9 CJAR’s Free NHL Hockey Draft were released yesterday!

After making your picks and waiting through a long, tumultuous season, we finally have our top three winners, along with some fabulous prizes here at the station!

In first place, we have Abel Martin, who entered through Carley Bearing & Auto and has won the grand prize of $200! The two runners-up are R. Lavallee, who entered through The Pas Title Loans, and Braden Kerslake, who entered through Giant Tiger. Both have each won $50 and a radio alarm clock!

We would like to thank our sponsors: Carley Bearing & Auto, Funky Threadz, Gene’s Telecom, Giant Tiger, R.A.G. 1987 LTD., Shane’s, Super Thrifty Drug Mart, and The Pas Title Loans for making the Hockey Draft possible. You can find a complete list of the final standings at these locations and at 102.9 CJAR!

There is still time to sign up for The Pas OCN Chamber of Commerce’s exclusive Chamber After Dark event.

 

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the event—promising relaxed conversation, idea-sharing, connection-building, and discussions on local businesses—has been moved to Thursday, April 23. As a result, the registration deadline has also been extended.

 

Registration now closes tomorrow, April 21. Chamber After Dark will take place in the Sam Waller Museum’s Multipurpose Room from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided.

 

Spots are limited, so reserve yours at thepasocnchamber.ca and join fellow Chamber of Commerce members at Chamber After Dark.

The Pas Skating Club has been working hard to prepare for their Year-End Skating Review tomorrow, and they’re inviting the community to come and enjoy performances from their talented young skaters.

 

The event will take place at the Roy H. Johnston Arena this Saturday, April 18th, at 1 PM. This hour-long show will showcase the dedication and practice that The Pas Skating Club members have put into their craft, featuring music inspired by various classical hits.

 

In addition to the performances, there will be a 50/50 draw, a penny parade, and a raffle offering a variety of great prizes, including the grand prize—a Nintendo Switch 2. The Year-End Skating Review is free to attend, but raffle tickets are $2 each, and it’s $20 to enter the penny parade.

 

The Pas Skating Club would also like to extend their thanks to the local community sponsors and volunteers who helped make this skating season possible.

Yesterday’s heavy snowfall brought life in The Pas to a halt, as many local events scheduled for April 15th were either postponed or cancelled due to dangerous travel conditions.

 

Among the affected events were the Storytellers Film Festival at The Pas Regional Library, which was set to showcase local short films, as well as multiple activities at the Beatrice Wilson Health Centre. These included a Falls Prevention and Foot Care Workshop, Well-Being Wednesday (an event focused on spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional wellness), and Besties for the Resties, a fun activity for friends to enjoy together.

 

Some of these events may be rescheduled, so be sure to keep an eye on the Beatrice Wilson Health Centre’s Facebook page for updates.

Due to flooding at the Royal Canadian Legion caused by a water main break, many beloved community events were postponed until repairs could be made. However, one Legion event will still take place this weekend, just at a different location.

 

The Legion Ladies Auxiliary Meat Draw will be held at The Alouette Hotel on Saturday, April 18th, at 5 PM. It will follow the same format as the usual Meat Draws at the Legion, but will be hosted at this alternative location until repairs are finished.

 

The Legion Ladies Auxiliary extends their thanks to Jen and Jeremy at The Alouette Hotel for generously allowing the use of their space, enabling the continuation of fundraising efforts while the Legion Branch is under repair.

Whether your child has created a product for sale or has a service to offer our community, they can showcase either at the second annual Children’s Business Fair.

It takes place Saturday, May 9th, from 10 am to noon at the Roy H. Johnston Arena.

Sandra Shapiro with Community Futures Cedar Lake Region says they hope to fill all ten spaces and shares that they have provided some advice for participants this year.
 

Shapiro reminds us that registration wraps up today at 4:30 pm.

To sign up, go to the Community Futures Cedar Lake Region Facebook page or scan the QR code on the posters around town.

The registration period for one of the most anticipated annual Opaskwayak Indigenous Days events, the Indigenous Days Princess Pageants, is almost closed! Taking place annually in August, and held in Opaskwayak Cree Nation, this keystone traditional event invites young girls to celebrate the diversity, strength and beauty of Indigenous traditions, leadership, and community pride, while empowering their own voice through displays of talent and self-expression.

 

Girls ages 5 to 18 are invited to participate in one of three categories, Tiny Tot, Junior, and Senior Princess divisions, with the addition of their non-competitive Angel Princess position. The winners in each category are crowned and serve as cultural ambassadors for the year. Girls of all personalities are encouraged to apply.

 

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, April 7^th, so if your child wants to take part in one of the Pageants, contact Princess Pageant Director Nicole Ducharme-Chief at 431-355-0476. Further information can also be found on the Opaskwayak Indigenous Days Facebook page.

The Pas OCN Chamber of Commerce is launching a member-exclusive event, Chamber After Dark.

 

This event promises a relaxing evening for chamber members, giving them a chance to unwind, share ideas with other members, build connections, and have some genuine discussions about the opportunities and challenges in our local business community.

 

Chamber After Dark will take place in the Sam Waller Museum’s Multipurpose Room on April 15^th, from 6:30 to 8 PM. Light refreshments will be served during the event.

 

Spots are limited, so RSVP yours at thepasocnchamber.ca by April 10^th to ensure you can spend time with the Chamber After Dark.

The Opaskwayak Cree Nation will be hosting their Annual General Assembly next week, and is inviting those within OCN to come and take part.

 

During the Assembly, they will be discussing the 2024/2025 Audit Report with Baker Tilly HMA LLP, as well as holding an open house with the service branches in OCN.

 

The meeting will take place in the OCN Veterans Hall on Wednesday, April 8^th, starting at 10 AM. Breakfast will be held at 9, lunch at 12, and supper at 5. There are also door prizes to be won.

 

For more information, you can email executive@opaskwayak.ca.

Spring Break is officially in full swing, and there are plenty of fun activities in the community for families to take part in!

 

The Pas Regional Library will have a variety of board games for families to play today, tomorrow and Thursday, running from 1 to 5 PM each day.

 

If you’re looking for something more physically active, the Winton Pool is hosting Public Swims all week, except for Friday and Sunday. The swims start at 1 PM each day, and it will be free on Wednesday.

 

The Roy H Johnston Arena will also be hosting Public Skates throughout the week, with the Skates being free today and Thursday. Skate rentals are available through the Kelsey Recreation and Wellness Centre.

Mayor Andre Murphy gave an update yesterday on 102.9 CJAR about what’s happening in the Town of The Pas.

He thanked and acknowledged the Public Works crew for their hard work in cleaning snow off the streets, only to have it snow again.

The Pas’ Fire Chief has applied for a Wawaneesa grant to help with wildfire protection for the community.

And, here he talks about a new support for the local CSO program.

 

Murphy also addressed the public hearing on the  Devon Park re-zoning, saying there’s still some work to be done before development starts, and final approval by council is still required.

On 102.9 CJAR yesterday morning, Mayor Andre Murphy joined many in voicing his condolences to the family of MLA Amanda Lathlin, who passed away on March 21st.

 

Lathlin represented the constituency of The Pas-Kameesak as an MLA from 2015 until her death.

At the time of her election, she was the first First Nations woman to serve in Manitoba's legislature.

Murphy added that Lathlin’s voice and advocacy will be missed in the legislature.

Residents in The Pas are invited to take part in an important community meeting supporting a vital local service.

 

Aurora House, operated by The Pas Committee for Women in Crisis, is hosting its Annual General Meeting tonight from 7 to 8 p.m. at Westminster United Church, located at 330 Edwards Avenue. Attendees are asked to use the far left door at the end of the ramp.

 

Aurora House provides emergency shelter, crisis support, and resources for primarily women and children facing domestic violence. The organization plays a critical role in northern Manitoba, offering a safe, confidential space along with counselling, advocacy, and community education.

 

At this year’s meeting, organizers are also looking for dedicated community members to join their Board of Directors. Anyone interested is encouraged to bring a letter of intent.

 

Aurora House says community involvement is key to continuing its mission of supporting those in crisis and building safer communities. Email director@aurorahousethepas.com for more information.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs responded to the province’s 2026 budget, welcoming investments in housing, healthcare, education, and public safety, while calling for stronger partnerships with First Nations.

 

The budget speech opened with a tribute to Amanda Lathlin, MLA for Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

 

Lathlin made history in 2015 as the first First Nations woman elected to Manitoba’s Legislative Assembly. Leaders say her legacy highlights the need for Indigenous voices in decisions that affect their communities.

 

Grand Chief Kyra Wilson says while recent budgets showed some progress, this year raises questions about whether that commitment will continue.

 

She says First Nations need to be involved not just in delivering programs, but in shaping them from the start.

 

AMC adds that many communities still face rising costs, climate challenges, and barriers to services, and is calling for long-term funding, stronger support for reconciliation, and more First Nations-led solutions.

 

The Assembly says it’s ready to work with the province, but real progress depends on true partnership.