Between fireworks, noise makers, and rowdy partygoers, New Years' Eve can be especially stressful for pets. This can cause some regularly calm animals to bite, run from owners or even endanger themselves.

Being prepared and safe is a must during the holiday.

For those planning on lighting fireworks at midnight, you should be prepared in case of a fire with water on hand.

For those hosting events, you should check that smoke alarms are working and have exit strategies prepared.

And also be advised that operation red nose will be in service for one last time this season tonight and tomorrow, running from 9 pm till 3 am.

Have a safe and happy New Year.

Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke has announced the Manitoba government is allocating over 34 million dollars over two years to help alleviate transit operating shortfalls related to reduced ridership caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and to address affordable housing supply and density.

Clarke stated the government is pleased to support municipal transit systems in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson, Selkirk, and Flin Flon. 

She adds their funding immediately leverages and enhances 20.7 million dollars in federal funding which flowed to the province earlier this year. 

She explains as part of the federal agreement the Manitoba government is also committed to working with municipalities towards shared priorities of improving the housing supply across Manitoba that can, together with transit, improve the ability of Manitobans to live affordably.

The minister noted up to 13.4 million dollars will be allocated in Budget 2023.

It's time to pack up your Christmas items, Recycle Manitoba reminds everyone that there are some items that can't be taken to recycling plants.

items like: plastic bags, plastic wrap, styrofoam, wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons or not deemed recyclable.

More information can be found at the websites below.

https://www.recyclemanitoba.ca/

http://www.townofthepas.ca/p/waste-and-recycling

Operation Red Nose will be in service for the final time this winter starting this Friday and ending Saturday.

ORN Volunteers have helped over 200 community members get home safely driving well over 1500 kilometers.

All donations from operation red nose will go towards The Pas Road Runners Swim Club, Hours of Operation for the two days will be from 9 PM – 3 AM;  Volunteers can sign up by either heading to the RCMP Detachment or the link below.

https://www.operationnezrouge.com/en/fiche-service/the-pas

The government has announced to alleviate food insecurity and help those most in need they are providing three million dollars to Harvest Manitoba to support food banks dealing with increased food prices and high demand across the province. 

Premier Heather Stefanson notes that Harvest Manitoba will utilize the money to support food banks in urban and rural communities in all regions of Manitoba through food purchasing, transportation, and other costs taking into consideration community size and need.

In the northern region Food Matters will receive 225 thousand dollars for their service in northern Manitoba, Marymound Incorporated in Thompson will receive just over 47 thousand dollars and the Cranberry Portage Child and Family Resource Centre will receive 18 thousand dollars.

The Sam Waller Museum is featuring new artwork in collaboration with the Manitoba Arts Network.

The Art being shown was created by Winnipeg native Kathleen Shellrude, her career in art began in 2015, and has a way of processing issues related to her personal history marked by disability, mental illness, homelessness, and addiction.

Shellrudes forest royalty artwork can be viewed at The Sam Waller Museum in till January 27th, hours of operation are 1 – 5 pm, and standard admission rates apply.

More information can be found here

https://www.samwallermuseum.ca/

https://www.kshellrude.com/about

Operation Red Nose had another very successful weekend, Red Nose Member Deryk Dawe said 25 volunteers helped 119 get a safe ride home on December 16 and 17, driving close to 900 miles.

Dawe wanted to remind everyone that ORN is not operating December 23rd and the 24th to give the volunteers a break for Christmas, But is asking for people to join the team this new years eve.

People who would like to volunteer for news years can fill out paperwork at The Pas RCMP detachment, send Donna Dawe an email at mrs.donnadawe@gmail.com, or Text 204-990-1720

Flu season is hitting hard in Manitoba, with a heavy rate of Flu, RSV, and Covid 19

Darla Ladouceur Public health nurse with the Beatrice Wilson Health enter spoke about the importance of protecting from seasonal illnesses.

Darla noted that it’s important to get young children under the age of 3 months checked by a physician if they exhibit any of these symptoms.

Young children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions are the most at risk.

Staying home if you’re sick, avoiding close contact, sharing utensils, shaking hands, and washing hands and regularly used surfaces can help prevent illness.

A new department will be in place at the UCN starting on January 3rd for indigenous initiatives and reconciliation.

When fully implemented the new department will lead UCN’s efforts in reconciliation, creating opportunities to increase access to indigenous language training and revitalization,

pursuing research on language and culture, and ensuring that the UCN will continue to be a leader in reconciliation in post
secondary education.

Dr. Ramona Neckoway was appointed associate vice president and will lead the new department.

Dr. Dan Smith, UCN’s vice president of academic and research said “The new department will help to guide UCN&#39's curriculum with respect to the inclusion of Indigenous content, worldviews, and Indigegogy”.

The University College of The North acknowledges northern communities while respecting diverse
indigenous and northern values while providing higher learning opportunities.

Highway conditions are getting worse by the day, The Highway Hotlines have strongly advised commuters to beware of the roads when snowplows are at work.

"Snowplows can create white-out conditions, so please drive with caution and slow down around snowplows that are operating." Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said in a statement.  “Snowplow operators are working to provide safe road conditions for you and your family and collisions remain a concern”

Snowplows will flash blue and amber lights when on highways, highway hotlines advise the public to not pass snowplows and let them have extra space when there clean the roads.

Ministry of Highways operates more than three hundred snowplows clearing a total of twenty-six thousand kilometers to keep commuters safe.

The Highway hotline app is free and can be used on any Smartphone; The Highway Hotline uses terminology that will help you make informed decisions when planning to travel.

Icy or slippery sections of highways will be highlighted in yellow, showing highways being closed in till it’s clear to use, and what highways are safe to travel on.

Thirteen million people visited the highway hotline last year and are expected to be used this year.

The latest updates on Manitoba highway conditions can be heard by dialing the phone number 5-1-1, checking the website

https://www.manitoba511.ca/

A feasibility assessment of the Seal River Watershed will be informed by traditional and scientific knowledge.  The Watershed in northern Manitoba is reported to be one of the richest carbon sinks in the world and one of the world’s largest remaining ecologically intact watersheds spanning over 50 thousand square kilometers. 

The Seal River flows into Hudson Bay unhindered by dams or industrial development. The Watershed includes portions of the ancestral territory of four First Nations. 

Together they have created the Seal River Watershed Alliance to work to support a shared vision of protecting the nations’ respective ancestral lands.  Within the Seal River region, there are at least 22 known species at risk including wolverines, polar bears, grizzly bears, barren ground caribou, orcas, and olive-sided flycatchers. 

Large numbers of harbor seals can be found 200 kilometers inland from the mouth of the Seal giving the river its name. Traditional knowledge coupled with science will be used as the foundation for the feasibility assessment.

Niki Ashton, NDP MP for the Churchill Keewatinook Aski spoke on Tuesday to press the liberal government to ensure Northern and indigenous communities are not being targeted by Bill C-21.

Ashton goes on to add that bill C-21 was meant to be an important bill to deal with handgun violence.

She asks the liberal government to withdraw the amendment and stick to the main bill to stand up for northern and indigenous communities struggling right now.

The NDP supports the goal of getting military-style assault weapons off the streets and putting a freeze on
handguns, but will not support amendments to the bill that do not respect treaty rights.

The Holidays are getting a little brighter. The Opaskwayak Cree Nation Chief and Council are hosting a second annual winter wonderland festival of lights in Moose Park starting Monday, December 19 to 21st.

Commuters are able to stay in their cars and drive around the park and enjoy the lighting displays. The three-day event starts and 5 pm and ends at 9, the event is also free to attend and everyone is welcome.

Updates on the display can be found on the OCN Facebook page, OCN.com, and on The Pas Online.

The Cranberry Portage Curling Club is hosting a social fundraiser this Saturday in honor of seven-year-old Veralynn Ducharme.

In October Veralynn was diagnosed with a brain tumor and her family has since relocated to Winnipeg but despite the help from Cancer-Care Manitoba and The Children’s Hospital, her family has been traveling to Western New York for more medical treatment.

The Cranberry Portage Curling Club social fundraiser will help fund the Ducharme Families trip back and forth across the border.

Silent Auctions, Door Prizes, and 50/50 Draws will take place, and there’s entertainment from bands Cranberry Jam and Rokkut Band from Denare Beach.

If you wish to donate to the silent auction contact Glennis Valladares at 204-271-3429 or by email at glennisvl@gmail.com

The Full interview with event coordinator Hank James can be found on The Pas Today.

Over the past weekend, Operation Red Nose held another safe ride home program, 28 volunteers took part in safely bringing 47 passengers to their homes, and 457 kilometers were driven across the weekend.

Volunteer Deryk Dawe hopes the coming weekends closer to Christmas and New Year will pick up.

Operation Red Nose is a free ride service, the volunteers will ask for a small donation that will help fund The Pas Roadrunners Swim Club.

To contact operation red nose their phone number is

204-623-3300, and more information can be found on OperationRedNose.com

RCMP report during October 2022 Manitoba North District reported both increases and decreases in crime statistics over October 2021.

Common police activities decreased by 18 percent from 933 to 765 occurrences with specific decreases noted in persons reported missing down from 239 to 124 and suspicious persons or vehicles down from 78 to 55.

Crimes against persons decreased 10 percent from 966 to 874 with notable decreases in sexual offenses down from 62 to 51 and assaults from 754 to 657. 

Overall crimes against property increased by 9 percent from 1229 to 1339 but arsons increased from 8 to 15 and break and enters increased from 61 to 88 while frauds were down from 21 to 12. 

The drug enforcement group increased overall by 7 percent from 45 to 48 occurrences with trafficking up from 32 to 37 and possession also up from 8 to 9.

As people prepare for Christmas travel! RCMP reminds drivers to use their winter driving skills. Remove all snow from your vehicle including from your headlights, taillights, and roof. 

Slow down on snowy or slippery roads, remember some roads may be more slippery than they appear, and beware of black ice.  Using cruise control on icy or snowy roads can be dangerous if you skid your vehicle will accelerate and rapidly spin its wheels as it tries to maintain a constant speed.  

Before traveling check the weather forecast for both your current location and your destination.  If travel can be delayed during storm warnings do so.  And be prepared for anything.  Consider stocking your vehicle for the winter with extra warm clothes, matches, non-perishable snacks, a snow shovel, traction mats, booster cables, and a tow rope or chain.

MBCI will be holding its annual winter concert this Wednesday inside its gymnasium.

The concert starts at 7 PM and will feature the guitar class, jazz band, grade nine concert bands, and the senior concert band.

a 50/50 draw is also taking place and for more details about the concert visit MBCI on Facebook or their
website at MBCI.com

On December 10, The People of The Pas and surrounding areas are invited to the Kikiwak Inn for a Christmas dinner for family members of missing and murdered indigenous women and
girls, and survivors of gender-based violence.

The dinner event is in collaboration with the Kendra Ballantyne Memorial, Ballantyne went missing in
the summer of 2019, and her remains were found a few days later, and her case has been deemed a homicide and is still open.

The Dinner runs from 3: PM Until 8: PM.
more information can be found here

Local Performer, MC, and event planner with the Beatrice Wilson Health Center, Greg Personius was one of the acts featured at an all-indigenous gala event in Winnipeg.
Personius opened up for Don Burnstick and performed alongside other artists from across the province. Here Personius Talks about the honor it is to represent the north.

Pesonius also mentioned an event that took place with the Manitoba arts network in Portage.
Personius was one of 7 artists selected to perform, and one of 2 that was selected to tour with an upcoming show next summer.
Listen to the full interview with Personius on The Pas Today

With the federal government conducting a legislative review of the Cannabis Act, it is encouraging Canada’s Indigenous population to send in their feedback.

The independent Expert Panel for the review will provide advice to Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos and Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett on progress made towards meeting the Act’s objectives. Health Canada adds the review would help identify potential areas for improving the legislation.

Those interested in participating are asked to read the Summary from Engagement with First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples document. They can then submit feedback either through an online questionnaire or by email at 

Indigenousfeedbacklegreview-retroactionautochtonesexamenleg@hc-sc.gc.ca.

Feedback must be submitted by Jan. 15.

Recreational snowmobilers are reminded that a Snopass permit is required to ride on trails managed by Snoman.

A Snopass costs 150 dollars for an annual permit or 75 dollars for a seven-day permit and can be purchased through Manitoba Public Insurance. More information is available at https://snoman.mb.ca/snopass.

Manitobans are reminded there are actions that can result in provincial fines including operating a snowmobile without a Snoman permit 486 dollars, operating an unregistered off-road vehicle, or failure to wear a helmet 174 dollars and public consumption of alcohol 672 dollars.

The impaired operation of a snowmobile carries with it the same consequences as driving a vehicle while impaired. Penalties can include significant fines, impoundment of the snowmobile, and a conviction resulting in a criminal record.

Conservation officers and the RCMP will be conducting snowmobile patrols to help ensure public safety.

The Pas OCN Chamber of Commerce had a weekly meeting on November 28th  to discuss upcoming and future events for The Pas and surrounding areas.

Newly Elected President Dan Quenelle had more to say.

Quenelle has been a member of The Chambers since moving to The Pas in March 2021 and was elected the president on November 28  replacing Jill Wilkinson.

Quenelle also wishes for more members of the community to come out and volunteer, the best way to
get in touch through email at thepasdistrict@gmail.com   Facebook or by calling
204 – 623 – 7256
The full interview with Quenelle can be heard on The Pas Today

Holiday workshops will be running at the Sam Waller museum over the next few weeks.

In partnership with The Pas Arts Council, the museum will be hosting a Christmas card-making workshop on the 12th from 2 till 3:30 pm, and a holiday crafting workshop on the 17^th from 1 to 3 pm.

Both workshops will be happening in the rotary room at the Sam Waller, and to register you can contact the pas arts council at

204 620 4540.

Everyone 12 plus is welcome to join in as workshops are free, but pre-registration is required

The Pas Arts Council invites everyone to the Our Lady of The Sacred Heart Cathedral
for The Pas Community Choir Christmas time event.
Here choir director Andrew Legeny talks about this year’s guest performers.

The event is this Sunday at 7 PM, tickets are at The Pas Regional Library and they will be available at the door as well.

Learn more about the community choir at The Pas Arts Council

The Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute secured funding from The Northern Manitoban Community Food and Culture Collaborative to give the families of MBCI Students a holiday food hamper.

The Grants from the Northern Manitoban Community Food and Culture Collaborative is a collaborative of northern community people, northern advisors, funders, and organizations working together to foster healthier and stronger communities in Northern Manitoba.

Starting December sixth, eighth, and thirtieth, MBCI collaborated with the Grub Box to give students a one hundred dollar voucher to spend on food for Christmas.

The Rotary Club, OCN Bear Clan, and MBCII staff agreed to help deliver food to families who don’t have access to a vehicle, and Principal Trevor Lane even asked the community to help volunteer.

To help volunteer you can contact the MBCI front office at

204-623-3485

More details can be found on The Pas Today