Portage

Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza met with residents of Oak Tree Towers last Friday after learning 24-hour security at the Manitoba Housing complex for seniors will end June 24. The facility, which houses 55+ residents, has relied on around-the-clock safety personnel for the past month to address crime and vandalism. Bereza pledged to challenge the decision in the Legislative Assembly today (Monday).

“What is the thinking behind this?”

Bereza says the move undermines progress made at the building.

Southern Manitoba endured record-setting heat over the weekend, as a heat warning remains in effect for the Portage region.

Portage la Prairie and several other communities experienced temperatures well above seasonal norms, with Portage reaching 31.2°C on Sunday—just edging past its 1976 record of 31.0°C.

Eric Dykes, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, confirms the heat has affected much of the region.

Spring is in full swing at La Verendrye School (LVS), and that means a busy schedule for both students and staff, according to physical education teacher Mitch Nelissen. The middle years students are currently preparing for their annual track and field day, set for May 28.

"Our kids get pretty excited for it. It's just a fun, relaxed day for them. They have to do four events and for the rest of the day they get to hang out with their friends and just chill," Nelissen said.

A group of Grade 1 and Grade 6 students from Yellowquill School are leaving their mark on Portage la Prairie—literally.

Back in October, teachers Kristen Harley and Kelly Gretsinger launched a "learning buddies" partnership between their classes. What started as a classroom mentorship program quickly grew into something much bigger when Mayor Sharilyn Knox got involved. She shared news of the city's upcoming green space improvements and saw an opportunity for youth input.

A section of 1st Street NW, between 6th Ave NW and 7th Ave NW, has been temporarily closed to traffic following an emergency watermain break early this morning.

Residents in the immediate area are also experiencing a temporary disruption in water service as city crews complete the urgent repairs.

Southern Manitoba is under an active heat warning as daytime highs reach the low to mid-thirties, with overnight temperatures remaining at or above 16°C. These extreme heat conditions are expected to persist through Wednesday.

SUNDAY. MAY 11TH

NHL
Playoffs - Round 2
Game 3
Dallas 5 Winnipeg 2
Dallas leads series 2-1

Playoffs - Round 2
Game 4
Florida 2 Toronto 0
Series tied 2-2

Jeff Bereza, Portage la Prairie’s MLA, has been appointed deputy leader of Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative opposition under newly elected leader Obby Khan. The move signals a renewed focus on collaboration and disciplined governance within the party as it positions itself to challenge the NDP government. 

This July marks a major milestone for Portage Toyota as it celebrates 45 years as a Toyota Canada dealership – a journey that began with one family's vision and continues today with an ongoing commitment to customer care, innovation, and community.

The business was founded in 1973 as Portage Leisure & Truck Centre by Dennis and Kathy Thompson, Erwin and Katherine Thompson, and George and Wanda Ryder. In 1980, Dennis acquired the Toyota franchise, and the business began its Toyota journey.

Brendan Schaan, human resources manager at Meseyton Construction, says the company launched an ambitious slate of projects across Manitoba this spring despite lingering road restrictions. Crews broke ground on sites in Brandon, Winnipeg, and the Lord Winkler area, with additional work in the Parkland and Pembina Valley regions.