Portage

Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) buzzed with energy this past Thursday as students explored diverse volunteer opportunities at the school’s volunteer fair. Representatives from over a dozen local organizations, including United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Portage Terriers, engaged youth in conversations about community impact, skill-building, and civic engagement. The event highlighted Portage la Prairie’s thriving volunteer culture while inspiring students to contribute their time and talents.

Manitoba's Progressive Conservatives have elected Obby Khan as their new leader.

Khan, a former cabinet minister and pro football player, was chosen by party members over Wally Daudrich, a hotel owner and longtime party board member, in a tight race.

Daudrich garnered 53 more votes than Khan, according to results posted to the party's website.

But under the party's system that uses points for each constituency, Khan won with 50.4 per cent overall to Daudrich's 49.6 per cent.

What began two decades ago with a neighbour’s simple gift has grown into a flourishing community cause. Mitchell Omichinski of Portage la Prairie has been cultivating canna lilies for 20 years—two primary varieties passed on by a close friend who passed away earlier this year. Today, those same rhizomes power a grassroots fundraiser called Canna for Charity. 

This week, the Portage and District Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of the District event, bringing together local leaders to talk about their shared vision for long-term growth and development. From schools to healthcare and business, the speakers highlighted how collaboration is helping to shape the future of Portage.  

Diane Fjeld, chapter president of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) Manitoba-Interlake, launched the province’s second branch of the U.S.-based nonprofit last summer. The organization constructs and delivers beds to children aged 3–17 who lack proper sleeping arrangements due to poverty, displacement, or crisis. 

Federal party leaders hit the hustings Friday with election day fast approaching, as Mark Carney of the Liberals focused on U.S. tariff threats in a steel town and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre campaigned on his anti-crime platform in Saskatoon.

Canadians cast ballots to choose their next government on Monday.

The Liberals are widely seen to be leading in the polls, with the Conservatives in second place and the Bloc Québécois, NDP and Greens trailing behind.

Canadians scattered among the tens of thousands in and around St. Peter's Square for the funeral of Pope Francis described the ceremony as profoundly beautiful. 

While dignitaries such as Gov.-Gen. Mary Simon were seated near the front of the square, members of the general public were positioned farther back or gathered in the streets of Rome to watch on large screens.

Falguni Debnath says being at the back of the square didn't dampen the effect of the familiar ritual.

Colin Wilcox, chairman of the board for Central Plains Cancer Services (CPCS), announced his retirement following 27 years of leadership. A surprise party was held Wednesday at the CPCS office as they held a board meeting. Cake, champagne, and a commemorative sweatshirt were there to honour him.

Wilcox reflects on the organization’s origins, tracing back to 1998 when the Canadian Cancer Society closed its Portage la Prairie office.

The internationally renowned African Children's Choir is coming to perform in Portage la Prairie on Sunday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. at Prairie Alliance Church. The event promises an evening of joy, cultural celebration, and powerful purpose.

Janelle Hoekstra, a grade four teacher at West Park School, has a special connection to the choir. Between 2016 and 2020, she toured with the group in various roles — including product manager, tour leader, and educator.

Earth Week is a great reminder for Canadians to think about their connection to the outdoors, and in Manitoba, it’s also a time to highlight just how important it is to look after the natural spaces we have—from the unique ecosystems near Portage la Prairie to the scenic forested hills near Roblin.