Lifeguards praised for quick response during Splash Island emergency

Shaelen Gabriel of Portage la Prairie is grateful for the swift action of lifeguards at Splash Island Waterpark after a recent medical emergency involving her family.

The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. Sunday when Shaelen’s sister experienced a seizure while at the water park.

“I didn’t know what to do," said Shaelen. "I was just freaking out, so I was just calling for help.”

Shaelen noted that a young boy quickly alerted the lifeguards when he noticed what was happening.

China announces 75.8 per cent tariffs on Canadian canola

China announced a 75.8 per cent preliminary tariff on Canadian canola on Tuesday, following an anti-dumping investigation launched last year in response to Canada's tax on Chinese electric vehicles.

China's Ministry of Commerce published the details of the plan on Tuesday, claiming the "dumping" of Canadian canola into the Chinese market is hurting its domestic canola oil market.

CGC hoping producers take part in Harvest Sample Program to assist in research

The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) is inviting producers to take part in their Harvest Sample Program, letting them send in samples from their grain harvest to be graded. The no-cost grading helps farmers know exactly what they've got in their fields, letting them easily market their grain to sellers.

Kerri Pleskach, the program manager of analytical services at the CGC, explains how producers can take part.

Travel doc info included in WestJet cyberattack, but not credit and debit cards

WestJet says some personal data, including information about travel documents such as passports, was stolen in a cyberattack earlier this year, but credit and debit card numbers as well as user passwords were not compromised.

In a note to customers, WestJet says the personal information taken varies from person to person but may include name, date of birth, e‑mail address, mailing address, phone number, gender and recent travel booking history, including travel booking numbers.

Portage council greenlights $55.2M water plant borrowing

Portage la Prairie is moving ahead with a major water treatment plant upgrade after City Council gave second and third reading to its Utility Borrowing Authority By-Law No. 24-8772 on August 11, 2025.

The bylaw authorizes the city to borrow up to $55.2 million in debentures over 30 years to help fund the $100.46-million project, which also includes $40.25 million in provincial funding and $1.75 million from the city’s utility reserve. 

Water shutoff causes business closures along Saskatchewan Avenue

Several businesses along Saskatchewan Avenue East in Portage la Prairie are closed today due to a water shutoff required for municipal repairs.

Karly Friesen, director of utilities for the city, notes, “The water works crew needs to repair a valve that’s located in the intersection of Royal Road and Saskatchewan Avenue, so to make sure that their work area is safe, we do need to close Saskatchewan Avenue for westbound traffic.”

Possible shots fired at home near MacGregor

On August 9, 2025, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Portage la Prairie RCMP were dispatched to a residence in the Rural Municipality of North Norfolk following a complaint about shots fired.

The property is located near Road 58 West and Road 67 North, north of MacGregor.

A resident at the scene told officers they believed a bullet passed through the front window of the home and that another bullet struck a camper on the property. No one inside the residence was injured during the incident.

Three candidates on ballot for Manitoba byelection

Three candidates are vying for a seat in Manitoba's legislature in the upcoming byelection in the Spruce Woods constituency. 

Elections Manitoba says Ray Berthelette is running for the governing NDP, Stephen Reid is carrying the Liberal banner and Colleen Robbins is hoping to keep the seat blue for the Progressive Conservatives.

Berthelette is a former real estate agent who recently worked as an executive assistant to cabinet minister Glen Simard.

Reid is a teacher and Robbins is a longtime Tory volunteer.