Portage

Residents rallied this past weekend at a community barbeque fundraiser, serving burgers and hot dog meals, snacks, and frozen treats to support Arny and Claire Holben as they rebuild after a devastating May 21 fire destroyed their basement and upstairs bathroom.

The heartfelt event drew crowds from Poplar Point and the nearby area, highlighting an outpouring of solidarity for the couple, who narrowly escaped the blaze and now face rebuilding costs without insurance.

A flurry of activity, great deals, and generous hearts filled the Portage MCC Thrift Shop on Tuesday, as the community gathered to support Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) during one of six fundraising days hosted annually by the store.

Shoppers browsed through racks and shelves at both the MCC Thrift Shop and Furniture Plus location, with proceeds going directly to support mentoring programs for children aged 6 to 18 across the region.

Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza is urging the province to reconsider its position on pumping water from the Assiniboine River into Crescent Lake, calling the situation “atrocious” and questioning why the city is being treated differently than other Manitoba communities.

Bereza, who lives along the lake, says the deteriorating state of Crescent Lake is no longer just an eyesore, it’s a growing environmental and recreational issue.

The Bank of Canada is expected to make an interest rate decision this morning.

Economists and financial markets widely expect the central bank will keep its policy rate steady at 2.75 per cent.

A surprisingly strong June jobs report and signs of stubbornness in core inflation convinced many economists the bank would remain on hold.

The Bank of Canada left its key rate unchanged at its two most recent decisions as it waits for more clarity on how Canada's tariff dispute with the United States will affect inflation and the economy.

British Columbians are being urged to stay away from coastal areas that remain under a tsunami advisory, after one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded triggered warnings and alerts around the Pacific.

The District of Tofino says beaches are closed, while the province's emergency information agency says people in areas covered by the advisory should stay away from shorelines, with strong waves and currents possible.

The second of three open championships to be held at the Portage Golf Club is coming up quickly, as the Ladies' Open has attracted quite a group.

Portage Golf Club General Manager Robby Moar says lots of their tournaments have seen solid registration to this point.

"Because the guys have the course looking great, it's always a more attractive place to come play when the course looks good. So, Farrol and his guys have it set up really well, and the numbers are reflecting that."

A vibrant blend of art and community spirit filled the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre (PLLC) last week during a special Paint Night for women and seniors.

Participants created their own interpretations of Vincent van Gogh’s Wheatfield Under Thunderclouds, guided by local artist Mi Young Kim.

Summer palette sparks joy

Kim selected the iconic Impressionist work for its bold summer tones and accessible style, noting its resemblance to Manitoba’s landscapes.

 Communities in Bloom judges Kathy Shaluk and Shirley Kalyniuk experience the blossoming partnership between Portage la Prairie and the Southport Aerospace Centre firsthand this week, touring both locales as a combined entry in the provincial beautification contest.

Their visit yesterday included a morning assessment of Portage's urban landscape, followed by lunch and presentations at Southport’s Alpha boardroom, culminating in an afternoon tour of the aerospace community.

Judges immediately noted significant progress in Portage la Prairie.

Portage la Prairie is continuing to support wildfire evacuees from northern Manitoba, although an exact number of individuals currently staying in the city has not been confirmed.

Some families and individuals remain in the area, with accommodations now being coordinated by the Canadian Red Cross.

The congregate shelter at the Portage Curling Rink, which was opened earlier to temporarily house evacuees, has now been decommissioned.

The focus has shifted to providing hotel accommodations wherever possible to improve comfort and privacy for those displaced.

The City of Portage la Prairie says traffic is now moving again on Road 34W between Lincoln Avenue and Assiniboine Trail.

In an update shared Monday, officials confirm phase 1 of the road construction project is finished and the section has reopened.

The closure, which began Thursday, July 17th, was part of a larger, phased project aimed at improving infrastructure in the area.