Portage

Signs that underlying inflation was picking up in April put the Bank of Canada in a tricky position ahead of its June interest rate decision, with some economists arguing a second straight pause is now more likely.

"It is going to make it a much more challenging backdrop for the Bank of Canada to continue cutting rates, at least in the near term," said Benjamin Reitzes, managing director of Canadian rates and macro strategist at BMO Capital Markets.

While recent rainfall has raised questions about potential delays in seeding, Lorne Hulme of Hulme Agra Products says moisture levels aren’t the primary issue for farmers in the MacGregor-Portage area.

Rainfall less concerning than temperature swings

Hulme notes the region received roughly two inches of rain—some areas slightly more, others less—but stresses that dry conditions beforehand mitigated flooding risks.

"I don’t think that’s really of too much concern because we were reasonably dry before that," he says.

Cole Landreville’s dream of playing in the Western Hockey League took a major step forward when the 15-year-old forward was selected by the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL Prospects Draft.

“It’s an awesome feeling,” Landreville said in an interview. “It’s an exciting day. It’s kind of always been a dream to get drafted and play in that league. Hopefully I can play there in a couple of years — that’s the goal.”

Landreville, who hails from Saint Claude, found out he had been drafted while refreshing the WHL’s live draft tracker online.

Portage la Prairie is set to host the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s on Thursday, June 19, bringing the community together to honour those affected by dementia and raise vital funds for local support services.

The event, organized by the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba in partnership with IG Wealth Management and the Herman Prior Centre, will take place at Island Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Walking for connection and care

The walk is more than a fundraiser — it’s a chance for families, friends, and care partners to show their support and solidarity.

Portage la Prairie residents are seeing some relief thanks to a slight dip in inflation and steady gas prices, but that relief might not last according to Dan McTeague, president of Canadians for Affordable Energy. McTeague says the recent decline in the Consumer Price Index is likely tied to the federal government's decision to temporarily pause the carbon tax. However, he warns that this isn’t the result of any broader economic strategy."

A 43-year-old local man faces multiple charges, including refusing a roadside breath demand, following a two-vehicle collision at a major intersection last week.

On May 10, 2025, just after 4:00 p.m., Portage la Prairie RCMP, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the Portage la Prairie Fire Department responded to a crash at Highway 1 and Yellowquill Trail. Evidence gathered at the scene prompted officers to request a breath sample from one of the drivers using a roadside screening device.

A spring survey to gauge consumer opinions about food pricing, buying habits and values found affordability the top concern

Whether people throw steaks or hot dogs on the barbecue this summer could reflect how they feel about their food spending.

A new report from the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University found increasing anxiety about food affordability compared to last fall.

Deferred grazing, a practice that involves delaying livestock grazing until after key growing seasons, is a valuable strategy for preserving and enhancing native prairie ecosystems. Unlike continuous or early-season grazing, deferred grazing allows native grasses and forbs the opportunity to complete their life cycles, set seed, and recover from previous disturbances. This approach brings a range of environmental, ecological, and even economic benefits that support both sustainable ranching and grassland conservation. 

The fire ban in the Municipality of WestLake–Gladstone has been lifted following significant rainfall and improving conditions.

Local residents can now resume open burning activities in accordance with municipal regulations.

Miriam Ghitale, a settlement manager working with immigrants in Manitoba, with the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre, describes a growing crisis as newcomers face impossible choices between housing and basic necessities. Many work minimum-wage jobs while paying exorbitant rents that consume nearly all their income.

"It's quite difficult. People are trying to buy houses because it can be cheaper for them, but right now, most decent apartments are way out of the price range of a lot of newcomers," Ghitale says.