Portage

SASKATOON — Canada’s two national railways are about to enter a stretch of prolonged labour peace with the major unions representing their workers.

“It’s a period of calm,” said Mark Hemmes, president of Quorum Corp., which is Canada’s grain monitor.

“It’s satisfying to know that at least we’re going to have a couple of years of grace where we don’t have to worry about (work stoppages).”

The City of Portage la Prairie is rolling out the 9 p.m. Routine this summer, joining a continent-wide crime prevention initiative that urges residents to take nightly steps to safeguard their property.

Mayor Sharilyn Knox highlights the program’s focus on simple, proactive measures like locking doors, removing valuables from vehicles, and securing outdoor equipment to deter theft during peak activity months.

Summer safety steps in detail

Running through social media channels, the campaign outlines five key actions for residents every night at 9 p.m.:

As wildfires continue to threaten parts of Manitoba, fire departments from across the province are stepping up to provide support.

The Austin Fire Department dispatched five of its members on Friday to help combat the ongoing blazes in the Whiteshell area. The members spent the day in the region and will reassess their need heading into the weekend.

A part-time member of the Portage la Prairie Fire Department is also in the region as part of the provincial ground search and rescue team.

Nathan Peto, CEO of Southport Aerospace Centre, accepted the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce’s Future Champions Award on May 12, citing the organization’s dual focus on economic growth and social responsibility. The award, presented at Winnipeg’s Club Regent Event Centre, honors businesses driving innovation in Manitoba.

Balancing profit and purpose

Peto notes the recognition reflects Southport’s 30-year legacy.

The program supports four agricultural societies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba by awarding $10,000 grants each to projects that support rural communities.
 
Garrett Ganden, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Equipment, says they take pride in being embedded in rural communities in Western Canada.

Last year’s grant recipients were:

The Forestburg Ag Society in Northern Alberta, which received a credit towards a Case IH Farmall tractor to groom its indoor riding arena used for barrel racing and rodeo practice

Another case of avian influenza has been detected, this time in Alberta in a non-commercial, non-poultry flock in Leduc County. 

The premise is under CFIA quarantine and subject to restrictions, bringing the total number of AI cases in Alberta now to two.

Two cases have been found in Manitoba, three in Saskatchewan, and three in British Columbia, including an ostrich farm.

There are now 19 premises across Canada infected with AI.

Numerous countries are dealing with avian influenza.

Gary Sloik settles into his seat at the Portage Golf Club, where a group of seniors now gathers for morning coffee after relocating from their winter spot at the Herman Prior Activity Centre. The tradition, he explains, has bounced between locations for years—starting pre-pandemic at the Canad Inn office, shifting to Herman Prior during COVID-19, and returning to the golf club each summer.

The Manitoba Agricultural Museum has officially opened for the 2025 season, with Quilt Week and the Homesteaders’ Village welcoming visitors as of May 12. Located near Austin, the museum now operates daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This season features a mix of tradition and new experiences across the site, which includes more than 25 heritage and replica buildings.

Rob Pehura, head coach of the Central Plains Sea Lions, reflects on a season of swimming for his team as the swimmers are tackling back-to-back meets across Manitoba and beyond. The team recently competed in Kenora and Winnipeg, with athletes like Carson Pehura—Robert’s son—gearing up for high-stakes events like the Mel Zajac International Meet in Vancouver.

Balancing competition and adaptation

Pehura notes the grueling schedule has been a test of endurance.