Portage

After several efforts to resolve the horrific situation for residents of Oak Tree Towers in Portage la Prairie, spearheaded by Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza, something has finally been done. The Mantoba Housing facility is setting up for 24-hour security in place.

Bereza has addressed the Manitoba Legislative Assembly about the ordeals experienced by residents, having paid visits to the site and personally consulted residents about the circumstances under which they're living.

Dakota Tipi First Nation Chief Dennis Pashe condemns federal changes to Jordan’s Principle, a program mandating equitable access to health, education, and social services for First Nations children. The cuts, implemented without consultation, impose stricter eligibility criteria and reduce funding for sports, educational supports, and land-based healing programs.

Spring is in the air and the city saw students shine with their generosity and strengths. Read below to see all of Portage's biggest news stories this week!

A group of Portage la Prairie seniors gathers weekly at the Herman Prior Activity Centre for casual snooker matches, blending friendly competition with social connection during the winter months. The league, which runs from October to April, attracts nearly 50 players aged 55 and older, many of whom return year after year for the low-stakes camaraderie.

The Manitoba government and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are allocating $2 million to enhance the province’s Operational Communications Centre, aiming to improve emergency response efficiency during violent crimes and critical incidents. Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced the funding Thursday, emphasizing its role in equipping law enforcement with “resources needed to respond to emergencies in the moments when it matters most.”

Southern Manitoba is getting a spring preview this weekend, with sunshine and mild temperatures expected through Saturday — but rain, wind and even a touch of snow could return by Sunday night. 

Stephen Berg, meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, says the warm-up is thanks to a front that moved in from the west. 

Manitoba RCMP and Manitoba First Nations Police Service arrested two individuals and recovered stolen goods—including vehicles, drugs, and cash—during an April 10 search warrant execution at a Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation residence. A third suspect remains at large.

Ongoing rural theft probe

The arrests follow months of theft complaints across rural Portage la Prairie, including break-ins at homes, cabins, and businesses. Stolen items ranged from vehicles to firearms, with suspects allegedly using weapons to intimidate victims.

The Portage Pitbulls Football Club is gearing up for another exciting season as registration numbers continue to rise. Luke Irwin, president of the club, shared that the football program is open to children aged 8 to 15, with players ranging from those born in 2010 to 2017 eligible to sign up.

Irwin expressed optimism about the upcoming season.

"We've had a great response so far. The numbers are looking good, and we are hoping to see a lot of returnees from last year, especially the younger players who had a great first experience with football."

With sadness we announce Maurice Mould passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the St. Claude Pavilion at the age of 94 years.

Maurice was predeceased by his wife Betty Mould. Left to treasure his memory are his daughter Bev (Garnet) Williams of St. Claude with grandchildren Rhys and Tomas and son Gary Mould of S. Wales, UK with grandchildren Colin, Garry and Lewis, along with numerous relatives and friends.

Emergency crews were on the scene of an accident that happened on the Trans-Canada Highway west of Portage la Prairie just after sunrise.

The accident is affecting traffic in the eastbound lanes near Road 43W between the Petro Canada station at the junction of 1 and 16 and Simplot.

Captain Todd McKinnon says there were no fatalities, and no official statement about injuries.