Shannon Dueck

The wildfire danger in southern Manitoba is moderate right now.

That is according to the Manitoba Wildfire Service, which says it is mainly low for the northern half of the province.

There are 14 active wildfires currently burning in Manitoba. The Manitoba Wildfire Service says it is working with ground crews and aircraft to suppress three fires in the vicinity of Little Grand Rapids, Pauingassi and St. Theresa Point. While the fire is several kilometres away, smoke may be an issue for these communities.

Provincial parks in Manitoba will be offering free access this coming weekend. 

The weekend of June 9-11 also happens to be free family fishing weekend. 

Greg Nesbitt is Minister of Natural Resources and Northern Development for Manitoba. He says summer is almost here and he knows that Manitobans treasure these warm, late spring weekends.

"Throughout this weekend, residents and visitors will be able to fish for free while also enjoying free access to our beautiful provincial parks," adds Nesbitt.

Providence University College and Theological Seminary has not been granted its wish to be recognized with full university status. President Dr. Kenton Anderson says they already act like a university, but want the official recognition in order to be able to take their place alongside their peers in the province. 

It appears the hot weather we have been experiencing the last week is a sign of things to come.

David Phillips with Environment Canada has issued his summer weather outlook for the months of June, July and August. He says their models are pointing towards a summer that is warmer than normal for southern Manitoba.

The Eastman ATV Association has decided to postpone its ATV Ride For Mom.
    
President Don Eidse says the event was supposed to take place this coming Saturday, but conditions will not allow it.

"Level 1 restrictions are still in place and that means there is no backwoods travel, as the risk for fire is too high," explains Eidse. "And we certainly don't want to encourage anyone or have an event that is running any sort of risk."

Instead, the event will take place on Saturday, October 14th. 

The Mayor of Ritchot says they are extremely grateful for the more than a quarter million dollars in provincial grant money announced for the municipality this week.

Chris Ewen is referring to the Building Sustainable Communities program. A total of 428 community development projects across the province were provided with a grant this week, totalling more than $25 million. Ten of those, worth nearly $260,000 are in Ritchot alone.

Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson says work is now underway as her government begins its next steps of twinning the Trans Canada Highway from Falcon Lake to the Ontario border.

"It is important for Manitobans to have safe and reliable highways to get around this great province of ours and also to get to neighbouring provinces," says Stefanson. "That is why we have prioritized this work as it not only serves as a key trade route but is one of the busiest stretches of highways especially during the summer months for cottagers and travellers."

This May long weekend should see temperatures that are warmer than normal for southern Manitoba. And Justin Shelley with Environment Canada says it will be dry.

Many folks in southern Manitoba would agree that the May long weekend seems to be a magnet for rain. Well, Shelley says it is looking pretty dry for Saturday, Sunday and most of Monday. Any rain that arrives Monday is expected to wait until the overnight hours. 

The hazy sky you are noticing today is the result of forest fires in western Canada.

That is according to Natalie Hasell, Meteorologist with Environment Canada. Hasell says there are fires burning out of control in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, and even parts of Manitoba. She notes, unfortunately, the wind flow is such that the smoke from the fires is making its way into Manitoba. 

Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for most of Southern Manitoba. 

Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach has just learned that more than $75,000 in grant money will be coming its way.

Executive Director Gary Dyck says there are actually four different grants that make up that total.