Portage

Almost a decade after 24 Sussex Drive was abandoned as the official residence of the Canadian prime minister, taxpayers are still shelling out tens of thousands of dollars a year to maintain the vacant property, and the new prime minister has signalled he's in no rush to deal with the crumbling building.

Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters in May that it's up to the National Capital Commission to decide what to do with 24 Sussex.

Christa Vann Mitchell, reeve of the RM of Cartier, has been re-elected as director for the Central District on the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) board. This marks her second term, following a recent vote by fellow municipal leaders.

Vann Mitchell says she is honoured by the renewed support and looks forward to building new partnerships.

As wildfire seasons grow more intense across Canada, a specialized firefighting plane is being readied in Portage la Prairie, with hopes that it may soon become a more common sight in the skies over Manitoba. 

The first Fight Cancer Friday barbecue outside Don’s Direct Deals brings in over $2,800 for Central Plains Cancer Services (CPCS), and organizer Don Hales says he’s just getting started.

“The BBQ went really well. The support was awesome. The day was great,” notes Hales. “So everything turned out very, very well and Central Plains Cancer Service was very happy with the outcome.”

Held on June 6, the event welcomed more than 160 people, with all proceeds going directly to CPCS.

Portage Service for Seniors hosted its annual To-Go Lunch yesterday. Held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the lunch sold out in just over an hour, marking a successful turnout for the event that raises both funds and awareness for Elder Abuse Awareness. 

Executive Director Kaylee Hannah says the event has been an important part of their calendar for several years.  

The Portage la Prairie School Division is expressing support and solidarity after a violent attack at a Brandon high school sent shockwaves across the province.

At around 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, Brandon Police responded to an emergency at Neelin High School involving two male youths. A 15-year-old student was seriously injured in the incident and taken to hospital in stable condition. A 16-year-old suspect was taken into custody within minutes and now faces several charges, including attempted murder.

With recent rain raising concerns among residents, the City of Portage la Prairie has confirmed that mosquito activity remains exceptionally low thanks to proactive efforts and unusually dry weather conditions this spring.

Paul Ziesmann, Superintendent of Public Works for the City of Portage la Prairie, says the city is already well into its comprehensive mosquito control program, which includes larviciding, trapping, and when necessary, spraying.

Several Portage la Prairie city council members now hold key positions on provincial and national municipal organizations, strengthening the city's voice in broader policy discussions. 

Councillor Colin Doyle, recently elected as a district director with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM), highlights the council’s growing influence. 

Fort La Reine School in Portage la Prairie bursts with colour, music, and dance this Wednesday afternoon as students and community members gather on the school field for a vibrant powwow.

The event, marking the end of the school year and aligning with the approaching summer solstice, celebrates Indigenous culture, fosters community connection, and provides students with hands-on learning about tradition.

Manitoba star defender Ashton Bell was the first player selected in the PWHL's expansion draft and the Deloraine product will now join a stacked Vancouver team that's looking to make an instant impact on the league.