Portage

Portage la Prairie and the Southport Aerospace Centre are joining forces for the first time to compete in Manitoba's Communities in Bloom contest, aiming to showcase their shared commitment to beautification, environmental action, and community pride.

This innovative partnership marks a new chapter for the contest locally, combining city charm with aerospace heritage under the summer sun.

Cathie McFarlane, chair of the Communities in Bloom Committee for the City of Portage and Southport, explains the contest's broad scope.

With bike lanes freshly completed across the city and more people hopping on two wheels for summer, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is reminding both drivers and cyclists to prioritize safety on the roads.

Tara Seel, Media and Public Relations Lead for MPI, says the growing number of serious incidents involving bikes shows why consistent education and respect on the road are critical.

“We want everyone who uses the road to be safe, and we recognize that cyclists are very vulnerable road users because they don't have the structural protection of a vehicle,” Seel says.

On June 11, 2025, Portage la Prairie RCMP received a report of a theft at a business on the 100 block of Saskatchewan Avenue West.

The complainant provided officers with a detailed description of the suspect and the stolen merchandise.

While en route, an officer spotted a person on a bicycle matching the description.

The individual attempted to conceal the merchandise as the officer approached, but was observed in the act and promptly arrested.

Forty‑one‑year‑old Michael Bernardin of Portage la Prairie faces charges of:

With golf clubs at the ready and a cause close to home, Stride Credit Union is once again rallying the community for its annual STARS golf tournament, set for July 10 in Portage la Prairie.

Now in its third year, the fundraiser brings together golfers, local businesses, and community members to support STARS air ambulance, a service that plays a critical role in rural and remote areas across Manitoba.

North Memorial School in Portage la Prairie is wrapping up the school year with a full lineup of events focused on culture, family, and community connection. Principal Val Smith outlines several highlights planned over the final days of the academic calendar.

The school’s upcoming powwow and feast will include a special twist this year: an Indigenous sports day developed through collaboration between Charlotte Prince, Janey Bradford, and teacher Mr. McCullough.

The average Canadian family will save $280 on their taxes next year from the Liberal government's planned income tax cut, the parliamentary budget officer said in an analysis released on Wednesday.

But some seniors and single Canadians are expected to save less, prompting criticism from Conservatives who argue the tax cut doesn't go far enough.

Almost one in four Canadians were directly affected by extreme weather events over the past year, a new poll suggests.

The Leger poll — released as Canada copes with its second-worst wildfire season on record — says 23 per cent of Canadians who responded said they were personally affected by extreme weather events like heat waves, floods, fires and tornadoes over the last 12 months.

Update - 9 p.m.

There are no watches or warnings in effect for southern Manitoba

Original story:

Conditions were favourable for the development of thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and strong, gusty winds.

Hazards:

- Large hail (quarter to toonie size)

- Strong gusty winds (potential gusts exceeding 90 km/h)

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms capable of producing damaging hail, wind or rain.

Oakville School took the classroom outdoors yesterday as students gathered to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day with traditional teachings, storytelling, and a hands-on exploration of sacred medicinal plants. 

Kelsey Brooks, a teacher at Oakville, says the celebration is part of an annual tradition that aims to nurture lasting relationships between students and Indigenous knowledge.

“We celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day every year. It's June 21st technically, for the summer solstice, but that's on the weekend this year,” Brooks explains.

Sixteen-year-old Beau Chartrand of St. Laurent is set to take on the international stage once again as he prepares to represent Canada at the U17 Pan American Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 19th to 22nd.

Chartrand earns a spot on the Canadian national team for the second straight year and is looking to build on his momentum after winning bronze at last year’s Pan Ams in the Dominican Republic.

He secured his spot after winning the Canadian team trials and Nationals.