Portage

Manitoba is urging tourists to reconsider visiting as it works to find shelter for a flood of wildfire evacuees now reaching 21,000.

“This is one of the largest evacuations in our province’s history,” Lisa Naylor, the Manitoba minister in charge of emergency management, said Monday.

“The government anticipates there may be a need for more hotel rooms as the wildfire season continues. For that reason, we are urging Manitobans and Canadians to reconsider non-essential travel and event plans within Manitoba."

Lori Carpenter, director of Portage Ukrainian Nursery School, describes the 13th annual art show as a vibrant celebration of children’s creativity. Each year, students and their families collaborate on multiple art projects, fostering both imagination and connection. It was held once again at Prairie Fusion Arts and Entertainment's main gallery.

Thursday evening saw teachers and staff along with Carpenter and the families have a celebratory kickoff at the gallery.

William George Klassen

We regret to announce the passing of William “Willie” Klassen on May 23, 2025 at his home in Portage la Prairie, MB at the age of 67 years.

Willie will be lovingly remembered by his children Scott (Jenny) Klassen and Jazmine Klassen (Jeremy Whitford), grandchildren Jamie and Makenna Klassen, sister Judy Weiler, brother John Klassen, along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his father Peter Klassen, mother Tini “Katie” Klassen, brothers Jim Klassen and Ben Klassen.

The ongoing wildfire situation stretches from northern Ontario right across the prairies, with the threat to homes and communities and thousands of people being evacuated.

The Assistant Vice-President of Grain for CN, David Przednowek, says they are monitoring the situation very closely as their rail lines run through the north.

CN reports they've had some delays moving grain in and out of the Port at Thunder Bay but are also doing what they can to help with the wildfires. 

A new trade deal between Manitoba and British Columbia is getting a thumbs up from the Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce.

The agreement, announced at a Manitoba Chambers of Commerce breakfast last week, is part of the province’s push to break down interprovincial trade barriers.

Portage Chamber executive director Stefanie Dunn says she’s thrilled to see the province taking action on an issue the business community has been raising for years.

UPDATE:

The boil water advisory has now been fully lifted for the City of Portage la Prairie, Southport and the RM of Portage la Prairie.

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Jared Smith, manager of Portage la Prairie’s Water Treatment Plant, explains the cause of a weekend boil water advisory that affected much of the city.

Pump failure triggers pressure drop

A malfunctioning pump at the water treatment plant led to a sudden drop in water pressure, prompting the advisory.

UPDATE:

Clifford Johnson has been safely located.

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Stonewall RCMP are asking for the public’s help in locating 55-year-old Clifford Johnson, who hasn’t been in contact with friends or family for over a month.

RCMP receive the missing person report on the evening of June 8, though Johnson was last heard from in early May while at his home in Stonewall.

Investigators believe he may have travelled on foot and was last known to be near Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 11.

Update:

RCMP note the investigation is ongoing, therefore further information will not be released at this time.

PortageOnline.com will provide an update if and when more details become available.

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Kenneth Mervyn Vicars

Peacefully on June 6, 2025, Kenneth “Ken” Vicars passed away with his daughter by his side at Lions Prairie Manor at the age of 96 years.

Manitobans have once again proven the power of community.

On June 5, more than 30 radio stations across the province joined forces for the first-ever Manitoba Day of Caring for Wildfire Evacuees, a province-wide broadcast initiative to support those displaced by wildfires.