Portage

Canadians took to parks and civic squares across the country Tuesday to show unity on Canada Day amid American threats, economic uncertainty and Western alienation.

"We've decided not to pull apart and fight, but to come together and to build. Because that's the Canadian way," Prime Minister Mark Carney said to thousands of Canadians gathered in Ottawa.

This year's festivities at Ottawa's LeBreton Flats Park got the royal treatment, with Prince Edward praising Canada's unity and accomplishments.

The Rotary Club of Portage la Prairie wrapped up its year with a swing and a smile this past Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the annual Rotary Club Golf Tournament.

Under immaculate skies, members and friends of Rotary gathered for a nine-hole scramble, preceded by a heartfelt supper at the Portage Golf Club.

The evening began with a poignant farewell for the club's foreign exchange student from Belgium, Theo Heijmans, as members shared memories and celebrated his time in Portage.

The hills of Dauphin came alive once again as Dauphin's Countryfest, Canada’s longest-running country music festival, wrapped up another successful weekend. A weekend that emphasized community, heritage, and homegrown Manitoba talent.

Festival President Duane McMaster said this year's event exceeded expectations, thanks to the dedication of a tight-knit group of volunteers and a community committed to keeping Countryfest alive.

Parliamentarians likely will get a chance later this year to debate whether to adopt a livestock brand as an official national symbol.

A bill to create the brand was introduced earlier in June by Saskatchewan Conservative MP Steven Bonk.

If the bill passes, the brand will become Canada's 10th national symbol — joining O Canada, the coat of arms and the maple tree.

Here are five things you may not know about the official symbols that say "Canada."

1. The beaver does not stand alone

Samantha Sannella shed happy tears as she stood to sing the national anthem at her citizenship ceremony in early June, nearly three decades after she moved to Canada. 

She had sung "O Canada" countless times before, but this was the first time she’d done so as a Canadian. 

Originally from Houston, Texas, Sannella moved to Toronto 28 years ago for a job. For the longest time, she still considered herself a U.S. citizen, with a part of her thinking she might move back one day.

But that changed last fall.

Whether you're grabbing snacks before heading to Island Park for the Portage Regional Recreation Authority (PRRA)'s Canada Day Celebration or making a last-minute dash for sunscreen, here's a look at what's open around Portage la Prairie this Canada Day.

Canadian Tire: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Pankos Food Centre: 12-6 p.m.  

Sobeys: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.  

Homestead Co-op Food Store: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Co-op Gas Bar: 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. 

It’s Canada Day in Portage la Prairie, and the community is coming together for a full day of family-friendly festivities at Stride Place and Island Park. Organized by the Portage Regional Recreation Authority (PRRA), the day promises to deliver fun at every turn, rain or shine.

Zapphira Major, Recreation Manager, says the PRRA is excited to invite everyone out to celebrate Canada’s birthday with them.

Former Olympian hockey player turned ace broadcaster, Jennifer Botterill, was named one of the 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame inductees and is set to join the hallowed halls later in the year.

2025 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Jennifer Botterill

The Association of Nigerians in Portage la Prairie has launched a new initiative aimed at fostering critical thinking and STEM learning among immigrant youth in the community. With the support of a $5,000 grant, the organization is preparing to roll out a science-focused pilot program this August.

Portage la Prairie is gearing up for its annual Canada Day celebrations, with a fireworks display planned for the southwest bank of the causeway this year.

The city has announced that fireworks will be primarily fired westward, with some shells launched to the east.

Residents and visitors can expect the causeway to remain open for vehicle and foot traffic until 9 p.m. on July 1, when it will close for the event.

The fireworks are scheduled to begin at dusk, approximately 10:30 p.m.