There is still time to sign up for The Pas OCN Chamber of Commerce’s exclusive Chamber After Dark event.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the event—promising relaxed conversation, idea-sharing, connection-building, and discussions on local businesses—has been moved to Thursday, April 23. As a result, the registration deadline has also been extended.

Registration now closes tomorrow, April 21. Chamber After Dark will take place in the Sam Waller Museum’s Multipurpose Room from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided.

Spots are limited, so reserve yours at thepasocnchamber.ca and join fellow Chamber of Commerce members at Chamber After Dark.

The Pas Skating Club has been working hard to prepare for their Year-End Skating Review tomorrow, and they’re inviting the community to come and enjoy performances from their talented young skaters.

The event will take place at the Roy H. Johnston Arena this Saturday, April 18th, at 1 PM. This hour-long show will showcase the dedication and practice that The Pas Skating Club members have put into their craft, featuring music inspired by various classical hits.

In addition to the performances, there will be a 50/50 draw, a penny parade, and a raffle offering a variety of great prizes, including the grand prize—a Nintendo Switch 2. The Year-End Skating Review is free to attend, but raffle tickets are $2 each, and it’s $20 to enter the penny parade.

The Pas Skating Club would also like to extend their thanks to the local community sponsors and volunteers who helped make this skating season possible.

Yesterday’s heavy snowfall brought life in The Pas to a halt, as many local events scheduled for April 15th were either postponed or cancelled due to dangerous travel conditions.

Among the affected events were the Storytellers Film Festival at The Pas Regional Library, which was set to showcase local short films, as well as multiple activities at the Beatrice Wilson Health Centre. These included a Falls Prevention and Foot Care Workshop, Well-Being Wednesday (an event focused on spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional wellness), and Besties for the Resties, a fun activity for friends to enjoy together.

Some of these events may be rescheduled, so be sure to keep an eye on the Beatrice Wilson Health Centre’s Facebook page for updates.

Due to flooding at the Royal Canadian Legion caused by a water main break, many beloved community events were postponed until repairs could be made. However, one Legion event will still take place this weekend, just at a different location.

The Legion Ladies Auxiliary Meat Draw will be held at The Alouette Hotel on Saturday, April 18th, at 5 PM. It will follow the same format as the usual Meat Draws at the Legion, but will be hosted at this alternative location until repairs are finished.

The Legion Ladies Auxiliary extends their thanks to Jen and Jeremy at The Alouette Hotel for generously allowing the use of their space, enabling the continuation of fundraising efforts while the Legion Branch is under repair.

The registration period for one of the most anticipated annual Opaskwayak Indigenous Days events, the Indigenous Days Princess Pageants, is almost closed! Taking place annually in August, and held in Opaskwayak Cree Nation, this keystone traditional event invites young girls to celebrate the diversity, strength and beauty of Indigenous traditions, leadership, and community pride, while empowering their own voice through displays of talent and self-expression.

Girls ages 5 to 18 are invited to participate in one of three categories, Tiny Tot, Junior, and Senior Princess divisions, with the addition of their non-competitive Angel Princess position. The winners in each category are crowned and serve as cultural ambassadors for the year. Girls of all personalities are encouraged to apply.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, April 7^th, so if your child wants to take part in one of the Pageants, contact Princess Pageant Director Nicole Ducharme-Chief at 431-355-0476. Further information can also be found on the Opaskwayak Indigenous Days Facebook page.

The Pas OCN Chamber of Commerce is launching a member-exclusive event, Chamber After Dark.

This event promises a relaxing evening for chamber members, giving them a chance to unwind, share ideas with other members, build connections, and have some genuine discussions about the opportunities and challenges in our local business community.

Chamber After Dark will take place in the Sam Waller Museum’s Multipurpose Room on April 15^th, from 6:30 to 8 PM. Light refreshments will be served during the event.

Spots are limited, so RSVP yours at thepasocnchamber.ca by April 10^th to ensure you can spend time with the Chamber After Dark.

The Opaskwayak Cree Nation will be hosting their Annual General Assembly next week, and is inviting those within OCN to come and take part.

During the Assembly, they will be discussing the 2024/2025 Audit Report with Baker Tilly HMA LLP, as well as holding an open house with the service branches in OCN.

The meeting will take place in the OCN Veterans Hall on Wednesday, April 8^th, starting at 10 AM. Breakfast will be held at 9, lunch at 12, and supper at 5. There are also door prizes to be won.

For more information, you can email executive@opaskwayak.ca.

Spring Break is officially in full swing, and there are plenty of fun activities in the community for families to take part in!

The Pas Regional Library will have a variety of board games for families to play today, tomorrow and Thursday, running from 1 to 5 PM each day.

If you’re looking for something more physically active, the Winton Pool is hosting Public Swims all week, except for Friday and Sunday. The swims start at 1 PM each day, and it will be free on Wednesday.

The Roy H Johnston Arena will also be hosting Public Skates throughout the week, with the Skates being free today and Thursday. Skate rentals are available through the Kelsey Recreation and Wellness Centre.

Mayor Andre Murphy gave an update yesterday on 102.9 CJAR about what’s happening in the Town of The Pas.

He thanked and acknowledged the Public Works crew for their hard work in cleaning snow off the streets, only to have it snow again.

The Pas’ Fire Chief has applied for a Wawaneesa grant to help with wildfire protection for the community.

And, here he talks about a new support for the local CSO program.

Murphy also addressed the public hearing on the  Devon Park re-zoning, saying there’s still some work to be done before development starts, and final approval by council is still required.

On 102.9 CJAR yesterday morning, Mayor Andre Murphy joined many in voicing his condolences to the family of MLA Amanda Lathlin, who passed away on March 21st.

Lathlin represented the constituency of The Pas-Kameesak as an MLA from 2015 until her death.

At the time of her election, she was the first First Nations woman to serve in Manitoba's legislature.

Murphy added that Lathlin’s voice and advocacy will be missed in the legislature.

Residents in The Pas are invited to take part in an important community meeting supporting a vital local service.

Aurora House, operated by The Pas Committee for Women in Crisis, is hosting its Annual General Meeting tonight from 7 to 8 p.m. at Westminster United Church, located at 330 Edwards Avenue. Attendees are asked to use the far left door at the end of the ramp.

Aurora House provides emergency shelter, crisis support, and resources for primarily women and children facing domestic violence. The organization plays a critical role in northern Manitoba, offering a safe, confidential space along with counselling, advocacy, and community education.

At this year’s meeting, organizers are also looking for dedicated community members to join their Board of Directors. Anyone interested is encouraged to bring a letter of intent.

Aurora House says community involvement is key to continuing its mission of supporting those in crisis and building safer communities. Email director@aurorahousethepas.com for more information.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs responded to the province’s 2026 budget, welcoming investments in housing, healthcare, education, and public safety, while calling for stronger partnerships with First Nations.

The budget speech opened with a tribute to Amanda Lathlin, MLA for Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

Lathlin made history in 2015 as the first First Nations woman elected to Manitoba’s Legislative Assembly. Leaders say her legacy highlights the need for Indigenous voices in decisions that affect their communities.

Grand Chief Kyra Wilson says while recent budgets showed some progress, this year raises questions about whether that commitment will continue.

She says First Nations need to be involved not just in delivering programs, but in shaping them from the start.

AMC adds that many communities still face rising costs, climate challenges, and barriers to services, and is calling for long-term funding, stronger support for reconciliation, and more First Nations-led solutions.

The Assembly says it’s ready to work with the province, but real progress depends on true partnership.

Young entrepreneurs unite as the second annual Children’s Business Fair is coming to the Opaskwayak and OCN Chamber of Commerce Annual Trade Show and Sale.

The fair will take place on May 9th from 10 a.m. to noon, highlighting youth businesses in the community.

This is an opportunity for kids to create their own brands, logos, and booths, then set up their wares and sell them during the trade show, giving them real-world sales and entrepreneurial experience.

Last year, 8-year-old Jetson Rollins from Ecole Opasquia School turned his love of hockey into a business.

At first, Jetson was nervous talking to customers, but after practicing at the Fair, he became confident and started earning his own money.

His advice for other kids: “It’s okay to be nervous. Choose something you love and your business will be great.”

For children wishing to take part, you can contact the Community Futures Cedar Lake Region. Registration will close on April 10th.

On the evening of March 23, 2026, at approximately 5:00 PM, The Pas RCMP responded to an alarm at a business located at Clearwater Lake.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers spoke with the owners, who reported that several items had been stolen from the store.

It is believed that the suspect or suspects may have hidden inside the business after closing hours, consuming both food and alcoholic beverages, and leaving behind a significant mess and breaking a window before fleeing.

The RCMP are now requesting the public's help in identifying any individuals with information regarding this theft.

Anyone with information can contact The Pas RCMP Detachment at 204-627-6204.

Manitoba’s 2026 provincial budget aims to balance the books within four years while delivering key investments to Manitobans, with a focus on healthcare and affordability.

Finance Minister Adrien Sala presented the plan yesterday, highlighting significant investments in health and new measures to ease financial pressure for families.

The budget includes funding for 4,054 new healthcare staff, with a specific focus on reducing emergency room wait times.

A major investment in cardiac care was also announced, with $22.1 million to re-establish the Cardiac Centre of Excellence at St. Boniface Hospital.

As grocery prices continue to rise, Budget 2026 introduces a significant move, removing the provincial sales tax on food sold in grocery stores starting July 1^st.

 Sala also emphasized new measures to increase rent relief and provide free transit for children and youth.

Opaskwayak Indigenous Days are just a few months away, and now is the time to begin planning and preparation.

A meeting will be held this evening at the GLMC for directors, starting at 5:30 PM.

Last year’s directors are asked to submit their fiscal reports at this time.

There will be discussions regarding this year’s event, which is scheduled to run from August 9 to 16. Several new directors are currently needed to take over various events.

The meeting is open to community members, directors, and anyone interested in volunteering for this year’s event.

There is a moderate risk of spring flooding along the Saskatchewan and Carrot Rivers, and water levels depend heavily on how much water is released from Tobin Lake in Saskatchewan, with Manitoba working closely with Saskatchewan to manage this.

This information comes from the Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure Hydrologic Forecast Centre in a release from last week.

There is also a chance that ice jams could cause flooding along the Saskatchewan, Carrot, and Swan Rivers.

The Manitoba government, local authorities, and the Manitoba Emergency Management Organization are working together to support planning and response efforts.

This includes reviewing emergency plans, sharing up-to-date information, offering training, preparing resources, and holding regular meetings.

They are also working closely with other organizations, including those supporting First Nations and northern communities, and will send out emergency alerts if needed.

It is noted that conditions can change quickly along rivers in the spring, which is why being prepared and practicing safety as ice melts is essential.

A successful delivery of essential supplies to Pukatawagan is highlighting the partnerships behind the effort.

The Knights of Columbus mission brought beds, wheelchairs for nursing stations, and winter coats for children into the northern community using winter roads.

State Deputy Mark DeJardins says collaboration played a major role in making the mission possible.

Organizers also worked with people familiar with the north to better understand community needs and logistics ahead of the trip.

The mission relied heavily on volunteers and coordination, showing how multiple groups coming together can help reach remote communities with essential support.

A woman from Thompson is dead following a head-on crash north of the city.

RCMP say the collision happened just after 10 a.m. on Friday, March 20th, along Highway 280, about 80 kilometres north of Thompson.

Investigators say two trucks were involved, including one pulling a trailer carrying a small excavator.

Police believe a southbound truck, driven by a 48-year-old Thompson woman, tried to pass a semi when it was unsafe and collided head-on with a northbound vehicle.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the northbound truck, a 23-year-old man from Gimli, was taken to hospital with injuries.

RCMP say no charges are expected. Snow-covered roads and reduced visibility are believed to have been factors in the crash.

The Manitoba NDP says its MLA, Amanda Lathlin, who represented the Pas–Kameesak riding, has passed away.

In a statement, the party described her as a tireless advocate for families and for people in northern Manitoba.

Lathlin made history in 2015 as the first First Nations woman elected to Manitoba’s legislative assembly.

The statement also noted that earlier this year, while in hospital, she became a proud grandmother for the first time.

Berens River RCMP are investigating a homicide following a fatal stabbing in the community.

Police say that on Friday, March 20th, at approximately 9:07 a.m., officers responded to a report of a stabbing at a residence in Berens River First Nation. When officers arrived, they located a 15-year-old male suffering from injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His death is now being investigated as a homicide.

RCMP are asking anyone with information that may assist investigators to contact the Berens River RCMP detachment at 204-382-2436.

Berens River RCMP, along with RCMP Major Crime Services, continue to investigate.

Flin Flon RCMP are investigating a suspicious death following an incident last week.

Police say that on Monday, March 16th, at approximately 11:55 a.m., officers responded to a report of an unresponsive woman at a residence on Hill Street in Flin Flon. When officers arrived, they located a 31-year-old woman, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The death is being treated as suspicious, and the investigation remains ongoing.

RCMP are asking anyone with information that may assist investigators to contact the Flin Flon RCMP detachment at 204-687-1422.

Flin Flon RCMP, along with RCMP Major Crime Services, continue to investigate.

There are two big events in the works with local fire departments.

This weekend, the The Pas and OCN fire departments, along with the Manitoba Emergency Management Organization, will be hosting a wildfire safety information session.

This weekend’s event will take place at the Roy H. Johnston Arena from 1 to 3 pm and is free to attend.

Vice Chief Jacob Geddes explains why it’s important to be prepared.

Geddes said there is a lot of interesting information that will be shared, and it is often forgotten or overlooked.

A few weeks later, The Pas Fire Department will host its annual fundraiser, the Fireman’s Ball, which will take place at the Wescana Inn on April 11th, and tickets can be purchased through the department now.

Thompson RCMP seized a large amount of cash following a compliance check earlier this week.

On March 17th, officers from the General Investigative Section, along with the Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team, attended a residence on Riverside Drive in Thompson. The visit was to check on a 27-year-old man who was subject to multiple court-ordered release conditions.

When officers entered the home, they found six people inside and observed a significant amount of cash.

All six occupants, four men and two women, were arrested and removed while police secured the residence and obtained a search warrant.

Following that search, officers seized approximately 110-thousand dollars in cash, along with several cell phones.

Two men from Thompson are facing charges, while the four other individuals found in the home have since been released without charges.

RCMP say the investigation is ongoing.