Arctic Radio spoke with Town of The Pas Mayor Andre Murphy following this week’s council meeting.

Murphy says one of the main challenges is getting developers to the starting line, noting that studies on infrastructure that has been deteriorating for decades should not hinder the process.

He also spoke about upgrades at the Rec and Wellness Centre, as well as a potential event centre focused on arts, culture, and learning.

Murphy says the town will be seeking more community input as the project moves forward.

On Monday, Susai Jesu was ordained and installed at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in The Pas by the Archdiocese of Keewatin–Le Pas.

Mayor Andre Murphy was on hand for the ceremony and praised community members who continue to make a difference.

Murphy highlighted the contributions of May Blake, who spent more than 50 years supporting community members and veterans.

He went on to say that volunteers are a pillar of the community.

A warrant has been issued for Matthew Govereau, a 37-year-old man from Winnipeg, in connection with a fatal collision on July 1, 2025, on Highway 10 near Swan River.

Govereau was driving when his vehicle crossed the centre line and hit a parked vehicle on the opposite shoulder.

A 42-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman in the parked vehicle were taken to hospital and later died. A 29-year-old male passenger in Govereau’s vehicle also died in hospital.

On January 20, 2026, Manitoba Prosecution approved 18 charges related to the collision and to weapons and drugs found in the vehicle.

Police have been unable to locate Govereau.

His last known address is in Birch River, but he is known to travel throughout Manitoba, including Winnipeg. The public is advised not to approach him if seen and instead contact the RCMP or leave a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

The Canadian Red Cross has announced new financial support for small businesses impacted by Manitoba’s 2025 wildfires.

Funded by the Government of Manitoba, the Support to Small Businesses Program provides two-thousand dollars to eligible businesses in communities that were under a mandatory evacuation order for at least three days, starting on or after May 7th.

The funding can be used to help cover clean-up costs, insurance deductibles, storage or movement of inventory, and other urgent recovery expenses.

To qualify, businesses must have had a Manitoba business number as of April 1st, 2025, be in good standing, and have resumed — or plan to resume — operations following the wildfires.

Applications will be accepted until April 13th, 2026. More information is available at redcross.ca/2025manitobawildfires.

The Pas Road Runners are back from a successful weekend at the Seals Invitational in Winnipeg, where eight members proudly represented the community.

Two local youth swimmers achieved qualifying times and will be returning to Winnipeg for Provincials in February.

The group is also welcoming new members and will be hosting a “Try-a-Swim” session next week.

The Road Runners train regularly at the Winton Pool, Monday through Wednesday, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The University College of the North (UCN) reported impressive results for 2025, including a 17 percent increase in enrolment.

Across Northern Manitoba, a total of 2,490 students were enrolled during the 2025–26 academic year, and 90 percent of students reported that UCN programs provided them with the knowledge and skills needed to help advance their careers.

In a news release, Doug Lauvstad stated that the challenges and opportunities facing the North are evolving and, if realized, have the potential to shape both positive and negative economic outcomes for the region.

UCN has once again been recognized as a top 25 employer in the province, with 84 percent of graduates finding employment in Northern Manitoba following completion of their programs.

A regional housing survey has confirmed strong support for a new non-profit seniors’ housing co-operative in the Tri-Community area.

The Steering Committee for the Northern Lights Seniors’ Non-Profit Housing Co-op says the survey results point to an urgent local need.

Seniors in The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and the RM of Kelsey say they want to downsize into safe, accessible homes—without being forced to leave their community.

According to the survey, the top priority for seniors is independent, low-maintenance living, including single-level homes without snow clearing or major upkeep.

There is also strong interest in a co-operative housing model, where residents share ownership and decision-making.

The survey also warns that without new local options, many seniors may be forced to move to larger cities like Winnipeg or Brandon, separating families and weakening the local community.

The Steering Committee is now using the survey results to complete a business case for federal funding through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. At the same time, a preferred site in The Pas is being evaluated.

The MMF in The Pas is looking to breathe new life into the community through its seed stewardship program.

The program aims to educate on the importance of seed storage, conservation, and food security.

They are also looking for contributions to their seed bank to share different varieties with the community.

They will also look at the importance of starting seedlings indoors early and of maintaining indoor plants and shrubs.

The experience is a great opportunity for gardens to learn, grow, and share with other like-minded individuals.

It’s been a busy couple of days for Chemawawin RCMP, from Jan. 15 to Jan. 17, they responded to several incidents involving four adults who now face a total of 42 charges.

On Jan. 15, just after 9:35 p.m., police responded to a fight at a home, but those involved had left before officers arrived.

Later that night, around 11 p.m., a 27-year-old man was stabbed in the leg. He was treated and released. The suspect was the same person from the earlier fight.

On Jan. 16 at 7:45 p.m., several men, including the same suspect, threatened a 22-year-old woman in her home with a knife, causing her minor injuries.

On Jan. 17 at 4:30 a.m., police responded to an attempted break-in at a home, which led to a fight outside. One person was taken to the hospital. The group had reportedly shown up the night before with knives and a BB gun.

On Jan. 17, police arrested two suspects with the help of First Nation Safety Officers. Two others were arrested during a traffic stop.

All four suspects are facing multiple charges.

A partnership between the federal and provincial governments is looking to help strengthen ties to the north.

The new ports Manitoba project is a memorandum of understanding among the Arctic Gateway Group, CentrePort Canada, and the Winnipeg Airports Authority that aims to improve how goods are moved through the province.

The partnership links the port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway, Winnipeg’s international airport, and CenterPort Canada, which will help bring goods to both the domestic and international sectors while strengthening Manitoba’s role as a trading hub.

The idea is to grow Manitoba as a key player in the country’s export sector.

The 79th Annual Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival is almost here, and there are a few changes this year, happening February 18-22.

The Festival is bringing back the popular Talent Show, led by Director Jennifer Reynolds. The show will be held at Opasquia School on Festival Friday and welcomes performers of all ages.

The Festival headquarters will be at the Wescana Inn Rendezvous Room, making it easy for visitors to buy tickets, merchandise, and register for events all in one place.

There’s also a change to the dog race schedule: all race start times will be one hour later than previous years to keep dogs and mushers safe. The World Championship Dog Races will now begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

The Festival is grateful for the support of local businesses, sponsors, and volunteers. More volunteers are needed, especially for ice bar security and servers. Interested individuals can sign up via the Festival website or social media.

The Trappers’ Festival is Manitoba’s longest-running winter festival and the second-longest in Canada. It features the World Championship Dog Races, King and Queen competition, and over 20 events for all ages.

For more information, visit the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival Facebook and Instagram pages or trappersfestival.ca.

Manitoba Hydro is asking gun owners not to shoot near power lines after finding damage to equipment serving Cross Lake.

Shotgun pellets were found on marker balls along a power line over the Nelson River, and similar damage was seen on a section that failed in December 2025, causing an outage.

Peter Chura, a media relations officer with Manitoba Hydro, emphasized in a news release that hunters should consider the serious risks associated with discharging firearms at active hydro equipment.

While it’s not confirmed that gunfire caused the break, Manitoba Hydro warns that shooting at power infrastructure is dangerous, can shorten equipment life, and may cause outages.

The utility will replace damaged sections and is working with the community to schedule repairs.

It is Blue Monday, the third Monday in January, which has been labelled as the most depressing day of the year, although the formula behind it has been criticized by mental health professionals for trivializing depression and mental health issues.

Although there is no scientific evidence to link the day to any sort of sadness, promoting mental health awareness should be considered every day.

In 2010, Bell Let’s Talk Day was established in Canada to encourage open conversations about mental health and reduce stigma, and that day is coming up this Wednesday.

This year's focus for Bell Let’s Talk Day is taking a moment for your own mental health, reaching out to those around you, and recognizing the importance of social mental health.

To date, Bell Let’s Talk Day has raised over 184 million dollars to support mental health initiatives across the country.

The Northern Health region is hosting an online presentation this Wednesday discussing mental health and providing support. Find a link to the meeting on the Northern Health Region Facebook page.

The Town of The Pas hosted a town hall meeting last night, sharing information on completed projects in the community and hosting a meet-and-greet with the council.

Projects include a preauthorised payment program that allows homeowners to pay their taxes in monthly instalments, a new command truck for the fire department, snow removal around town, and 2 grants the town received that will help revitalize both the town's downtown area and the wellness center.

They also discussed the upcoming municipal election in October, and they appreciate the community's feedback.

The next regular council meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 27th, at 5 pm.

The new year brings the gear up to the Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival, and all of this year’s Fur Queen Contestants have been fundraising for the event.

Raffles, socials, bingos, and more are all taking place to help raise money for the annual event, and now’s the time for the fun to begin.

The first event of the season is coming up: the Fur Queen Champagne brunch and fashion show on January 25th.

The brunch will be held at the Legion on Sunday, January 25th, starting at Noon and lasting approximately 2 hours.

This year, there is a record-breaking 12 Fur Queen Contestants, including Celeste Cook, Kiana Cook, Peyton Constant, Reegan Dick, Katie Dixon, Jaiden Elder, Ally Finnerty, Dakota Kotz, Kishia Harris, Summer Lathlin, Jada Nasekapow, and Sasha Young.

Contact Krista Tooley at 204-620-2373 to get tickets now.

UPDATE: Tickets are officially sold out.

UCN is hosting a student and staff talent show open to those on campuses across the north.

The competition is limited to staff and students, but the show will be held online for the public to view live on February 13th, and voting for winners will be done by the spectators.

Daryyl Shotton, UCN Rec Director, wants as many students and staff as possible to take part.

To take part, decide on your talent, record a video, and upload it by emailing it to Darryl at recreation@ucn.ca

The live showcase will take place on Zoom on February 13th, with voting by the community at that time.

The Ice is ready for Ice Fishing, and preparations are well underway for the upcoming Jimmy Jackfish Ice Fishing Derby.

The event takes place on the east shore of Rocky Lake on March 7th, and early-bird tickets are available until the end of the month.

There will be a $15,000 grand prize up for grabs, as well as 13 other guaranteed prizes for the largest jackfish.

Early-bird tickets are available until January 31st and can be found at eventbrite dot ca, in Flin Flon and Creighton at Ruby’s Outdoors, and in The Pas at Northland Leisure.

The Pas RCMP are investigating a deadly single-vehicle rollover.

On January 12, 2026, at 4:35 pm, police responded to a crash on Highway 60, about 40 kilometres east of Highway 10.

A westbound semi-trailer had left the road, rolled over, and stopped in the trees.

The 50-year-old male driver from Winnipeg was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.

No one else was hurt.

The investigation is ongoing with help from a Forensic Collision Reconstructionist.

Swan River RCMP responded to a school bus rollover south of Mafeking.

On January 13 at 8:35 a.m., officers received a report that a school bus carrying several children had rolled over on Highway 10, approximately 13 kilometres south of Mafeking.

Multiple children were treated for injuries at the scene and transported to the hospital.

Four patients sustained significant, but non-life-threatening injuries and are being taken to the hospital.

If you are looking to finish a high school program or need to brush up before heading into post-secondary education, the Kelsey Learning Center is reminding everyone that a new semester will start on February 2nd.

With adult learning programs set to start, the KLC offers computer courses, adult literacy programs, high school diploma programs, and post-secondary entry programs. All of which can help guide you into college and university-level courses and into various fields of work.

To register or learn more, call the center at 204-627-8562 or head to room 264 on the second floor at the UCN.

The Gordon Lathlin Memorial Center, the Whitney Forum, and the Roy H. Johnston arenas have all been nominated for this year’s Kraft Hockeyville.

It’s the 20th anniversary of the program that has helped rebuild, restore, and renew facilities across the country, but Manitoba and Saskatchewan have never had a grand-prize winner.

Communities will fight for a chance at the $250,000 Prize, but the competition will be fierce, with over 1000 arenas nominated nationwide.

The winning arena will also host an NHL preseason game in the 2026-27 season.

OCN Child and Family Services will host a round dance this weekend, “In The Spirit Of Wahkotowin”.

The Round dance runs tomorrow evening at the OCN Veterans hall with a late-night feast at 9 pm, followed by giveaways later in the evening at 11 pm.

Elmer Ballantyne and Sanford Strongarm will be the night’s MCs, and Colin Chief will lead the drums.

Round dances are traditional Indigenous gatherings generally held during winter to foster community, healing, and celebration by joining together in a drum circle that symbolizes unity, remembrance, and the circle of life.

All are welcome to attend.

Manitoba RCMP has arrested two more people in connection with Project Derry, an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in the Bunibonibee Cree Nation.

Shaylee Grieves, 22, and Gordon Hart Jr., 37, were arrested and face charges related to drug trafficking.

Both remain in custody.

So far, 27 people have been charged in the operation.

Police are still searching for two more suspects, Carly Beardy, 33, and Brittney Robinson, 34.

More arrests and charges are expected.

New rules to keep highway workers, cyclists, and drivers safe in Manitoba began on January 1.

Drivers must now stay farther behind snowplows, at least 30 metres back on slower roads and 100 metres on faster roads, when their blue lights are on.

Passing snowplows is not allowed if visibility is poor or if it would stop them from working.

When passing cyclists, drivers must leave at least one metre of space.

Tow trucks and roadside workers can now use cones and warning signs to make their work zones safer.

The new rules aim to prevent crashes and make roads safer for everyone.

On January 1, 2026, Dauphin RCMP responded to a break-in at a Main Street South restaurant, where a man entered through the drive-through window and stole cash donation boxes. Surveillance video helped officers identify the suspect.

The next morning, officers found the suspect and another man stealing a package from a charity on 1st Ave NE. During the arrest, police used a taser after a struggle and found a hidden knife on the suspect.

Police also linked the same man to a previous break-in at a Main Street North business on November 27, 2025.

Leroy Parenteau, 42, of Gilbert Plains, was arrested and remains in custody. He is charged with break and enter, theft, weapons offences, and resisting police.

During Parenteau’s arrest, a second suspect, Orrie Flatfoot, 23, of Pine Creek, escaped but was later found and arrested on January 4 in Dauphin.

Flatfoot had been driving a stolen truck and used a stolen bank card to make purchases. He faces charges for possession of stolen property, theft, misuse of a credit card, and resisting police.

Both men are in custody as Dauphin RCMP continue to investigate.