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The Manitoba Government introduced the Disaster Financial Assistance program at the beginning of May to help Manitobans recover from uninsured losses caused by flooding. They're now hosting Virtual Information Webinars for people to learn more about the application, screening, inspection, evaluation, and payment process of the program.
They're encouraging anyone with flood-related damage to attend one of the two remaining virtual sessions, as it will make it easier to navigate the program. The final two sessions are on May 30th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, and June 8th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
They say the sessions will run about 45 minutes with time for questions after. You can sign up by emailing your name, municipality, and the session you want to attend to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
The Manitoba government introduced a new bill that would see license holders be allowed to sell all types of alcohol carried by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. This means beer stores would be able to carry wine and spirits as well, and wine stores would be able to have beer and spirits.
It also loosens the requirement for beer vendors to provide accommodation, which is the reason vendors have always had to be attached to hotels. The bill would allow for a five-year pilot project that would allow liquor sales in businesses like grocery stores, but it would have to go through a public consultation process first.
The PC Government says this would bring Manitoba more in line with other provinces, while the opposition NDP says the government is moving toward privatization, and more widely-available alcohol creates a risk to minors.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Update: The severe thunderstorm watch has ended.
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There's a severe thunderstorm watch in effect for the Parkland. Environment Canada says a low-pressure system over east-central Saskatchewan will trigger isolated to scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. The threat of thunderstorms will diminish this evening.
Severe thunderstorms can cause a lot of different issues from hail to lightning, and even tornadoes, according to Environment Canada.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Beef Producers have an opportunity to be rewarded for getting a sustainability certification through the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Farm Credit Canada has created the Sustainability Incentive Program that will provide payment to FCC customers who have their CRSB certification.
FCC Director of Lending Products and Sustainability Programs Curtis Grainger says this program will pay out up to $2000 annually to producers who qualify, based on their lending with FCC.
"FCC's excited to join the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef to really acknowledge producers for getting their CRSB sustainability certification." said Grainger "FCC customers who are already certified through the CRSB are eligible to apply now through our online portal"
Producers who aren't yet certified by the CRSB are eligible for the program once they have their certification. You can apply for the program and find more information on FCC's website here.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Rainbow Beach Provincial Park and Manipogo Provincial Park Campgrounds are open this weekend after conditions improved, however, there are still a number of closures around the province.
The province is still advising against travel to Duck Mountain because of road washouts. All campgrounds, canoe routes, and backcountry campsites are closed in Duck Mountain Provincial Park are closed.
Information about all the provincial park campground closures across the province can be found here.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Prescribed fires are planned for today in Riding Mountain National Park if weather conditions allow for them. Parks Canada says the goal of prescribed fires is to help reduce the threat of wildfires and improve the area’s ecological health and this fire aims to restore oak woodlands and help maintain habitat for species at risk such as the Golden-Winged Warbler.
Some smoke may be visible and Parks Canada staff will monitor wind conditions to try and ensure smoke won't affect publicly used areas whenever possible. Specific areas may be closed for short periods of time for visitor and staff safety
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
A prescribed fire is planned for today (May 25th) in the Eastern boundary of Riding Mountain National Park in the Wilson Creek Prescribed Fire unit.
If conditions remain favourable, another prescribed fire will take place tomorrow in the greater Wilson Creek area.
The plan is to create a fire guard in the Mount Agissiz area. The prescribed fire also aims to restore oak woodlands and help maintain habitat for species at risk like the Golden-Winged Warbler.
You may see some smoke in the area as a results of the fires. Parks Canada staff will try to ensure that smoke doesn't affect publicly used areas when possible.
There may also be closures for short periods of time.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Seeding delays are cause for concern across the province, as poor weather conditions continue to affect producers' schedules. Courtney Boyachek is an Agronomy Specialist for the Canola Council of Canada and she says while late seeding will likely have a negative effect, there are some positives this year.
Typically we do see lower yields when we are seeding a little bit later, however, we are seeding into really good moisture right now of course, and really anything can happen in a season.
Boyachek said typically canola seeding should be done in early to mid-May, depending on where producers are in the province.
Seeding at that time allows for the crop to utilize early-season moisture effectively, as well as avoid the summer heat during the early stages of flowering.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Roads around the parkland have been opening slowly since there were widespread closures caused by storms. However, there are still a number of closures as of this morning's update.
- PR 489 from PTH 20 to PR 271 is closed due to flooding.
- PR 366 has water on the road and is washed out on sections, from 18 km North of Grandview to PR 367.
- PR 367 is closed from PTH 10 to PR 366 due to water on the road.
PR 366 from the junction of PR 367 (Blue Lakes) North to junction of PR 485 is open, however, it is down to one lane of traffic with reduced speeds. Before hitting the road check out the Speedy Glass Road Conditions tab for the most up-to-date road closures.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
On Saturday, May 21st at approximately 2:45 am, Winnipegosis RCMP responded to a report of a house fire on Spruce Bluff Road, in Camperville.
Upon arrival the home was fully engulfed with flames and the Fire Department was on scene extinguishing the fire. There was no one inside the residence at the time and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
At approximately 3:50 am, the investigation led officers to check a residence on Gospel Bay, in Camperville. When officers arrived they found the front porch on fire. The officers woke up the occupants of the home and assisted with extinguishing the fire. No one was injured.
Officers identified a suspect in the second fire, and a 37-year-old male was arrested, a short distance from the scene.
Matthew Flamand of Camperville has been charged with one count of Arson- Disregard for Human Life. He was remanded into custody.
Winnipegosis RCMP along with the Office of the Fire Commissioner, continue to investigate.
Below is a picture of the front porch on Gospel Bay which had been set on fire (photo was provided to us by the RCMP in the press release).
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
A 75-year-old man from Snow Lake who was reported missing last week has been found, deceased. Below is a press release from the RCMP:
On May 19, 2022, at approximately 7:15 pm, Snow Lake RCMP received a report of a missing 75-year-old male from Snow Lake.
The male left Snow Lake in his vehicle on May 18 and made his way to his cabin. At the cabin he used an all terrain vehicle to travel along a trail where he worked. His all terrain vehicle was located abandoned near a culvert on May 19.
Immediately RCMP began a search of the area with the assistance of Conservation officers, Snow Lake Fire Department, local guides and community members.
On May 20, at approximately 10:00 pm, the 75-year-old male was located deceased in the water.
Workplace Safety and Health have been notified.
Snow Lake RCMP continue to investigate.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
