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The provincial government has announced $750,000 in funding for the Manitoba Camping Association. The money will go towards a COVID-19 economic recovery plan for eligible overnight camps throughout Manitoba.
Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke made the announcement today. She pointed out the economic impact that closures and implementation of services under health measures, had on camps during the Pandemic. She also talked about the benefit these camps have.
“Manitoba children benefit from the exposure to the outdoors and the learning experiences overnight camps offer, and we recognize the importance of community-based organizations in building thriving and sustainable communities across the province"
For additional information on Manitoba Camping Association activities and to inquire about funding support, call 204-784-1130 or visit their website here.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
UPDATE:
Brandon Fire Crews are still on scene at a large structure fire in the city.
Multiple roads in the area continue to be blocked off by the Brandon Police Service after the building currently under construction went up in flames this morning.
Brandon Fire and Emergency Services Chief Terry Parlow says the building is a complete loss after the fire ripped through it this morning. He went on to say that the fire was under control earlier and said it is thanks to not having to deal with much of a wind which made it easier to battle the smoke and flames.
He also said no other buildings were affected by the fire and no residents in the nearby area had to be forced to evacuate.
The building is near Victoria Avenue and E.Fotheringham Drive.
Residents are being asked to avoid the area if possible to give crews space to continue to work on the site.
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- Contributed by Eric Fawx
If you're heading up north this weekend, a stop in The Pas would be a great idea.
The Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival is underway after the opening ceremonies and it will run until Sunday. Premier Heather Stefanson was in attendance for the ceremonies, marking the first time in more than a dozen years that Manitoba's premier has taken part in the festivities.
And as the event rolls on, organizers have received a generous boost as the Manitoba government has provided the festival with $25,000.00.
Dog-sled racing and trapping skills competitions are featured during the festival, which attracts up to 5000 people over the five days.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Extreme cold temperatures are expected to stick around until tomorrow afternoon. Environment Canada put an extreme cold warning into effect for the parkland this afternoon. Wind chills are expected to reach -41 overnight and into the morning.
With these extreme temperatures, frostbite can develop on exposed skin within minutes. Environment Canada suggests watching for shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and color change in fingers and toes. Remember, if it's too cold for you to stay outside, it's also too cold for your pets.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Two residents from Dauphin were back in court yesterday after their arrests last April.
26-year-old Germaine Beaulieu and 41-year-old Katie Schabler face multiple charges and had their court cases adjourned to March 15th.
The charges come after the RCMP searched a home in Dauphin last April and seized about 60 grams of cocaine, numerous illicit pills, cash, a firearm, and drug-related paraphernalia.
More information about their arrests can be found here.
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- Contributed by Eric Fawx
The price of fuel in the province is expected to continue to rise over the next few months.
Manitoba is currently sitting at record highs at the pumps of around $1.50/L and experts say that it will only go higher as we approach the changeover from winter gas to summer gas.
Patrick De Haan, the head of Petroleum Analysis for Gas Buddy, said that there’s an expectation that gas prices could go up by 15 to 25 or 30 cents a litre by early summer because of the refineries ability to produce fuel temporarily due to regular maintenance at the changeover from winter to summer fuel as well as the demand for fuel as summer approaches and more people travel.
Patrick went on to say that the best way to make sure you get the best price at the pumps is to always price check on apps like Gas Buddy which could save you up to several hundred dollars by the end of the year.
For more on gas prices head to the Gas Buddy website here.
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- Contributed by Eric Fawx
Starting February 28th, the federal government will no longer be requiring PCR tests for fully vaccinated travelers entering the country. Those with at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will only need a rapid antigen test, approved by the country they're coming from, within 24 hours of their flight.
Vaccinated travelers can still be selected for a random test when they arrive, but will not be required to quarantine while waiting for the results. The antigen tests are often much less expensive than a PCR test. Unvaccinated travelers will still be required to take a PCR test and quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
UPDATE: According to Manitoba RCMP, the Emerson border crossing is now clear.
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The Manitoba RCMP has released a statement saying they have peacefully resolved the situation at the Emerson border crossing. They are now working to clear out all remaining protestors and it is expected that all will be cleared out by tomorrow.
The RCMP has been working to peacefully resolve the situation at Emerson, which has been affecting $73 million dollars of trade daily.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
The Dauphin City Council met tonight for their third meeting of the year. Here are some of the highlights from the meeting.
- February 26th was proclaimed as Coldest Night of the Year for the City of Dauphin. It is a virtual event, hosted by the Dauphin Friendship Centre, and more information can be found here.
- An asset management program has been put into place where the City’s Public Works, Engineering, ICT, and Finance team have been working on developing a policy, plan, training, and asset registry that will capture the status and condition of all City assets to ensure they continue to be managed responsibly going forward.
“In February 2021, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Municipal Asset Management Program awarded funding to the City of Dauphin to support the implementation of an asset management program in our organization. The grant program offers 80% of the total eligible project costs, to a maximum of $50,000.”
- There was a motion carried to extend the lease of the Shared Health Inc. space at CN Station.
“In 2020, the City renewed the lease agreement with Shared Health Inc. for space at CN Station for a period of two years from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2022. The agreement provides the option to extend the lease for three additional terms of one year provided the Lessee submits their notice of extension three months in advance of the end of the lease term.”
- Each year, Manitoba Water Services Board requests that municipalities identify priority capital projects that are to be completed within the next 2 – 5 years for consideration to be included in the MWSB 5-year Capital Plan. Each individual project requires its own form to be completed and submitted. The council Identified priority water and wastewater projects for the city as follows.
- Wastewater Treatment and Lagoon Upgrades
- Main Street South Watermain Renewal and Rehabilitation
- Pressure Management System Upgrades
- Water Supply Security
- Aqueduct Renewal
Today's council meeting was live-streamed and can be viewed here.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
The new loosened Public Health restrictions in the province of Manitoba have officially kicked in.
Last week Premier Heather Stefanson and Chief Public Health Officer Doctor Brent Roussin announced the sped-up loosening of restrictions in the province due to the peak of the Omicron wave of the pandemic.
The restrictions that are now in place are:
- Masks and physical distancing continue to be required in indoor public spaces.
- Indoor gatherings in public spaces will be limited to 50 people if anyone over 12 is not fully vaccinated.
- Indoor gatherings in public spaces will have no limit if everyone over 12 is fully vaccinated.
- There are no longer capacity limits for outdoor public or private gatherings regardless of vaccination status.
- There are no capacity limits for indoor private gatherings regardless of vaccination status.
- Restaurants will have no capacity limits or table size limits but will still require proof of vaccination for anyone over 12 who's dining in.
- Liquor sales in licensed establishments return to normal hours of operation.
- No capacity limits at sporting events with proof of vaccination still required.
- Proof of vaccination or testing no longer required for youth 12-17 for indoor and recreational sports.
They also announced that there's a plan to remove the proof of vaccination requirements in all settings on March 1 as well as a plan to remove all mask requirements and other restrictions by March 15.
In some settings, including personal care homes, shelters, and healthcare facilities, public health officials will continue to notify close contacts of COVID-19 cases until March 8 before lifting that requirement.
A full list of the restrictions coming into place next week can be found here.
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- Contributed by Eric Fawx
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced this afternoon that his government will be invoking the Federal Emergencies Act. This will be to strengthen law enforcement agencies around the country to deal with illegal blockades and occupations.
The Ambassador Bridge, between Windsor and Detroit, was cleared yesterday while other border crossings, including The Emerson Crossing in Manitoba, remain blocked.
The act will be used to strengthen law enforcement agencies at all levels, the military will not be called in. The measures will only be in place as long as necessary and will be targeted where needed.
Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson says she does not think that the Federal Emergencies act is needed for Manitoba's Emerson border crossing. She said the situation is very different than in other places around the country and should be treated as so.
The blockade at the Emerson Border Crossing is affecting $73 million in trade daily. Premier Stefanson says she has and will continue to listen to law enforcement agencies for advice on handling the situation.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
