A community workshop in The Pas yesterday and in Thompson and Flin Flon earlier this week brought attention to the future of mining laws in Manitoba.

The free session invited residents to share their views on critical minerals, environmental protection and public health.

James Beddome, executive director with the Manitoba Eco Network, shares on the sessions.

Organizers explored ways to modernize provincial mining laws and ensure communities have a greater voice in decisions affecting their land and well-being.

The workshop was part of a collaborative project involving four environmental and legal organizations and the University of Winnipeg.

Clearwater Lake Provincial Park is a scenic destination that draws beachgoers and hikers to Northern Manitoba. This month, one of the trails is undergoing improvements.

The Caves Trail is a 1.2 kilometer self-guided trail featuring deep rock crevices, shoreline cliffs, and a rope path down to the water.

The Caves Trail Trailhead is under construction, and the main trail entrance is closed. The caves are still accessible via the lower trail while work continues. Please use caution when accessing the trail, follow all posted signage, and stay clear of active work areas.

For live updates before you head out, check the official Manitoba Parks Trail Conditions page.

Anyone hiking is reminded to wear appropriate footwear, dress for the weather, and notify someone when you’re going out and when you intend to return. Also remember to keep all pets on a leash.

The Pas Regional Library is inviting community members aged thirteen and older to explore storytelling through words and art.

The free workshops take place tomorrow, Saturday, October 24th, featuring Indigenous author Sonya Ballantyne and artist Rhael McGregor.

Sonya Ballantyne shares about her and Rheal's relationship with writing.

Participants will learn about the creative process, develop story and illustration ideas, and share their own work in a supportive environment.

The workshops run from 1 to 2:15 pm and 2:30 to 3:45 pm. Art supplies will be provided, and no registration is required.

Manitoba RCMP have seized drugs, cash and firearm-related items during three search warrants in Moose Lake.

Police executed the warrants on October sixth as part of a drug trafficking investigation, with assistance from the Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team and Manitoba First Nations Police Service.

Officers seized cocaine, ammunition, firearm parts, scales, eight thousand dollars in cash and pills believed to be Percocet.

Three people face charges. Two Moose Lake residents are charged with possessing proceeds of crime, while a woman from The Pas faces a drug trafficking-related charge. A Moose Lake man may also face charges.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is calling on the province to ensure its proposed autism strategy supports First Nations citizens throughout their lives, including adulthood.

The call comes as Bill 232, The Autism Strategy Act, moves through committee. The AMC is raising concerns that amendments could exclude autistic adults from receiving support.

Grand Chief Kyra Wilson says First Nations families already face barriers, including long wait times, limited services in northern and remote communities, and disputes over government responsibility.

The AMC says the strategy must include meaningful First Nations input, equitable access to care, and accountability to ensure autistic people receive the support they need at every stage of life.

The Pas Tri-Community Foundation is looking for community-minded people who want to get involved and help strengthen our region.

They are currently seeking Board Members to provide leadership, oversight, and direction for the Foundation; Grant Committee Volunteers to review applications and support the Foundation’s grantmaking process; and a Granting Director to lead and coordinate the Foundation’s grantmaking work.

These roles offer a meaningful opportunity to contribute your experience, learn more about the Foundation, and help shape how local charitable resources are invested in our community.

If you're interested in learning more about getting involved, contact The Pas Tri-community Foundation at contact@tptcf.ca.

Swan River RCMP are reminding motorists to slow down after recent traffic enforcement efforts resulted in eight speeding tickets being written over a four-day period.

The ages of the drivers ranged from 17 to 82.

The 17-year-old driver, a Brandon female, was clocked travelling 123 km/h in a 100 km/h zone while travelling on Highway 10 in the RM of Minitonas-Bowsman. She received a $351 fine, the largest ticket handed out by local officers over the four days.

Two of the eight drivers ticketed were pulled over during the noon hour on Friday for speeding through a school zone on 2nd Street South in Swan River. A 36-year-old Swan River female was caught travelling 51 km/h in a 30 km/h zone, while a second driver – a 64-year-old female from the RM of Minitonas, Bowsman – was pulled over after driving 49 km/h in the same area.

RCMP are reminding motorists to follow the rules of the road, which include abiding by posted speed limits and driving to conditions.

The Pas Tri-Community Foundation will hold a Grant Workshop in November.

The Grant Workshop is aimed at helping local community organizations navigate the grant process with more confidence. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions about applying for funding through the Foundation.

Topics include eligibility requirements, the application process, and what makes a strong grant application.

The workshop will take place in the Constant Room at the Kikiwak Inn on November 5th at 5:00 PM.

Anyone with a project or idea that could make a difference in the community is encouraged to attend.

Oxford House RCMP have seized more than 279-thousand dollars worth of suspected illicit drugs following three incidents at the Bunibonibee Cree Nation airport.

Police say two women from Oxford House were arrested on October 16th in separate incidents just hours apart. An 80-gram quantity of cocaine was seized from a 29-year-old woman, while a 30-year-old woman was found concealing 31 grams of crack cocaine and 11 grams of cocaine.

Two days later, officers seized more than 182 grams of crack cocaine, along with cellphones and drug paraphernalia, from luggage flagged during a routine search. A 21-year-old man from Edmonton was arrested.

All three suspects face charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking and were released on court orders or undertakings.

The deadline is fast approaching for items to be removed from Lakeside Cemetery.

The annual fall cleanup will soon take place to prepare the grounds for the winter season. The cleanup allows necessary maintenance and upkeep to take place.

The Town of The Pas is reminding residents that all seasonal decorations and unauthorized items will be removed from cemetery plots following October 30th.

This includes but is not limited to artificial flowers, wreaths, lights, seasonal decorations, mementos and keepsakes. Any other items that are not permitted under Cemetery By-law number 4658 will be removed.

Please remove any personal items you wish to keep before October 30th. Items remaining after this date will be removed by town staff.

The Town of The Pas says understanding and cooperation are appreciated while working together to maintain the beauty and dignity of Lakeside Cemetery for all visitors.

For more information, contact the Town Office at 204-627-1100.

Yukon artist Hendrika will be performing on Friday, October 30th, at the Sam Waller Museum.

Hendrika’s folk/rock sound and musical talents have earned her a spot in CBC's top 100 Canadian songs of 2024. The same year, she was also one of Exclaim!'s Emerging Canadian Artists You Need to Hear. She toured internationally to Germany in 2025, and now she's visiting The Pas.

The concert kicks off at 7:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased for $20 in advance at the museum or at the door on the night of the concert. Doors open at 7:00 PM, and concessions will be available.

For more information, call 204-623-3802.

With the Town of The Pas municipal election approaching, eligible voters have several options to make sure their ballots are counted.

Advance voting takes place today, Wednesday, October 21st, from eight a.m. until eight p.m. at the Town Office, 81 Edwards Avenue.

The opportunity is available to qualified voters who have reason to believe they will be absent or unable to attend their regular polling place on election day, October 28th.

For voters who cannot attend in person, applications for voting by sealed envelope can also be made at the Town Office, in writing, or by email to Senior Election Official Julie Fothergill at julie@townofthepas.ca.

The town says applications for sealed-envelope voting are being accepted until October 25th. Voters applying in person may pick up their ballot package at the time of application, while mail and email applicants will receive their package by regular post or through alternative arrangements with the election official.

On election day, voters will elect one mayor and six councillors.

The regular election-day polling station will be the Pas Métis Hall at 1515 Gordon Avenue, open from eight a.m. until eight p.m. next Wednesday.

Anyone with questions can contact Julie Fothergill at 204-281-3415.

It was recently announced that two major initiatives under the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program would receive $163.5 million dollars.

Manitoba First Nations Police Service is getting $121 million over four years, strengthening its capacity to deliver culturally informed policing in the 12 First Nations communities it serves.

The Manitoba First Nations Safety Officer Program will get $42.5 million to expand its program, making it accessible for any community that wants it. The goal is to extend the program to all 63 First Nations in Manitoba by March 2028.

The $163-million investment is intended to strengthen First Nations-led policing, expand access to community safety officers and provide resources to address local concerns across Manitoba.

Swan River RCMP recently investigated a potential threat made against a local high school.

On October 19th, at approximately 8:15 PM, Swan River RCMP learned of the potential threat.

The report originated from a group chat on a social media site that was then shared online, generating concern from the community and RCMP officers.

RCMP located the youth who reportedly issued the threat at his residence. Following an initial investigation, RCMP found that the story circulating on social media was fabricated and that the youth did not send or post any threats.

RCMP continue to investigate the origins of the unfounded threat.

University College of the North has received its first federally funded research grant as the lead institution since becoming eligible for SSHRC funding.

Dr. Tariqul Islam and his research team have been awarded just over 80-thousand dollars for a two-year study examining barriers northern youth face when accessing support services in The Pas, Thompson and Flin Flon.

The research will focus on areas including mental health, addiction treatment, housing, education and employment, with the goal of improving access to culturally appropriate services.

The project will also provide UCN undergraduate students with hands-on research experience.

Manitoba Corrections will hold a recruitment information session on Wednesday evening, detailing what it takes to become a correctional officer. Those attending the session can learn about the hiring process, training, and benefits.

The session will be held at the Northern Learning and Support Center, at 60-3rd Street West in The Pas, on Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.

Karen Ballantyne, who is a recruitment coordinator with The Pas Correctional Centre, talks about future training and other job opportunities with Manitoba Corrections.

For more information and to answer questions, call 204-627-8407.

The Town of The Pas is looking to replace its aging fire truck fleet through a provincial grant application.

Fire Chief Shangraw is recommending council apply for Manitoba’s Growth, Relations and Opportunities, or GRO Grant, to help purchase a new 2026 pumper truck.

The department’s oldest pumper dates back to 1998, while its primary engine is from 2009. Both have exceeded the recommended frontline service life.

The proposed stock unit is estimated to cost between 850-thousand and $ 1.3 million, with the town potentially using its fire department reserves to cover its share of the cost.

The Pas Friendship Center is holding a Halloween Makeup contest, giving participants a chance to unleash their spooky creativity. The contest is open to those ages 12 to 29.

There are two options to submit an entry. You can post a picture on Facebook, using the hashtag TPFCHalloween2026 in the caption, and make sure the post is public. Another option is to email your photo submission to youth@thepasfc.ca.

All entries must include a name and birthdate.

The deadline to enter is October 26th, and the winners will be announced on October 30th.

The first-place prize is a makeup bundle. The second-place prize is a $100 Visa gift card. The third-place prize is a Boo Basket, and the fourth-place prize is a $25 trick-or-treating gas card.

Call Justin or Nicole for more information at 204-627-7500.

The Town of The Pas is being advised to renew its annual snow-clearing agreement with Manitoba Highways for the 2026-2027 season.

The agreement covers lifting and removing snow from highway shoulders within the town’s jurisdiction, with the province proposing a payment of 48-thousand, 801 dollars.

While heavy snowfall earlier this year has pushed the town’s snow-clearing expenses above 45-thousand dollars, renewing the agreement would allow the town to continue receiving provincial revenue for the work.

Administration is recommending the deputy mayor and council approve the new agreement.

CancerCare Manitoba’s Hope and Healing program is holding a conference to help patients and families understand and navigate cancer care. This is the 5th year the conference has run. Virtual sessions will be held tomorrow, October 20th, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM; on the 21st from 5:30 to 9:00 PM; and on the 22nd from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. 

The keynote speaker is Dr. Noel Arring, an associate professor at the University of Manitoba. She will speak on understanding cancer-related fatigue.

Having reliable, up-to-date information can make a big difference in understanding cancer, exploring treatment options, and making informed choices.

Participants can attend as many sessions as they want—registration is free.  For more information or to register, go to cancercare.mb.ca.