Manitoba Wildfire Services completed their analysis of infrared scanning on Fires 50, 61 and 62.

On yesterday’s wildfire update, Mayor Colleen Smook said the three fires are now referred to as the Thompson Complex.

Smook shares some of what the analysis shows.

“The data identified multiple hot spots of concern around Fire 61, which is our fire, including areas in the middle and southwest corner of the western flank as well as along the southern and eastern edges of the fire.”  

Smook said that in consultation with the Thompson Complex incident team, city council has decided to renew the local state of emergency.

The current one runs until August 6th and will be extended for another 30 days after that.

All three fires are classified as out-of-control.

The Northern Health Region has Mental Health Promotion Specialists in Thompson, Flin Flon and The Pas who serve these and outlying areas.

Alexie Laplante

, a specialist in The Pas shares here some supports available  if you are having a challenging time with your mental health.

“They can call their primary health care center and request to speak with a mental health intake. They will put you through with an intake worker who will do an assessment and see how we can support you with one of our practitioners, perhaps having a mental health proctor to help with some daily activities, to really help folks throughout that rough patch that they might be going through.”

If ever you are going through a distressing time, having suicidal ideation or are thinking of harming yourself, Laponte recommends you reach out to first responders immediately.

You can also call 9-8-8, which is the mental health equivalent of 9-1-1.

For more mental health supports go to northernhealthregion.com or go to the Northern Health Region Facebook page.

Should you or shouldn’t you shut off your home’s water supply in case of an evacuation?

Mayor Colleen Smook shared the answer to that on yesterday’s wildfire update.

“Manitoba Wildfire Evacuation guidelines don’t recommend you shut off your water home supply if you are forced to evacuate. When the fire makes it to the community, fire fighters need all sources of water that they can get.”

It is recommended to shut off your natural gas or propane valves if you have them.

Smook again encouraged those who haven’t to register with the City to help with evacuation plans should a mandatory order to leave be made.

This registry helps with determining how many buses and hotel rooms are needed, what provisions need to be made for pets,  and if there are medical issues to be considered.

Catch the daily updates at 11:30 here on 102.9 CHTM.

Due to the uncertainty surrounding the wildfires here in the north, many of us are experiencing stress and anxiety.

And each of us will manifest these in our own ways, according to Jennifer Whalen, a Mental Health Promotion Coordinator with the Northern Health Region.

Here she shares how they can affect us physically.

“You might notice that you are more tense, maybe your muscles feel tight, you are tired or achy. Maybe you don’t have the energy that you typically have or lack some of the motivation that you need in order to get things done from day to day.”  

Emotionally, she added we may feel tearful, down, over-whelmed, edgy or confrontational.

If these aren’t your typical behaviours, it could be your way of exhibiting stress.

Whelan said finding coping mechanisms that work for you are best done before stressful incidents occur, rather than trying to learn them when your capacity to do so is lessened.

For helpful tips and resources for managing stressful situations, catch Thompson Today for the full interview with Whelan at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

When the fire north of Thompson started up about 3-and-a-half weeks ago, about 16 fire fighters were working in the north.

Since that time, as more fires have cropped up, the need for manpower and equipment has increased.

On yesterday’s wildfire update, Mayor Colleen Smook shared what resources are currently deployed throughout the north.

“On Saturday, July 26th, there were 82 fire fighters, 15 helicopters, 1 other aircraft and 24 pieces of heavy equipment just to deploy to the fires in the Northern Region. That doesn’t include the bulldozers that are doing fire break.”

A lot of work on the fire breaks is being handled through Sapach Trucking and Smook Contractors, as well as other out-of-town contractors working here in the north who are using their heavy equipment to help, too.

Catch the daily fire updates here on 102.9 CHTM at 11:30 am.

Early Thursday morning, Thompson RCMP were notified of a possible stabbing at a residence on Ashberry Place.

Officers arrived on scene while  Emergency Medical Services were treating an unresponsive female with a stab wound, inside the residence.

The 34-year-old victim was pronounced deceased, and her death was determined to be a homicide.

31-year-old Tammy James, from Thompson, was arrested and charged with Manslaughter.

James was scheduled to appear in court Monday.

The investigation continues.

After some tense moments last week with the fire near Leaf Rapids, Mayor Colleen Smook reported on Friday’s wildfire update that firefighting crews were successfully containing fire number 61 north of Thompson.

 

While air planes and helicopters are dropping water on hot spots and moving fire crews around, Smook talks here about other equipment received recently.

 

"Thompson Fire and Emergency has been receiving some Value Protection Equipment ordered during the first week of the fire. It includes new pumps and Value Protection Trailer that contains hoses, nozzles and other equipment to help protect our structures.”

 

She added that sites identified for the placement of hoses and sprinklers have all been mapped out.

 

That work began over two weeks ago with the help of Thompson Fire and Emergency Services, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, Manitoba Wildfire Services, the Emergency Measures Organization and other experts.

 

The hoses have been placed on the identified properties and the sprinklers will be attached if and when needed.

On Tuesday evening, the City of Thompson presented it’s 2025 Financial Plan at a Public meeting at City Hall.

Mayor Colleen Smook shares the dollar figure of this year’s budget here.

“So the overall budget for 2025 is $56.6 million, up from 41.5 last year. The 15 million difference is mostly accounted for by an increase in grants from the federal and provincial government.”

Smook said some people will face steep property tax hikes this year, due to assessments that took place over the past year.

While business and commercial property taxes will decrease, residential properties will see an increase.

The payment deadline for this year’s taxes have once again been extended until October 31st.

View the financial plan on the city’s website at Thompson.ca.

On yesterday’s wildfire update, Mayor Colleen Smook provided clarification about a couple pre-alert messages for the City issued by Manitoba Ready.

The Manitoba Ready site, operated by the Emergency Measures Organization, had announced notice of a pre-alert over a few separate days, causing confusion for those who saw them.

Here, Smook shares the status of warnings for the community.

“The City of Thompson’s notice to residents is to remain prepared for potential evacuation. It was issued on July of the 11th and remains in effect.”

City Administration contacted EMO to have the wording changed, so residents wouldn’t think there are additional pre-alerts to the one issued almost two weeks ago.

Smook also said that as most information around the wildfires is remaining constant,
updates to the City’s facebook page have slowed down.

She added they will ramp up should circumstances require it.

Health Links - Info Sante has added some extra services in response to the current wildfire situation in the province.

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Co-ordinator with the Northern Health Region talks about one here.

“If some of your friends have been evacuated and they are somewhere else in Manitoba and you are having trouble finding right where they are, the number is actually the Health Links number and so it’s 1-888-315-9257 and that’s toll free.”

It’s called the Wildfire Health Information and Patients Relocation number.

Besides helping you find family and friends, Health Links - Info Sante also provides wildfire support information regarding any health issues you may have.

Krentz added there are a wide range of supports available and contact information can be found on the Northern Health Region facebook page.

On July 16, 2025, as a result of an ongoing investigation, Thompson RCMP General Investigative Section (GIS) Unit, along with assistance from Thompson RCMP officers and RCMP Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (drone) executed a Controlled Drugs and Substance Act search warrant at a residence on Brandon Crescent.

 

There were numerous individuals inside the residence when police arrived on scene and three of them attempted to flee outside but were arrested after a foot pursuit.

 

Officers seized a loaded prohibited handgun, cocaine and additional illicit substances, along with approximately $20,000 in Canadian currency. Cell phones and drug paraphernalia were also seized.

 

In total, ten individuals, four females and six males were arrested at the scene and all charged with various drug and firearm offences:

 

• Jaheim Blake, 21, from Ajax, Ontario
• Nicholas Dawkins, 25, from Hamilton, Ontario
• Pamela Denechezhe, 35, from Lac Brochet
• Thorne Griffith, 25, from Etobicoke, Ontario
• Darian Huber, 25, from Thompson
• Norraine Huber, 42, from Cross Lake
• Jean Oniske, 37, from Thompson
• Christopher Sauve, 36 from Thompson
• Jordan Smith, 26, from Brampton, Ontario
• Garrett Trout, 28, from Thompson

 

Thompson GIS continues to investigate.

Wildfire smoke is causing continued air quality advisories throughout much of the province, including Thompson and the immediate areas.

Mayor Colleen Smook offers a reminder here for those unsure on how to manage the smoky conditions.

“The general advise from the Health officials is the best way to avoid exposure to the smoke is to stay inside, keep doors and windows closed and if you have to be outdoors, wear a mask.”

Smook added that the use of air filters in our homes is helpful, as well.

She advised that those who are working outdoors refrain from anything too strenuous and said city crews and those working on city projects are being told to go indoors if the air quality warnings are high.

At the end of the day, everyone is responsible for looking after their own health, but should avoid the smoke as much as possible.

Catch the latest wildfire updates daily here at 11:30 on 102.9 CHTM.

Nearly two in three small businesses may drop Canada Post if a strike resumes following the latest vote by their employees.

The strike toward the end of last year impacted small businesses to such a huge degree that 13 per cent of them permanently stopped using Canada Post.

Tyler Slobogian, a Senior Policy Analyst with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business talks about the impact of the last strike on small businesses.

“We estimate that the 2024 strike cost small businesses between 75 million to 100 million each day and it couldn’t come at a worse time. The holiday season is make or break for many small firms. Missed deliveries, delayed payments and cancelled orders meant many business owners ended the year in a much weaker position than expected. For some, it took months to recover if at all.”

Seventy-one per cent of businesses responded to the disruptions by encouraging customers to use digital options.

Nearly half turned to private couriers and 27 per cent delayed mail.

To hear more about the latest struggles of Canada Post and the reforms needed to turn things around, catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Manitoba First Nations Police are requesting public assistance in locating William Alexander Buck, age 36.

 

During a traffic stop in the Opaskwayak Cree Nation on July 20th of last year, officers attempted to stop a vehicle that fled at a high rate of speed.

 

The vehicle was located a short time later, abandoned, and police dogs were brought in to find the suspect.

 

William Alexander Buck was then arrested and charged with various offences before being released with a scheduled court date.

 

To date, attempts to locate Buck have been unsuccessful, and MFNP is asking that anyone with information on his whereabouts contact the detachment in the OCN at 204-623-8200.

 

Anonymous tips can also be left by calling 1-833-978-0048.

July is UV Safety Month and while we may we aware of what exposure to high UV levels can do to our skin, it has just a serious impact on our eyes.

Dr. Chryssa McAlister, a Comprehensive Ophthalmologist in Ontario shares more here.

“While UV exposure is something that can really affect almost every part of the eye, eyelid cancers are one of the common skin cancers we see that are definitely related to UV exposure. You can get cataracts or macular degeneration, those are both diseases of older people but we think it’s life time UV exposure that really contributes to getting those diseases.”

McAlister recommends wearing sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays, as well as hats to help block the sun.

Outdoor workers are particularly at high risk of UV and other damaging factors and advises them to wear shatterproof, wrap-around eye protection.

For more on the UV affects on our eyes and ways to avoid them, catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Five new fires started up in the north Sunday, thanks to the lack of rain and smoky conditions that grounded water bombers and other aircraft on the weekend.

Yesterday, Manitoba Wildfire Services deployed crews to the eastern edge of the fire and scanned the western edge for hot spots.

Mayor Colleen Smook provided more details on the wildfire update Monday here on 102.9 CHTM.

“South of Thompson, crews continue to work the northern finger of the western flanks of Fire 5 to keep that fire from moving towards Wabowden and Highway 6. They are also concentrating on keeping the fire away from Highway 373.”

Smook added that more fire fighters have arrived in the community from Gimli to help with the fires.

She thanked all those working on keeping the city safe, whether it was onsite at the fires or clearing brush and trees, or helping to protect assets around the city.

For more fire updates, go to thompson.ca or the City of Thompson Facebook Page.

While a number of aircraft are working to suppress the fire north of the city, others are deployed to help determine the growth of the fire, pinpoint hot spots and provide important information.

One type of craft not allowed to fly in the area right now are drones.

On the fire update Friday, Mayor Colleen Smook reminded listeners of that.

“The use of drones is illegal and will result in the grounding of the tankers and that if drones are spotted in the area. It hampers the fire fighting.”

Smook added that she is only aware of one report of a drone being flown in the area of the fire so far, but that anyone caught doing so will face heavy fines.

The penalty for flying a drone where you are not allowed is $3-thousand for an individual based on Transport Canada regulations.

On July 16, 2025, at approximately 1:00 am, The Pas RCMP officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle located in the community.

 

In speaking with the male driver and two female passengers, officers noted open liquor within the vehicle. A further search of the vehicle led to the seizure of a substance believed to be cocaine, an extendable baton and bear mace.

As a result of this investigation, officers prepared and executed a search warrant at a rural property located off of Highway 10, north of The Pas.

As a result of this search, officers seized a number of firearms, airsoft guns, a crossbow, body armour, illicit pills and other drug-related paraphernalia.

RCMP have arrested the three individuals who remain in police custody. Charges for the three accused, a 30-year-old male and a 27-year-old female, both from The Pas, as well as a 36-year-old female, from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, are pending.

The Pas RCMP continue to investigate.

On City Beat yesterday, Mayor Colleen Smook provided another daily update on the wildfire situation here in the north.

Work on the west side of Fire Number 61, which Smook refers to as “our fire”, continued on Wednesday and would do so until fire crews reach an area burned in an earlier fire.

The previous fire has helped to slow the fire’s growth in the northwest.

Smook also made a request for those who have asset protection equipment in their yards.

“So if you see a hose lying on the ground, please don’t drive over it. If it’s blocking something or you can’t get around it, please call the Fire Hall at 204-677-7916 and someone will come and move it so it’s not in your way.”

A team from Manitoba Wildfire Service, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, Thompson Fire and EMS and the Emergency Management Organization began scouting out locations for this equipment last Friday.

The hoses and sprinklers will be connected to the City’s water supply if necessary.

On the daily wildfire update yesterday, Mayor Colleen Smook described possible scenarios for how an evacuation would be managed if a mandatory evacuation order was called.

“We actually have general plans in place and are working on more specific details. It won’t be a free for all, there will be points in different neighbourhoods for people who need transportation. It can also be done in waves by area, that way the RCMP and all of the evacuation staff will ensure that everyone from one neighbourhood is gone or on their way before moving on to the next neighbourhood with the go ahead to leave.”

She added that the areas of the City most at-risk from the fire would be evacuated first, followed by the rest, with traffic being monitored in the city to avoid traffic jams.

Buses for those without other transportation would likely be staged at various locations in each neighbourhood.

Catch the latest fire update this morning at 11:30 here on 102.9 CHTM.

While tree clearing continues along the Millennium Trail as part of the wildfire protection work, one special tree has been reprieved for now.

Mayor Colleen Smook explained why on yesterday’s wildfire update here on 102.9 CHTM.

“While an operator was clearing the cut line, he spotted this tree with ribbons tied around it and recognized that there was a significance so he stopped. So in Indigenous and cultural practices, ribbons can be used to honor ancestors, mark sacred sites and send prayers to the Creator.”

The City of Thompson and Vale Manitoba Operations consulted with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and the Keewatin Tribal Council for guidance on the tree’s spiritual significance and how to proceed in a culturally appropriate way if it was necessary to remove the tree.

Following these discussions, the decision was made to preserve the tree which is located near Vale’s pump house on the shores of the Burntwood River.

While Thompson is currently under a pre-alert for evacuation, it’s the time for preparation and not panic.

Mayor Colleen Smook, in her daily wildfire update yesterday, said work to protect the city is going well, including the addition of more fire breaks and ongoing brush and tree clearing.

When asked about the 12-hour deadline the City is considering should a mandatory evacuation order be made, Smook had this to say.

“We learnt from Denare Beach, Flin Flon and all of our Northern partners, some have been able to give 24 or 48 hours evacuation notice. We determined that 12 hours would be better to give up here because that way, with the numbers that we have to get out of here, we have to have everyone on the highway in that 12 hours.”  

Smook is strongly encouraging residents to fill out the evacuation registry they launched last week.

The information will help organizers determine what resources are needed for an evacuation.

Currently, they have lined up roughly 65 buses to help transport people out of the city, based on the responses they have received to date.

Do you sometimes get text messages from unknown numbers?

If so, be careful about how you respond to them.

The Competition Bureau has issued a consumer alert regarding “smishing scams” which are initiated through text messages.

Josephine Palumbo, the Deputy Commissioner with the Deceptive Marketing Practices Directorate of the Bureau, shares here how they work.

“They often impersonate real businesses, government departments or people and, for context, machine messages will often try to get users to click on a link which may contain what’s referred to as malware or lead to spoofed websites.”

Palumbo said fraudsters are using pre-paid SIM cards to shield their identities when targeting victims, making it difficult to pursue investigations.

Learn more about these scams and how you can avoid becoming a victim.  Catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

If your home is on the tree-line, you may now have some new additions to your yard.

Last Friday and over the weekend, firefighters from Thompson Fire & Emergency Services, the Office of the Fire Commissioner and other fire departments were out and about in the city’s neighbourhoods.

Mayor Colleen Smook explains here what the purpose was.

“So they are scouting locations for Value Protection sprinklers that they will use to safeguard the community and critical infrastructure. If the fire does start coming our way, this is just precautionary measures as with everything else.”

This action included placing sprinklers with hoses on the roofs of some houses.

Once the sprinklers are installed, the hoses will be tied into a main line connected to a water source.

Please do not move the hoses if they are placed in your yard.

On June 30, 2025, at 5:00 pm, Wabowden RCMP received a report of a missing 40-year-old male from an address located on Lakeside Drive in Wabowden.

Travis Bittern, 40, was last seen on June 27 at 9:45 am walking southbound along Highway 6, located approximately two kilometres south of Wabowden.

He's described as being 6’3’’, 210 lbs with black hair & brown eyes. No clothing description was provided.

The family advised that during their last conversation with him, he indicated he was heading to Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation.

Efforts to locate Travis Bittern have been unsuccessful to date.

If you’ve seen Travis Bittern or have any information on his whereabouts, please call the Wabowden RCMP at 204-689-2152, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Manitoba RCMP officers are now assisting with the evacuations of South Indian Lake, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Kitiganwacheeng (Garden Hill First Nation). The evacuations of the communities of Lynn Lake, Snow Lake, Leaf Rapids, Granville Lake and Mathias Colomb Cree Nation have been completed.

RCMP officers, along with firefighters and EMS, located within these communities remain to ensure home and properties are secure, while maintaining road closures and roadblocks.

A number of communities across the Province have opened up their doors to welcome evacuees during these unprecedented wildfires, which is a testament to the strength of Manitobans’ willingness to help those in need.

We must all work together and urge everyone to be respectful, considerate, and most importantly, to be patient.

The Manitoba RCMP continues to thank all residents of evacuated communities for their continued cooperation and recognizes and thanks everyone who has stepped up to provide assistance and support to those who need it most.

For those who reside in the affected areas, we continue to request that everyone continue to abide by the evacuation orders.

Motorist are urged to drive with caution due to the increased volumes of traffic. If you come across a checkpoint, please be patient and await further instructions from the officers on scene.

Anyone needing information in regards to road closures in the wildfire zones are asked to check with the Manitoba 511 website at https://www.manitoba511.ca for the latest updates on what’s open and what’s closed.

Fire crews from around the province and the United States are currently in Thompson to fight the fire north of town, with more on the way.

While the fire is being held and efforts to protect important assets are ongoing,  Mayor Colleen Smook made a request on City Beat yesterday.

“Thompson is not the place to just come to holiday at this point. We need to save our hotel rooms and our resources for all the fire fighting people that we have coming through town.”

A province-wide state of emergency was issued again yesterday, the second since May, due to the worsening of some fires here in the north.

Communities like Snow Lake and Lynn Lake are seeing their second evacuations in just over a month, while Leaf Rapids and Garden Hill First Nation were also evacuated this week.

Thompson is NOT currently under an evacuation order.

For more wildfire updates go to the City of Thompson facebook page.

The flash flood in Texas should be a wake up call to all Canadian communities, according to the Canadian Climate Institute.

Currently, over 1-million homes are at risk of flooding due to being built in flood prone areas.

Zach Carriere, a Senior Research Assistant in Adaptation with the Institute, provides suggestions on how to avoid flooding issues.

“We need consistently high quality flood mapping across the country. On average, across Canada, flood maps tend to be 20 to 25 years out of date. For rural areas, they are often more out of date then that. There is work being done to bring our flood mapping up to speed but that needs to be accelerated.”

Carriere said once this flood mapping is updated, it’s important that it be publicly available.

That will guide flood-risk reduction measures that will be the most effective in particular areas.

Those could include infrastructure such as flood walls or diversion channels and improving capacity of storm sewers and drainage systems.

Learn more about flood risk management on Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) is deeply concerned following reports of drug trafficking targeting evacuees temporarily housed in Winnipeg due to the ongoing wildfires in northern Manitoba. We commend the Winnipeg Police Service for acting quickly to arrest two individuals allegedly engaged in illegal drug activity near the evacuee hotels.

On the evening of July 6, 2025, WPS officers responded to community tips and arrested two suspects in the area of Wellington Avenue and Sargent Avenue. Officers seized cocaine, cash, and a mobile phone believed to be used in the drug trade. The charged individuals are now facing multiple offenses related to trafficking and proceeds of crime.

“Our people have already endured the unimaginable hardship and stress of fleeing their homes due to wildfires," said Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “To have others prey on them during this vulnerable time is completely unacceptable. I commend the Winnipeg Police Service for protecting our evacuees."

MKO and other First Nations partners have been emphasizing the importance of ensuring culturally safe, trauma-informed support for evacuees during this displacement. We urge all Manitobans to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

• If there is an emergency or a crime in progress, call 911 (knowing your location is important when you
call 911)

• For non-emergencies (such as crimes not in progress, suspicious circumstances and property crime)
call 204-986-6222

• Many other incidents can be reported online

MKO continues to work closely with law enforcement, emergency management partners, and community organizations to ensure that First Nations evacuees receive the care, dignity, and security they deserve.

On July 8, 2025, officers with the Thompson RCMP General Investigative Section (GIS) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle located on Brandon Crescent.

Officers approached the vehicle and noted three adult occupants inside, two males and a female.

The investigation on scene led to the arrest of the three occupants. A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of a duffel bag, and upon its search, officers located a loaded Glock firearm, approximately 396 grams of a drug, believed to be cocaine, and other drug-related paraphernalia.

RCMP have charged Al-Zabair Al-Adimi, 28, Abdulrahman Qahtan, 29, both from Calgary, along with Silken Munroe, 28, of Cross Lake Cree Nation, with Possession for the purpose of trafficking and multiple firearm-related offences. They were remanded into custody.

Thompson GIS continue to investigate.

On July 10, at 12:30 am, Swan River RCMP responded to a report of an injured male at a residence in Sapotaweyak Cree Nation.

Officers, along with EMS, responded immediately and located a 57-year-old male with critical injuries who was pronounced deceased on scene. His death is being investigated as a homicide.

The investigation on scene led to the arrest of a 20-year-old male at a nearby residence who remains in police custody. Both were known to each other.

Swan River RCMP, along with assistance of RCMP Major Crime Services and Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

Yesterday, the City of Thompson launched their online registry for Thompson residents in case evacuation from the local wildfire is needed.

Everyone is encouraged to fill out the questionnaire.

Mayor Colleen Smook provided some examples of what information the registry is looking for.

“On the questionnaire, it’s asking if you have your own way out of town or if you have a place to stay? Will you be needing the bus transportation? Do you have mobility issues and any health care needs?”

You can go online to thompson.ca to complete the registry.

Smook also said there will be posters around town which will provide you with a QR code, as well as a possible mail-out for those who don’t have access to computers or other devices.

The Hello Parents Network is holding a Summer Safety Block Party next Wednesday from 1 to 4 pm at the Juniper Splash Park.

Parents and kids are invited to drop by for an afternoon filled with entertainment and activities.

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Co-ordinator with the Northern Health Region shares details.

“We’ve got a free barbeque, obviously fun times at the Splash Pad on these hot summer days. Music and Karaoke, there is a Paint the RCMP Van so you can splash some paint on there, free giveaways, draws, games and lots of other activities for kids.”   

The event is free to attend and all are welcome.

Provincial Road 280 was closed yesterday afternoon.

The Manitoba Wildfire Service was preparing for a controlled burn near the southwestern edge of the wildfire currently burning north of Thompson.

The controlled burns planned for yesterday began around 6 p.m. on both the northern and southern sides of Provincial Road 280.

Another burn is planned for today on a peninsula between Mystery Lake and the Burntwood River south of Provincial Road 280.

Residents should be prepared to see thick smoke or flames to the north.

The City reported yesterday that the fire north of Thompson did not grow much on Monday thanks to favourable weather.

Yesterday, helicopters with buckets continued dealing with hot spots where the fire has crossed the Burntwood River.

Bulldozers are working to create fire guards around the fire. The guard on the north end is finished and work began on a guard on the south side Tuesday.

Trees and vegetation are being cleared from the north side of North Hangar Road at the Thompson Regional Airport and from the pump house, the wastewater treatment plant, and the north side of the Millennium Trail along the Burntwood River, as well as in the heavy industrial/train station area.

Value protection equipment has been deployed at Mystery Mountain Winter Park, the Thompson Regional Airport, the Thompson Golf Course and the horse stables.

The Manitoba Wildfire Service is also battling a fire east of Wabowden using ground resources and helicopters with buckets.

The wildfire north of Thompson has grown to roughly 6-thousand hectares in size, driven in large part by strong winds on Friday and Saturday.

Milder winds yesterday helped fire crews and others working to contain the fire.

Mayor Colleen Smook said brush, timber and grass clearing are going on around various assets like the waste water treatment plant and the airport to lessen the fire risk in those areas.

She said the NavCan Radar site and Mystery Mountain Winter Park are also being protected with sprinkler systems and other fire breaks.

As of Sunday, 28 fire fighters and 10 fire apparatus were staged in Thompson from fire departments across the province, with more fire fighters and apparatus arriving in the coming days.

The city is also working on a registration system for those leaving the city, to ensure they are accounted for in case of an evacuation.

Check their website and facebook page for details.

Thompson boaters are advised that there will be temporary closures of the Burntwood River boat launches from now through to August 25th.

During this time, repairs are being made to ensure safe access to and navigation on the water.

The alternate access boat launch behind the Royal Canadian Legion is now closed until around July 29th.

The main public access boat launch behind Popeye’s will be closed from July 30th  to approximately August 25th.

While the main public access boat launch is closed, the alternate access boat launch will serve as the designated public access.

In the event of an emergency, Thompson Fire & Emergency Services will be given priority access to the boat launch.

On Friday afternoon, the City of Thompson announced there was an active fire around 8 kilometre north of Thompson.

Wildfire crews, water bombers and helicopters were quick to respond.

Heavy equipment provided by Smook Contractors and Sapach Trucking worked on Saturday to create a guard line along the highway between the junction of PR-391 and PR-280 and close to the Mystery Mountain turnoff.

They also worked to build a fire guard around the NavCan radar tower near the Mystery Mountain Ski hill to ensure continued operations at the Thompson airport.

The City administration and staff are meeting daily with the Manitoba Wildfire Service, the Office of the Fire Commissioner and the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization to get updates on the wildfire situation.

Updates are being posted to the City of Thompson facebook page.

For details on how to be prepared for wildfires, go to getprepared.gc.ca

Shopping carts are often found in places around Thompson other than the stores or parking lots where they should be.

On City Beat Thursday, Mayor Colleen Smook indicated the City is working on the by-law for the shopping carts, to  make the owners responsible for them and their retrieval.

Smook said Safeway has put a type of “range lock” on their carts, so they can’t be taken past a certain distance.

The City is hoping that other stores who provide shopping carts to their customers will do the same, to eliminate carts from being abandoned around the city.

She added that discussion on the by-law should hopefully be addressed this summer at the council meetings.

There is an active wildfire past the Thompson Airport on highway 280. The fire is 8km from Thompson.

 

Wildfire crews are in the area as well as water bombers and helicopter response. Heavy equipment is being dispatched to create fire breaks.

 

Do not approach the area or interfere with emergency operations.

 

The City of Thompson appreciates everyone's cooperation in this emergency situation. Updates will be provided as new information is received from relevant agencies.

Wildfires and an evacuation order are affecting mail and parcel delivery to Lynn Lake. Canada Post is putting contingency measures in place, assessing the situation and options to best serve residents and to keep them connected.

 

A red delivery service alert was issued for Lynn Lake due to wildfire evacuations. A red alert for Lynn Lake means the post office is closed, and incoming mail is being securely held off-site until further notice.

 

Please note that red service alerts are still in effect for Pukatawagan and Split Lake due to wildfires and evacuation orders.

 

The delivery service alert will be posted and updated on our Delivery service alerts webpage and on our @canadaposthelps X account. As information is updated on mail availability, delivery and postal services, it will be posted on our Closures and service interruptions webpage.

 

We thank those affected for their patience in this difficult time.

 

If customers have questions regarding mail delivery, they can contact Canada Post’s Customer Service team online at canadapost.ca/support or by telephone at 1-866-607-6301 (TTY: 1-800-267-2797).

On June 30, 2025, at approximately 10:00 pm, Gypsumville RCMP received a report of a stabbing near the cemetery in the community of Pinaymootang First Nation.

 

Officers responded immediately and when they arrived on scene, found a 30-year-old male with severe injuries. The victim was able to advise officers that the suspects had fled in a vehicle.

 

Police administered first aid treatment until EMS arrived and transported the victim to hospital where he remains in stable condition.

 

A search of the area was done for the suspects, but they were not located.

 

On July 1, 2025, at approximately 4:00 pm, as a result of the ongoing investigation, Gypsumville RCMP, Manitoba RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS) and RCMP Emergency Response Unit (ERT) executed a search warrant at a residence on School Road and arrested three occupants.

 

Officers also seized two machetes and various firearms.

 

Greyson Ryle, 32, of Fairford was charged with:

 

• Aggravated Assault
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purposes
• Fail to Comply with Undertaking x2
• Unsafe Storage of Firearm
• Careless Use of Firearm
• Possession of a Firearm when knowing Possession Unauthorized

 

Gerald Sinclair, 29, of Lake St. Martin was charged with:

 

• Aggravated Assault
• Careless Use of a Firearm
• Fail to Comply with Release Order x2
• Possession of Firearm when Knowing Possession Unauthorized
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purposes
• Unsafe Storage of Firearm

 

Wendy Cook, 45, of Lake St. Martin was charged with:

 

• Aggravated Assault
• Careless Use of a Firearm
• Disobeying Order of Court
• Fail to Comply with Release Order
• Fail to Comply with Undertaking
• Possession of Firearm when Knowing Possession Unauthorized
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purposes
• Unsafe Storage of Firearms
• Fai to Attend Court

 

All three individuals remain in custody.

 

The investigation continues.

The City’s budget is complete and the public will get to add their thoughts later this month.

Mayor Colleen Smook commented on City Beat yesterday.

“Budget is wrapped up, the public meeting to let everyone know what’s happening will be July 17th. It’s a very good budget, we addressed public safety as one of our main priorities this year so I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised with this budget.”

Smook acknowledged that the budget was late in being completed, and that it was delayed even further while City staff were busy helping with wildfire evacuees in May and June.

A draft of the budget will be available for review before the public meeting at the City’s website, thompson.ca.

Summer pastimes like fishing, boating and swimming keep many of us near pools, lakes and beaches.

While we head to them looking for fun, each summer tragedy strikes with a number of drowning deaths.

Lorne Edwards with Lifesaving Society Manitoba says swimming lessons are the best first defense, but offers other tips to avert danger.

“Life jackets do the trick! Life jackets are so well designed now and you can get them in those bright colours so people are easy to spot. Especially for those children six years of age and younger, always keep them within arms reach of an adult.”  

National Drowning Prevention Week is coming up July 20th to 26th.

It is held in the third week of July annually, as this is the time period when Canada experiences the most drowning deaths, according to past statistics.

For more on water safety, tune in to Thompson Today for the full interview with Edwards at 12:40 and 5:10.

On June 27, 2025, at 4:50 pm, Norway House RCMP responded to a report of a stabbing at a residence located in Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation.

Officers arrived and located a 21-year-old male with multiple stab wounds. The suspect was reported to have fled the scene on foot. Information received by officers was that a fight broke out between the suspect and victim which led to the stabbing.

The victim was airlifted to Thompson and then to Winnipeg with life-threatening injuries. He has since been upgraded to stable.

The suspect was later located that evening and arrested without incident.

RCMP have charged 19-year-old Barren Osborne, of Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation, with Aggravated Assault and remanded him into custody.

Norway House RCMP continue to investigate.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is celebrating small businesses with their Big Thank You contest.

From now to July 14th, customers are asked to nominate local businesses for prizes, and to place their own votes to also be eligible for prizes.

After challenges faced during the pandemic and now with the trade wars, small businesses are creating their own opportunities, as Tyler Slobogian with the CFIB explains.

“One of the best things that small businesses can do is really focus on building a strong local network both with customers and suppliers. We’ve seen that businesses that promote Canadian or locally made products are more likely to see growth in that area. Many are also diversifying their supply chains, improving their online presence is another thing and really investing in customer loyalty helps kind of weather these economic ups and downs.”   

You’re asked to support those local businesses.

To participate in the contest go to smallbusinesseveryday.ca.