The City’s Public Safety meeting took place on Tuesday evening at the Ma Mow We Tak Friendship Centre.

On City Beat yesterday, Mayor Colleen Smook said there was a good turnout, with many attendees concerned about the vagrancy and loitering issues.

She comments here.

“As one person said during their comments, there is no silver bullets. It’s going to take a lot of people and a lot of organizations and the general public to help us move forward in how we are going to get the problem under control.”  

Smook added that the new Public Safety Committee will meet the third Wednesday of every month at 3pm in the Committee Room at City Hall.

The meetings are open to the public, but if you wish to comment you need to register by filling out the Delegation Request Form by noon on the Wednesday prior to the meeting you wish to attend.

That can be done on the City’s website at Thompson.ca.

On October 15, 2025, at approximately 10:30 pm, Lynn Lake RCMP were dispatched to an assault that occurred at a residence in Black Sturgeon Falls.

 

Officers arrived and were met at the door by the 40-year-old male victim who was not seriously injured and advised them the male suspect was still in the house. They entered to ensure the safety of everyone inside and located the suspect in one of the back rooms.

 

The 21-year-old was arrested without incident.

 

While the suspect was searched, officers located a number of small baggies that appeared to be cocaine. In total, 81 baggies (equivalent to 1 gram) were discovered which is a significant amount for the small community of Black Sturgeon Falls.

 

Samuel Grimard, from Montreal was remanded and charged with the following:

 

• Possession of property obtained by crime
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking
• Use/Possess a forged document

 

Lynn Lake RCMP continue to investigate.

Halloween comes with lots of lights, sounds, and colours.

For some children it can be a sensory overload.

Jen Whalen, Mental Health Promotions coordinator with the Northern Health Region, shares tips here provided by an organization called Strongest Families.

“Some tips may be going earlier in the evening when crowds are less, maybe your child would be more comfortable wearing noise cancelling headphones, if you come up to a house and it just seems like too much, feel free to skip that house. Make sure to build in some comforts as well. Have a safe spot and that can be taking a break in your car or bring things that make your child more comfortable like a blanket or a stuffie.”

Strongest Families is a year-round support program for parents and children that can be accessed by referral through the NHR Mental Wellness and Recovery Program.

They help with emotional struggles in the family, such as child and youth anxiety, provide support for neuro-diverse children and offer anxiety and depression support for adults.

For more on the program, go to their website at strongestfamilies.com.

YWCA Thompson invites men and those who identify as male to join their 16th annual Walk-a-Mile in her Shoes event.

This awareness- and fund-raiser event takes place on Saturday, November 8th, starting at 11 am with a barbecue at the YWCA parking lot and to be followed by the walk at noon.

Nicole Apetagon, the Women’s Programs Coordinator with the YWCA, outlines the route of the walk here.

“The route walkers will take will be walking up Nickel Road to Riverside Drive then come down Thompson Drive North then up Quartz Street then back up Nickel Road to the YWCA.”

Prizes will be awarded to the individual and group that has raised the most money.

Learn more about the Walk-a-Mile in her Shoes event.  Catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 pm.

Time is of the essence for York Factory First Nation.

After the cancellation of the ferry service to York Landing this July 16th due to Manitoba Hydro’s reduction of water levels on Split Lake, the utility has begun releasing water and the level of the lake is rising.

Now Chief and Council of the York Factory First Nation are calling on Transport Minister Lisa Naylor to restore the ferry service on Split Lake for the remainder of the ice-free season in 2025.

Chief Darryl Wastesicoot said mild weather over the next weeks would allow the ferry to make a few trips.

He’s hoping they can bring in their school bus, garbage truck and a few loads of supplies for their trade school and lumber for houses.

On September 14th, Chief and Council spoke with Naylor and Environment Minister Mike Moyes, reminding them of their responsibility under Manitoba’s laws to maintain the operation of the Manitoba Highway System, which includes the ferry service on Split Lake.

On October 21, 2025, at 5:10 pm, Norway House RCMP responded to a report of an assault at a residence located in Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation.

Officers arrived and met with local EMS and First Nations Safety Officers who were tending to an unresponsive 27-year-old male. The victim was transported to the hospital and later flown to Winnipeg for further treatment where he remains in critical condition.

Investigators believe the victim had been assaulted at another location and then brought to this home where he was found approximately nine hours after the assault took place.

Norway House RCMP are requesting anyone with information in relation to this assault to contact the RCMP at 204-359-6483, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Norway House RCMP continue to investigate.

On October 25, 2025, at 12:10 am, Grand Rapids RCMP responded to a report of an assault at a residence located in Misipawistik Cree Nation.

Officers responded and located the victim, a 34-year-old male, with life-threatening injuries who was transported to the Nursing Station where he was pronounced deceased. His death is being investigated as a homicide.

The investigation had determined that a fight had broken out at this location between the victim and three males which led to the victim being stabbed.

Between October 27^th and 28^th, RCMP located and arrested the three suspects.

Pascal Bear, 19, Steven Sanderson, 25, and Trenton Hudson, 24, have been charged with Manslaughter and were remanded into custody for a court appearance scheduled later today.

RCMP have been made aware that a video may be circulating in the community which was taken around the location and time of the homicide. Anyone who may have this video or information on it is asked to contact the Grand Rapids RCMP at 204-639-2469, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Grand Rapids RCMP, along with RCMP Major Crime Services and Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

One hundred and five days after the cancellation of the ferry service and “lifeline” to York Landing on July 16, 2025 that was caused by Manitoba Hydro engineering low water levels on Split Lake, Manitoba Hydro has begun releasing water and the level of Split Lake is rising. The Chief and Council of the York Factory First Nation have urgently called on Transport Minister Lisa Naylor to restore the ferry service on Split Lake for the remainder of the ice-free season in 2025.

 

Chief Darryl Wastesicoot said, “The water is going up, there is an opportunity for the ferry to make a few runs, so we can bring in our school bus, garbage truck and a few loads of supplies for our trade school and lumber for houses. It is going to be mild for the next two weeks so let’s take advantage now. We need to get this very important equipment and supplies into York Landing.”

“Yes, it's not too late to salvage what's left of the ferry season. There are also Post Secondary students in Thompson and Winnipeg without their vehicles, which became stuck here in York Landing when the ferry service was suddenly suspended on July 16,” added Councillor Martina Saunders.

 

During the very similar low-water levels and suspension of ferry service in 2003 that were also caused by Manitoba Hydro’s water regime operations, action was taken to restore the ferry service as of October 14, 2003.

 

“On September 14, we reminded Minister Naylor and Environment Minister Mike Moyes that it is not Hydro’s lake and that they share a responsibility under Manitoba’s laws to maintain the operation of the Manitoba Highway System, which includes the ferry service on Split Lake. Minister Moyes controls Manitoba Hydro’s Water Power Licences and we called on the Minister to require Manitoba Hydro to keep enough water in Split Lake to maintain the essential “lifeline” of our ferry service. We hope that the water levels on Split Lake are rising because Minister Moyes and Minister Naylor are listening to us and are responding to us,” concluded Chief Wastesicoot.

From snack programs to breakfast and lunch programs, the School District of Mystery Lake now offers food to all their students.

It wasn’t always that way, but guaranteed funding has made it possible for each school to make sure their students have the food they need to fuel both body and mind.

Jolene Brown, Assistant Superintendent with the District explains where the funding came from.

“So in September of 2024, the former Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, Nello Altomare, was responsible for overseeing and executing Canada’s first universal school food program. When he passed away in January 2025, the government announced that they would be introducing legislations to permanently entrench the program which will now be known as Nello’s Law.”

Brown said it was this initiative that expanded the program in Thompson and throughout the province.

Learn more about the food programs available in our local schools.  Tune in to Thompson Today this afternoon at12:40 and 5:10.

The University College of the North, in partnership with The Pas Guest List, will display former astronaut, Dr. Roberta Bondar’s travelling exhibit, “Patterns & Parallels: The Great Imperative to Survive”.  

 

Bondar’s exhibition is made up of selected high-resolution images from the project, Space for Birds. By integrating three perspectives of migratory bird corridors—space, aerial and surface—this global, emotional story encourages ethical protection of fragile, endangered, and threatened avian species and the habitats they need to survive.

 

The public is invited to the exhibit's grand opening and in-person presentation from Dr. Roberta Bondar on November 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at The Pas Campus. It will remain on display and open to the public until March 14, 2025. 

 

"We are excited to welcome the accomplished Dr. Roberta Bondar to The Pas Campus, along with her artwork," says Doug Lauvstad, President and Vice Chancellor of UCN. "I hope that everyone in The Pas and beyond has the chance to enjoy this exhibit and presentation. It's a unique opportunity and message that everyone should experience." 

 

For the first time since its inception, the Patterns & Parallels exhibition has been translated into three Indigenous languages spoken in northern Manitoba: Cree, Dene, and Anisinimowin. UCN, Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation Division at UCN, The Pas Guest List and The Roberta Bondar Foundation recognize that Indigenous Knowledge Keepers have long emphasized the importance of caring for the planet and understanding our interconnection with all living things. For generations, the migratory patterns of birds have held deep meaning within Indigenous oral histories and teachings. We are honoured to reflect this living knowledge within the project and to take a small step toward celebrating and revitalizing Indigenous languages and cultures that have endured despite efforts to erase them. 

 

"The Pas Guest List couldn’t be more excited to welcome Dr. Roberta Bondar to the Tri-Community. Her work connects art, science, and conservation in a way that will really resonate with northern audiences. It’s an honour to help share something this meaningful with our community.", says The Pas Guest List Executives.  

 

Dr. Bondar, who was Canada’s first female astronaut, is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose foundation is dedicated to environmental education. Her latest photography exhibit features Dr. Bondar’s breathtaking images from air and land and NASA’s images from space, to tell the story of the migratory patterns of the Whooping Crane, Lesser Flamingo and Piping Plover species, which are all threatened or at risk of extinction. 

 

“Through these images, we enter the world of bird migration, from the Western to the Eastern Hemisphere. Their flight corridors are so large that we cannot capture them in one image from space, while the aerial photographs expose secret patterns of land and water, frequented by birds,” says Dr. Roberta Bondar. “When we recognize avian behaviours that resemble ours, we relate better to their lives and fragility. This leads us to minimize our impact on their needed habitats to allow them to survive.” 

 

University College of the North provides learning opportunities to northern communities while respecting diverse Indigenous and northern values.  

Thompson’s original fire hall was built in 1971 to house 4 male firefighters and three emergency vehicles.

Today, there are 29 employees, both men and women, plus many extra pieces of equipment.

Mayor Colleen Smook says that while renovations have taken place over the years,
the need for a new fire hall was identified well over a decade ago.

“In 2011, there was a study that recommended building a new Fire Hall. In our term of council in 2014 to 2018, we actually set aside a portion of land for the construction of new facilities.”

At the October 14th meeting, council approved for the City Administrator to apply for a $1-million grant to help pay for the design of a new fire hall.

If the application is approved, the city would match that.

Smook estimates the cost of drawing up plans for the fire hall at just over $2 million.

The parcel of land the city has set aside is near the Heritage North Museum.

For 15 years, the No Stone Left Alone Memorial Foundation has worked to teach students the importance of remembering and honouring Canada’s soldiers.

Randall Purvis, Vice Chair of the Foundation, shares its purpose here.

“Our mission, if you will, our youth honouring Canadian veterans and serving members through personal acts of remembrance, solitude and citizenship every year forever.”

Teachers introduce their students to the program in the classroom, and then they visit memorial cemeteries where veterans are buried.

During ceremonies, the students are asked to place a poppy at the grave site, say the veteran’s name and their rank aloud, and then say “thank you.”

Since 2011, over 700-thousand poppies have been placed by students and in 2024, almost 90-thousand students participated in this hands-on act of remembrance.

Learn more about the No Stone Left Alone Memorial Foundation. Tune in to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

On October 22, 2025, at 10:00 pm, Cross Lake RCMP began receiving multiple reports of shots fired in the area of Egg Lake and Beardy’s Point, in Pimicikamak Cree Nation.

Officers conducted patrols throughout the community and, as they entered the area known as Beardy’s Point, another report had been received that a group of males, believed to be as many as six, were seen assaulting another male nearby and that once again, gunshots were heard.

A patrol in this area failed to locate the victim, however, four suspects matching the descriptions provided were observed walking ahead of the officers on the roadway.

The four suspects were approached and arrested without incident.

Upon their search, officers located a semi-automatic firearm, which one of the suspects attempted to hide in his clothing, a magazine, which was located in another suspects possession, additional rounds of ammunition for the firearm in a third suspects possession and a backpack containing crack cocaine and Canadian currency.

The four male suspects, one of which is 17 with the other three being 15, were taken into custody and transported back to the Cross Lake RCMP Detachment where they were subsequently remanded into custody on a number of firearm and drug-related charges.

Further investigation into the number of reported calls of shots fired led officers to discover that a pickup truck had been shot numerous times, with no reported injuries.

Cross Lake RCMP continue to investigate.

On October 22, 2025, officers with the Manitoba Integrated Violent Offender Apprehension Unit (MIVOAU), an integrated team consisting of Manitoba RCMP and Winnipeg Police Service officers, along with assistance from RCMP Gypsumville detachment officers, and RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS), travelled to the Gypsumville area to conduct operations.

 

Officers were in the communities of Lake St. Martin First Nation and Little Saskatchewan First Nation to target prolific and violent offenders who were Wanted and had warrants of arrests.

Aaron Lee Traverse, 35, from Winnipeg, and Kevin Beardy, 21, from Lake St. Martin First Nation were both arrested in Lake St. Martin First Nation without incident and remain in custody.

 

Traverse was a high priority offender and is facing the following charges:

 

• Extortion
• Utter threats x4
• Mischief under $5,000
• Use of Firearm in commission of offence
• Careless use of firearm
• Possess firearm knowing unauthorized
• Fail to comply with undertaking x8

 

Beardy was charged with possession of property obtained by crime.

 

In addition to the arrests, six warrant checks were conducted, three entry warrants were executed, and over 30 residences were visited.

 

The Manitoba Integrated Violent Offender Apprehension Unit (MIVOAU) continues to investigate.

On City Beat yesterday, Mayor Colleen Smook provided the final wildfire update for the year.

“A few weeks ago, Manitoba Emergency Measures Oraganizations stopped providing updates on the situation. There were still 63 fires burning in the North and 71 across the province as of October 21st but no resources are actively working on them.”

Smook said that in conversation with the Federal Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, Eleanor Olszewski (Ole-chef-ski), it looks like the government will work to create a coordinated response from coast-to-coast when wildfires are happening.

She also said how grateful the City of Thompson was for the quick responses from both the provincial and federal governments regarding requests for help and equipment.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is coming under fire, but the Canadian Federation of Independent Business feels growing resistance to the program is based on myths.

They include that temporary foreign workers take jobs from Canadians, suppress Canadian wages, and strain local housing.

Christina Santini, Director of National Affairs at the CFIB says the program is strictly regulated. She offers details here.

“For an employer to be able to bring in a foreign worker under The Temporary Foreign Worker Program, they must pay $1000 just for an anaylsis of the impacts of bringing in that foreign worker on the local labour market. As part of that assessment, the importer has to demonstate what it needs to have a foreign worker as part of their business but also what they tried to do to hire locally first and why it was that no qualified labour was available.”

A report by the CFIB indicated 52 per cent of small business owners said the TFW program enabled them to continue employing Canadians.

A similar survey by Employment and Social Development Canada said employers found that hiring TFWs improved their ability to hire more Canadians.

Hear the full interview with Santini at 12:40 and 5:10 on Thompson Today.

On Tuesday morning, Norway House RCMP responded to a report of a stabbing at a residence located on Halcrows Lane in Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation.

Officers, along with EMS, attended to the home and located an unresponsive 38-year-old man with life-threatening injuries.

He was then pronounced deceased on scene.

The investigation led to the recovery of the murder weapon at a nearby residence, and the arrest of 41-year-old Sheldon North.

He has been charged with Second Degree Murder and remanded into custody for a court appearance that was scheduled for yesterday.

Norway House RCMP, along with RCMP Major Crime Services and Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

Halloween is coming early to the TRCC.

Tomorrow you get to put your Halloween costume on display from 3 to 6 pm in the C.A. Nesbitt Arena as part of the City’s Free Skate.  

Then, make sure to hang around for the Trunk or Treat event at the TRCC north parking lot!

You have a choice.  

Either park your vehicle in the marked off area and hand out candy, or get all dressed up to go trick-or-treating from car to car.

Trunk or Treat runs from 5 to 7 p.m.    

It has been over five months since 24-year-old Troy Gilbert Saultier was last seen, and his family continues its agonizing search. Troy was last seen on May 11, 2025, leaving a residence in Thompson, Manitoba. Since that day, there has been no confirmed sighting.

 

Troy is described as 5’3” tall, weighing 110 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. His disappearance has left his parents in a state of deep distress. “We just want to know that our son is safe,” said Carla. “Every day without answers is a day of pain.”

 

The family has been working with the RCMP and has received support from northern First Nations communities, including O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation, in ongoing search efforts. Despite these efforts, Troy remains missing.

 

To bring renewed attention to Troy’s case, the family will be in attendance for a press conference on Thursday, October 23 at 1:00 PM at MKO’s Winnipeg office.

 

Speakers will include Troy’s brother, Dwight Saultier Jr., and Chief Shirley Ducharme of O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation, with support from Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak’s (MKO) MMIWG Liaison Unit.

 

Anyone with information is urged to come forward.

 

“We are not giving up,” said Chief Shirley Ducharme. “We need the public’s help to bring this young man home.”

 

When: Thursday, October 23

Time: 1:00 PM

Address:  102-1700 Ellice Avenue, Winnipeg

This is Health Care Support Workers week in Manitoba.

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Coordinator with the Northern Health Region shares who those workers are.

“Health care support workers play a really vital role in ensuring the comfort, safety and wellbeing of patients and residents. What we are talking about when we say Manitoba health care support workers, it’s health care aides, dietary, housekeeping, maintenance, laundry, and some other essential support roles.”

Krentz said these workers help build the foundation of quality health care.

He added that during the pandemic many of the health care support workers were key in keeping the spread of COVID down in Northern Health Region facilities.

A group of local residents is looking to the future of the Millennium Trail, hoping to add their input to any plans the City of Thompson proposes.

Volker Beckmann was part of a delegation that made a presentation at a Committee of the Whole meeting in late September.

He speaks about it here.

“We basically asked for a couple of things, we want to start clearing up some of the slash that’s still there, there is dead fall and it’s kind of a mess. I mean, a lot of the stuff was buried but not all of it was so we said we would like to have work done, can we do that? We would like to collaborate with the City in a working partnership over the winter months to come up with a long range plan to improve the trail.”

Beckmann said one work bee with a few volunteers has taken place already, with the hopes of another this weekend.

He added that a landscaping company from Winnipeg has been approached by the City to provide a plan for the area along the Burntwood River and Millennium Trail.

Beckmann said it’s important for consultation to take place with the local users of the trail to come up with a solution that’s suitable for walkers, cyclists, and off-road vehicle users.

Catch the full interview on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

The Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services unit has been leading the investigation surrounding the double homicide of a 29-year-old male, and 41-year-old female, that occurred on June 20, 2025, in Victoria Beach.

 

After a lengthy investigation, our officers along with assistance from RCMP officers in British Columbia and Nova Scotia, were able to arrest two males.

 

On October 7, 2025, the Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services and the British-Columbia RCMP officers arrested a 28-year-old male in Abbotsford for 2^nd degree Murder.

 

Mitchell Johanson, from Grand Marais, has been remanded in custody and returned to Manitoba pending court.

 

On October 22, 2025, the Manitoba and the Nova-Scotia RCMP Major Crime Services arrested a 31-year-old male in New Minas for 2^nd degree Murder.

 

Nathoniel More-Harrison from the Rural Municipality of St Clements has been arrested, charged, and will be returned to Manitoba for court.

 

“These homicides have deeply affected two grieving families, countless loved ones, and created concern for so many residents in the Victoria Beach area. We thank everyone for their understanding, patience, and their trust in our officers as they worked incredibly hard to find the people responsible,” said Staff Sergeant Sean Grunewald, Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services.

 

“The strength of the RCMP is that we have colleagues and specialized resources across the country. These investigational supports were essential throughout this investigation, and we thank both the British-Columbia and Nova Scotia RCMP for their assistance.”

Prairies Economic Development Canada is investing $50-thousand in support of the
University College of the North’s Linkages conference.

Linkages, UCN’s premier economic development conference, brings together industry leaders, economic development organizations, government representatives, academia, and community partners to engage in critical discussions on the future of economic development in Northern Manitoba.

UCN hosts Linkages twice annually.   Linkages: The Pas, is wrapping up today, while  Linkages: Thompson will be held this coming April.

The partnership between UCN and PrairiesCan will provide valuable opportunities for northern economic growth and new opportunities to connect leaders, communities, and industries in Northern Manitoba.

It is with profound sadness that Pimicikamak Cree Nation announces the passing of Fire Chief Raymond McKay.

 

Chief McKay was a dedicated leader who served his Nation with unwavering courage and commitment. His efforts during one of the most devastating wildfire seasons in Manitoba’s history were instrumental in protecting lives and property across the region.

 

This past summer, northern firefighters faced relentless danger, working tirelessly to safeguard homes, families, and communities across Manitoba. Chief McKay’s courage and commitment inspired countless others, and his legacy will live on in every firefighter who continues the work he so passionately led.

 

To honour his memory, a special funeral service is being planned, with a ceremonial procession of firefighters from across Manitoba, including First Nations and municipal departments, who are invited to participate. We encourage all fire crews to join us in solidarity and remembrance.

 

 “Chief Raymond McKay stood on the front lines for our people,” said Chief David Monias. “His bravery and leadership saved lives. I am proud of the work he did, and of every firefighter who stood beside him this summer. Let us honour him with unity and respect.”

 

Plans are underway for a firefighter parade-style procession at Chief McKay’s funeral service, symbolizing the strength and sacrifice of those who serve.

 

Details of the funeral service will be shared as soon as they are confirmed.

On October 17, 2025, at 12:05 am, Flin Flon RCMP began receiving reports of a suspicious male on Centennial Crescent in Flin Flon. The suspect was reported to be acting erratically and had attempted to gain entry to multiple residences and vehicles in the area. He had been last seen wearing a helmet and a black trench coat.

Officers immediately attended to the area and conducted patrols however the suspect was not located.

A short time later, another report was received from a residence on Princess Blvd advising that a similarly described suspect had just attempted to enter a home and was observed carrying a handgun.

Officers attended to this area and located the suspect walking on the street near the last reported address. He was arrested without incident and taken into police custody.

Upon his search, officers located a can of bear spray and an airsoft pistol.

Once in the police vehicle, checks on the suspect revealed that he had several outstanding Warrants of Arrest and was also on several Release Orders from incidents out of Thompson and Dauphin where he had been charged with multiple counts of Break and enter.

Flin Flon RCMP have linked several other recent break-ins to the accused. 19-year-old Jayson Dumas, of Flin Flon, was charged with multiple offences including Break and enter, Mischief under $5000, Carrying concealed weapon and Fail to comply with release order x5. He was remanded into custody

Flin Flon RCMP continue to investigate.

The City of Thompson launched its first Council Update newsletter on their website in June.

Ian Graham, the Communications Officer with the City, said the plan is to provide updates after each City Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting to highlight items of note.

That means around 4 updates per month, depending on other projects that may postpone them.

Check out the latest update featuring the visit by former Blue Bomber Brandon Alexander with the Grey Cup to the City Council Chambers.

There are also details about the establishment of the Public Safety Committee and its upcoming public meeting on October 28th.

The updates are available on the city’s website at thompson.ca.

Manitoba’s roadways are proving dangerous for pedestrians.

October marks Pedestrian Safety Month and Manitoba Public Insurance wants drivers and pedestrians alike to be aware of the dangers on our roads.

Since 2019, there has been an average of 19 pedestrian fatalities each year here in the province.

So far this year, there have been 12 fatal collisions between vehicles and pedestrians out of 271 that have been reported to MPI.

Maria Campos, Vice President and Chief Customer and Product Officer with MPI, said walking on roadways in our province should never be a death sentence.

She said drivers should drive to conditions and be alert for people walking on the roadside or about to cross the road.

Pedestrians are advised to wear bright clothing and reflective gear so you can be easily seen, especially at night.

Lost your wallet and are having a hard time replacing your I.D?

Maybe you never had some vital  pieces of identification.

You’re in luck. Today, the Northern Health Region is offering an identification clinic and financial access event here in Thompson.

Ashley Grzebniak (pronounced Grezz-bennick) with the NHR shares the types of I.D. that can be applied for.

“The types of identification that will be offered at this event includes free Manitoba birth certificate applications, applications for Manitoba Health cards by the Northern Health Region, Service Canada will be assisting with social insurance numbers and MKO will be present to offer applications for status cards.”  

Financial information and appointment bookings will be available from Assiniboine Credit Union,  and J-A Canada will be on hand providing information on financial literacy, work readiness and more.

Today’s event runs from 11 am to 7 pm at the TRCC gym.

From opticians and optometrists through to ophthalmologists, there is a range of eye care professionals working to keep your eyes healthy.

A recent study by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society said 76 per cent of Canadians consider eye health very important, but only 20 per cent prioritize it.

Dr. Nina Ahuja, with the C-O-S, says eye health is an important part of our overall well-being.

“I don’t know that they realize how interconnected it is to the overall well being. Eye tests don’t just detect vision changes, we can actually see early signs of diseases in the body like diabetes and high blood pressure as examples.”

Ahuja said we can be complacent with our vision when nothing seems to be wrong, but that many eye conditions can sneak up on us, including glaucoma and macular degeneration.

She added that early detection is key to treating conditions and preventing them from worsening.

For more on eye health and how to protect it, catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

An all-party committee chaired by Robert Loiselle, NDP MLA for St. Boniface, was in Thompson on Friday to discuss the state of local journalism.

Joining him were NDP MLA Eric Redhead and Conservative MLA Greg Nesbitt.

Presentations were made to the committee, with the focus on trying to revive a local newspaper in one form or another.

Suggestions included a printed newspaper, a digital newspaper or a hybrid of the two.

Thompson’s last newspaper, the Thompson Citizen closed its doors in December 2024, after over 60 years in operation.

Consultations with local media organizations, other affected stakeholders, and members of the public began taking place across the province in the summer.

The Manitoba government created the committee to explore the future of local journalism, with a focus on rural and northern media and cultural media such as French, Filipino, Punjabi and Chinese language publications with the mandate to consider matters of public support for journalism.

On City Beat Thursday, Deputy Mayor Louis Fitzpatrick announced that the City will hold a Public Safety Forum later this month.

“The city itself is initiating this and Councillor Oswald Sawh will be taking the lead as he sits on that board.  We are just finalizing the agenda and we hope to have some presentations from the RCMP, Community Safety Officers and other people involved.”

Fitzpatrick said the forum will be one of the quarterly town halls promised by the City earlier this year.

He said the forum, lead by Councillor Oswald Sawh as Chair of the Public Safety Committee, will address concerns residents have for their safety in the City.

The forum will take place at the Ma Mow We Tak Friendship Centre on October 28th from 6 to 8 pm.

Mental Illness Awareness Week is this week.

Here in Thompson, the Northern Health Region provides mental health resources in-person, via phone and through virtual sessions.

Jen Whalen, Mental Health Promotion Coordinator with the Northern Health Region, has additional advice.

“Learn about your disorder, find out as much as you can so that you can make better decisions about your care and you can make better decisions about the treatment you choose and where you access services. Connect with others who have similar experiences, we call that peer support and it’s really beneficial because you interact with folks who may have travelled a similar journey or have had some similar experiences and you can learn from them.”

Whalen said if you are looking for help, you should check out your options to find one that fits for you.

If you are not sure where to start, you can always call 204-677-5350 and ask for help.

On September 29, 2025, at 8:20 am, Gillam RCMP received a report from a 25-year-old female, from Bunibonibee Cree Nation, that she had just escaped from a vehicle after being held against her will at a residence over a 48-hour period.

Officers attended to a business, located on Mattonnabee Avenue in Gillam, and met with the victim.

She disclosed to the officers that she had attended to a bar in Thompson and met with a male and female where they consumed several beverages. The victim believes she had been drugged as she later awoke in a vehicle as they were arriving in Gillam.

The victim was forcefully taken inside a residence where, over the course of the next 48 hours, was held against her will. She stated she had been repeatedly assaulted, had a firearm pointed at her and was threatened with physical harm if she tried to leave the residence.

On the morning she was able to call police, the victim had been placed into a vehicle where the two suspects and her drove to the grocery store to pick up food. She escaped from the vehicle and called police.

With this information in hand, and over the course of the week, Gillam RCMP, with assistance of officers from the North District CREST unit, conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations in an effort to identify and obtain the evidence necessary to arrest the two suspects believed responsible.

On October 7, as a result of this work, RCMP arrested 41-year-old Crystal Nepitabo, of Gillam, who was charged with Kidnapping with a firearm, Forcible confinement and Theft under $5000. She was remanded into custody.

Gillam RCMP have identified the second suspect involved in this kidnapping but have yet to locate him and believe he has fled the area.

An Unendorsed Warrant of Arrest has been issued for 36-year-old Riley Champagne, of Gillam, who has been charged with numerous offences including Kidnapping with firearm, Forcible confinement, Assault with a weapon, Assault, Point firearm, Carrying concealed weapon and other weapons-related offences.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Riley Champagne is asked to contact the Gillam RCMP at 204-652-2200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Gillam RCMP continue to investigate.

Canada Post’s second strike in less than a year has had negative impacts on many small businesses and their ability to be profitable.

This, in turn, has had repercussions on Canada Post’s bottom line through reduced use by many businesses.

Tyler Slobogian, a Senior Policy Analyst with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business explains.

“We don’t have exact numbers right now but the impact was severe. Last year’s strike cost small businesses around 75 to 100 million dollars per day and 13% of small firms permanently stopped using Canada Post after that.”  

Slobogian says if the strike continues, nearly two thirds of small businesses say they may follow suit.

Hear more about the strike and the CFIB’s push for the government to make changes to Canada Post’s operations.    Tune in to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

The Heritage North Museum enjoyed a successful summer hosting a number of events.

Sarah Brown, Administrative Coordinator for the Museum, shares details.

“Our main event, as you know, is our summer flea market and the barbeque that was held every Saturday weather permitting. We also got to hold some mini events alongside the markets, such as the bike decorating competition which was a lot of fun. Thanks to the community, our summer fundraising activities were an overwhelming success.”

Brown said the funds raised would go toward future programming and expanding their conservation efforts at the museum.

In October, the museum is showcasing some Halloween activities such as their pumpkin carving photo contest which is open on their facebook page until October 30th.

And on October 18th, join them for their first-ever Night at the Museum Flashlight Tours.

For more details on October’s events, catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

Currently, in Manitoba, nine people per day are diagnosed with dementia, and that number is expected to increase over the next 20 years.

But Nicole McDonald, the Senior Manager for Dementia-Friendly Communities with the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, says changes to treatment and more resources are having a positive impact.

“Of just over 20,000 Manitobans living with Dementia, 61% of them are residing at home and I think it’s a big misconception that when we receive a Dementia diagnosis, we are quickly moved into a personal care home or a long term care facility.”

She added that the Society’s upcoming Care for You conference in Winnipeg brings together resources to make communities more inclusive and homes more manageable to keep dementia patients in familiar surroundings.

The conference takes place Saturday, October 18th and space is still available.

For more details, catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

On October 1, 2025, at 5:15 pm, RCMP officers from the Manitoba North District CREST unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle located on Deerwood Drive in Thompson.

An officer approached the vehicle, with four occupants, and spoke with the driver, identified as a 23-year-old male, from Ontario.

During the conversation with the driver, the officer detected an odour of cannabis coming from the vehicle. The driver, along with the three other male passengers, all from Ontario, were placed under arrest and secured in several police vehicles.

A search of the suspects and vehicle led to the seizure of a loaded handgun, a small quantity of drugs and other drug-related paraphernalia.

RCMP have charged Theophilus Beckford, 26, Jaidyn Cartie-Golding, 25, Brandon Greaves, 23, and Deshawn Muir-Hood, 23, with a number of offences including Possession for the purpose of trafficking, Carrying a concealed weapon and numerous firearm-related offences. They were all remanded into custody.

RCMP continue to investigate.

A review of the City of Thompson’s Development Plan and Zoning By-laws took place at a meeting earlier this year.

A followup meeting set for June had to be postponed due to the northern wildfires but a future meeting is still in the works.

Mayor Colleen Smook commented yesterday on City Beat.

“Basically on the update of the development plan and the new zoning by-laws, we are currently working with consultants to organize another engagement session hopefully this month.”  

Smook said when the meeting date is announced, she hopes to see a large community presence.

She indicated this will be the perfect forum to bring forward suggestions and ideas on how to improve the area near the Burntwood River and Millennium Trail that was cleared of trees to mitigate risks from this summer’s fires.

On October 1, 2025, at 4:10 pm, South Indian Lake RCMP responded to a report of a possible stabbing at a home located in the community.

Officers attended the home and located a 54-year-old male with life-threatening injuries who was later pronounced deceased.

His death is being treated as a homicide.

A 53-year-old female was arrested on scene and remains in police custody.

South Indian Lake RCMP, along with RCMP Major Crimes Services and Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

October is Walk to School month, encouraging kids and their parents to leave the cars at home and kick the school day off with some activity.

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Coordinator with the Northern Health Region, shares the benefits.

“Walking to school provides kids with essential daily exercise, it helps prevent chronic disease, it promotes independence and confidence, shows some road safety skills, fosters social connections with friends, family and your neighbourhood. I mean there are just so many benefits to having your kids walk to school.”

Krentz said that as a planned community, Thompson’s neighborhoods were built around the schools, making them easy to access for all students.

And parents can find the time walking with their children to school as an opportunity to have some unstructured conversations that will also provide some informal teaching moments.  

On September 30, 2025, at 12:00 pm, Thompson RCMP officers received a report from the hospital that a female patient had just been stabbed by a female who then ran to a different area in the hospital.

Officers responded within minutes and were able to quickly track down the 20-year-old female suspect, after security personnel assisted by detaining the suspect near the Emergency Room. Officers learned the suspect was not a patient at the hospital but was there with another family member.

The suspect was placed under arrest without incident and upon her search, officers located a knife in her possession.

The 43-year-old victim, who is known to the suspect, was treated for a non-life-threatening injury and later released.

RCMP have charged 20-year-old Brooklyn Wastesicoot, of Thompson, with Aggravated assault and Carrying a concealed weapon. She was remanded into custody.

Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.

University College of the North (UCN) is launching a groundbreaking educational support initiative to improve high school graduation rates and post-secondary access for Indigenous learners facing complex barriers in Treaty 5 lands in Northern Manitoba.

 

For many, barriers to education are rooted in the lasting harm of residential schools and the ongoing impacts of the child welfare system. This three-year program, delivered through the Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute, Oscar Lathlin Collegiate, and regional adult learning centers, aims to break down these barriers by providing 100 learners with more equitable access to high school graduation and post-secondary success.

 

"This initiative represents a transformative approach to adult education in the North," says Doug Lauvstad, President and Vice Chancellor of UCN. "By combining wraparound support services with cultural programming and family engagement, we're creating flexible pathways that acknowledge the unique needs of students in the North while celebrating Indigenous identity and building strong academic foundations."

 

This innovative program delivered in partnership with the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada (CAFC) is made possible through a $550,000 investment from the Northpine Foundation. The program will place dedicated graduate specialists and life coaches at both high school and adult learning centers, working in close collaboration with UCN to provide on-campus, culturally responsive programming and support services.

 

“We recognize the critical role of community-led initiatives, family-centered approaches, and culture in creating safe, affirming spaces where learners from care can thrive,” says Valerie McMurtry, President and CEO, CAFC.  “We’re committed to listening, learning, and mobilizing resources to accelerate long-term solutions that support the well-being of Indigenous children, youth and families in Northern Manitoba.”

 

This partnership is designed to drive lasting improvements in education outcomes while strengthening families and contributing to workforce development in Northern Manitoba, generating insights to drive scalable solutions locally and beyond.

On September 25, 2025, at 4:15 pm, Norway House RCMP received several reports of suspicious activities in relation to several individuals and a black pickup truck in the community.

Officers on patrol located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver, a 37-year-old male from Winnipeg, was determined to be driving with a suspended driver’s license. Inside the vehicle, officers observed open liquor.

A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of approximately 400 grams of cocaine, a large quantity of Canadian currency, several knives and other drug-related paraphernalia.

The driver, along with the three passengers, two males and a female, were placed under arrest for Possession for the purpose of trafficking.

RCMP have charged Nesredin Omer, 37, Mourad Mohamed, 31, Vishvash Jham, 21, and Kaitlin Barr, 26, all from Winnipeg, with Possession for the purpose of trafficking, Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose and Possession of property obtained by crime. They were all remanded into custody.

Norway House RCMP continue to investigate.

Do you know the rules of the road or, in this case, off-roads?

The behaviours of some off-road vehicle drivers is causing concern for their safety and those around them.

Special Constable Rob Cleveland shares a recent incident.

“The one incident I had where I spoke to a young fella, there was actually a number of them involved that ranged from 6, 8 and 10 years old. Under the Off Road Vehicle act in the province of Manitoba, they needed to be supervised and within sight of the parent and that did not happen.”

Vehicles that fall under the off-road category include snowmobiles, ATVs, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, four-by-fours, and trail bikes.

Cleveland add these vehicles need to be registered and the operators should always have that registration with them or the vehicles could be impounded.

Learn more about ORV safety, and the rules and regulations that pertain to them.  Catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

The Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation held it’s Annual General Meeting on Friday.

Executive Director Oswald Sawh reported that the TNRC’s current 5-year plan focused on Community Pride, Families First and Capacity Building.

Using those guidelines,  the TNRC approved over 47-thousand dollars in small grants to 8 organizations for 12 projects which, in turn, served over 9-thousand individuals supported by 345 volunteers.

The funds also leveraged over 200-thousand dollars in other contributions.

Other key activities over the past year included a Symposium on Ending Homelessness in 2024, a Culture Fusion Canada Day celebration, the 2024 Boreal Discovery Centre Fall Fest, and completing renovations on one of two family homes on Juniper Drive.

The organization also continues to provide administrative support to organizations such as MAPS and the Thompson Humane Society.