Thompson Local News Archives for 2015-05

UCN students raising money for Drag the Red

A group of UCN students are supporting Drag the Red as part of their final project.

 

They’ve been selling hand made bracelets and running a silent auction to raise money.

 

The students have already raised close to $1,000.

 

They’ll be at City Centre mall today from 10am-9pm selling their bracelets with their silent auction. 

Fork in the Road offering free bike clinic

Residents can pick up some new skills this weekend. The Fork in The Road Bike Repair Shop is hosting a free bike clinic.

 

The clinic is open to anyone interested in becoming a volunteer for the group, or even for anyone who just wants to learn how to fix basic bike problems. The volunteer group hopes to get more volunteers to join by offering the bike clinic.

 

It’s happening at the Boys and Girls Club Carpentry Shop, tomorrow from 12-3 and on Sunday from 12-2.

City council joins AMM in lobbying province for VLT revenue

The Association of Manitoba Municipalities wants the Province of Manitoba to devote 15% of VLT revenue to address social problems in communities.

 

Mayor Dennis Fenske explains: "This is an ongoing request through AMM. The reality of it is right now that certain communities in the province generate VLT revenue for the province. We are one of those, we are one of the larger ones that generate revenue, and it’s our feeling that it’s an unfair distribution of those proceeds back to the communities especially from the social needs perspective".  

 

The 15% of VLT revenue would go towards addressing addictions, poverty and homelessness.

 

During Monday’s council meeting, council unanimously voted to join AMM in their lobbying efforts.

Thompson RCMP investigating death of man

Thompson RCMP are seeking the public’s help.

 

On May 27, RCMP and Thompson EMS responded to a report of an unresponsive male on the walking trail near highland towers.

The man later died from his injuries.

 

The RCMP and medical examiner are investigating the circumstances of the man’s death, however foul play is not suspected.

 

Anyone with information is asked to call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909.

Churchill Heritage Hall destroyed after fire

Not much remains after a destructive blaze burned Churchill's Métis Heritage Hall to the ground.

 

Echo Finlay, co-chair for the volunteer run hall says the fire is devastating. She says among the lost artifacts were old family pictures and beadwork examples.

 

Finlay got a call about the fire at 6am Tuesday morning, and the building was gone by 8:30am. She says there are plans to rebuild.

NDP calling for more communities to be added to Nutrition North program

5 NDP MP’s want the conservatives to add more communities to the Nutrition North program.

 

They say 46 communities, 5 of which are from Northern Manitoba, are lacking affordable food. 

 

Churchill MP Niki Ashton has more: "Basically our main ask was an immediate induction of these communities into Nutrition North so that people in these communities like Tadoule, like Brochet, like York Landing can actually have better access to healthier food".

 

In one of the 46 communities, a 10kg bag of flour costs $38.

 

The NDP estimates extending the subsidy could cost taxpayers about $7.5 million a year.

Thompson RCMP policing priorities set for the year

Thompson RCMP Officer in Charge, Will Tewnion, presented City Council with the detachment policing priorities for the year during Monday’s council meeting.

 

Tewnion tells us how the 5 priorities compare to last year: "They’re pretty similar expect some of the initiatives have changed. We're still focused on pretty much the same priorities but just the way we go about working on those priorities has mortified a little bit".

 

The priorities are drug trafficking, youth at risk, substance abuse, traffic safety, and domestic violence.

 

Tewnion reminds the public that the RCMP will still do their every day activities, just that these 5 will be their strategic focus.

New Community Safety Officers hired

The province’s first community safety officers have begun their training this week.

 

Being piloted here in Thompson, the 8 new officers are currently completing a 3 week training program at UCN. They are expected to complete training and start patrolling the streets by June 15.

 

The 8 CSO’s will be replacing the City’s 4 by-law officers, and will work with local RCMP to address crime prevention, youth services, and public safety.

Airport Authority looking for public feedback

Community Futures Development is looking for feedback from the public. On behalf of the Thompson Regional Airport Authority, they’ve released a survey.

 

CEO of the Airport Authority, Curtis Ross has more "It’s an opportunity for public feedback. We’re going through a funding process right now as everybody knows to try and build a new terminal building. We’re really trying to engage with people and hear what they want in a new facility, if they want a new facility, if they understand who the airport authority and what we’ve been accomplishing over the past 10 years".

 

Ross says they are hoping to share the results with the funding bodies, which are the provincial and federal governments.

 

The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TRAA-F.

 

Ma-Mo-We-Tak friendship centre hosts 39th AGM

Ma-Mo-We-Tak Friendship centre celebrated another year of providing programs and services to the Aboriginal community, during their AGM last week.

 

Executive Director Anita Campbell said their Elders Program was a continued success this year, with around 104 Elders involved.

 

The friendship centre was also approved for 2 new projects that are in the works: Youth Win With Choices and Employment First North.

 

An area of concern for the friendship centre is the anticipated funding decrease in the next year. Campbell said lobbying efforts are underway.

 

This was Ma-Mo-We-Tak friendship centre’s 39th annual general meeting.

Brandon Police Services investigating incident in Thompson

Brandon Police Services are involved in the investigation of an incident in Thompson.

 

On May 16, Thompson RCMP were responding to a 911 call at Princeton Towers. During their visit a 19 year old male dead.

 

As a result of a request from the RCMP to Manitoba Justice, the Brandon Police Service was asked to conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

 

The investigation continues.

850 bags of garbage collected during City's Instant Cash Day

The City’s spring cleanup events over the weekend, was a success.

 

Director of Public Works, Wayne Koversky has more on the Instant Cash Day: "My goodness it was a fantastic day that clean community project day. We brought in 850 bags of garbage, and we paid out $2,550 in cash". 

 

Residents can still collect garbage for money, throughout the rest of the week.   

75 residents came out for Sunday's MS Walk

Thompson saw another successful multiple scleroses walk over the weekend.

 

75 residents raised about $7,000, not counting online donations made in the days leading up to the 5km walk.

 

The money will go towards research as well as help support people with MS.

Vale announces new scholarship exclusively for students in the North

As part of their Northern Employment Strategy, Vale has announced a scholarship specifically for people in the north.

 

Northern Employment Coordinator, Tara Ritchie has more: "It’s a new program offered by Vale Manitoba operations. It’s for post secondary scholarships to northern Manitoba students for studies is mining related disciplines. So the purpose of the program is to promote mining industry related fields of study and to support northern students who are interested in pursuing careers in mining".

 

There are three scholarships up for grabs. Go to Universities Canada website at univcan.ca to apply. The deadline is June 1st.

Thompson policy resolutions passed at Manitoba Chamber AGM

The Manitoba Chamber of Commerce AGM was in Brandon earlier this month.

 

President of the Thompson Chamber, Keith McDonald was in attendance and brought forward two policies on behalf of the chamber.

 

One policy calls for the provincial government to advocate for Manitoba to return to the top 10 for mining exploration and development in the world. The second policy recognizes the need for services to be delivered in the regions they serve as opposed to central locations.

 

McDonald was happy to report that both policies were passed, and the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce will be moving forward with both issues.

 

During the AGM, Merv Gunter from Churchill was chosen as the new chairperson for the Manitoba Chamber. McDonald says it will be nice to have a representative who knows Northern issues.

Spring cleanup events this weekend

The city’s corporate business challenge, and instant cash day is finally here. The events had been postponed earlier in the month due to snowfall.

 

Today, the corporate business challenge happens from 1-4pm at City Hall. Co-workers are encouraged to get together and help clean the city. 

 

Instant Cash Day happens tomorrow from 9am-4:30pm at Robins Donuts. Anyone is welcome to stop by the coffee shop to get garbage bags to fill throughout the day. Residents can get $3 instantly for each bag they fill.

Red Cross Disaster Management team stops by Thompson

The provincial Red Cross Disaster Management team wraps up their 2 day visit to Thompson today.

 

Provincial Manager of the team, Cailin Hodder, tells us what they’ve been doing:"team I have with me specializes in logistics, volunteer resources and outreach coordination. We’ve had a wonderful time and we’ve come up to Thompson over the last couple of days to just meet with some of our disaster management partners, meet with the city of Thompson, to really go around and help promote and recruit what we’re doing and volunteerism".

 

A one year agreement with the Federal government will see the Red Cross responsible for handling evacuations on reserves. The Disaster Management team has been making preparations for that role, around the province.

 

Hodder says they are looking for more volunteers in the City. Go to redcross.ca if you’re interested in joining their team.

 

 

Western Financial Group raising money for Mystery Mountain Winter Park

Months after a fire destroyed their equipment Mystery Mountain Winter Park is still in need of funds.

 

This afternoon, Western Financial Group is helping out with a BBQ.

 

All money from sales will be given to the winter park. 

 

It's happening from 11am-2pm at 50 Serlkirk Drive.

Registration open for Gutsy Walk

The Gutsy Walk is Canada’s largest community event that raises funds for Crohn’s and colitis research.

 

Happening across Canada on June 7th, organizer Dave Moore tells us how people can participate in Thompson: "If you want to get involved with that you can give me a call on my cell 204-679-5732. It starts at noon, if you show up a little early I can get you registered.  People should actually phone me ahead of time to get a pledge form, and you can go out and can get some pledges. As long as you raise $100 you will be able to get a prize and join in the BBQ".

 

The 2km walk starts at 103 Cree Road.

Construction on new Youth Crisis Centre to begin in coming weeks

Ground is being cleared for a Youth Crisis Centre in Thompson.

 

CEO of the NRHA, Helga Bryant tells us what’s planned for the new facility: "Well it would be child and adolescence. There will be some in-patient beds, some of this is already being provided by us, its not all new. There are youth and adolescence mental health services already being provided in the region, so they would just be all now co-located and brought together in this nice centre rather than out of fragmented spaces across the city".

 

Bryant says the $8 million building should take about a year to build. It will be located beside the new AFM facility.

Thompson RCMP lay 54 charges of speeding over May long weekend

Thompson RCMP were out this past long weekend patrolling the roads.

 

Between May 15 and May 17, 54 motorists were caught speeding in the City. Other charges laid over the 3 day period include 2 for impaired driving by alcohol, 5 for impaired driving by drugs, 3 for distracted driving with an electronic device, and 3 of failure to wear a seatbelt.

 

The initiative was part of the recent Road Watch Week and national impaired enforcement day.

Thompson RCMP investigating suspicious male

Thompson RCMP are investigating two incidents of a suspicious male near Westwood School.

 

The first incident occurred on May 15. A man on a bike, who appeared to be in his late 20’s, approached two children in the area. The caregiver of the children spoke with the male, and then he left.

 

The second incident happened on May 16. A man who appeared intoxicated, grabbed at the children in the playground. Eventually he ran from the area.

 

If anyone has information they’re encouraged to call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909.

CancerCare Unit at Thompson General Hospital to be expanded

The NRHA and CancerCare Manitoba have received approval to expand the CancerCare Unit at the Thompson General Hospital.

 

NRHA CEO Helga Bryant has more on the plans: "The scope is about the same, I mean, the program itself isn’t expanding, it’s just about getting better space so that patients have a little more privacy, staff have more room to move between patients and can do their work in a very safe manner and primarily it is about the patient experience and comfort for them".

 

Bryant says tenders will be put out in the next weeks, during which time they will finalize a construction timeline.

 

The unit services over 1,000 cancer patients a year.

Tickets to Juniper Centre fundraiser almost sold out

The Juniper Centre and Thompson playhouse are coming together to raise money for the non-profit organization.

 

On June 12, they’re hosting a dinner and a performance of Trouble at the Tropicaban.

 

Tickets are $30, and can be purchased at Quality Inn and Suites.

 

All the money raised will go towards the helping adults living with development disabilities. 

Funding secured for new waste water treatment plant

Mayor Dennis Fenske was joined by MP Shelly Glover and MLA Steve Ashton for an announcement last week.

 

Here is MP Shelly Glover: "It is my great pleasure that the city of Thompson is going to receive a maximum of $12.166 million under the new building Canada fund for their new wastewater treatment plant".

 

MLA Steve Ashton announced the province would also be contributing another $12 million.

 

The new facility will be replacing the one built in the early 60’s and is expected to be built by June 2018.

Shrine Circus in town tomorrow

The Circus is in town.

 

Residents can check out a motorcycle act, dog show, jugglers, and clowns during the Shrine Circus.

 

Chair for Northern Manitoba, Dennis Foley, tells us more: "Thompson shriners club is part of shriners international. Our main focus is on children’s needs, through orthopaedics, burn care, spinal cord injury, and cleft lip. We’ve got multiple hospitals all over North America, Canada, the US, and even some of New Mexico".

 

The circus is on tomorrow at 4:30pm and 7:00pm at the TRCC.

 

Tickets are $15 now, and $20 at the door.

Festival of Arts hi-lites concert happening today and tomorrow

The Thompson Festival of the Arts hi-lites concert is happening today and tomorrow.

 

Organizer Sandra Ross-Hitch says young artists will be showing off their work: "Every year when the adjudicators come in, they usually choose, individuals, groups from each discipline that the adjudicator thinks, he or she’s performance has something about it. It might not be the best performance but most of the time the adjudicator is here to help the youth grow".

 

The public is welcome to check out the performance at the Letkemann Theatre today and tomorrow at 6:30.

No water at Paint Lake this May long weekend

People heading out to Paint Lake this May long weekend won’t have water.

 

Tracy Elbourne with Manitoba Conservation explains why: "Unfortunately we're not going to have the water on for this weekend and local staff are working hard to bring the water systems up and running but there's still ice on the lake and its not uncommon that we have startup issues with water on the may long weekend, particularly  in the northern locations".

 

Elbourne reminds people that the may long weekend is Manitoba parks annual liquor free camping initiative.

 

This weekend they have almost triple the amount of reservations for Paint Lake compared to May long weekend last year.

 

 

City to pay income assistance fees

After 3 years of discussions with the province, City council has decided to pay their income assistance contribution.

 

Mayor Dennis Fenske tells us more: "Through lots of discussions with the province, we finally got an explanation as to what the current costs are, what the trends are and that. We’re not satisfied with the fact that we continue to pay $160,000 but that’s the legislation so we will pay our bills".

 

Fenske says council has had money set aside, waiting for discussions with the province to be concluded.

City council recognizes efforts of two organizations

Days Inn and Suites and the Rotary Club were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the City during Monday’s council meeting.

 

Mayor Dennis Fenske said Days Inn and Suites were recently given a Guest Choice Award, beating out 103 other hotels in Canada, which is why they were being recognized by the City.

 

Rotary Park Development Association was acknowledged for the work they’ve done towards the development of the splash pad. Fenske thanked them for the great job they’ve done with the facility.

Free public transportation offered to students throughout winter, used thousands of times

Lots of students took advantage of free public transportation in the winter months.

 

In January a free bus ride was utilized by a student over 3,800 times. In February that number jumped to 5,493 and in March a free ride was used 4,947 times.

 

The School District of Mystery Lake and the City of Thompson had partnered together to offer the free public transportation for students during the winter months.

 

Superintendent Angele Bartlett says they plan to see if there is a correlation between the number of students who took advantage of a free ride, and attendance.

4th MS Walk Thompson set to happen end of month

Registration is open for the Thompson Multiple Sclerosis Walk.

 

Organizer Valdine Flaming tells us about the event: "The walk happens on May 24th and we’re starting a little bit later this year. What happens is people check in, they drop off their pledges and register for the event. We’ve got some opening remarks, usually we have a guest speaker, and then they walk a 5km walk, basically around Thompson drive".

 

The walk starts at noon at the Heritage North Museum.

 

You can register to participate online at mswalks.ca.

Thompson organizations approved for provincial government grant

The Thompson Boys and Girls Club has been approved for a $9,000 government grant.

 

The money will go towards building a ramp to improve accessibility at the building that services more than 500 youth in the community.

 

The Manitoba government is giving more than $3 million in grants through their community places grant which supports improvements at recreational, cultural, and community facilities.

 

The City of Thompson also received a grant for $6,400 and the Thomson Lions Club received $25,000.

Thompson RCMP participating in Canada Road Safety Week

Thompson RCMP will be out this week reminding motorists to be safe.

 

It’s all part of Canada Road Safety Week, which aims at making Canada’s roads the safest in the world.

 

The campaign is a police initiative that focuses on behaviours that put drivers and others at risk. This includes impaired driving, seat belt use, and distracted driving.

 

RCMP say here in Thompson, there have been a number of preventable deaths and injuries that impact our community, which is why they have joined in the initiative.

Vale's efforts with TEDWG has gotten national recognition

Looks like second time’s a charm for Vale.  

 

For the second year in a row the Thompson Mine was nominated for the community engagement award, and this year they won.

 

Ryan Land with Vale has more: "The Mining Association of Canada awards a community engagement award for a project, and the project that we won for was the TEDWG process, the Thompson economic diversification working group process".

 

The mine also received the John T. Ryan Award for being the safest mine in the Northwest Territories and Prairies region.

Norway House RCMP investigating attempted abduction

Norway House RCMP are investigating an attempted child abduction of a 13 year old girl.

 

Yesterday, just after midnight three youth were riding their bikes when a male got out of his black 4x4 truck, and grabbed onto the 13 year old. One of the youth with her were able to hit the offender and all three got away unharmed.

 

The male suspect is described as having a dark completion and wearing a black hat, dark hoodie, and dark sweatpants.

 

Anyone with information is asked to call Norway House RCMP at 204-359-6483.

Charges laid in KFC donation box theft

Charges have been laid against a minor who stole a relay for live donation box from KFC.

 

The incident, which happened on May 1st, went viral on social media last week when surveillance video showing the theft was posted on you tube.

 

The video showed two teenagers working together to steal the box of donations.

 

RCMP say they are still investigating the second male in the video.

$6,450 raised for Mood Disorders Manitoba

Thompsonites raised $6,450 over the weekend during the Defeat Depression 5km.

 

Organizer Ron Buchanan tells us how the run/walk went: "I think it went great, I’m really happy because we were very concerned about what was going to happen with the weather with the ice storm and the conditions of the sidewalk and the streets. We were able to move it on to the street with the RCMP escort, which made it possible for us to continue with the walk today".

 

Buchanan says 80 people came out and participated in the event.

Burntwood Curling Club to get new ice plant this summer

City council has contributed the last bit of funds needed for a new curling ice plant.

 

Mayor Dennis Fenske tells us about the $40,000 contribution: "The facility itself is located in the TRCC and the City owns the building itself. The Burntwood Curling Club operates the facility from a programming perspective and any infrastructure that they purchase is eventually turned over to the City of Thompson. Its in the best interest of both the club and city that the ice plant is available and running because if it doesn’t then the club isn’t able to operate and that’s a loss of an activity for our community".

 

The Burntwood Curling Club had been raising money throughout the season to help cover the $147,000 it will cost to replace and install a new ice plant.

Leaf Rapids RCMP searching for missing male

Leaf Rapids RCMP are searching for a missing male.

 

William David Baker, 35, went camping by Granville Lake on May 4. He has not been heard or seen from since.

 

Police believe he is still in that area, but he could be in Winnipeg, Thompson, or Brochet. They are concerned for his well-being.

 

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Leaf Rapids RCMP at 204-473-2944.

 

                            

Canadians being reminded to wear lifejackets this summer

The Canada Safety Council is reminding water sport enthusiasts to be safe this summer.

 

Communications Coordinator Lynn Lau says they are encouraging people to wear lifejackets: "Drowning is one of the more preventable sources of injury and death and we know that Canadians still aren’t really wearing their lifejackets. A lot of people do get involved in the boating, there isn’t a lot of awareness about how important it is to wear your lifejacket".

 

In Manitoba, between 2007 and 2011 there were 28 boating related deaths and only 2 of those 28 were wearing lifejackets.

Salvation Army running out of items in their food drive

A non-profit organization in the City that helps people in need, is in need themselves.

 

The Thompson Salvation Army is reaching out to the public for help.

 

Director, Roy Bladen says money from the kettle drive is running out:

"We do collect food at Christmas time, but unfortunately the food that we collect only lasts for about 6 or 7 weeks and then its gone so then we have to purchase what we need. Usually the funds keep us going till June or July but this year due to a higher demand through out food bank we are running out of food already and we are just heading into May".

 

Bladen says people can help out by donating food at boxes set up at Safeway and their Thrift Store in the plaza mall.

KFC surveillance video has lead to an identification

A surveillance video that caught a donation box theft at KFC, has been circling around social media.   

 

The theft, which reportedly happened on May 1st, shows two young men working together to steal a relay for life donation box.

 

RCMP say they were notified about the theft yesterday. They have identified one of the two boys, and are trying to identify the second one.

 

No arrests have been made.

 

The investigation is ongoing. 

RD Parker hosting prom tonight

About 100 RD Parker students are getting primped and pampered today as they get ready for their prom.

 

Parent Prom Committee Chairperson, Sharon Kemp says the public can stop by the event too:

 

"7-9pm the public is welcome to come through, and it always draws a big huge crowd. We have people who have done this for you know, 20 years straight, throughout the community and its always a nice time, it’s a nice evening cause you see lots of people".

 

The prom is being held at the RD Parker gym.

 

This year’s theme is “A Night to Sparkle”.

Defeat Depression 5km tomorrow

Walkers and runners are getting together tomorrow for the Defeat Depression 5km.

 

Ron Buchanan with Mood Disorders Manitoba tells us about the event:

 

"What its all about is to bring attention to depression and other mood disorders, raise awareness, get it out in the public, get people out supporting, and showing that its something that can be talked about, and there is help out there for people who are suffering from mood disorders".

 

The run/walk begins at 12pm at the NRHA Clinic at the Plaza Mall.

 

You can register online at defeatdepression.ca, or the day of at the event.

MLA Steve Ashton says Manitoba's "worst road" will see improvements

Minister for Transportation and Infrastructure and MLA for Thompson, Steve Ashton says the province will be doing work on Provincial Road 280 between Thompson and Gillam:

 

"There were some problems with the highway, we identified that actually last year, some of that of course related to the very heavy traffic that’s been going through, related to the hydro development. Bottom line is we announced last year some major investments, we already got one of the contracts in place and people are going to see some very significant improvements on highway 280 this year".

 

The road recently took CAA’s title for Manitoba’s worst road.

Investigation into last month's fire at Vale, complete

A large piece of rock is to blame for last month’s fire at Vale.

 

The joint investigation is complete, and it concludes that the rock hit a scoop tram that was being operated remotely inside a production block. This caused an electrical fire and the malfunction of the on-board fire suppression system, trapping 39 miners at T1 mine.

 

Thanks to safety procedures in place, no one was hurt and all workers were eventually brought to the surface.

 

Damage and replacement costs are estimated at $1 million.

Cemetery by-law getting updated

The Thompson Cemetery is nearing 50 years, and it’s starting to show its age.

 

In an effort to keep it up to standards, council has passed the first reading of the amended cemetery by-law.

 

Mayor Dennis Fenske comments: "The by law basically is putting guidelines in place that will lead to future developments of the cemetery and the standards that it will be kept".

 

There are also plans to create an FAQ that will provide clear information on the do’s and don’t of the cemetery.

Beastly Boutique broken into over the weekend

Thompson RCMP are investigating after a local shop was broken into over the weekend.

 

Sergeant Kevin Lewis says sometime during Saturday night or early Sunday morning, a rock was smashed through the window of Beastly Boutique. An RCMP member noticed the broken window while on patrol, and started the investigation.

 

According to the pet store’s facebook page, money they had been fundraising for a rescue dog’s hip surgery was stolen, along with money for vet bills and a laptop.

 

The investigation is ongoing.

Fire damages home on Juniper

A family is in need after a fire destroyed their home.

 

The fire happened over the weekend on Juniper Street. Occupants and pets were able to get out of the residence safely.

 

Thompson Fire and Emergency Services attended the residence, and put out the fire.

 

The Fire Inspector has been on scene, assisting in the investigation to determine the cause and origin of fire.

McHappy Day today

Last year, Ronald McDonald House Manitoba served 120 children from the North.

 

Today, on McHappy Day, Thompson McDonalds is raising money for that charity. Owner Brett O’Meara has more: "Come on down to McDonalds, there will be a great big celebration down there. Any big mac that you buy, happy meal, hot mccafe beverage which includes coffee, tea, hot chocolate, mochas, lattes, a dollar from all those purchase goes towards the charity".

 

Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for the families of seriously ill children who are staying at a nearby hospital.

Local organizations in the running for $10,000 grant

For the second year in a row, MTS Future First will be giving grants to organizations serving youth.

 

Craig Lawrence with MTS tells us more: "MTS is providing a total of $100,000 that we will divide into 10, $10,000 grants to help youth serving organizations across Manitoba with their programming and the recipients can do what they prefer with the grant".

 

Two local organizations have made the top 20 list: Ma-Mo-We-Tak Friendship Centre and the GEN 7 Aboriginal Role Model Program in Cross Lake.

 

You can vote online at mts.ca/grants.

Provincial budget has dissapointed entrepreneurs

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business isn’t happy with the provincial budget put forward last week.

 

Elliot Sims, CFIB’s Manitoba Director of Provincial Affairs tells us why:

"It’s a broken promises budget that does little to address the priorities of entrepreneurs and that’s unfortunate because 98% of Manitoba companies are small businesses. If you want to encourage them to expand their businesses and create jobs you have to have a budget that responds to their priorities and this one didn’t do it".

 

Some areas of concern include a budget that isn’t balanced, the small business corporate income tax, and the Manitoba payroll tax.

CMHA celebrating 64th annual mental health week

The CMHA has a week full of events for Mental Health Week.

 

Education and Training Coordinator Janet tells us the event they have for Thursday: "Were going to be at 43 fox bay and we’re going to be playing a mental health maze game, so again its open to the public and the hours are from 12-2, were hoping to get some people on their lunch break to participate".

 

The week aims to reduce discrimination and stigma, show support, and ultimately take action to improve mental health programs and services across Canada.

Hudbay workers go on strike

The International Association of Machinists Local 1848 in Flin Flon set up a picket line at noon Saturday as they began strike action against Hudbay

 

Hudbay has operations near Flin Flon and Snow Lake, and says the striking workers represent about 12% of its 1,460 person workforce in Manitoba.

 

The Union gave Hudbay strike notice Wednesday noting none of their outstanding language issues were addressed and the wage enhancements still leave them far behind the wages paid to apprentices and certified trades at sites in The Pas and Thompson.

 

Union President Rene Beauchamp states since 1971 there hasn’t been a labor dispute in this town.  He says they’ve been bullied long enough, they’re going to stand up to the corporate bully and they are not going to back down.

 

Hudbay Vice-President of the Manitoba Business Unit Rob Winton said last week the Company will continue to operate with their contingency plan in place focused on the health and safety of all the employees.          

 

The Union says they are willing to resume bargaining at any time provided the employer has something better to offer.

Airport development plans received well by public

The room was filled with residents at the airport public consultation last week.

 

Attendees were presented with plans for the $116 million airport development project, which would include a new terminal, new water treatment plant and highway development.

 

The public made some suggestions and comments, but were generally excited for the plans and thought it would be a good economic opportunity for the City.

 

Some concerns were whether the new building would be environmentally friendly, how parking would be set up, and whether the project was feasible financially.

 

CEO of the Authority, Curtis Ross, said the City is long overdue to replace the existing terminal, built in the early 60’s. 

 

The Thompson Regional Airport Authority is still securing funds for the project from the provincial and federal government.

 

 

Safe Kids Week celebrated in Thompson

Residents are getting together today to promote child safety.

 

Community organizer Mandy Fisher tells us about the event: "The event itself is going to be held at the Boys and Girls club, or at least that’s the staging place for it, on Monday, May 4th from 4 until 7pm. Parachute in cooperation with Vale has worked with the boys and girls club and other community partners to organize a community bike ride and BBQ".

 

The theme of this year’s safe kids week is cycling and road safety.

 

Everyone is welcome to attend.

26th annual CHTM trade show kicks off today

The big weekend is here. The 26th annual CHTM trade show starts today.

 

Station Manager Sue O’Brien has more: "Well its an opportunity for local businesses and visiting businesses to showcase their services, their products, and just to pass along information".

 

There will be over 70 vendors at the show selling a wide range of items from home décor, to furniture, crafts, and more.

 

The show runs today 4pm-9pm, tomorrow from 10am-8pm, and Sunday from 11am-4pm at the TRCC.

Public Works start up spring programs

The start of May means the start up of spring programs at public works.

 

In addition to spring clean up and the compost site, Director of Public Works Wayne Koversky says they’re also starting the e-waste program: "Our e-waste program starts on May the 2nd, that’s the first Saturday, it runs 8am-4pm every Saturday till the end of October, and we do take microwaves in case anyone’s wondering".

 

Electronics can be dropped off at Public Works, 120 Seal Road.

 

Last year over 6 semi-loads of e-waste were shipped to Winnipeg. 

RD Parker students give up food for 30 hours

40 RD Parker students will be giving up food for 30 hours starting this afternoon.

 

Teacher Robin Foley tells us about the cause they’re participating in:

"30 hour famine is an activity that students all across Canada participate in. It’s where they fundraise money for world vision projects and stop eating for 30 hours, just to have a slight appreciation of what other people in Canada and across the world have to go through".

 

Students Offering Support, or S.O.S for short, is the group within the high school that’s hosting the event.

 

The students start fasing today at 1pm and will continue until 7pm tomorrow. So far the students have raised $1,200.

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