Thompson Local News Archives for 2015-06

Thompson RCMP charge bouncer with assault and uttering threats

A video that captured a violent interaction between security and a patron at a local bar, has led to an arrest.

 

Thompson RCMP say the 21 year old bouncer has been charged with 2 counts of assault and 1 count of uttering threats.

 

The interaction came to the attention of the local authorities, after the video went viral on social media.

 

The bouncer was released on promise to appear and undertaking to appear in Thompson Court on August 28th

Canada Day to be celebrated across the nation tomorrow

The City is gearing up for Canada Day celebrations.

 

They have a full day of events planned for the big day. Organizer Darlene Dick has more: "We have a number of activities going on, we have our pancake breakfast happening in the morning at 10am, everyone loves to come out for free pancakes and hotdogs. That will be served by our volunteers from COPP. We also have Canada’s food vendors so we’ll have a bunch of different food available".

 

Activities and entertainment will be at the TRCC, all day from 10am-11pm.

Thompson RCMP open investigation after video goes viral

A security guard may face charges after a video showing him rough up a patron at a Thompson bar went viral.  

 

Sergeant Kevin Lewis says Thompson RCMP are investigating: “Well the video came to the attention of the RCMP yesterday, and after reviewing the video it was decided that an investigation should be conducted to determine the lawful actions of the individuals involved in the altercation. So at this point we have an investigation underway into the actions of the security guard” 

 

Lewis says both the security guard and patron have been identified.

 

In the video, the security guard appears to yank the man, drag him to the floor, and restrain him while shouting at him.

 

Lewis says the actions from the bar staff was a surprise to him, which is why the investigation is being conducted.

City hires new Director of Planning and Community Development

The City is welcoming a new member to their team.

 

Matthew Boscariol has been hired as the City’s new Director of Planning and Community Development.

 

Matthew Boscariol hails from Toronto, where he was most recently the Planning and Senior Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission.

 

Boscariol says he was drawn to Thompson when he learned of the TEDWG process. He says he’s excited to work with the City’s progressive planning documents and looks forward to working with his new colleagues.

 

Boscariol holds a Master of Environmental Studies, Urban Planning from York University and is the author of several publications and presentations. 

 

Mayor Dennis Fenske says Boscariol’s expertise will be an asset to the sustainable development of Thompson and the region.

 

City offering summer camps again this year

The City is gearing up for summer day camps which start next week.

 

Organizer Darlene Dick says there are many benefits to registering your child: "They’ll get to interact with other children so socializing with other children. As well as if they’re going to the sports camp they’ll learn the basic of sports and team work. Through the arts camp they’ll get to express themselves through different art projects".

 

The City is offering two summer camp themes this year: Mighty Miner Sports and Nickel City Arts.

3 organizations held their Annual General Meeting last week

Thompson CMHA, Thompson homeless shelter, and Thompson housing agency provided reports on their activities over the last year.

 

CMHA President Dan Murphy said 2014 proved to be busy with many changes for the organization. They opened the doors to Project Northern Doorway, entered an agreement with the NRHA and adopted a new governance model.

 

Murphy says these changes have resulted in more individuals moving on to successful employment and living.

 

Executive Director of the Shelter, Paulette Simpkins reported an occupancy rate of almost 84% for the past year, down from 90.74 from the year before.

 

The shelter will be undergoing some major repairs in the upcoming year, but members say a better facility is needed to house more individuals, and to increase services.

 

Semi truck catches on fire on Highway 6

Flames engulfed a vehicle on the highway over the weekend. The trailer of a semi truck caught on fire at around 4:45 p.m on Saturday.

 

The fire happened on Highway 6, roughly 45 minutes south of Thompson.

 

Water bombers flew overhead to try to extinguish the flames. It took multiple attempts to put the fire out completely.

 

Witnesses say the driver of the vehicle is safe and managed to spare any damage to the truck by separating it from the trailer.

Thompson RCMP warning residents of telephone fraud

Thompson RCMP have received complaints of telephone scams in the area.

 

They say there are two variations to the scam. Potential victims receive a notification from the Canada Revenue Agency, asking for personal information in order to receive a refund that’s pending.

 

In the second variation, consumers and businesses receive a notification that they owe “back taxes”, and are threatened to be deported if they don’t pay.

 

Residents are reminded to verify information with the CRA, if they receive any calls, to avoid becoming a victim.   

Construction on new Paint Lake Fire Hall complete

Paint Lake has a new fire hall.

 

The Cabin Owners Association had been fundraising over the last 2 years, after the old fire hall proved to be too small.

 

President Troy Steeves has more: "We needed to get another truck here which we did, we purchased an old truck from the fire commissioner’s office, it used to be a truck that was at Snow Lake and it wouldn’t fit in the old fire hall so we had to build something new".

 

Steeves say the new $250,000 facility has 3 large doors, and more storage, and heated flooring for Winter.

 

The volunteer fire fighters will be showing off the new facility this Sunday at noon.

Freecycle Day in the City this weekend

Residents may see a lot of “free” items this weekend.

 

The Thompson Recycling Centre has organized Freecycle Day.

 

Manager, Billie-Jo Thompson says the event encourages people to place unwanted items out on their curb with the label “free”: "You know small things like tools, sports equipment, toys. There could be small appliances like microwaves and coffee makers, dishes, cutlery, CDs and such. We’ve tried it in the community before, we didn’t have a great turnout but we know people in the community are interested in it so we want to try and give it a run this year and hold it for two days".

 

The event prevents re-usable, unwanted items from ending up at the landfill.

Thompson RCMP make drug arrest at Thompson Airport

A woman has been charged with possession for the purposed of trafficking after attempting to conceal drugs at Thompson airport.

 

On Tuesday, Thompson RCMP responded to a complaint of drug activity at the airport.  Police say 19 year old Melody Duck attempted to conceal drugs for transport to the isolated community of Tadoule Lake.

 

Duck was found to be in possession of 60 individual portions of cocaine, 395 tablets of codeine and 92 grams of Marijuana.

 

She is to appear in Thompson court on September 18.

Thompson Unlimited has new board

City council has appointed 5 people to the Thompson Unlimited Board of Directors.

 

Randy McKay, Curtis Ross, Robert Johnston, Glen Kristjanson, and Brock Weir will be serving on the board for three years.

 

Councilor Judy Kolada and Duncan Wong abstained when council voted to appoint the board because they disagreed with the process of how the members were chosen. Kolada said councilors should have been provided with bios of those who applied, or at the very least, the decision should have been discussed by a committee.

 

Thomson Unlimited is a community corporation that promotes investment and redevelopment opportunities in the City.

Students to graduate high school tonight

Exams at RD Parker wrapped up last week, and now the school will be recognizing the hard work of graduating students.

 

139 students are expected to cross the stage and receive their high school certificate later tonight at the CA Nesbitt Arena.

 

The school will also be recognizing top students, with awards and scholarships, which will be distributed during the ceremony.

 

Many students are expected to unwind after the ceremony when they party safely, at Safe Grad.

City planning to implement recommendations from Truth and Reconciliation report

The City is trying to lead the way in implementing recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

 

The commission, which has been documenting what happened at Indian Residential Schools, came out with a report last month that lists 94 recommendations to address the history of abuse. At Monday’s council meeting, Mayor Dennis Fenske said of the 94 recommendationst, many pertain to municipal governments.

 

Fenske deferred the report to the Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs committee, who will look through each of the recommendations and bring a report back to council, with an action plan on how to implement them.   

 

Fenske said given the City’s geographical location, and the demographic of our community, it’s the right thing to do.   

 

 

Water main renewal project begins today

The City starts capital projects today.

 

They will be starting with Water Main Renewals on Burntwood Road and Cree Road. 

 

Director of Public Works, Wayne Koversky has more: "There’s possible road closures, depending on what site they’re at, at the time. When they’re pushing the pipe there will be some of those. Plus just be aware of the heavy equipment and the construction crew working on the boulevard".

 

Koversky says they have about 59 connections to make in the trailer courts, which will take some time.

 

He says the water main renewals will take about 2 months, with road renewals to be done after.

Transfer of Waste Disposal Grounds from the LGD of Mystery Lake to the City of Thompson almost complete

The City has almost sealed the deal to take over the Waste Disposal Grounds.

 

Currently operated by the LGD of Mystery Lake, the retirement of the Resident Administrator back in January, prompted the Province to put forth two options for the continued operation of the landfill: to enter into an agreement with the City, or to enter into an agreement with a private provider.

 

During Monday’s council meeting, council approved a Waste Disposal Grounds Transfer Agreement.

 

If all conditions of the agreement are met, the transfer will be complete by July 31st.

City gives Certificates of Appreciation to community members

The City showed appreciation to a number of groups and individuals Monday night.

 

Mayor Dennis Fenske gave out three certificates of appreciation during the council meeting.

 

One was given to RD Parker student Morgan Hanson-Oliviera, who recently won a $70,000 scholarship. The second was given to Tori Cordell, owner of Canine Cabine, for recently being awarded a $5,000 grant at Vision Quest. The third was given to Best Western Hotel for receiving a Trip Advisor certificate of excellence award.

 

Fenske says it’s always a pleasure to recognize the work of residents.

YWCA launches 6th annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

The YWCA Thompson has launched this year’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.

 

Organizer Nina Cordell tells us about the annual event: "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is an annual fundraiser and awareness event that Y’s right across Canada host. We raise funds. Our funds go specifically to the women’s centre and being able to provide programming for young women and girls".

 

The event has men support women, by walking a few block's in women's shoes.

 

The Y was at the City Centre Mall last Friday, to officially launch the event.

 

This year’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is on September 12.

Local artists form new cooperative

A new cooperative in the City will give local artists more exposure.

 

Artist Shane Cripps tells us about the Northern Culture Artists Co-op: "The cooperative is a new company that is member owned and member operated. We’re starting in Thompson but we are going to be operating throughout Northern Manitoba helping grow and share our local culture and artists with the world". 

 

Artists benefit by sharing and pooling their resources.

 

Cripps says they've partenered with the Multicultural Centre, and have transformed their basement into an art studio.  Artists from all cultures and all disciplines are welcome to join the co-op.

 

Cripps says the idea to form the co-op came last year, when an artist from Churchill told him about a cooperative that was formed there.

Four search warrants executed during Nickel Days weekend result in seizure of drugs and money

Thompson RCMP executed four search warrants over the Nickel Days weekend that resulted in a number of arrests.

 

The first search warrant was executed on June 16 in the Juniper area. Police found $7000 in cash and codeine pills. An adult male was arrested for possession of a scheduled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.

 

Police issued a warrant of arrest for a second adult male who was not at the residence at the time.

 

On June 20th, police searched three apartments in the Eastwood area. 70 grams of cocaine, over $4000 in cash, hash oil, and a small quantity of marijuana was found.

 

Two individuals were arrested for the possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. Another individual was arrested for the possession of cocaine.

 

Pride North of 55 kicks off today

The 2nd annual Pride North of 55 is this week.

 

Events include a sweat lodge, youth dance party, and a mini festival.

 

Chairwoman Michelle Smook says the events are open to anyone: "All of our events are community events so they’re open to anybody that supports us and wants to come out and have a good time. It’s about raising awareness so we don’t only want only people from the LGBTQ community, we want everybody in the community to come and support us and show their love".

 

They have a list of the week’s events on their facebook page.

Boys and Girls Club of Thompson have their sights set on expanding

Kids in the Eastwood area might have easier access to the programs offered at the Boys and Girls Club.

 

Executive Director, Regina DaSilva says they are thinking of opening a satellite location in the area: "We’ve identified that, as the Boys and Girls Club of Thompson, that we wanted to increase our accessibility to programming. We do get a lot of kids from the Eastwood area in the warmer months and then they drop off quite a bit in the winter and you can sorta understand why".

 

DaSilva says she wants to get feedback from the public, especially residents in the Eastwood area. They have a survey set-up on their facebook page.

RCMP on the lookout for those not obeying off-road vehicle laws

Off road vehicle users are being reminded to keep those vehicles, off the roads.

 

Mayor Dennis Fenske says there are residents who have been disregarding the rules: "We have had this issue raised with us, it comes in spurts, some summers it’s not bad. This summer in particular we’re seeing a lot of off-road bikes and ATV’s in and around our community, the rules basically is that they’re not allowed on the streets".

 

Fenske reminds drivers to use the trails around the City for off-road vehicles.

 

Fenske says RCMP are on the lookout for those not following the law.

Transfer date of Water Treatment Plant to be set in coming months

The second of two public open houses, regarding the Water Treatment Plant, took place Wednesday night.

 

Mayor Dennis Fenske tells us what the next step is: "Getting agreements in place and timing. wWe have a subcommittee of 3 councilors and our city manager, Gary Ceppetelli and support staff as well as Vale has a subcommittee that they’ve been working together for the last year in a half. They’ll continue those meetings and start to finalize the transfer date for the actual transfer of the asset".

 

Fenske reminds residents that if they have any questions about the water treatment plant from Vale to the City, they can ask by calling City Hall.

Parents and parents-to-be can get car seats checked at free clinic

Residents, who know the importance of a properly installed child seat, are hosting a car seat inspection clinic.

 

Shannon Burden, who’s a licensed Child Restraint Technician, tells us more: "It is a clinic so people can learn or ask us questions regarding car seats and how they’re installed and to check they're installed properly".

 

She says about 80% of car seats aren't installed properly.

 

Burden and another licensed child restraint technician will be hosting the free clinic at the MPI Service Centre this Saturday from 12pm-4pm. 

National Aboriginal Day celebrations going strong in Thompson since 1998

This Sunday, Canadians across the country are celebrating National Aboriginal Day.

 

Dale Carlson, one of the organizers of the event for Thompson, tells us more: ''June 21 is National Aboriginal Day. It’s a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate, the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations people, Inuit, and Métis. The Canadian constitution recognizes these three groups as aboriginal people, and they share many similarities but they all have their own distinct culture".

 

A full day of events will be taking place at MacLean Park. Events include a pow-wow demonstration, aboriginal art market, and a fish fry fundraiser. The day kicks off with a 5am Sunrise Ceremony.

 

The first National Aboriginal Day celebration in Thompson was held in 1998.

 

Our Foundation Thompson grants close to $90,000 to organizations in the City

A number of organizations in the City have secured funding for projects, thanks to Our Foundation Thompson.

 

The organization held their Annual General Meeting this week, during which time they awarded grants.

 

The TRCC was one of these recipients. They are to be awarded $10,000 towards the Wall of Fame project. Other groups to receive funding include the Norman Northstars who will be using it towards off-ice training equipment, and Rotary Park for their new shade structure.

 

The organization also  launched a new fundraising campaign.

 

In response to challenges by The Thomas Sill Foundation and The Winnipeg Foundation, the organization has set a fundraising campaign of $50,000 over the next year.

 

The Thomas Sill Foundation is offering to match donations at a rate of 1:2 to a maximum of $25,000. The Winnipeg Foundation will match $1 for every $5, up to $2,000.

 

If Our Foundation Thompson meets their target, a total of $77,000 would be added to the local endowment fund.

 

Since 1995, Our Foundation Thompson puts donations into a savings account, and uses the revenue to grant projects in the City.

53rd annual Nickel Days kicks off today

Nickel Days has the TRCC parking lot transformed into a fair.

 

Today is the first day of the 4-day long celebration.

 

Organizer Melissa Meston tells us about just some this year’s events: "There will be many rides on the fairgrounds for all ages this year. We have a very yummy free pancake breakfast on Saturday June 20th from 8am-10am, and it will be held in the CA Nesbitt Arena. At 9am the King Miner contest begins, the King Miner Awards start at 1pm on Sunday, June 21st".

 

Tom Cochrane with Red Rider will also be in town, headlining the Nickel Days social. A full list of events can be found on the Nickel Days facebook page. This will be Thompson’s 53rd Nickel Days.

Residents reminded to be engaged in their health care

A non-for-profit corporation in the province is trying to get patients to be more vigilant when it comes to their health care.

 

Denise Widmeyer, with Manitoba Institute for Public Safety, or MIPS, spoke at yesterdays’ Chamber of Commerce Meeting: "I want to get the message of vigilance out to the people here in Thompson. Not to frighten, but just to make people aware, because there are some concerns about safety within health care. Patient safety refers to actions taken to prevent harm to patients that occur as a result of interventions carried out in the delivery of health care services".

 

Widmeyer encourages patients to be engaged in their health by asking questions, being informed, and taking part in decision making.

School District to install private change room stalls at schools

The School District of Mystery Lake will be making some additions to school change rooms.

 

Superintendent of Human Resources and Policy, Angele Bartlett says

surveys given to students over the last 3 years, revealed 15% of students felt unsafe in change rooms. Bartlett says many students indicated that they didn’t feel unsafe, so much as they wanted privacy to change. 

 

In order to help students feel more comfortable, Bartlett says the school district is installing a few private stalls in each school change room.

 

The addition of the new stalls is expected to happen in the fall.

Construction on Rotary Park shade building, to begin mid-July

Parents won’t have to sit out in the sun while their kids enjoy the splash pad, for much longer.

 

Rotary Park is set to construct a shade building this summer.

 

Chairperson Ralph Dyke says they’ve been raising money for the close to $60,000 project over the last few years. He says a shade structure will be built where the parking lot off of Deerwood currently is.

 

Construction will start mid-July, and Dyke says he hopes it will be complete by August.

Grade 8 students to show off their digital skills

Students at Juniper School will be showcasing a film they’ve made, in a unique way.

 

Jim Sanders, who’s the Creative Director at Digital Lodge says he’s been teaching students some digital skills over the last 2 years: "We’re basically teaching them every aspect of digital storytelling from video, animation, documentary, and such. This is year 2, so the youth have taken what they’ve learned from year 1 and year 2 and have produced something really awesome. Part of the project with Digital Lodge is at the end of the year we build an actual lodge. It’s kind of like a traditional teaching lodge, we use tamarack trees and then we fill the inside with movie screens".

 

The project is part of the students involvement in the Educating for Action Pilot Pojrect.

 

Juniper School teacher, Ryan Barker tells us what the film is about: "Human rights broadly, including aboriginal rights, certainly a component of the film. We have a whole range of elements including footage from their recent trip to Winnipeg. These students were actually partnered with a school in downtown Winnipeg, to not only cycle through downtown but also visit the new Museum for Human Rights. 

 

The film will be shown today at 6pm and 7pm at Juniper School Grounds, inside the digital lodge.

Norway House students see FIFA game thanks to Go Fund Me page

Thanks to donations from kind strangers, 14 school soccer players from Norway House, got to see a FIFA game in Winnipeg yesterday.

 

Physical education teacher at Helen Betty Osborne Ininu Education Resource Centre, Michael Knox says they got free tickets to a FIFA game, but the problem was getting down South: "Because of the timing of the trip, being so late in the year there was no more school funds available to us, so we had to fundraise for the whole trip. I had heard about go fund me and I checked it out, and kinda got the idea of how it works, so I thought it’d be a good idea to set one up and see what we could get. I never thought there we would be able to raise as much as we did".

 

Through the Go Fund Me page Knox set up, the teams raised over $3,000.

 

The 14 students got to see the Japan vs. Ecuador game yesterday evening.

Nutrition North expansion a no-go

A motion that would have seen 3 northern Manitoba First Nations, added to the Nutrition North program, has been defeated.

 

Churchill MP Niki Ashton spoke at the House of Commons when the NDP brought forth the motion: "It’s so critical that this government take seriously, while acknowledge its neglect of northern people, of northern indigenous communities and start immediately by including excluded communities , by reviewing nutrition north, and finally by working with northerners to bring a solution to this dire problem".

 

The motion would have added 50 isolated communities to the program, and called for a comprehensive review of the program with Northerners as full partners.

 

Conservative MP Leef Ryan said 2 new federal programs: Growing Forward 2 and the Northern Greenhouse Initiative have been successful in bringing food to the North.

Boys and Girls Club making sure kids know how to grow food

The Multicultural Centre isn’t the only organization in town looking to build a greenhouse.

 

Regina DaSilva, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Thompson says the club is planning to build one: "Through our after school program we’re building a greenhouse. Christa Herkert and her group really work hard to make sure that we’re teaching kids how  to grow food and things of that nature".

 

The idea came last year, when City Centre Mall donated gardening pots to the Club.

 

DaSilva says they’ve already planted several fruits and vegetables. She says most of the walls of the greenhouse have already been built as well.

Thompson RCMP locate missing youth

On June 9, Thompson RCMP received a report of a missing female from Thompson.

 

Thompson RCMP advise that Katana Katie Moore has been located.

 

They are thanking the public and media for assistance.

 

 

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day being observed in the City

The Thompson Seniors Resource Council is bringing awareness to elder abuse.

 

This morning they wore purple, and walked from the NRHA Administration building to the Northern Spirit Manor.

 

It’s all for Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is today. Mayor Dennis Fenske made a proclamation, last week, to mark the date.

 

Events are being held worldwide today, to bring awareness to the various forms of elder abuse.

 

Anyone who knows about a senior who’s abused, call the province’s seniors abuse hotline at 1-888-896-7183. 

Chamber wants City to allocate more money towards tourism

The Thompson Chamber of Commerce will be lobbying the City to allocate the accommodation tax towards tourism.

 

A recent survey sent to chamber members, shows the majority of them want the tax to be allocated to either infrastructure or tourism. 

 

Chamber President, Keith MacDonald has more: "Tourism is really undeveloped in this community. We believe there’s a lot of money that’s being left behind and the same thing goes for the economic development. If you bring tourism, it just stands as a fact that they’re going to stay in the hotels. By staying in the hotels, that also will increase the accommodation tax as they increase more rooms".

 

The City of Thompson plans to revisit the Accommodation Tax, for the 2016 budget year.

First day on the job for Community Safety Officers

Thompson’s new Community Safety Officers are reporting to their first day of duty today.

 

The City celebrated the graduation of the 8 new officers, last Friday.

 

Mayor Dennis Fenske spoke at the celebration: "I want to speak briefly in regards to the CSO program itself. It’s part of the bigger picture of the downtown strategy that we talked about for many years, modeling the strategy under the main street project in Winnipeg. Our acronym is main street north and it has many components. This is part of that, to deal with the situations and the issues that we have to deal with in the downtown area". 

  

The officers will work with the local RCMP to implement crime prevention strategies, enforce some provincial laws, connect social service providers with people in need, and maintain a visible presence in the community.

Thousands raised for Boys and Girls Club at 6th annual Run Thompson

About 30 residents ran to support the Boys and Girls Club of Thompson.

 

The club hosted their annual Run Thompson events over the weekend. Executive Director Regina DaSilva says they raised about $4500.

 

The money will be used to fund the organizations programs including their after school program.

 

Executive Director Regina DaSilva is thanking businesses, participants, volunteers, and employees for making this year’s Run Thompson possible.

 

Kristopher Joy came in 1st in the Half Marathon, with a time of 1 hour and 31mins. Rebecca Carr was 1st in the 10km run with just over 43mins, and Jamey Johnson took 1st for the 5km with 29mins.

 

Currently the club is looking at opening a satellite location in the Eastwood Area. They have set up a survey on their facebook page to get feedback from residents.

Juniper students responsible for new healthy environment resolution

The City of Thompson has joined other municipalities across Canada in supporting the right to a healthy environment.

 

Grade 8 Juniper school students requested council to support the cause, after learning students at The Pas made a similar request to their council last year.

 

Monday night, council unanimously passed a motion that will see the City of Thompson encourage everyone to respect, protect, fulfill, and promote the right to live in a healthy environment.

 

As part of the ‘Blue Dot’ campaign, Canadian municipalities have been joining the movement and have passed declarations recognizing the right to fresh air, clean water, and healthy food.

Water Treatment Plant transfer explained to residents during public open house

A handful of people came out to Wednesday’s public open house regarding the water treatment plant transfer.

 

At the open house, Vale and the City explained that they’re doing the transfer now, because the mine needs to be competitive, and with a recent $14.5 million investment into the plant, the time seems right.

 

Mayor Dennis Fenske admitted the cost of water will increase if Vale transfers the Water Treatment Plant to the City. Residents were told it costs around $1 million to operate the plant, without revenue.

 

Fenske said an increase is the reality of the City taking over operating costs. By how much it would increase, isn’t known yet. The City will have to apply through the Public Utilities Board.

 

Residents were shown pictures of the plant, with a breakdown of the recent upgrades done to the facility.

 

Residents were told that Vale and the City are currently in the process of finalizing the terms of the transition period, but that they would ideally like to hand over the asset by January 1, 2016.

 

Another public open house is set to happen on June 12, from 7pm-9pm at St. Joseph's Hall.

Council rejects resolution to increase summer travel camp fees by $3

It’s back to the drawing board for the Recreation and Community Services committee.

 

The resolution they brought forward to council, to increase summer travel camp fees from $2 to $5 didn’t carry during Monday’s meeting.

Councilor Judy Kolada had concerns about the fee being increased 2.5 times what the previous fee was. Facilities Manager Jim English said by increasing the fee, it would allow the recreation department to break even.

 

The committee will be meeting again, and are expected to bring forward a new resolution at the next meeting of council.

City looking cleaner thanks to annual spring clean-up

May was a busy month for Public Works.

 

Spring clean-up, e-waste, and composting all kicked off last month. Wayne Koversky, Director of Public Works says spring clean up saw residents collect a grand total of 1384 bags of garbage.

 

Koversky says e-waste and composting have been successful as well. Already in one month, 3 loads of electronic waste were collected, which is expected to make its way to Winnipeg this week.

Successful trip to Winnipeg for grade 8 Juniper students

Juniper students got a better understanding of human rights, during a recent trip to Winnipeg.

 

The 33 gr.8 students travelled south, where they were partnered up with Winnipeg students from Hugh John Macdonald school.

 

The students biked around the City over their 3 day trip, seeing some of the province’s most important buildings, including the Manitoba Legislative Building, and the Human Rights Museum.

 

While at the Manitoba Legislative Building they were recognized by the speaker during Question Period, and were presented a members statement from MLA Steve Ashton.

 

The students also visited the University of Manitoba, which Principal Lucy Mayor says will hopefully get the students to start thinking about post-secondary education.

 

 

Safe Grad back for another year

This year’s graduates will be celebrating safely thanks to Safe Grad.

 

Chairperson of the Thompson Safe Grad Committee, Danny Morris tells us about the program: "Safe Grad is an opportunity for graduates, and their guests, to meet publicly for the last time in their whole life. Safe Grad starts on June 25 at 10pm, after graduation, and we’re there till 6am in the morning".

 

Tickets will be on sale for graduates from June 15 till June 22.

 

Morris says they are also looking for volunteers to help out with the event. Anyone who can lend a hand can call him at 679-0138.

Pregnant woman and her neighbor identified as heroes in Nelson House shed fire

Two people, who were at the right place at the right time, are being credited with saving 4 children from a burning shed in Nelson House.

 

 

Chasity Spence, who is 11 weeks pregnant, and Arnold Culley heard the children and ran to help.

 

Spence says she ripped off a door: "When I got that door open, that little girl had run through the fire, but when we looked back in we could see nothing but fire and smoke, so Arnold went around to the side back corner there. I don’t even know what he used, but he just started prying open that corner, he got it open a little bit and that little boy fell out and then the other two little girls came running out".

 

The 3 girls were taken to a Winnipeg hospital, where one remains in stable condition.

 

RCMP say the fire started inside the shed, and have deemed the fire to be non-suspicious and non-criminal in nature. They are still investigating the actual cause of the fire.   

Open House regarding Water Treatment Plant transfer tonight

The controversial water treatment plant transfer will be up for discussion tonight at the City’s Public Open House.

 

It provides the public the opportunity to view a presentation and ask questions regarding the transfer of the Water Treatment Plant from Vale to the City. 

 

Deputy Mayor Penny Byer says there will be poster boards set up, which will allow people to see the water treatment plant. There will also be discussions about the 56 agreement and how the City and Vale are approaching the handover.

 

The open house takes place at St. Jospeph’s Hall from 7-9pm. The City will be hosting a second one as well next Wednesday, from 7-9pm.

Multicultural Centre's garden up and running for another season

The multicultural centre worked their green thumb over the weekend.

 

The group was busy planting seeds in their garden. President Peter Aarinola tells us more: "Right now we are starting planting vegetables in our community garden beds, at the back of the building, towards the end of the summer we will be building our greenhouse".

 

The centre has secured a number of grants that will be going towards the community garden project.

 

The group will be meeting once a week to maintain the garden. Aarinola says the vegetables will be given to the City’s less fortunate.

Events over the weekend rake in money for good causes

Residents raised thousands of dollars for a variety of organizations over the weekend.

 

Resident Bobbi Montean hosted Bobbi’s Supper on Saturday in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Montean, who has been battling heart problems, wanted to host the event to celebrate her medical successes and to raise money for the foundation. Just over $1000 was raised.

 

On Sunday, the Gutsy Walk saw residents walk 2km for Crohns and Colitis Canada. Organizer, Dave Moore says just over $4500 was raised for the foundation.

 

The Boys and Girls Club of Thompson hosted their annual Run Thompson event. The amount raised from that event is still being tallied up.

Shed fire at Nelson House injures 4 children

A 6 year old girl from Nelson House is in serious condition after a shed fire over the weekend.

 

On June 6, Nelson House RCMP responded to a report of a storage shed fire at a residence. Police were informed that children were inside the burning shed. When police arrived on scene, four children had been taken to the local nursing station.

 

3 girls and 1 boy between the ages of 3 and 6 were injured by the fire. 3 of the children were taken to a Winnipeg hospital for treatment of burns, including one 6 year old female who remains in serious condition.

 

It is not known what caused the fire at this time. The Office of the Fire Commission is assisting with the investigation.

Lynn Lake students make donation to Thompson Homeless Shelter

A group of students from West Lynn Heights in Lynn Lake made the long drive to Thompson last Friday to make a donation.

 

The Gr. 2/3  class had been raising money for the homeless since September.

 

Teacher Katie Charrier has more: "We were actually watching the Hannah Taylor video that she made that has some homeless people in it, so they got really sad and really felt some empathy for the homeless people. All my class almost started crying, we decided what to do to help, so we decided to set a goal to raise $1,000"

 

The class met their goal, and presented a cheque of $1000 to the Thompson Homeless Shelter.

RD Parker student wins 2 of 3 top scholarships in Canada

A Thompson Gr. 12 student has a bright future ahead of her.

 

Morgan Hanson Oliviera has been chosen as one of 20 students across Canada to receive a TD Scholarship for Community Leadership worth $70,000.

 

She tells us what it was like when she found out: "I had gotten a call when I was at home, I remember it was a Wednesday night, and it was pretty late but I got a call, and they told me that I had won and I couldn’t believe it, It was all so much and I was more than honoured to receive the award".

 

Oliviera was also accepted for the Schulich Leader Scholarship, another prestigious scholarship worth $60,000. Unfortunately she can’t have both scholarships, so she has chosen the TD Scholarship for Community Leadership.

 

She beat out over 2,000 students in Canada who had applied for the award.

 

 

Oliviera will be going to the University of Manitoba in September where she has been accepted for direct entry in the faculty of science.


 

Recording booth on wheels makes it's way to Thompson today

Storytellers from across the City are encouraged to come to the library.

 

Today and tomorrow, The Tale of a Town makes their stop in Thompson.

 

Managing Director Charles Ketchabaw tells us more: "It’s a national oral history project that is touring the country, recording oral history of downtown to main street. We are inviting people to come back downtown to remember the way life used to be, to inspire the future. All the stories that we are recording are put into our new oral history catalogue that we are creating for the country for 2017".

 

They’ll be at the Thompson Public Library parking lot with their recording booth on wheels from 5pm-9pm today, and 10am-3pm tomorrow.

Thompson Tim Hortons raises over $6,000 on Camp Day

Residents were buying coffee with a purpose on Wednesday.

 

The restaurant held their annual Camp Day to raise money to send kids to camp, who otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

 

Thompson Owner Jackie Roland says in Thompson, $6, 888 was raised through coffee sales and donations. She says the day was absolutely fantastic, and was pleased to see people enjoy themselves.

 

Two girls from Thompson will be sent to the summer camp thanks to the day. 

 

Roland thanked all the volunteers who helped out throughout the day.

Health and Fitness Day celebrated in Thompson this weekend

Tomorrow is the first National Health and Fitness day. An act passed into law late last year, means the first Saturday of June is now a national day to promote health and fitness across Canada.

 

Here in Thompson, Mayor Dennis Fenske recently made a proclamation to recognize the date as well. To encourage physical activit, all of the City’s recreation facilities will be free for residents.

 

Some of Thompson’s biggest runs coincidentally hit the roads this weekend as well. Both the Gutsy Walk and Run Thompson happen on Sunday. Both events will have registration day of.

Crime trends in Thompson continue to go down

A spike in break and enters was an area of concern for the RCMP in the first quarter.

 

During the recent council meeting, Officer in Charge Will Tewnion told council that the spike led to an investigation: "A number of individuals including youth and adults have been charged for those great deal of break and enters that occurred. It concerns me that those statistics are up but it also is encouraging to know we got the bad guys, so to speak".

 

Tewnion says overall they are seeing similar trends to last year with crimes and occurances decreasing, which he says, shows the policing priorities are working.

Local business raising money for local charity

Warehouse One and Purolator have partnered up for Help Tackle Hunger.

 

The initiative which happens across Canada collects food for a local food bank. Area Manager Wanda Hanlon has more: "We started on May 29th and it goes to June 7th. When customers come in we can just add it to their transaction or they have just been coming in and making a donation. So far we have collected $111 and very little food".

 

In an effort to get more donations, they will be hosting a hot dog sale outside of WareHouse One, tomorrow from 11am-3pm.

 

All donations will be going to the Thompson Salvation Army.

Churchill's beluga whale tourism industry safe for now

Good news for Churchill’s tourism industry.

 

They’ve been informed by Federal Minister Shelley Glover, that new beluga whale regulations will not take effect in Churchill at this time.

 

The Town of Churchill and the Beluga Whale Tour Operators had been lobbying the new federal regulations, due to concerns it would negatively impact their tourism industry.

 

The new federal regulation would have required the tour operators to keep a 50m distance from the whales.

Canadian Cancer Society trying to start transportation service in Thompson

Getting to and from cancer treatments may get a little easier for people in Thompson.

 

Judy Kolada, Thompson Community Representative for the Canadian Cancer Society tells us about a transportation service: "It’s a service that provides subsidized rides to cancer patients for their appointments. The service links volunteer drivers with cancer patients".

 

Kolada says they need volunteers to get the program up and running.

 

If you’re interested in volunteering, give her a call at 679-0191.

Burntwood Curling Club hosts their Annual General Meeting

Grant Brown is once again President of the Burntwood Curling Club.

 

The Club held their AGM on Tuesday, during which time a new executive was elected.

 

Vale also announced a donation to the club at this time. Lovro Paulic who was there on behalf of the mine, said they’re donating $12,500 towards a new ice plant.

 

The club had been raising money this past season to help cover costs for the new ice plant, which will cost over $150,000.

 

It’s expected to be replaced and installed over the summer.

Striking nurses at Nelson House gain support

Nurses at Nisichawayasihk in Nelson House continue to strike after pickets went up May 12.

 

Equity pay and premiums with other unionized nurses in the province are among the outstanding issues.

 

Yesterday the 5 nurses were joined in support, by members from the Manitoba Nurses Union.

 

Sandi Mowat, President of the Manitoba Nurses Union says it’s an injustice for the nurses to be paid less than any other nurse in the province.

Thompson Tim Hortons hosting Camp Day today

Your cup of coffee this morning will be doing more than just waking you up. It will also be sending a kid to camp.

 

Today is Tim Horton’s Camp Day. Thompson owner Jackie Roland tells us more: "Every Tim Hortons store within Canada, all the owners and Tim Hortons themselves the corporate stores, every thing we make in coffee sales, it all goes to the children’s foundation".

 

The restaurant will also have face painting, decorate your own donut, and other activities throughout the day.

 

Roland says they’ve sponsored 2 kids from Thompson, who will be going to the Tim Hortons camp in Ontario, later this year.

 

Gr. 9 Thompson student goes far in Playwriting Competition

Gr. 9 student Keyanna Boyko-Ouelette has a lot to be proud of.

 

Her play “Beyond the Locked Windows” was a finalist in the Manitoba Playwrights High School Playwriting Competition over the weekend.

 

Although she didn’t win, she was the only Gr. 9 student in the top 5, and the only finalist to reside outside of Winnipeg.

 

The RD Parker drama department is showing her play, in addition to another one, tonight and tomorrow night at 7pm. It’s $5 for adults and $2 for kids 13 and under.

 

On June 9th at 7pm, the Gr.10 students will be staging “10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse”.

RD Parker students raise money for rescue dog

RD Parker students were busy cutting hair over the weekend to raise money for a rescue dog’s hip surgery.

 

Money originally saved up for the dog’s hip surgery was stolen last month after a break-in at Beastly Boutique.

 

Dayle Medwid, who organized the cut-a-thon after hearing about the break in, says they raised $500 through the hair cuts. They also raised another $400 from a BBQ and bake sale.

Alcohol believed to be factor in fatal Norway House collision

A man from Norway House is dead after a fatal collision.

 

Last night at 11:30, Norway House RCMP responded to a report of a collision between an SUV and a pedestrian.

 

The vehicle was travelling southbound on Paupanekis Point road when it collided with the pedestrian. The 24 year old pedestrian was taken to hospital by ambulance where he was later pronounced dead.

The 41 year old female driver from Norway House did not suffer any injuries.

 

An RCMP Forensic collision reconstructionist is assisting with the investigation.

 

At this time, alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor.

Citizens on Patrol ready for the Summer

A volunteer run program that acts as the eyes and ears of the community is back in service, but they could use some extra hands.

 

Thompson volunteer, Bobbi Montean tells us what the volunteer run program does: "Keep an eye and ear out in the community and if we see anything going on then we report it to the appropriate authorities. Like if we see maybe a break and enter occurring or we think one is occurring we would call the RCMP, but if we see somebody on the ground and maybe they need medical attention we would call for an ambulance".

 

Montean says there is as application process to volunteer. You can call 679-2932 if interested in joining their team.

Stage at MacLean Park may be ready in time for Canada Day

The finishing touches on the MacLean Park stage should be complete within the next month.

 

Here Mayor Dennis Fenske tells us how the project is going: "We're sourcing out a supplier for the awnings that go over the top of the stage area and in front of the stage area, so once that supplier is sourced we’ll purchase the awnings that have been designed for the top of those areas".

 

The stage, which has been in the works for a few years, was designed by local engineer Kelly Bindle.

 

The permanent structure will replace the portable stages that had been used for events in the past.

Abduction claim shared on social media, determined to be false

Thompson RCMP say an abduction of a female from the Deerwood area didn't happen.

 

On May 28th, Thompson RCMP responded to a report of an abduction. During the investigation, police determined several inconsistencies relating to the complainant’s version of events. She later admitted to having made up the story, which had gone viral on social media.

 

An investigation into the incident continues.

 

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

Missing Leaf Rapids man located

A missing man has been located safe and sound.

 

William David Barker, 35, went missing on May 8, when he hadn’t been heard from after camping by Granville Lake.

 

Leaf Rapids RCMP say they have located him and would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.  

6th annual Run Thompson this weekend

The Boys and Girls Club of Thompson is hosting their annual fundraiser this weekend.

 

Organizer Regina DaSilva tells us about Run Thompson: "We actually have a half marathon, a 10k, a 5k and then we have our Hope North Amazing Race which is meant to encourage families and community to come out".

 

The event happens on June 7th.

 

Registration can be done online at bgcthompson.ca or in person on event day. Registration tables open at 7am.

Thompson resident organizing Heart and Stroke Foundation fundraiser

A local resident is putting on a dinner to raise money for the Heart and Stroke foundation.

 

Bobbi Montean tells us about Bobbi’s Supper: "It’s a fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. A lot of people are aware that i've been having a lot of health issues for the past while and that I’ve had some heart surgery and other things that have been going on with, cause its Heart and Stroke Foundation and its heart and stroke that’s connected. There’s been some amazing things that have occurred because of the research that has happened and the money for a lot of the research  comes from the Heart and Stroke Foundation".

 

She has made a facebook event page for the supper, which happens June 6th at Wong’s Bistro. Tickets are being sold for $20 each until Thursday.

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