Norway House Cree Nation is looking to replace the ferry crossing that links the community with the rest of the province by building a bridge over the Nelson River.

On August 24th, provincial representatives including Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure met with local leaders and engineering consultants in Norway House.

While the project has been decades in the making, there is hope it will be completed within three years once construction begins.

In a statement from the province, they said - quote - "Detailed design is underway and is expected to be completed by 2027. Once design is complete, regulatory approvals and federal and provincial cost sharing would need to be determined prior to proceeding to construction."

Meanwhile, in the summer, the residents of Norway House will still rely on the ferry from their community to reach Public Road 373, their link to the rest of the province.

Winter travel takes the form of a winter road which is built along the ferry line after freeze-up.

Canadian households and businesses could continue facing higher long-term borrowing costs as the effects of U.S. tariffs ripple through financial markets.

 

Farm Credit Canada says rising U.S. inflation and increased risks surrounding government debt have helped push American bond yields higher.

 

Those increases are also affecting Canadian bonds because of the close connection between the two markets.

 

FCC says the impact could be felt through fixed mortgage rates and long-term business financing, including for Canada’s agriculture and food industry.

United Steelworkers Local 6166 is inviting Thompson residents to celebrate working people at its annual Labour Day picnic this Monday.

 

The free event runs from, with hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks, bouncy houses, kids’ activities and prizes.

 

New USW Local 6166 President Scott Clements says the event is open to everyone.

 

 

Clements says the picnic has drawn hundreds of people in previous years, although turnout and some activities are weather permitting.

 

He says the event is a chance for workers, retirees and families across Thompson to come together and enjoy Labour Day.

Thompson’s Community Safety Officer program is back on patrol, after staffing shortages had previously put patrols on pause.

 

Deputy Mayor Louise Fitzpatrick says the city hired an experienced CSO in July, while another former officer has now returned to the department.

 

 

Fitzpatrick says the city has also conducted several interviews and could have all four positions filled this fall, although new hires would still need to complete training in November.

Thompson’s new Crime Suppression Unit is beginning to show what it’s been doing since hitting the streets earlier this summer.

 

Deputy Mayor Louise Fitzpatrick says officers dealt with a wide range of calls throughout July and August.

 

 

Fitzpatrick says officers have also made arrests connected to weapons and drug investigations, while the city has received positive feedback about the unit.

 

The city’s goal is for the unit’s presence downtown to deter crime and help residents feel safer.

Heading back to school can be exciting, but for students dealing with anxiety, ADHD or other learning challenges, getting back into the classroom can come with some added stress.

 

Registered clinical psychologist Dr. Kristen Reynolds says parents should watch for changes in behaviour that could signal their child is struggling.

 

 

Reynolds says parents should keep conversations open and remember it can take a few weeks for students to fully settle back into a routine.

 

Hear the full conversation on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

Thompson RCMP are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 14-year-old male.

 

Ahiman Bunn was last seen just after 3 p.m. on Aug. 30 in Thompson. He has not been seen since.

 

Officers believe Bunn may have travelled to Winnipeg.

 

RCMP are concerned for his well-being.

 

Anyone with information on Bunn’s whereabouts are asked to contact Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or provide a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

 

On August 31, 2026, at 3:35 am., Island Lake RCMP received a report of a possible firearms complaint at a residence in the community of St. Theresa Point.

 

Information continued to be gathered via First Nation Safety Officers about a male suspect until officers arrived.

 

Police attended to a residence and were advised the male suspect was in a shed in the back. Upon the door being opened by the suspect, an abundance of illicit drugs and cash were in plain view.

 

The male was arrested without incident.

 

A search warrant for the property was executed, and officers seized 107 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia and over $2,000 in Canadian currency.

 

Ryan Banville, 26, of Terrace BC, was remanded into custody and charged with the following:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000;
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon;
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose; and
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm

 

Island Lake RCMP continue to investigate.

Virden RCMP are investigating after historical human remains were discovered in the Rural Municipality of Wallace-Woodworth.

 

Police say a road maintenance crew cleaning ditches following recent flooding found two pieces of a human skull and a bone on August 29, while working along Road 57 North, just east of Road 148 West.

 

RCMP secured the area, and a forensic anthropologist and her team searched the scene the following morning, locating a partial skull, a right shin bone and a lower left femur.

 

Police say the remains appear to be historical or archaeological in nature, and carbon dating and further testing are being arranged.

As families prepare for another school year, parents are being reminded they don’t need to have all the answers when their child comes to them with a mental health concern.

 

Northern Health Region Mental Health Promotion Coordinator Jennifer Whalen says a parent’s first instinct may be to immediately try to solve the problem, but sometimes listening is the most important first step.

 

 

Whalen says families and schools should keep communication open and reminds students that asking for help is a strength and an important life skill.

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and a striking statistic is highlighting just how many Manitobans are being affected by dementia.

 

More than 20-thousand people in the province are currently living with dementia — with about nine Manitobans developing it every day.

 

Alzheimer Society of Manitoba CEO Erin Crawford says the number shows the disease is already affecting people all around us.
 

 

Crawford also discusses warning signs, misconceptions surrounding dementia and why it isn’t simply a normal part of aging.

Hear the full conversation on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

On August 23, 2026, at 1:51 p.m., Cross Lake RCMP were notified after a body was discovered in a wooded area in the community of Pimicikamak Cree Nation.

 

Officers attended the scene and located the body of an unknown individual.

 

An autopsy confirmed the body to be that of a 17-year-old female from the community who had been reported missing on August 22.

 

The victim had last been seen by family on August 17.

 

Her death has since been deemed suspicious and is being investigated by Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services.

 

Manitoba RCMP MCS and Cross Lake RCMP continue to investigate.

On August 28, 2026, at 11:52 pm., Chemawawin Cree Nation RCMP were dispatched to possible armed robbery at a business on Arena Road in the community.

 

Officers responded and spoke to an employee who advised an unknown male wearing a red face covering and goggles; entered the VLT area, discharged a firearm twice into a wall,  grabbed an undisclosed amount of money from the cash drawer and left.

 

No one was injured in the incident as the patrons had safely fled upon the suspect’s entry.

 

Before departing the scene, another unknown male suspect placed a chain around the handles of the door and locked it with a padlock.

 

The two suspects were seen leaving together on foot in the direction of the school.

 

Manitoba RCMP Police Dog Services and Forensic Identification Services were called in to assist with the investigation, but the suspects were not located.

 

Police are looking for any information in relation to this incident, and are asking individuals to contact RCMP at 204-329-2004, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

 

On Aug. 31, at 9:55 p.m., RCMP responded to a report of an all-terrain vehicle striking two pedestrians on the Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation.

 

Swan River RCMP officers responded to the scene and learned the pedestrians – a 39-year-old female and 34-year-old male – were walking in the community on Porcupine Bay when they were hit from behind by a male driving an ATV.

 

The female sustained the majority of the impact of the collision and suffered severe injuries. EMS, RCMP officers and community members all performed lifesaving measures. However, despite their efforts, the female succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

 

The male victim was taken to hospital with multiple non-life-threatening injuries.

 

The driver of the ATV was uninjured. He was arrested outside his house, not far from the collision, while standing near the four-wheel vehicle. The ATV was seized and impounded.

 

A 21-year-old Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation male faces numerous charges. He was released from custody on conditions.

 

The investigation continues.

RCMP are investigating after a vacant mall in Portage la Prairie was broken into and extensively damaged over the weekend.

 

Police responded to the vacant Portage la Prairie Mall on Saskatchewan Avenue West Monday morning.

 

Investigators say a suspect or suspects smashed most of the glass-pane windows inside the building, cut down a large tree, ransacked the general office and several vacant storefronts, and spray-painted graffiti on the walls.

 

RCMP estimate the damage at more than 100-thousand dollars, but say nothing appears to have been stolen.

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Portage la Prairie RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

CMHA Thompson has a busy September planned, with several programs and activities available through its Connections Clubhouse.

 

The clubhouse offers drop-in hours and activities chosen with input from its own members, while CMHA is also offering SMART Recovery for people dealing with addictive behaviours.

 

Director of Program Operations Rhonda Heskin explains what the program is all about.

 

 

People interested in CMHA’s programs can visit the Connections Clubhouse at 43 Fox Bay, with the entrance facing the Meridian Hotel.

CMHA Thompson and the Roots of Hope Thompson Network are inviting the community out for a free barbecue this month in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day.

 

CMHA Thompson CEO Michelle Kelly says Roots of Hope focuses on suicide prevention and promoting life through community events and support.

 

 

CMHA Thompson also offers one-on-one peer support at 43 Fox Bay, while anyone experiencing a suicide crisis can call or text 9-8-8 at any time.

Manitobans can enjoy provincial parks for free over the Labour Day long weekend.

 

The province is waiving vehicle permit requirements from September 4th through the 7th, giving residents a chance to hike, paddle, visit the beach or take part in park programs.

 

Camping fees will still apply, and anyone planning to stay overnight is encouraged to reserve a campsite through the Manitoba Parks Reservation Service.

 

The province says select campgrounds will remain open through Thanksgiving weekend.

Steps to Success is inviting Thompson residents to mark International Literacy Day with Lunch and Literacy next week.

 

The event takes place September 8th from noon until one, as International Literacy Day celebrates its 60th anniversary.

 

This year’s theme focuses on People, Planet and Prosperity, highlighting literacy as a tool for participation in society, informed decision-making and better educational and employment opportunities.

 

Residents are invited to join Steps to Success for the lunchtime event.

Drivers in Thompson are being reminded that reduced school-zone speed limits are back in effect as of today.

 

While students haven’t returned to class yet, Thompson’s school-zone rules take effect at the beginning of September.

 

Motorists must slow down to 30 kilometres per hour in designated reduced-speed school zones from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

 

The reduced limits remain in place through the end of June.

 

Drivers are encouraged to watch for posted signs and get back into the habit of slowing down around schools ahead of the new school year.

On August 28, 2026, at approximately 3pm., Shamattawa RCMP were called to an assault at the Northern Store in the community.

 

Officers immediately responded to the scene where they located a seriously injured male suffering from what appeared to be a stab wound.

 

The initial investigation determined the male suspect, who was known to the victim, was still on the scene and was arrested without incident.

 

The 36-year-old victim was transported to the local nursing station where he succumbed to his injuries.

 

Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services deployed to the community and took carriage of the investigation.

 

Rodney Beardy, 58, from Shamattawa, has been charged with second-degree murder in relation to the male’s death and remains in custody.

 

Manitoba RCMP MSC, Forensic Identification Services continue to investigate.

 

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation has elected a new chief and council.

Last week’s election ran over two days, Wednesday and Thursday, with voting taking place in Nelson House, Thompson, Winnipeg and Leaf Rapids.

Cheryl Moore won the most votes in the three-way contest for chief, narrowly defeating  Felix Walker, who also came second in the nation's 2022 election.

Moore has spent over three decades in different roles within the First Nation, including two terms as a councillor and time as the community's vice-chief.

Three incumbent councillors were re-elected last week — Kim Linklater, Ron D. Spence and Jeremiah Spence — along with Craig Linklater, Barb Moore and Cheyenne Spence.

Cheryl Moore will replace Angela Levasseur, the Cree nation's first female chief, who did not run for re-election. Levasseur was elected in 2022 and served one four-year term.

Food security is a concern our MP Rebecca Chartrand has heard about constantly from residents throughout northern Manitoba.

In this month’s MP’s Corner Update, Chartrand spoke about the situation and what can be done to address it.

 

Chartrand added that while the Nutrition North Food Subsidy is helpful, it will not prevent the food insecurity issue in isolated communities.

She believes a solution can be found by encouraging food entrepreneurs to grow food in their own communities through vertical or hydroponic gardening.

She said data gathering continues in order to see what communities can do to establish supply chains that are locally driven.

For the full episode of MP’s Corner with Rebecca Chartrand, go to thompsononline.ca under Home then click on “Audio.”

The City of Thompson is preparing for potential cost pressures heading into its 2027 budget, with ongoing trade uncertainty between Canada and the United States among the concerns.

 

Mayor Colleen Smook says upcoming paving work could be affected by asphalt oil costs, while other essential city operations rely on products coming from the U.S.

 

 

Smook says tariffs could also increase the cost of major equipment, while the aquatic centre avoided some potential impacts because many materials were ordered ahead of the tariffs.

 

The full budget process will begin following the municipal election, with the new council setting the parameters for 2027.

Thompson Rural RCMP say a traffic stop near Paint Lake earlier this month led to the seizure of 140 grams of cocaine.

 

Police say officers were patrolling Highway 6 shortly before one p.m. on August 2nd when they stopped a northbound SUV.

 

Following an initial investigation, the lone occupant, 47-year-old Derrick Taylor of Winnipeg, was arrested.

 

Taylor has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and was remanded in custody until his court date.

 

Thompson Rural RCMP say the investigation remains ongoing.