Residents planning to use the TRCC Fitness Centre this weekend will need to make alternate arrangements.

 

The City of Thompson says the Fitness Centre will be closed from Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21 while Nickel Days festivities take place.

 

To account for the closure, current Fitness Centre memberships will have their expiry dates extended by three days.

 

Community leaders gathered Wednesday in Thompson to recognize the city’s mining history ahead of this year’s Nickel Days celebrations.

 

The President’s Reception featured remarks from Nickel Days President Jennifer Thackeray, Mayor Colleen Smook, United Steelworkers Local 6166 President Warren Luky, and Stacey Kennedy, Head of Vale Manitoba Operations.

 

USW Local 6166 honoured Terry Royal as this year’s honorary King Miner, while Pete Campbell was named honorary Driller.

 

Speakers reflected on the role mining has played in Thompson’s history, while celebrating the workers, families, and community members who continue to support that legacy.

 

Drop by and watch the National King Miner Competition that begins tomorrow, as it features 10 events that showcase skills that miners have mastered through the years.

New Crime Suppression Units were among the key topics discussed as council reviewed the latest RCMP report this week.

 

The report included updates on crime statistics, policing initiatives, and preparations for Nickel Days.

 

Mayor Colleen Smook says the arrival of the first two Crime Suppression Units stood out as a significant milestone for the community.

 

 

Smook says the city has been advocating for the units for several years and is encouraged by the increased RCMP presence and patrols aimed at deterring unwanted activity in the downtown area.

The City of Thompson is looking ahead to ensure its fire department has the equipment it needs for years to come.

 

At this week’s Committee of the Whole meeting, council received a presentation on the condition and lifespan of several fire apparatuses currently in service.

 

Mayor Colleen Smook says the discussion focused on making sure the city is prepared for future replacement costs.

 

 

Smook says the presentation was intended to get replacement planning on council’s radar, noting it can take more than a year for a new fire truck to be delivered once ordered.

While June 21st was first recognized as National Aboriginal Day in 1996, and is now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day, it is a day that has been celebrated long before now.

Elder Philip Michel explains here.

 

Michel said National Indigenous Peoples Day signifies some improvement from the days when he left home and attended Guy Hill Residential School near Clearwater Lake.

However, he said the fight for self-determination will continue until First Nations can quit living under the restrictions of the Indian Act.

Tune in to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 for the full interview with Philip Michel.

On June 17, 2026, at 3:10 am, Leaf Rapids RCMP received a report of an unresponsive male lying in an open area within the community of Leaf Rapids.

Officers attended and located a 21-year-old male who was pronounced deceased on scene.

His death is considered suspicious and remains under investigation.

RCMP are asking anyone who may have information in relation to this death to contact the RCMP in Leaf Rapids at 204-427-2469, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

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

As Northern Manitoba heads into summer, the Northern Health Region is reminding residents to stay safe while enjoying the warmer weather and community celebrations.

 

Health Promotions Coordinator Bruce Krentz says National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 is an important opportunity to celebrate Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contributions while bringing people together across the community.

 

 

Krentz also reminds residents to use insect repellent, wear lifejackets when on the water, and never leave children unattended in vehicles during hot weather.

Men’s Health Week is underway across Canada, and the Northern Health Region is encouraging men and boys to take small steps toward improving both their physical and mental well-being.

 

Health Promotions Coordinator Bruce Krentz says the week is designed to raise awareness about preventable health issues while encouraging people to seek support when they need it.

 

 

Krentz says men experience suicide at a significantly higher rate than women and encourages people to check in on friends, start conversations, and take advantage of resources such as Buddy Up, Kids Help Phone, and the 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline.

The Manitoba government has announced a new agreement aimed at expanding high-speed internet access across northern Manitoba.

 

The province says Manitoba Hydro will provide Valley Fiber access to two unused strands of its fibre-optic network for up to 20 years, helping the company expand broadband service to underserved communities.

 

According to the province, the agreement will allow Valley Fiber to fulfill commitments under the federal Universal Broadband Fund and improve or provide service to more than 3,500 households across 11 northern communities.

 

Innovation and New Technology Minister Mike Moroz says reliable internet is essential for education, health care, business and everyday life, adding that many northern communities have waited too long for dependable service.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak is urging the federal government to make dedicated investments in northern First Nations as part of Canada’s National Food Security Strategy.

 

In a statement released Monday, MKO said it welcomes the federal government’s recognition of food security as a national priority but remains concerned that northern First Nations were not adequately reflected in the strategy.

 

The organization says factors such as remoteness, higher food costs, limited infrastructure and reliance on southern supply chains contribute to food insecurity rates that are nearly 46 per cent higher than the provincial average in northern First Nations communities.

 

MKO also argues the strategy’s dedicated northern food security funding—$100 million from a broader $750 million fund for rural and northern communities—is not enough to address the scale of the challenges facing northern Manitoba.

 

Grand Chief Garrison Settee says northern First Nations families continue to pay more for food while having fewer nutritious options available, adding that meaningful investment is needed to ensure no family goes hungry.

Elder Robert Wavey was born in The Pas and enjoyed his early years growing up in the Gillam area, until he left home to attend residential school.

Wavey talks here about leaving home.
 
Along with three of his sisters, Wavey attended Mackay (Mack-eye) Indian Residential School in Dauphin.  Later, he was transferred Gordon’s Indian Residential School near Punnichy, Saskatchewan,  and then attended high school in Saskatoon.

Upon returning home, he gradually took on a number of leadership roles including as Chief of Fox Lake Cree Nation, Chair of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakinak, and Executive Director of the Keewatin Tribal Council.

Hear more about Robert’s story, including his involvement with the defeat of the Meech Lake Accord, and his thoughts on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Residents across Manitoba may notice a change in appearance when they see RCMP officers on patrol.

 

The RCMP says new navy-blue uniform shirts are being rolled out across the province.

 

The shirts are made with modern, performance-driven materials designed to help officers work more comfortably and safely.

 

During the transition period, Manitobans may see officers wearing either the new navy shirts or the traditional grey shirts.

 

 The RCMP says both remain official uniforms until the grey shirts are fully phased out.

 

The force is also reminding the public that anyone unsure about an officer’s identity can ask to see identification or contact their local detachment’s non-emergency line.

 

In an emergency, residents should continue to call 911.

The Thompson RCMP is launching a new Crime Suppression Unit aimed at tackling crime in areas of the city experiencing higher levels of criminal activity.

 

Two dedicated officers began working as part of the unit this week, with two more officers expected to join next month.

 

 The RCMP says the team will work alongside the City of Thompson’s Community Safety Officers to increase visibility, strengthen partnerships, and support community safety efforts.

 

According to the RCMP, the unit will focus on proactive patrols in key areas, compliance checks on individuals subject to court-ordered conditions, and locating people with outstanding warrants.

 

Police say the initiative is designed to take a proactive approach to crime prevention and help keep Thompson safe.

Thompson RCMP are also reminding residents about another public safety tool now available in the community.

 

Rave Mobile Safety is a notification system that sends important public safety alerts directly by text, email, or phone call.

 

Those alerts can include missing person information, public safety advisories, traffic or road alerts, requests for public assistance, and crime prevention messaging.

 

RCMP say the system is voluntary and designed to help keep residents informed.

With the school year coming to an end, the City of Thompson is reminding families about the importance of keeping children active and engaged throughout the summer months.

 

Event Coordinator Darlene Dick says camps, recreation programs, and community activities can help children stay connected, build confidence, and maintain healthy routines while school is out.

 

 

Dick says summer programming can give kids a healthy routine while school is out, while also giving families another way to keep children busy in a safe and positive environment.

For more information about summer camps or to register, contact the TRCC at 204-677-7952.

 

The University College of the North is taking on a major international leadership role after being selected to lead a new Arctic waste management network.

 

UCN has been chosen as the lead institution for the newly established Thematic Network on Solid Waste Management in the Arctic through the University of the Arctic.

 

The network was officially approved by the UArctic General Assembly in May following a proposal led by UCN Associate Professor Dr. Anderson Assuah.

 

The network aims to bring together communities, organizations, and researchers to tackle waste management challenges across the Arctic while incorporating Indigenous knowledge and northern perspectives.

 

 UCN says the initiative will focus on collaboration, research, education, and practical solutions tailored to northern realities.

 

The new network launches with support from eleven partners, including universities and research institutions from Canada, Iceland, Denmark, Finland, and the Faroe Islands.

 

 Planned activities include community-based research projects, workshops, webinars, panel discussions, and land-based learning opportunities.

 

Dr. Anderson Assuah, who will lead the network, says Arctic communities face unique challenges managing waste because of factors such as remoteness, extreme weather, and infrastructure limitations.

 

The initiative is designed to help develop sustainable solutions while working directly with northern and Indigenous communities.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day may have passed, but health officials say the conversation about protecting older adults should continue year-round.

 

Northern Health Region and Shared Health used the day to remind Manitobans about the signs of elder abuse and the resources available to those who may need help.

 

Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and neglect, and often affects some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

 

Officials are encouraging residents to stay connected with older family members, friends, and neighbours, and to speak up if they suspect someone may be experiencing abuse or mistreatment.

The road to Thompson’s next municipal election is officially underway.

 

The City of Thompson is reminding residents that prospective mayoral candidates can already register ahead of the October 28 municipal election.

 

Anyone planning to run for mayor must register with the Senior Election Official before they can begin fundraising, accepting contributions, or spending money on a campaign.

 

Registration for council and School District of Mystery Lake trustee candidates opens June 30.

 

The city says the election will determine Thompson’s next mayor, council, and school trustees, giving residents a chance to help shape the community’s future.

 

For more information on candidate registration and the upcoming municipal election, residents can visit the City of Thompson’s website or contact the Senior Election Official at 204-679-4848

With Thompson’s wildfire risk currently low and no active local fire concern at this time, the Lung Association of Manitoba says it is still a good time for residents to understand how wildfire smoke can affect their health if smoky conditions ever return.

 

Juliette Mucha, President and CEO of the Lung Association of Manitoba, says smoke exposure can affect anyone, but people with asthma, COPD, severe allergies, and other respiratory conditions may be especially vulnerable.

 

 

Juliette says residents can also visit the Manitoba Lung Association website to check the air quality health index in their community.

To hear more about wildfire smoke awareness, tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

Thompson families will have a few more ways to stay busy as summer gets rolling.

The city is pointing residents toward the return of summer programming for kids, along with a busy stretch of community celebrations and parades.

 

Communications Head Officer Ian Graham says there is plenty on the calendar.

 

 

The city’s three splash pads are also open for the season, giving families a free way to cool off as warmer weather settles in.

The University College of the North is stepping onto the global stage after being selected to lead a newly established international network focused on solid waste management in Arctic communities.

 

The University of the Arctic approved the new thematic network last month following a proposal presented by UCN’s Dr. Anderson Assuah.

 

 The initiative will bring together researchers, institutions, and communities from across the Arctic to address waste management challenges unique to northern regions.

 

The network will focus on collaboration, research, and community-driven solutions while incorporating Indigenous knowledge and northern perspectives into sustainable waste management practices.

Thompson RCMP say the final suspect wanted in connection with the homicide of a 21-year-old Leaf Rapids man has now been arrested.

 

Police say officers on patrol located and arrested a 17-year-old youth on Nickel Road just before midnight on June 11.

 

 The youth was wanted on a charge of second-degree murder in relation to the May 20 homicide.

 

The arrest follows the earlier apprehension of 19-year-old Eternity Chastelaine and 24-year-old Marshall Merasty on June 9.

 

Chastelaine faces a manslaughter charge, while Merasty is charged with second-degree murder.

 

RCMP say the 17-year-old was taken into custody and is scheduled to be remanded on a charge of second-degree murder.

The Manitoba government says vacancy rates for RCMP positions funded through the Provincial Police Service Agreement have been cut by more than half over the past three years.

 

Justice Minister Matt Wiebe says the province has made significant investments in rural policing, including an additional $8 million in this year’s budget.

 

 The funding supports front-line officers and specialized units focused on serious and organized crime.

 

According to the province, vacancy rates have fallen from nearly 22 per cent in October 2023 to less than 10 per cent in 2026.

 

Officials say 110 new officers joined the Manitoba RCMP during the 2025-26 fiscal year, helping improve staffing levels across the province.

Sayisi Dene First Nation has declared a state of emergency as leadership works to address concerns surrounding drugs, addiction, and violence in the community.

 

Chief Kelly Ann Thom-Duck says the decision follows months of growing concern from residents and recent incidents that have heightened safety concerns for both community members and leadership.

 

 

The man wanted in connection with a violent robbery in the RM of Alexander has been found dead.

 

Powerview RCMP say officers were called to Sagkeeng First Nation Wednesday morning after a deceased man was located outside a residence.

 

Police have identified him as the same individual reported missing on June 8 and wanted in connection with a robbery that left a business employee injured.

 

The cause of death has not yet been determined and an autopsy is pending. RCMP say the investigation remains ongoing.