Today is International Overdose Awareness Day.

This year’s theme is “Recognizing those people who go unseen, ” such as family and friends, medical professionals, service providers and first responders.

Bruce Krentz with the Northern Health Region has more.

“The theme this year is recognizing those people who go on scene. Overdose touches a lot of people and communities in many ways and it honors people whose lives have been altered by overdose. That can be friends, and family who are grieving the loss of a loved one, it can be workers in health care, support services or even spontaneous first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesaver.”

Signs of someone suffering an overdose include shallow or no breathing, unresponsiveness, inability to be woken up, making unusual snoring or gurgling sounds and a blue tinge to the finger tips.

If you see someone experiencing an overdose, call an ambulance and administer naloxone if it’s available, and put them in the recovery position.

Go to healthline.com to learn more about the recovery position.

If you’re undecided on which way to vote in this fall’s provincial election, attend the Candidate Debate on September 27th.

The Thompson Chamber of Commerce will host the debate between Progressive Conservative candidate Linda Marcus and the New Democrat’s  Eric Redhead, the incumbent.
       
Hear where their parties stand on the issues and ask questions about the ones that concern you the most.

The debate takes place at the Letkemann Theatre from 7 to 9 pm.

The provincial election takes place on October 3rd.

A push to explore the possibilities of creating an airship industry in Manitoba and, specifically Thompson, has been growing.

Airships have improved over the years, and can travel and haul people and materials vast distances cost-effectively and cleanly.

Their ability to travel where roads do not exist is another benefit, one which would be particularly helpful for remote communities here in our north.

When asked about the prospect of testing air ships in the area on City Beat last week, Mayor Colleen Smook had this to say.

“I think of Thompson turning into the Hub for winter weather testing, I think this will be a good place for them other then they will take large tracks of land to test.”

Smook added that the City would encourage the development of an airship testing industry here and, even if the city wasn’t directly involved, they would be willing to act as a facilitator to create the necessary collaborations.

Starting next Wednesday, schools in the School Division of Mystery Lake will be open during regular school hours for student registration for the upcoming school year.

Registration must be completed for your child at the school in your catchment area.   The exception is if you’re registering a student for the Cree bilingual program at Wapanohk Community School or the French Immersion program at Ecole Riverside School.

The person registering the child must be a parent or legal guardian and must provide proof of the child’s age and residence.

The district will be offering half-day Kindergarten programs at all schools for this school year. Students entering Kindergarten must be five years old by this December 31st.       

For more information and forms for school registration, go to mysterynet.mb.ca.

On Saturday, Norway House RCMP seized several firearms and drugs at a residence in the community.

During the execution of a search warrant, officers recovered a loaded handgun, two additional firearms, a machete, ammunition, and drugs.    This resulted in the arrest of four individuals.

In the last two weeks, Norway House RCMP have seized 22 firearms and six machetes from individuals with suspected gang affiliations.

Peter Keeper, 34, Sarah Keeper, 52, and a 17-year-old male were remanded into custody on numerous firearms-related offences. The fourth suspect, an 18-year-old female, was later released without charge.

Norway House RCMP continue to investigate.

Back-to-school and back-to-work preparations are on the go.

Part of those plans could include how you’re getting there.

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Co-ordinator with the Northern Health Region, shares some words of advice here.

“Now is a good time to start practising how you are going to get there so pump up the tires on your bike or start walking that route so that on the first day of school, you aren’t nervous about it and you know where you are going, how you are getting there and how much time it will take. This doesn’t just have to be for school, now is the time to make the change to walk to work too.”

Krentz encourages everyone to use active transportation such as walking and biking as much as possible.

They not only offer health benefits and can reduce stress, they also reduce carbon emissions.

Elections Manitoba officials will be visiting homes in the province until this Thursday to register residents for the upcoming provincial election.

Registration agents will be making the rounds in newly constructed neighbourhoods as well as areas of high mobility, such as apartment blocks.

Voter registration agents will be wearing identification and will request the name, address, and phone number of all eligible voters in the household. They will also ask eligible voters’ date of birth and gender to improve the accuracy of the voters’ list.

Voters who aren’t registered before the end of the revision period on September 14 can still register at the poll when they go to vote.

Voters can also register to vote or update their information online at electionsmb.ca/register.

Manitoba residents head to the polls on October 3rd.

THOMPSON, MB – Normally around this time of year, Thompson residents begin receiving their annual property tax bills in the mail, six weeks or so before the due date at the end of September.

This year, the timeline has changed and the deadline for property tax payments has been extended to the last day of October.

The City of Thompson’s 2023 budget remains a work in progress, with council and city administration holding ongoing consultations on both operational and capital spending. They hope to have a preliminary financial plan ready for review soon.

As always, the proposed budget will be presented to the public before council votes on whether to adopt it, giving residents and taxpayers an opportunity to share their thoughts on city spending.

WHY IS THIS YEAR’S BUDGET LATE?

Budgets are developed through discussions among the city manager, the chief financial officer, department heads, and the mayor and council. The position of chief financial officer was vacant for six months until being filled in April, delaying the start of budget development until almost the time of year that it is normally wrapping up.

Conversations about the next year’s capital projects usually begin in August, so that plans are in place before the end of the year and tenders can be issued well before construction season. Once the capital budget is determined, administration and council start looking at operational expenses like wages, utilities and purchases related to routine city business.

“City staff and council have been working hard for the past four-and-a-half months to prepare this budget, work that is usually spread out over nine or 10 months,” said City Manager Anthony McInnis. “There is routine day-to-day work that must be completed as well, which can be challenging at a time when there are staff vacancies and large-scale infrastructure projects to oversee.”

Provincial legislation requires municipalities to approve and submit their budgets by May 15 unless they are granted an extension, as the City of Thompson was when it became evident that the budget could not be ready by the deadline. The city has kept the province informed on its budget process over the past few months.

 “Administration and council are eager to have this year’s budget out of the way so we can begin the process of planning for next year,” said McInnis. “We appreciate the patience of residents who are waiting to find out exactly how much their property taxes will be this year.”

Northern musicians are being featured next Friday during live performances at the Citrus Lounge.  
       
Titled “North - a story through songs by Northern musicians” - the event includes artists showcasing their talents in a variety of mediums.

Here is Andria Stephens with Mall of the Arts, one of the coordinators of the performances.

“We invited musicians and performers from all over Northern Manitoba. People from The Pas, Flin Flon and Thompson are coming, we also invited Churchill but they weren’t able to come. I’ve asked them to do some performances by whatever means they wish, it can be dance, it can be song or it can be comedy.”

Stephens said the organizers are looking for a good turnout as they hope to continue with other live performances on a monthly basis.

For more details about “North - a story through songs by Northern musicians” catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

If you’re looking for a hobby, a fitness activity or volunteer opportunity to keep you busy this fall and winter, the City’s Health and Leisure Mart can help.

This year’s event takes place Friday, September 8th and Saturday, September 9th at the TRCC.

Booth registrations are currently open for interested groups and organizations.

Here is Rihana Thompson, Facility Director at the TRCC, discussing the benefits to those who host a booth at the Health and Leisure Mart.

"Having a booth at the Leisure Mart is a great way for organizations to provide information and registration opportunities involving health and leisure to their community. They can take registrations for their activities or sports right on the spot, which is always nice.”

To register, drop by the TRCC and pick up a form or email facility@thompson.ca.  

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

The Thompson Humane Society hopes to be able to provide kennel-boarding services at the former vet clinic location on Nelson Road.

To do so, they’ve requested an amendment to a zoning by-law for the area, which is part of the Commercial Downtown Revitalization Zone to add kennel-boarding as a conditional use.

A first reading of the amendment to the by-law was passed at Monday’s regular meeting of council, but a public consultation will take place before the second and third readings proceed.

Mayor Colleen Smook said a number of considerations must be met for kennel and boarding facilities, including minimum distances from other properties and sound-proofing, for example.  

The date for the consultation is set for September 11 at 7 pm in Council Chambers at City Hall.

Last Thursday afternoon, Thompson RCMP received a report of a male kicking in a door to a residence on Brandon Crescent.

When they arrived, officers found  fully engulfed in flames.

The 34-year-old man reported to have been breaking into the town home was located by police exiting the yard. He was taken into custody.

Officers began evacuating the neighbouring residences and making sure nobody was still inside the burning structure.

The local fire department extinguished the fire. Damage was limited to two of the town homes.
       
The fire is considered suspicious. The Office of the Fire Commissioner is assisting with the ongoing investigation.

The First Thompson Guides are looking for some new leaders to help with this year’s program.

Girl Guides provides opportunities for young girls to socialize with one another and to learn important life skills along the way.

Emily Pruder, a Unit Guider here in the City, explains that the leaders and the guides work together to determine what activities are planned for the year.

“At the start of each year, we ask them what are the things they want to be doing, what kind of skills they want to learn, and experiences they want to have. Based on their feedback, we build our program so that it’s really tailored to what they want to do.”

This year, activities will resume in mid-September.

For those considering becoming a leader, a criminal record check and vulnerable person check are required.

If you want more details you can call or text District Commissioner Marlies Cook at 431-754-5424 or listen to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

On August 2, 2023, at approximately 12:10 pm, Norway House RCMP responded to a report of 2 individuals having been assaulted with a bat at a residence located on Niska View in Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation. The two victims left the residence and attended to the neighbours to contact police.

Officers arrived and located the two victims, a 36-year-old-male and 37-year-old female, with serious injuries. Both were taken to hospital where the female was treated and released. The male was transported by life-flight to Winnipeg where he was treated after suffering life-altering injuries.

The two female suspects (31,29) were located at the scene and arrested without incident. They were taken back to the Norway House RCMP Detachment where they were later released from custody on an Undertaking for court scheduled October 19, 2023, in Norway House, where they will each face two counts of Aggravated Assault.

Norway House RCMP continue to investigate.

The Northern Health Region is looking for more staff.

If you’re considering a profession in the health care field, drop by their Career Fair and Family Fun afternoon.

It will be held on September 21st from 12:30 to 3:30 pm at the TRCC.

Jen Whalen, the Mental Health Promotion Specialist for the NHR, shares details about the event.

“So we have the multipurpose room which we will actually have the Northern Health Region recruitment officer who will be on site with job postings, some information on physicians, answer any questions people might have and maybe take some resumes if you come down with one.”

There will also be activities for the whole family over in the gym at the TRCC, including games and story times.

For more on job opportunities with the Northern Health Region go to NorthernHealthRegion.com and click on Careers.

Food insecurity and the rising cost of food are front and centre these days.

Now a Manitoba company has developed a home growing system that will provide customers with fresh lettuce for around 50 cents a head.

Here is Neil Evenson, founder of Radical Growing Company and designer of the kit.

“As the product designer, I thought if I was going to invest some time into making this into something other people would want, it better be a meaningful and reliable tool as opposed to another kitchen gadget and of course, it also needs to be able to get where it needs to go most. In Canada, we believe that’s the North. This led to defining our North Star Mission which is to enable anyone to grow food anytime, anywhere.”

There are options available when purchasing the kits, which the company mails free of charge anywhere Canada Post delivers.

Evenson said he is also testing other vegetables to see if they can work with the current system.  

For more on Radical Growing Company, go to radicalgrowco.com. You can also listen to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

THOMPSON, MB – The number of accessible taxis in Thompson doubled August 3 when owner Gurpreet Saggu’s vehicle was inspected and authorized to begin transporting passengers.

Saggu was one of two taxi driver’s license holders who were picked June 22 in a lottery to distribute two new accessible taxi licenses. Accessible taxi licenses require the holder to give priority to users of wheelchairs or other mobility devices who request an accessible taxi and the owner cannot convert the vehicle into a non-accessible taxi.

Saggu accepted his taxi operator’s license for the new accessible taxi from Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook and City of Thompson License Inspector Raymond Doucette at City Hall shortly before noon August 3, accompanied by Orange Taxi owner Jasveer Ghogha, who owns the other accessible taxi currently on the road, which has been serving Thompson since 2020.

A third accessible taxi will soon be available to transport Thompson residents who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

On City Beat yesterday, Mayor Colleen Smook gave an update on the City’s bus service.

During the summer months, due to a drop in demand because of schools being closed for vacation, there is only one bus.

Here, Smook talks about the bus fares for riders.

“Right now, the fares are two dollars for an adult and a dollar fifty for students and seniors. During the school year, students ride the bus for free.”

For more information on the local bus service you can contact Maple Bus Lines at
204-677-0880.       

You can also find more about routes and schedules at Thompson.ca/P/transit.  

THOMPSON, MB – The planned new aquatic centre in Thompson got a cash injection from the provincial government July 31.

The City of Thompson is receiving $1 million toward the cost of a new pool from the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson and Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan said in a news release on Monday.

“Investing in the spaces that Manitobans and their families use and enjoy is how we build stronger communities,” said Stefanson, referring to over 500 projects that are receiving $50 million in funding combined province-wide. “This historic investment will have a lasting impact for generations, creating a positive contribution that supports the health and well-being of our communities, while continuing to make Manitoba a prosperous place to live.”

Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook said the additional funding for a new pool is welcome.

“The cost to build a new pool comparable to the Norplex Pool is substantial,” she said. “An additional million dollars for a new aquatic facility is a million dollars that doesn’t have to be obtained through fundraising, borrowing or raising property taxes. The amount we need is $1 million less today thanks to this grant.”

The aquatic facility funding comes from the fund’s Large Capital Grants Program, which provided $34.6 million to 42 projects in the province. Another $14.7 million is going to 344 projects through the Small Capital Grants and Special Initiatives Program.

“These spaces are where families gather, relationships are built, and communities flourish,” said Khan. “The ACSC Fund allows communities to focus on the priorities they know will make a difference for years to come, and our government is proud to support.”

Thompson has previously secured $11 million in funding for the new aquatic centre from the federal and provincial governments via the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which requires a contribution of at least $4 million from the city. Vale Manitoba Operations has also pledged $2 million for a new aquatic centre to replace the Norplex Pool, closed down for safety reasons in early 2019.

The city’s request for proposals for the construction of a new aquatic facility closed in late May, at which time staff began reviewing submissions. Technical evaluations of the bids have been completed, and city staff are working through the financial evaluation. Once that is complete, budget allocation and borrowing by-law development will begin.

A design and engineering study by Stantec recommended that the new aquatic centre should be built on land adjacent to the Thompson Regional Community Centre. Features of the pool design include a waterslide, a six-lane 25-metre accessible pool with one accessible lane, a beach-entry recreational pool, a sauna and a multi-purpose room for parties and swim meets.

The Manitoba government is unveiling designs for two new specialty licence plates to show its commitment to reconciliation and support of MMIWG2S issues.

Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance, made the announcement Wednesday.

The licence plates are being introduced following the passage of Bill 204, which received royal assent on May 30. The bill was introduced by Bernadette Smith, NDP MLA for Point Douglas and received unanimous support from all parties.

The two designs feature a red dress and a red handprint, symbols that were chosen as the result of community consultations that Smith conducted for and with MMIWG2S family members.

Each set of plates will cost $70, of which $30 will be directed to a charity in support of MMIWG2S families.

The specialty plates will be available for purchase this fall through Autopac agents across Manitoba.

While battery electric vehicles or B-E-Vs are gaining popularity worldwide,  Manitoba and in particular the northern part of the province are lagging.

And, according to Thompson resident Volker Beckmann it’s due more to the lack of level 3 charging stations along highways 6 and 10 than interest in owning such a vehicle.

Here, Beckmann outlines the different types of charging stations available and how they are used.

“You can plug your car in like your heater plug at your house, which is like a hundred and ten volts that is what’s called a level one. It takes about 24 hours to charge your car. If you have a level two, which is two hundred and forty volts, you’ll be able to charge your car in three to four hours. If you are on the highway, you need a level three because they are so much faster.”

It’s the lack of level three charging stations that currently makes it difficult to drive a B-E-V from Winnipeg to points north.  

In the province’s bid to reduce carbon emissions, Beckmann feels these types of stations should be considered as infrastructure much like telephone lines or fibre optic cables.  

For the full interview with Beckmann catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.   

If you’re a volunteer, you’re not just helping someone else.  You’re improving your mental health at the same time.

Paula Allen with Telus Health, outlines some of the benefits volunteering provides to our mental health.

“When you think about volunteering, we are typically relating with other people like you are part of a group. You feel a sense of purpose, you are being helpful, you’re not feeling as isolated and you have that sense of purpose and grounding. All of these things are helpful to our mental wellbeing.”

The latest monthly Mental Health Index survey from Telus Health shows that workers who donate either their time or money to a cause, had better mental health and optimism scores.

Those translated into higher productivity at work and more positive impressions of their employer, especially if they were allowed work time to volunteer.

For more on volunteering and its impact on mental health, tune in to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

A Level 3 electric vehicle charging station is in Thompson awaiting installation outside the Thompson Regional Community Centre.

Purchased through a partnership between the City of Thompson and the provincial government, which both contributed $20,000, and Eco-West Canada, which will pay up to $50,000, as well as a private donation of $6,000, the EV charger is currently in a crate at the rec centre.

As soon as Eco-West Canada, a Winnipeg-based non-profit dedicated to sustainable economic development of Canada’s rural municipalities through planning and development of green economy infrastructure, secures multiple quotes for the cost of installation, work on getting the charger up and running will begin.

The city’s financial contribution to the EV infrastructure investment was approved by council at a meeting in late April. The planned site of the charging station is in the parking lot by the south entrance to the TRCC.

Once in place, a decision will be made on whether the station will be free to use or to if the city will charge money for charging.

Last Friday evening,  Nelson House RCMP received a report of several children stranded on a dock floating on Footprint Lake across the RC Channel in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.

It turned out the dock had broken away from the shore and was drifting downstream. None of the children had life jackets.

Several officers went in a boat and were able to safely get all five girls on board. Officers returned the physically uninjured children to shore and reunited them with their parents.

The girls ranged in age from 7-14, and all but one were from the community. The other was from Thompson.

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Chief Angela Levasseur encourages all parents to be mindful of their children when playing around water.