NewsNow
The Manitoba government is examining phase 2 of the province's reopening plan.
The province is looking into limited access to schools, with one-on-one learning as long as physical distancing remains.
Additional teaching days are also being discussed, as well as an early start date for the new school year. School may be starting as early as August 31st to make sure students are able to transition into the new school year.
Other services being assessed for the second phase of reopening include:
- increasing child-care centre occupancy to up to 24 children plus staffing
- allowing public/private swimming pools, spas, fitness clubs, gyms and community/service centres to reopen with some limitations
- allowing religious or other organizations to hold outdoor services without limitation on numbers of people stay in their vehicles
- allowing restaurants to reopen indoor spaces at 50 percent capacity and continue to offer patio services at that capacity level
- allowing bars, beverage rooms, micro-brewers and similar businesses that serve food and drinks to operate patio service at 50 percent of site capacity and to reopen indoor spaces at 50 percent capacity
Detailed information on the draft plan for Phase Two of service restoration can be found here.
Increased gathering sizes to 25 people indoors and 50 outdoors as well as visits to care homes will be in place as soon as Friday, May 2020.
To take the provincial survey and give your feedback, click here.
Minister Friesen, Dr. Roussin and other officials will also be hosting an over-the-phone town hall meeting with Manitobans from across the province. To register click here.
- Details
- Contributed by Tess Kovach
The City of Dauphin has approved a new animal control bylaw. The new bylaw was passed because the old one had been passed in 1984 and Deputy City Manager, Renee Sigurdson says it was time for an update to the bylaw.
“Our previous one was outdated with language and we have updated our new bylaw to reflect our new practices. We also added changes that came from public feedback, as well as guidance from other municipalities, as animal control bylaws are standard throughout all municipalities, so we also reviewed to see what others were doing.”
Sigurdson says the major changes to the bylaw emphasize responsible pet ownership.
Pets are required to be on a leash when outside, except for at the off-leash dog park between 1st Ave SE and the horse race track on the Dauphin Rec Services ground. Leashes are to be no longer than 6 feet.
Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets on property other than the pet owners. Owners are also responsible for ensuring dogs do not bark or howl in a way that unreasonably disturbs the quiet or peace of others.
In addition, while pets and owners alike enjoy the new summer heat, no animal should be left outside for an extended period if your pet is likely to cause a disturbance. All animals that are housed outdoors within the City limits must have an all-weather shelter, adequate water, and food supply.
All cats and dogs must be licensed, so the City can ensure that residents stick to the limit of 2 dogs and 2 cats per household. The annual licensing fee is 20 dollars for every spayed or neutered cat or dog, while it’s 30 dollars annually for cats and dogs that aren’t spayed or neutered.
Any person moving to the City and owns more than two dogs or cats prior to the move may continue ownership of the animals after getting approval from the Animal Control Officer.
For owners of pets that aren’t dogs or cats, licensing is required.
The owner shall not allow the pet outside of their property unless the owner or a competent person is in control of the pet at all times. An owner shall not refuse the Animal Control Officer the right to see and inspect any domestic pet or animal the Animal Control Officer.
Click here to take a look at the full Animal Control Bylaw.
- Details
- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
The McMunn and Yates building supply store in Eriksdale was destroyed by fire early Thursday morning.
The fire department received the call around 4:30 a.m.
Residents are thanking the fire departments in Eriksdale, Lundar, Ashern and Mossehorn for their efforts.
All four crews were battling the blaze for nearly six hours.
The building is considered a total loss, and there are no injuries to report.
The blaze has also temporarily closed the Eriksdale COVID-19 Testing Site down the street.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, and the Fire Commissioners Office is investigating.
- Details
- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Two men from Peguis Frist are facing drug and weapon charges after Fisher Branch RCMP executed a search warrant.
On May 20, a search of the home recovered cocaine, a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and a large sum of money.
A 56-year-old and a 34-year-old, both from Peguis First Nation were arrested on the scene.
The men are set to be in court in Peguis on September 15, 2020.
- Details
- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Crisis lines to help those affected by domestic and family violence in Manitoba will now be introducing a new texting option.
Executive director of the Parkland Crisis Centre (PCC) Kari Prawdzik says the texting options give Manitobans a more discreet way to find support when family violence makes the home no longer safe.
Support resources can be accessed by texting (204)-792-5302 or (204)-805-6682.
The Parkland Crisis Centre executive director also wants the public to know they are still open, but have suspended walk-in counselling for the time being.
“The Parkland Crisis Centre is open, however, we are still abiding the COVID-19 provincial requirements. We are doing all we can to keep everyone safe while in our centre.”
Prawdzik is still unsure when in-person services will resume, but says anyone needing domestic abuse counselling or information at this time can call the Centre anytime at (204)-638-9484.
The province has more information online for Manitobans here, and also have a toll-free crisis line at 1-877-977-0007.
- Details
- Contributed by 730 CKDM
Crews continue to fight a number of fires in Northwest Manitoba that initially began on Sunday.
An official with the Manitoba Wildfire Program tells CKDM an area up to 10,000 hectares has been affected by the blaze — covering a large area to the west, south, and north of Camperville and Pine Creek First Nation.
The effort to extinguish the fire is being challenged by high winds, as well as dry and hot weather conditions.
Early on Wednesday afternoon, Pine Creek First Nation Chief Karen Batson announced a State of Emergency.
Fire crews are using all available resources, including helicopters, specialty sprinkler kits, and water bombers stationed out of Swan River.
"We really do appreciate it because we need all the help we can get right now.”
Director of the province’s Wildfire Program David Schafer is reminding the public to know their role in reducing the risk of fire.
“It is extremely dry and windy. These fires, in the spring particularly, move faster than normal. So whatever people can do to limit their activities — don’t do any open burning — and be careful with everything. We really do appreciate it because we need all the help we can get right now.”
Manitoba Conservation and Climate reports the current risk of wildfire is high across southern and central regions of the province.
The province is now suspending all provincial burn permits issued under The Wildfires Act within the burning permit area.
Several municipalities have also followed suit and are issuing fire bans - including Mossey River, Ethelbert, and the RM of Lakeshore.
- Details
- Contributed by Matt Hamel
The RM of Lakeshore announced a fire ban today.
Effective immediately, fires of any kind including burning grass, leaves, crop residue, bushes, pit fires, burning barrels, and lighting fireworks are not allowed.
As well, all fire permits will be suspended within the rural municipality of Lakeshore.
No new fire permits will be issued until further notice.
- Details
- Contributed by Tess Kovach
No new cases have been announced in today’s COVID-19 update.
The total number of cases remains at 290, and the number of deaths remains at 7. Right now Manitoba has 23 active cases, and 260 people are listed as recovered.
It was announced today that Phase 2 of the reopening plan can now be implemented.
As of Friday, May 22, the limit on gathering size will increase to no more than 25 people for indoor premises and 50 for outdoor areas. The previous Public Health order permitted no more than 10 people.
Other changes such as an expansion of the types of businesses that can reopen are being discussed and more details will be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition, work is underway to allow limited, outdoor visitation at personal care homes.
Families will be contacted directly with information regarding the start date, locations and hours for visitation.
For the most up to date information, visit Manitoba.ca/covid19.
- Details
- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Pine Creek First Nation Chief Karen Batson has announced a State of Emergency as the community faces ongoing wildfires.
CKDM has received reports that fire crews are still working to contain fires in the Pine Creek area, while fires in the Camperville area are thought to be mostly extinguished.
Wildfires began Sunday afternoon and forced the evacuation of over 100 people from their homes. The majority of evacuees are expected to have returned home at this time.
The State of Emergency means the community will be able to bring in more resources to help during this time of crisis.
More details to follow.
- Details
- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Today Premier Brian Pallister announced $10 million in grants to support 344 projects for community development projects.
This will support an investment of over $28 million in a wide variety of community projects, ranging from playground upgrades, community building repairs, accessibility upgrades, sports equipment and outdoor amenities like nature trails.
Pallister says “these grants will help give community organizations a much-needed boost during this unprecedented time and this investment is another way our government is helping rebuild Manitoba’s economy.”
The Manitoba government is also boosting this year’s investment by 25 percent in the Building Sustainable Communities program.
Specific projects will be announced in the coming days and weeks.
- Details
- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Fourteen organizations in Western Manitoba will be receiving new funding from Sunrise Credit Union, with some of them in the Parkland.
These community organizations will get grants valued at more than $42,000 through the Helping People of Sunrise Program- which was announced late last month.
The following organizations will receive program funding:
The Shoal Lake & Area Food Bank will receive $1,000 worth of products from J & P Groceries and Shoal Lake Bigway Foods to help fill food hampers.
The Elphinstone Lions Club received $400 towards maintenance and upkeep of the Lions Park and Campground, which is temporarily housing out-of-area workers.
The Minnedosa and Area Food Bank received $3,200 worth of product from Heritage Co-op and Kim’s Quality to help with a program to supply nutritious breakfast options for children.
The Y.W.C.A. in Brandon received $4,000 worth of product from Heritage Co, which will allow the Y.W.C.A. to purchase groceries for the residents of Meredith Place.
The Helping Hands Centre of Brandon received over $1,000 worth of that will help the organization order takeout supplies from Ace Kitchen Supplies and acquire chicken from the Souris River Hutterite Colony – JK Meats.
For more information, and a full list of grant recipients, click here.
- Details
- Contributed by Tess Kovach
