The Wrap: Pinawa nuclear decommission paused, Folklorama superfan and a field trip to the Icelandic River

Work decommissioning a former nuclear research facility in Pinawa, Man., was halted in April after an internal review concluded emergency protocols at the Whiteshell site had been deficient for years.

“What we failed to do appropriately is make sure we had the right people and the right structures in place,” said the president of the international firm contracted by the federal government to manage the site.

The Icelandic River meanders its way through what was once New Iceland in Manitoba’s Interlake. Before eventually emptying into Lake Winnipeg, the river connects a pair of communities with a shared history: Arborg and Riverton.

In our latest Free Press Field Trip, Ben Sigurdson visits both towns to learn about their Nordic roots.

The 52nd edition of Folklorama will feature 40 pavilions over its two-week run, which starts Sunday. It might be Debbie Stern’s favourite time of year: the Folklorama superfan has been attending the festival since the 1970s and aims to visit every pavilion each year — a goal supported by meticulous planning and documentation.

Monday is Terry Fox Day, a statutory holiday in Manitoba.

The Free Press will not publish an e-edition or print edition on Sunday or Monday, and this newsletter won’t be sent on Monday. Our reporters and photographers are working over the weekend; you can find the latest news and analysis on winnipegfreepress.com.