The Wrap: Pipeline shutdown, Ukrainian immigration, Jets goalies and all about being a witch

Imperial Oil announced Sunday that it had temporarily shut down its pipeline that runs between Gretna and Winnipeg for necessary repairs.

The pipeline will be down for about three months while crews replace a section that runs under the Red River about 30 kilometres south of Winnipeg. In the meantime, gasoline, diesel and jet fuel will be brought in by rail and on trucks.

While the announcement initially sparked concern among City of Winnipeg officials, government and industry leaders say they do not anticipate significant impacts.

Imperial still has its supply, and there are a number of gas pipelines and a Shell terminal in the area.

Gas stations will likely receive shipments on a rotating basis, which might present a slight inconvenience for customers if some gas stations occasionally close for brief periods, according to experts.

Since Russia launched its war against Ukraine more than two years ago, the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program has helped about 23,000 Ukrainians arrive in Manitoba — with almost a million settling across Canada.

The federal program allows Ukrainian nationals to apply for a free visitor visa to stay in Canada for three years, instead of the regular six-month visitor visa.

But the program closes on March 31, and that appears to have spurred the immigration of Ukrainians, with more than 4,000 arriving in this province since December.

Kevin Rollason has the details.

There is no stingier duo in the NHL this season than Vezina Trophy favourite Connor Hellebuyck and, arguably, the best backup in the league, Laurent Brossoit.

This potent partnership is a main reason why the Winnipeg Jets (43-19-5) sit atop the Central Division and Western Conference in terms of point percentage with just 15 regular-season games left to play.

The Free Press peeked behind the curtain in recent days, looking at how this competitive partnership has evolved into a close friendship that has allowed both players, along with their teammates, to flourish.

Kari Giavedoni is a wife, a mother of three — and a practising witch.

She runs MommaBatWitchery, where she gives tarot and astrology readings, and Wicked Bazaar, a witches market featuring a variety of alternative makers.

Arts reporter A.V. Kitching chats with Giavedoni about magic, religion and spring celebrations.