Worse-for-wear riverwalk a victim of total neglect

Partway down my well-beaten path from West Broadway to The Forks, I feel a bit like Dorothy navigating Oz. The path ahead is lined with Winnipeg’s version of dancing poppies and flying monkeys: hazards, confrontations and ghostly spectres to which we’ve become perhaps far too accustomed.

Second summer of motorized boat ban, uncertainty going forward raise longer-term concerns for tourism-driven economy inside Riding Mountain National Park

WASAGAMING — As the sun shimmers over Clear Lake’s still waters, everything appears smooth. But there is an undercurrent of uncertainty running through Manitoba’s most popular national park.

Riding Mountain, and other national parks across Canada, are increasingly facing difficult environmental challenges.

For Riding Mountain, it’s the invasive zebra mussel species. In Alberta’s Jasper National Park, it was 2024’s devastating wildfire that caused more than $1 billion in damages. In Nova Scotia, tinder-dry conditions this summer led to the controversial decision to close back-country access in two national parks — Cape Breton Highlands and Kejimkujik.

This is the new reality for places such as Wasagaming, Riding Mountain’s picturesque townsite that borders on Clear Lake — where bureaucratic decisions to address environmental threats run counter to the desires of residents and tourists who want to enjoy popular summer destinations to the fullest.

Amid geopolitical uncertainty, Manitoba poised to become a hub for increased efforts to assert Canada’s Arctic sovereignty

Political ground is shifting, ice is melting and Winnipeg and Manitoba appear poised to play a role worth considering in this uncertain new era of Arctic politics.

One Tech Tip: Ditch the chatbots and take your AI nature apps on a birdwatching hike

I didn't notice the scarlet tanager until the alert appeared on my phone: “Merlin heard a new bird!”

Despite its brilliant plumage — jet-black wings on a crimson body — the songbird can be a hard one to spot in a forest because it prefers to stay high in the canopy. It sounds a little like a robin to an untrained ear.

But the free Merlin Bird ID app detected a scarlet tanager was likely nearby by using artificial intelligence to analyze my phone’s live sound recording. I paused my hike, quietly scanned the treetops, saw the bird as it kept singing and clicked a button to add the species to my growing "life list" of bird sightings. Digital confetti burst on my screen.

Like a real-world version of Pokémon Go, a gotta-catch-'em-all drive to add to my Merlin list has helped me find a great kiskadee in Mexico and a rusty-cheeked scimitar-babbler in the Himalayas. But sometimes the greatest revelations are close to home, as more AI nature app users are starting to discover.

Winnipeggers’ pride bruised by crime, broken infrastructure: poll

Life in the big city on the Prairies isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, suggests a new poll that shows Winnipeggers are much less positive about their community than other Manitobans are about theirs.

The poll shows 76 per cent of Winnipeggers agree the city is a great place to live, but a contradictory finding is that they believe conditions in Manitoba’s capital are as bad as they have ever been. Those sentiments are highlighted in a Probe Research poll that found Winnipeggers are “proud, yet profoundly frustrated” about crime and aging infrastructure and their faith in public officials has dwindled.

“We definitely see that there is a palpable sense of frustration with some things, especially for younger folks,” Probe partner Curtis Brown said Tuesday

“This says that there’s work to do. The public expects work to be done to fix some of these big, ongoing challenges that Winnipeg — and all communities, frankly — have been grappling with for years.”

Being Muslim and American in the nation’s heartland

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — The oldest surviving place of worship for Muslims in the United States is a white clapboard building on a grassy corner plot, as unassumingly Midwestern as its neighboring houses in Cedar Rapids – except for a dome.

The descendants of the Lebanese immigrants who constructed “the Mother Mosque” almost a century ago — along with newcomers from Afghanistan, East Africa and beyond — are defining what it can mean to be both Muslim and American in the nation's heartland just as heightened conflicts in the Middle East fuel tensions over immigration and Islam in the United States.

Standing by the door in a gold-embroidered black robe, Fatima Igram Smejkal greeted the faithful with a cheerful “salaam” as they hurried into the Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids for Friday prayers. In 1934, her family helped open what the National Register of Historic Places calls “the first building designed and constructed specifically as a house of worship for Muslims in the United States.”

“They all came from nothing … so they wanted to give back,” Smejkal said of families like hers, who arrived at the turn of the 20th century. “That’s why I’m so kind to the ones that come in from Somalia and the Congo and Sudan and Afghanistan. I have no idea what they left, what they’re thinking when they walk in that mosque.”

Searing heat draws visitors to California’s Death Valley, where it’s tough to communicate the risks

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) — Ray Estrada's 11-year-old grandson is used to Las Vegas' scorching summers, but he'd always wanted to experience the heat in one of the Earth's hottest places. So Estrada recently drove him to Death Valley National Park, with an umbrella, extra water and electrolytes in tow. That day, the thermometer soared to 118 F (47.78 C).

“We have to be very careful when we go out there,” Estrada told him. “If you start feeling dizzy or whatever... we’re just gonna turn back and be safe so we can do this again another time.”

The extreme temperatures in this stretch of California desert attract visitors every year, some determined to finish a grueling, multiday race, others just curious about the sizzling heat and the landscape's vast beauty. Yet despite the warnings, the heat kills one to three people annually, and park rangers respond to overheated visitors multiple times per week, making communication about heat safety a priority for the National Park Service.

But that's easier said than done.

Try out being a tourist at home — in Winnipeg

Many Canadians and Manitobans are rethinking their travel plans to the United States this summer. We might take this opportunity to become tourists in our own city, rediscovering Winnipeg — a city that is often underappreciated, but one that is truly unique in Canada.

Le centre d’interprétation Saint-Léon: là où souffle l’esprit de la nature et de l’innovation

Avec ses galeries interactives, ses sentiers en pleine nature et son riche contenu éducatif, le Centre d’interprétation Saint-Léon est bien plus qu’un simple musée rural. En 2025, la communauté célèbre les 20 ans du premier parc éolien du Manitoba — une réalisation marquante racontée au cœur du Centre. Entre salamandres mystérieuses, énergies vertes et oiseaux migrateurs, les visiteurs y découvrent un territoire où science, nature et fierté locale se rencontrent.

Situé près du lac Saint-Léon, le Centre d’interprétation Saint-Léon a toujours eu pour vocation d’éduquer les curieux, qu’ils soient touristes ou de la région, mais aussi de rassurer. Lorraine Mabon, la présidente, raconte:

“Le but original, c’était de parler des salamandres et de leur rôle, parce qu’il y en avait énormément dans la région et les gens en avaient un peu peur. Mais les salamandres, qu’on trouve sur les terres humides, sont une bonne chose: elles sont indicatrices de la bonne santé de l’environnement.

“Un autre fait intéressant, c’est que si elles perdent un membre, elles peuvent le régénérer! Beaucoup de scientifiques étudient cette faculté exceptionnelle.”

Green chemist and musician on fighting climate change

There’s no shortage of doom and gloom associated with the words “climate change” these days. As a result, many people are stressed out and feeling helpless.

Particularly concerning is that, more than ever, younger people are experiencing considerable distress with environmental anxiety, also known as eco-anxiety or climate anxiety. The Journal of Mental Health and Climate Change, an open-access publication that features interdisciplinary scientific research on mental health and climate change, continues to write extensively on this subject.

While prominent environmental activists, including well-known science broadcaster David Suzuki, paint a bleak picture of the future, many other professionals in various fields are working tirelessly to educate, inspire and fight the good fight for the next generations.

Born and raised in Lynn Lake, Man., Devin Latimer is one of those professionals. The faculty member in chemistry at the University of Winnipeg is also a long-time musician, bass player with local band Leaf Rapids and the Juno award-winning Nathan Music Co.

‘Love Island’ revives conversation about racial bias and misogynoir in dating

It used to be that dating was as simple as deciding between dinner, a trip to the movies or an arcade. Now, understanding the dating scene has become intermingled with smartphones, matchmaking apps and one’s ability to navigate thorny social issues like racial preference in a mate.

“Love Island,” a widely popular international reality television franchise, is emblematic of the complexities of modern dating. It has also sparked heated discussions among fans about the desirability of Black women and darker-complexioned people both on and off air.

The show, which aired the finale of the seventh season of its U.S. version Sunday and is airing the 12th season of its U.K. version, casts conventionally attractive “islanders” who are generally in their early to late 20s for a six- to eight-week stay in a luxury villa. Men and women compete for long-lasting relationships and a cash prize.

But as the show’s daters face challenges meant to test their bonds, as well as elimination by villa mates or by fans’ vote, notions of who is and isn’t desirable frequently come up for viewers and contestants alike. In the end, many fans are left with the perception that racial bias, colorism and misogyny are especially inescapable for Black women on reality dating shows.

Au Musée Saint-Joseph, là où le patrimoine s’explore grandeur nature

Au Musée Saint-Joseph, on s’immerge dans le monde des années 1880 à 1930 de la municipalité rurale de Montcalm à partir de villages immersifs et d’artefacts préservés.

Situé à une heure de route au sud de Winnipeg, le Musée Saint-Joseph offre une véritable plongée dans le quotidien des pionniers qui ont façonné la région. Avec ses bâtiments d’époque, ses artefacts soigneusement conservés et son ambiance immersive, ce site patrimonial est bien plus qu’un musée: c’est une expérience vivante et enrichissante, idéale pour les curieux d’histoire comme pour les familles en quête de découverte.

Mais le musée ne se contente pas de montrer le passé — il le fait revivre. Grâce à un calendrier d’activités scolaires, des visites guidées et surtout son festival du patrimoine Montcalm en juin, le site devient un lieu animé où le patrimoine francophone et rural du Manitoba prend tout son sens.

D’ailleurs, Camille Fisette-Mulaire, directrice du Musée Saint-Joseph, affirme que le musée ne cesse d’attirer les touristes grâce à ses villages immersifs et son festival annuel.

Un voyage au cœur de l’héritage métis

Installé dans un ancien couvent centenaire, le musée de Saint-Pierre-Jolys invite les visiteurs à plonger dans l’histoire du village et de ses communautés fondatrices. À partir du 5 juin, une toute nouvelle exposition permanente — L’établissement de la Rivière-aux-Rats — met à l’honneur l’héritage métis de la région, des premiers échanges de fourrures jusqu’à l’arrivée du chemin de fer en 1878. Documents rares, cartes anciennes et récits de résistances font revivre une époque charnière du Manitoba. Une halte incontournable pour qui souhaite découvrir le passé vivant de la province.

Roland Gagné, l’actuel président, revient sur le développement du musée. “Ce sont les grands-parents de Sol Desharnais — le commissaire des expositions permanentes – qui ont racheté l’ancien couvent. De là, c’est devenu un musée, puis la cabane à sucre est née.” Sur place, une salle de classe traditionnelle a été reconstituée, témoignant ainsi de l’ancienne activité du musée. En 1985, le musée acquiert par donation la Maison Goulet, située sur le sentier Crow Wing, puis l’année 1998 voit la création de la fameuse cabane à sucre connue pour le célèbre festival du Temps des sucres.

À l’intérieur, l’établissement renferme deux expositions permanentes, une sur l’ancienne église démolie dans la controverse en 1980 et l’autre sur l’artiste de renom originaire de Saint-Pierre-Jolys, Réal Bérard.

Une toute nouvelle exposition

Explore Indigenous discovery centre opens its doors at The Forks Market

People seeking tourism opportunities in Manitoba have a new resource.

Indigenous Tourism Manitoba and The Forks North Portage Partnership celebrated the grand opening on Friday of Explore Indigenous, a new space that aims to build awareness and understanding of Indigenous-led tourism experiences in the keystone province.

Located at The Forks Market, the downtown Winnipeg discovery centre offers self-guided learning tools and interpretative displays that introduce visitors to Indigenous Tourism Manitoba’s network of operators — who they are, where they’re located and what types of experiences they offer.

A curated product showcase features artisans who have been accredited through the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada’s Original Original program, which highlights businesses and experiences that are at least 51 per cent Indigenous-owned.

De l’église au musée: le cœur battant de Richer vous attend

Cet été, faites une escale inoubliable à Richer, au cœur du Manitoba, et laissez-vous surprendre par le charme et la richesse du Musée Dawson Trail Museum. Installé dans une ancienne église magnifiquement restaurée, ce musée communautaire unique raconte l’histoire vibrante de la région, tout en devenant un véritable lieu de rassemblement pour les générations d’hier et d’aujourd’hui. Entre expositions fascinantes, activités familiales, marchés d’été et projets culturels, il y a mille et une raisons de venir le découvrir.

Une église sauvée par la passion d’un village

Impliquée dans la genèse du Musée Dawson Trail Museum depuis 2005, Yvonne Godard, aujourd’hui présidente du musée, raconte: “En 1995, les dames du village voulaient sauver l’église, donc elles ont formé un groupe, les Amis de la prière. Mais ça prenait beaucoup d’argent pour entretenir la bâtisse, la cour, le cimetière.

”Donc en 2005, un nouveau comité a été créé, et j’ai été élue présidente. Ça a encore pris presque dix ans pour amasser les fonds pour faire toutes les rénovations, mais finalement on a ouvert notre musée dans l’ancienne église en 2014.”

Winnipeg’s transit system has changed. Here’s your survival guide.

Winnipeg Transit's bus network is undergoing a complete transformation on June 29. The Free Press has created a survival guide to help you navigate the new system.

Downtown pilot project will add furniture, art, picnic tables to Graham Avenue

Over the next three weeks, the city aims to breathe new life into a four-block stretch of Graham Avenue, with a bright new look, ping pong tables, street furniture and art.

As the Free Press reported last week, a pilot project will see Graham reserved for cyclists and pedestrians between Carlton and Garry streets, once a new primary transit network removes buses from the area on June 29.

On Monday, the city laid out its vision for the pilot, which is expected to continue at least until the end of summer.

“The buses will move off of Graham Avenue and in just three weeks … after that, we will completely transform this stretch of Graham,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.

Mass tourism a modern ill

When I went to Paris in 2012, I skipped the Louvre. Sacré bleu!

Quand la rivière Winnipeg devient musée

Le long de la rivière Winnipeg, à Saint-Georges, un musée pas comme les autres raconte l’histoire d’un peuple lié à l’eau. Grâce aux objets, aux témoignages et à une vue imprenable sur la rivière, les visiteurs plongent dans une mémoire régionale bien vivante, accessible en français autant qu’en anglais.

À Saint-Georges, le Musée du Patrimoine de la rivière Winnipeg est un incontournable pour comprendre l’histoire et l’identité de la région. Ouvert toute l’année depuis 2019, il est le fruit de la résilience de la communauté après un incendie en 2014 qui avait détruit l’ancien Musée des pionniers.

”Face au feu, la communauté n’a jamais baissé les bras,” affirme la directrice, Diane Dubé. Dès 2015, on travaillait déjà à recréer un musée.”

La reconstruction a permis de concrétiser une vision déjà en marche depuis 2012, celle de “sortir de Saint-Georges pour faire un musée vraiment régional.”

Federal Court of Appeal overturns decision requiring action on judicial vacancies

OTTAWA - A panel of judges has overturned a court ruling that directed the federal government to step up the pace of judicial appointments to address an "untenable" number of vacancies.

The Federal Court of Appeal allowed the government's challenge of the ruling, saying the Federal Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case in the first place.

In a February 2024 ruling, Federal Court Justice Henry Brown said constitutional convention requires Ottawa to appoint a new judge to a vacancy within a reasonable period of time.

The government asked the Federal Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment and dismiss the underlying application brought by lawyer Yavar Hameed.

Wildfire smoke changing outdoor sports landscape

Air quality concerns due to wildfire smoke are changing the landscape of sporting events in Winnipeg. From community centre-run programs to professional leagues, outdoor sports have been impacted by smoke delays, cancellations and playing in less than ideal conditions, leading some to rethink how summer outdoor seasons should be planned going forward.

Krista Fraser-Kruck, general manager of Riverview Community Centre in South Osborne, which offers baseball, soccer, softball, ultimate (frisbee) and summer day camps, says wildfire smoke has forced cancellations and caused rescheduling challenges, especially difficult in a short summer season.

“The priority is keeping kids safe,” said Fraser-Kruck. “For our community, we just want to keep our kids safe, and so doing what’s in the best interest of their health is our priority.”

For their youth soccer games, Riverview Community Centre follows the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association’s policy, which calls for citywide cancellations if Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reaches seven or higher.

More than 7,000 elms felled in Winnipeg last year due to disease

A city report reveals elm trees were chopped down more than expected last year due to Dutch elm disease.

‘She’s all of us’: mural illustrates ties between Winnipeg and grateful Ukrainian newcomers

Blue and yellow ribbons wrapping around the city’s skyline show the deep connection between Ukraine and Manitoba in a new mural.

Take Pride Winnipeg, a downtown non-profit that seeks to clean up and inspire civic pride, unveiled its newest mural, titled “Pray for Ukraine” in the Exchange District on Monday.

It pictures a Ukrainian woman in traditional clothing stoically gazing into the distance as butterflies and a dove — which symbolize hope, peace and rebirth — flutter around the Esplanade Riel and Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

The installation at Exchange District BIZ at 492 Main St. was painted by Jennifer Mosienko, who’s worked on more than 40 murals across the city.