News briefs for Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Wildfire evacuee reception centre opens in Winnipeg

10:27 PM

The Manitoba government announced Wednesday evening that it opened a reception centre for wildfire evacuees that are travelling to Winnipeg and have no place to stay.

The bulletin encouraged evacuees to shelter with friends and family first, if possible. People fleeing the wildfires that can’t find accommodations, are asked to proceed to the reception centre.

Staffed by provincial Emergency Social Services staff and the Canadian Red Cross, the centre is at Billy Mosienko Arena located at 709 Keewatin St. in Winnipeg. The centre opened at 9 p.m., Wednesday and is to remain open all night.

The province is asking that all evacuees register online with the Red Cross or by calling 1-800-863-6582 (toll-free) as soon as possible.

Measles numbers continue to increase

2:34 PM

The number of measles cases in Manitoba has increased again, with 70 confirmed and four probable cases.

Last week, there were 60 confirmed and four probable cases.

The province updated the numbers on its website Wednesday, saying they include data up to Saturday.

16 arrested in retail-theft blitz

2:27 PM

Police arrested 16 people while targeting retail theft in downtown Portage la Prairie this month.

Seven people were arrested for shoplifting offences in the first “blitz” on May 17, including two who were wanted on warrants. Nine people were arrested on May 24 and charged with theft under $5,000.

In one case, a man was seen exiting a store with an item he didn’t pay for and left in a vehicle, RCMP said in a news release Wednesday. Police arrested the 28-year-old driver for theft and driving while suspended, and impounded the vehicle.

Fire guts home on Elmhurst Road 

11:48 AM

Crews extinguished two house fires in Charleswood and the North End early Wednesday, including one that gutted a home.

Firefighters were sent to a bungalow on the 700 block of Elmhurst Road at 4:27 a.m. They initially fought the fire from inside but had to exit because of safety concerns. Crews declared the blaze under control at 6:31 a.m.

The house is believed to be a complete loss, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service said in a news release.

At 4:42 a.m., crews were sent to a one-and-a-half storey house on the 100 block of Parr Street. The fire in the home and adjacent garage was declared under control at 5:05 a.m.

The lone person in the house got out before crews arrived.

Suspect sought after 9 held at gunpoint

9:55 AM

Police are searching for a man after nine victims, including eight children and teens, were held at gunpoint in a Black River home.

Powerview RCMP were sent to Mayaa Road in Black River shortly before 7 a.m. Friday. Officers were told the woman and eight children, ages 6 to 17, were sleeping when two males kicked in a door.

The males assaulted the female by holding her by the neck, RCMP said in a news release Wednesday.

The males then went to another home, kicked a door in and fired twice through an inside door, police said. They drove away in a stolen vehicle that was later found, the release said.

A warrant has been issued for Tyson Breland, 36, of Selkirk. He has been charged with 35 offences, including nine counts of forcible confinement, four of possession of a gun contrary to an order, and one of assault by choking.

RCMP asked anyone with information about where Breland is to contact the Powerview detachment at 204-367-8728, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.

A police spokesperson said the identity of the other male has yet to be confirmed.