News briefs for Friday, September 5, 2025

Gas leak on Riverton Avenue

9:10 PM

City fire crews raced to a natural gas leak in the 300 block of Riverton Avenue around 6 p.m. Friday.

Seven houses were evacuated after a gas line near the road was found to be leaking. A Transit bus was used for temporary shelter for residents.

Manitoba Hydro was summoned and repaired the leak by 7:30 p.m.

No one was injured.

University of Manitoba marks record-breaking enrolment

7:42 PM

The University of Manitoba has hit record-breaking enrolment numbers for its fall term, despite a decline in international student numbers, the institution announced in a Friday press release.

With a total of 31,578 students enrolled on the first day of classes, the university said this marks a 2.3 per cent increase from last year and an “all-time high.”

The growth was driven by the undergraduate student population, with graduate enrolment figures taking a slight dip.

In its press release, the university also said it saw “significant growth” in enrolment of Indigenous students, with more than 3,200 Indigenous learners enrolled this fall, which is up nearly 11 per cent from this term last year.

As for the decline in international student enrolment, which fell by roughly five per cent compared to last fall, the press release said this reflects “broader global shifts in student mobility and immigration policy.”

“Efforts are underway to strengthen international recruitment and support services to ensure the university remains a destination of choice for students around the world,” the statement said. 

Body recovered from Red River not a criminal case: police

2:42 PM

The death of a woman whose body was recovered from the Red River near the University of Manitoba earlier this week has been deemed non-criminal.

The Winnipeg Police Service said Tuesday that officers were called about suspicious circumstances near the river, east of University Crescent and Markham Road, and found human remains when they arrived at around 1:30 p.m.

Police said Friday that officers and firefighters managed to recover the woman’s body from the river and have since identified her. They also said that a body was found, not partial remains, as was initially stated.

The WPS missing persons unit notified the woman’s family of her death.

Two teens charged after Portage la Prairie school threats: RCMP

2:11 PM

Two 17-year-old Portage la Prairie students were arrested after one allegedly made threatening comments in a group chat about taking guns to school and harming teachers.

RCMP received a complaint about online threats shortly after 8 a.m. Friday, and officers went to the school and arrested a male in the parking lot. An investigation determined the comments were made Thursday evening.

No guns were found on the student or in the vehicle he was driving. Police arrested another male at the school shortly after.

19-year-old dead after motorcycle crash north of Lockport

1:29 PM

A 19-year-old Winnipeg man died after losing control of his motorcycle while on Henderson Highway just north of Lockport on Friday morning.

Selkirk RCMP were called to Henderson Highway, just north of Clarke Road, in the Rural Municipality of St. Clements at about 7:15 a.m., where they found the man dead.

Mounties said they believe he was headed north on Henderson when he lost control and ended up in the west ditch.

Province warns of text phishing scams

10:27 AM

The province is warning the public about phishing scams involving text messages about provincial fine payments and tax credits.

People reported receiving texts from a sender claiming to be Manitoba Justice this week, the province said in a news release Friday. The texts demand payment for things such as speeding tickets and traffic offences.

“Manitoba Justice currently does not send payment requests or any official communications via text,” the release said.

Other phone owners recently received texts asking them to finalize their Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit by clicking on a link. Manitoba Finance does not verify or finalize tax credits or benefits by text message, the province said.

Recipients can report suspicious messages to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Missing Gimli senior found

10:18 AM

A missing senior last seen in Gimli more than a month ago has been found and is safe, RCMP said Friday.

Ralph Osterwald, 66, had last been seen leaving a home — saying he was going for a bike ride — on the evening of Aug. 1. He was reported missing to Gimli RCMP the next night.

Police asked for the public’s help in finding Osterwald on Aug. 3, saying it was believed he was still in the area.