News briefs for Tuesday, September 22, 2026

$7.2M outlined to improve Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park

4:35 PM

The provincial government is investing more than $7 million to improve roads and the experience for visitors at Manitoba’s Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park.

The money will be used for thin-lift asphalt overlays, shoulder improvements and targeted repairs on key roads and parking areas throughout the park, said a news release from the province Tuesday.

Many of the roads being targeted have outlived their design life and currently require ongoing maintenance to remain serviceable, said the release.

Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor said the improvements will support both the local economy and visitors to the park, which she said is a key destination for tourism, attracting travellers from across Manitoba and Canada.

Construction is expected to begin in 2027.

Hepatitis A case detected at Winnipeg school

3:55 PM

A case of hepatitis A was recently diagnosed at Shaughnessy Park School in northwest Winnipeg, with parents, guardians, students and staff advised to monitor for symptoms until Nov 3.

An immunization clinic will be held at the school, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority said in a letter to parents, guardians and staff Friday. The school has students in nursery to Grade 8.

Manitoba Health has been monitoring an increase in cases of hepatitis A — an acute liver infection — with 1,004 reported between September 2024 and Sept. 10, 2026. The province said 257 hospitalizations, eight intensive care unit admissions and seven deaths were reported during that period.

“While the rate of cases in the Winnipeg health region increased in the spring and has remained stable since then, there has been a decreasing trend in the rest of the province,” a provincial spokesperson said in a statement.

An outbreak was declared in April 2025. The largest number of cases has occurred in northern communities, although many cases have been identified in Winnipeg, especially among people who are homeless or have connections to affected communities, the province has said.

The risk of exposure for the general public is classified as low.

The infection can easily spread by drinking water or eating food that has been contaminated by the feces of an infected person.

Symptoms, which usually develop 14 to 28 days after exposure, can include fever, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea.

Province announces new ASL funding for Indigenous women and communities

3:21 PM

The province is spending $146,000 to increase access to American Sign Language training for Indigenous women and communities, the Manitoba government announced Tuesday.

Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for accessibility, said the funds will help create four new training seats for Indigenous women through Red River College Polytech’s existing ASL-English Interpretation program.

It also includes $18,000 to create three ASL micro-credential courses that will support visual language education directly on reserve.

The funding comes as part of the province’s $20-million Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag: All Women Doing Well strategy, which Fontaine said builds on the government’s commitment to stronger, more inclusive communities.

Two hurt after plane malfunctions

2:55 PM

Two people were sent to hospital after a small aircraft veered off the end of a runway into a ditch during an air show at Portage la Prairie Airport Sunday afternoon.

The aircraft malfunctioned, prompting the 61-year-old pilot to abort the takeoff and try to bring it to a safe stop, RCMP said in a news release Tuesday.

The pilot and a 54-year-old female passenger were hospitalized in Portage la Prairie with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada was notified.

Premier challenges students to work up sweat

2:09 PM

Premier Wab Kinew launched a new fitness challenge Tuesday to encourage Manitoba students to be more active.

The program encourages students to set physical activity goals, such as daily steps, trying a new sport or activity, or spending more time outdoors, and to track their progress through the school year.

Schools can receive up to $10,000 toward physical activity initiatives, the province said.

The Manitoba government is piloting a new physical education and health curriculum, which will be rolled out in the 2028-29 school year.

Police charge man in 12 retail thefts

1:16 PM

A man who attempted to steal a bicycle from a St. James store but was stopped by security is a prolific thief, police say.

The 29-year-old man tried to leave the store, on the 700 block of St. James Street, with a bike worth $340 on the afternoon of Sept. 1, the Winnipeg Police Service said in a news release Tuesday.

Security intervened and held the suspect until police arrived. The man was arrested and a hammer was seized, police said.

An investigation using security cameras from retailers determined the man was involved in 11 other thefts between Feb. 11 and Sept. 1, police said.

The incidents involved stores on Grant Avenue, Empress Street, Kenaston Boulevard, McPhillips Street, Leila Avenue, Portage Avenue and St. Mary’s Road.

In total, $3,200 worth of merchandise was stolen.

The man was charged with 12 counts of theft under $5,000 and possession of a weapon. He remains in custody pending a court date.

Man charged after youths threatened at mosque

10:37 AM

Winnipeg police have charged a 48-year-old man who allegedly threatened children outside a mosque Saturday afternoon.

Kadar Ahmed, president of the Winnipeg Islamic Centre Masjid Bilal on Warnock Street, previously said someone made “hateful and threatening comments,” frightening kids who were present.

Police said Tuesday a suspect approached several youths and made threatening gestures toward them. The youths reported the incident to a staff member, who contacted police.

The suspect continued to make threats when the employee went outside to speak to him, police said. Officers arrested a suspect in the 1200 block of Logan Avenue a short time later.

Ahmed said mosque leaders were relieved charges had been laid.

“Every child and every family should be able to attend a place of worship and participate in community life without fear or intimidation,” he said in a statement.

Police said Sean Michael Woo is charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. He was held in custody.