Free Press Community Review: East

Supplied photo by Steve at Date With F8 Photography
Prairie Sky Circus member Hillary Flesher is pictured in action. The local circus troupe presents Unsolved: A Cirque Mystery on March 27 and 28 at Centre culturel franco-manitobain

Reaching for the sky

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

The circus holds an element of mystery for many people, so it’s fitting that Prairie Sky Circus’ upcoming production is called Unsolved: A Cirque Mystery.

The all-women troupe will present its circus show on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Centre culturel franco-manitobain (340 Provencher Blvd.)

Unsolved is the second production for the St. James-based Prairie Sky Circus, a non-profit arts organization comprised of aerial performers, artists, teachers, and circus enthusiasts. The group trains and many of its members teach under the umbrella of Prairie Circus Arts (prairiecircusarts.com) and aims to provide facilities, equipment, professional expertise, and a supportive atmosphere for creation, training, and collaboration.

Group member Hillary Flesher said the show creates opportunities for circus performers in the city to create big productions.

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A cat’s life

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 2 minute read Preview

A cat’s life

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 2 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

The popularity of Sabrina Naayen’s Meow Mania continues to grow, so she’s had to change the location of her feline-focused spring market and adoption fair.

The upcoming Meow Mania will be held at Assiniboia Downs (3975 Portage Ave.) on Sunday, March 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Every event gives me the opportunity to do something better,” said Naayen, who lives Bridgwater Forest, said. “We have more rescues participating this year, which means more exposure and more cats potentially being adopted.”

Meow Mania begin in the fall of 2024 at Deer Lodge Community Centre, then switched to St. Norbert Arena last spring before moving to the Downs last fall to help accommodate the growing number of cat lovers showing up.

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Supplied file photo
Sabrina Naayen, pictured here photographing a couple of furry felines, will hold the Meow Mania spring market and adoption fair on March 22.

Big blue boathouse boasts amazing view

Tony Zerucha Special to FP Community Review 3 minute read Preview

Big blue boathouse boasts amazing view

Tony Zerucha Special to FP Community Review 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

For rowers, spring always brings a sense of anticipation as they await the open water.

For the 65 members of the Winnipeg Rowing Club, located at 20 Lyndale Dr., this spring is extra special as they show off extensive renovations and a new partnership with Wow! Hospitality.

Club president Andrew Lamont and vice-president/treasurer Alexa Rosentreter said the project dates back to 2024, when the club received a $580,000 matching renovation grant from the Province of Manitoba. It meant the Rowing Club had to raise $580,000 of its own. They did. Then Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries awarded them a grant to help with security and lighting on the club and grounds.

The work at the club, which celebrates its 145th anniversary in 2026, includes a new heating and ventilation system, new flooring and office space, an upgraded kitchen and catering area, a spacious new cooler and — the pièce de résistance — an open event hall with plenty of natural light and unparalleled river views. The hall holds just over 100 for seated events and roughly 150 for stand-up receptions or parties.

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Photo by Tony Zerucha
Winnipeg Rowing Club’s Andrew Lamont and Alexa Rosentreter invite everyone to consider the club’s new hall for their next special event.

Voyageurs victorious

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Preview

Voyageurs victorious

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

The Collège Louis-Riel Voyageurs capped off a near perfect season in fine fashion.

Two powerhouse squads from southeast Winnipeg faced off in the championship series last week when the Voyageurs took on the Dakota Collegiate Lancers. On March 11, Riel won the Winnipeg High School Hockey League’s Winnipeg Free Press Division championship in two straight games.

“It’s really rewarding for the boys, above anything,” said coach Justin Buissé-Laroche. “It was a great season overall.”

CLR won the first game of the final 4-3 in overtime at Seven Oaks Sportsplex on March 9. Luka Tetrault and John-Thomas Cavell scored in the first to give the Voyageurs a 2-0 lead, but Dakota struck back with three quick goals from Triton Joudrey, Ivan Kuschev, and Cruz Agostino (on the power play) in the second period to take the lead. Riel’s Tristan Sabourin tied the game with less than a minute left in the second, and a scoreless third led to overtime. Jesse Trager scored the game winner, on the power play, near the midway mark of the overtime period.

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Supplied photo
The Louis-Riel Voyageurs are the 2025-26 Winnipeg High School Hockey League Winnipeg Free Press Division champions. The team lost just one game all season.

City news in brief — week of March 18, 2026

FP Community Review staff 3 minute read Preview

City news in brief — week of March 18, 2026

FP Community Review staff 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

49th World of Wheels runs this weekend

The 49th annual World of Wheels car show runs this weekend the RBC Convention Centre from March 20 to 22.

The annual car show is an International Show Car Association event featuring Winnipeg and Manitoba’s finest hot rods, muscle cars, motorcycles and racing vehicles plus more than 80 automotive-related booths showcasing products and service.

As always, a few special guests will also be in attendance, including Michael Hall and Avery Shoaf, the Rust Brothers from the Rust Valley Restorers TV show, and WWE hall of fame wrestler and superstar Trish Stratus.

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Free Press file photo
The 49th annual World of Wheels car show runs at the RBC Convention Centre from March 20 to 22.

East edition news in brief — week of March 18, 2026

FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

East St. Paul

Archwood

ESP spring programs open, Easter breakfast April 4

The R.M. of East St. Paul has opened registration for its spring programming.

Prairie habitat in Elmwood

Susan Huebert 3 minute read Preview

Prairie habitat in Elmwood

Susan Huebert 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Snow on the ground and sub-freezing temperatures can make spring seem very far away. Soon, however, residents of Elmwood and beyond will want to start thinking about natural habitats, pollinators that keep our food systems functioning, and how to restore what has been lost, as is being done on the Northeast Pioneers Greenway.

This greenway is a walking and cycling trail beginning in Elmwood and continuing through East and North Kildonan, with plans to extend it to Birds Hill Park. The trail follows the former Marconi Spur rail line with remnants of tall-grass prairie, wetlands, and river bottom forest.

“Native prairie habitat thrives along the NPG, providing homes for birds and insects,” according to the Winnipeg Trails Association website, at winnipegtrails.ca.

A section of the Northeast Pioneers Greenway pays tribute to butterflies while, elsewhere along the path, people can learn about an ongoing prairie restoration project. In warmer weather, flowers grow and provide food for the pollinators which, in turn, help provide food for Manitobans.

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Photo by Susan Huebert
An ongoing prairie restoration project can be found along the Northeast Pioneers Greenway.

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Working together for safer communities

Matt Wiebe 3 minute read Preview

Working together for safer communities

Matt Wiebe 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

I know how important it is for families to feel safe in their homes, at work, and in their neighbourhoods. It’s something I hear about often from residents across Concordia and throughout the province. Public safety is one of the most important responsibilities we share as a community, and it’s a priority our government takes seriously.

When we formed government, it was clear there was work to do. Years of cuts had reduced resources for front-line policing, including the loss of dozens of police positions. Our government has begun rebuilding that capacity. We’ve already added 36 new police officers across Manitoba to strengthen community safety and support the officers who work hard every day to keep Manitobans safe.

We also know that addressing drug-related crime is critical to improving safety in our neighbourhoods. That’s why our government launched the Manitoba Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Task Force, a co-ordinated effort bringing together law enforcement agencies to crack down on meth trafficking and the organized crime networks behind it. By targeting dealers and disrupting the supply of dangerous drugs, the task force is helping reduce the harm drugs cause in Manitoban communities.

Public safety also means ensuring our laws reflect the realities facing communities today. Our government has taken action to restrict the sale of machetes and remove thousands of dangerous long knives from our streets. We’ve also strengthened legislation that allows law enforcement to seize the proceeds of crime, helping police disrupt criminal networks.

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Supplied photo
Justice Minister Matt Wiebe, MLA for Concordia, announced Manitoba’s Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Task Force late last month.

Building a legislature that works for everyone

Tyler Blashko 3 minute read Preview

Building a legislature that works for everyone

Tyler Blashko 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

I’m reminded every time I step into the legislative assembly that the work happening in that chamber belongs to all Manitobans. The decisions we make affect families, workplaces, schools, and communities across our province, including right here in Lagimodière. Because of that, it’s important that the work of our legislature is open, understandable, and accessible to everyone.

Recently, our assembly took an important step forward in that direction. House proceedings are now broadcast with live, picture-in-picture American Sign Language interpretation, helping ensure that deaf and hard-of-hearing Manitobans can follow debates and discussions as they happen. ASL interpretation will also be available at public committee meetings.

I’ve often said to residents of our community that the work happening in the sssembly truly matters. The discussions we have there help shape the policies that affect everyday life in Manitoba. When more Manitobans can see and understand how decisions are made, it strengthens our shared participation and trust in our democracy.

At the same time, our legislature continues to consider legislation that reflects priorities I regularly hear from families across Lagimodière.

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Supplied image
Lagimodière MLA Tyler Blashko is pictured speaking in the chamber on the Manitoba legislature video feed, with a picture-in-picture ASL interpreter doing live translation.

Lovable Groopert would like to meet you

Manitoba Mutts 2 minute read Preview

Lovable Groopert would like to meet you

Manitoba Mutts 2 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Hi, I’m Groopert!

I’m an easygoing boy who loves chewing bones and going for walks – especially in the snow.

I am fully house-trained and I am very good at letting my foster mom know when I need to go outside. I am crate-trained and I go in the crate when my foster mom is not home, but I don’t quite love it in there yet. I will complain when I first go in, but then settle into a nap after a few minutes.

I am good with other dogs. In fact, I quite like seeing other dogs on walks and meeting them for playdates. But my foster mom doesn’t know how I will be with cats. She says that I don’t seem to have a high prey drive, but I am a pretty curious puppy, and I might annoy some cats.

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Share the real stories this March

Better Business Bureau 3 minute read Preview

Share the real stories this March

Better Business Bureau 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Behind many people’s vacation glam shots and perfectly plated food photos lie many stories that could actually help other people. Because of shame and guilt and a societal fear of vulnerability, such stories are often hidden away, pushed down out of sight.

However, this Fraud Prevention Month, Canadians are being encouraged to share their stories of loss and shame and vulnerability.

When we don’t talk about these things, about the shame of being victimized by scammers, then we let shame win and scammers thrive. They love an absence of knowledge, a void of information.

But when people share their stories of falling victim to scams, they help so many other people identify the exact warning signs they need to in order to avoid getting trapped in the same situation.

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Adobe Stock photo
Sharing your stories of being victimized by scammers help others arm themselves against similar dangers. There’s no shame in fighting back.

A host of upcoming hall inductions

T. Kent Morgan 4 minute read Preview

A host of upcoming hall inductions

T. Kent Morgan 4 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

A long list of Manitoba athletes, builders and teams will be honoured between May 2 and 5. Over the four-day period, the provincial softball, curling and golf halls of fame will hold their annual induction ceremonies.

The 23rd induction ceremony of the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, at the Victoria Inn and Conference Centre in Brandon. The Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame will induct its 2026 class on Sunday, May 3, at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg. The Pine Ridge Golf and Country Club will be where the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame inducts its 2025 group of honourees on Tuesday, May 5.

The 2026 softball class includes Al Norris and Dave Saulnier, who played the outfield for the Winnipeg Colonels, who won the first Western Major Fastball League championships in 1973. In addition to captaining the Colonels, Norris played on other senior A championships teams in Manitoba before relocating to Calgary in the 1980s, where he coached and managed. Saulnier switched to slo-pitch where he played for Beavers, who dominated the sport for many years.

An infielder, Brian Gadsby played fastball for many seasons, winning a senior A provincial title with the Steinbach A&W Stealers. In slo-pitch, he played for a SPN National 60+ champion and won three silver medals with the Manitoba Keystone Canucks at the Huntsman World Championships in Utah. Dean Fuller from Boissevain caught for the Minto Mustangs and Winnipeg Penguins for 11 seasons, winning provincial intermediate A and senior B titles. James Mann was an outstanding outfielder in Brandon fastball for 20 seasons, then switched to slo-pitch in his early 60s and played until he was 76.

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Free Press file photo
The Manitoba team that won the 2008 Canadian junior women’s curling championship will be inducted into the Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame in May. They are (from left) skip Kaitlyn Lawes, third Jenna Loder, second Liz Peters and lead Sarah Wazney, pictured with their medals after landing at home in Winnipeg.

Plenty to celebrate in February in LRSD

Chris Sigurdson 2 minute read Preview

Plenty to celebrate in February in LRSD

Chris Sigurdson 2 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

February is always a busy month in the Louis Riel School Division. Our schools are filled with music and pancake breakfasts to celebrate Festival du Voyageur. This event highlights our local francophone history and heritage, as well as our commitment to excellence in French-language education. Our schools are also full of guest readers and literature celebrations for I Love to Read Month, highlighting our commitment to literacy.

February is also Black History Month, and schools across LRSD took part in many celebrations and activities that honoured the contributions of Black Canadians while reinforcing our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Recognizing and celebrating the culture, achievements, and leadership of Black Canadians through meaningful events, displays, and learning opportunities helps promote awareness, understanding, and inclusion, in keeping with the goals of our 2023–2027 multi-year strategic plan.

This year marked the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada, with the theme “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance.” Many of the activities held throughout LRSD reflected this theme, highlighting the legacy of past leaders, the impact of today’s changemakers, and the promise of future visionaries.

All our schools participated in Black History Month in some way. Among the highlights was Windsor Park Collegiate, which held an Afro-Caribbean celebration in its gym, complete with music and meat pies. At Glenlawn Collegiate, a student-led committee organized displays and activities throughout the month. École Henri-Bergeron showcased Black Francophone artists in rap and hip-hop.

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Supplied photo
Collège Jeanne-Sauvé students show off their wares at the school’s night market, held as part of Black History Month.

Investment scams cost Manitobans millions

Winnipeg Police Service 3 minute read Preview

Investment scams cost Manitobans millions

Winnipeg Police Service 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Investment scams are now the largest scam-type affecting Manitobans, with reported losses exceeding $3,000,000 in 2025. Behind that staggering number are friends, neighbours, and family members in communities across our province who believed they were making a sound financial decision. Instead, they found themselves victims of sophisticated fraud.

Fraudsters are increasingly targeting Manitobans with promises of high returns and low risk. These scams can take many forms: fake cryptocurrency platforms; fraudulent real estate developments; gold or precious metal schemes,;foreign exchange trading offers; or “exclusive” investment opportunities shared through social media. Some scammers even impersonate legitimate financial advisers or use professional-looking websites and documents to appear credible.

Seniors are being particularly targeted. Fraudsters know that many older adults have retirement savings, home equity, or nest eggs they’ve built over decades. They also know that seniors may be less familiar with newer investment trends such as cryptocurrency or online trading platforms. Scammers exploit this by offering to “help” manage investments or by creating a false sense of urgency, pressuring victims to act quickly before a supposed opportunity disappears.

In many cases, the scam begins with an unsolicited phone call, email, or social media message. Sometimes it starts with an online ad. The fraudster may spend weeks or even months building trust, answering questions, and providing what appear to be regular account statements showing impressive returns. Victims are sometimes encouraged to invest a small amount first and may even be allowed to withdraw a bit of “profit” to build confidence. Once a larger sum is invested, however, the money disappears.

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Adobe Stock image
Don’t be failed by smooth talkers dangling money in front of you, whether it’s on the phone or online. Always seek a second opinion before committing to any investment “opportunity”.

Exploring spring break in Manitoba

RoseAnna Schick 3 minute read Preview

Exploring spring break in Manitoba

RoseAnna Schick 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Spring break arrives in Manitoba when winter slowly starts to recede and warmer days draw ever-so-near. If you’d like to get out and explore activities right here at home, here are a few ideas for things to do in our back yards in the week of Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3 (which is Good Friday).

The Manitoba Museum showcases the wonders of science and discovery during spring break. The Think Big scavenger hunt will get kids and families solving riddles that reveal the museum’s largest and most fascinating artifacts. Planetarium shows on the schedule take you travelling through the solar system with Perfect Little Planet and exploring the earth’s deep history over billions of years in Living Worlds. In the Science Gallery, you can learn about how oceans regulate global temperatures and why they’re essential to keeping the planet in balance.

Spend a day outdoors during Wild Wetland Week at Oak Hammock Marsh, just north of the city. The wildlife management area near Stonewall is a prime location for witnessing spring migration. Up to 100,000 birds can pass through here in a single day during peak season, with more than 300 species drawn to the restored marshlands, tall-grass prairie, and aspen-oak trees. Visitors can take learn to spot geese, ducks, and other species as they return north, on guided walks along the 30-kilometre network of trails. It’s one of Canada’s most important wetland ecosystems, and it’s an internationally recognized locale for birdwatching.

A great place to explore nature right here in the city is within the 660 acres of reclaimed urban green space at Fort Whyte Alive, an environmental centre and outdoor recreation haven with the motto ‘connecting humans with nature’. During spring break, Fort Whyte offers Alive in the Woods self-guided activities, and nature-inspired games and crafts. You can rent snowshoes, walking poles, wagons, binoculars, and other interesting items. Naturalists will teach you how to spot migratory birds on walks that wind through the wetlands, or how to identify the tracks of deer, foxes, rabbits, and other woodland creatures in wildlife tracking sessions.

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Free Press file photo
Up to 100,000 birds can pass through Oak Hammock March in a single day during spring migratory season – making it well worth checking out during spring break.

Sports in brief — week of March 18, 2026

FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

MMJHL playoffs underway

The Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League wrapped up its 45-game regular season last week.

The Transcona Railer Express finished at the top of the 10-team league with a 36-7-1 record, good for 73 points. Meanwhile, the St. Vital Victorias and the Pembina Valley Twisters finished at the bottom of the league, failing to qualify for the playoffs, which started March 12.

In the quarter-final round, top-ranked Transcona faces the eighth-place Raiders Junior Hockey Club, second-place St. Boniface Riels face seventh-place Fort Garry/Fort Rouge Twins, third-place Stonewall Jets face the sixth-place River East Royal Knights, and the fourth-place St. James Junior Canucks take on the fifth-place Charleswood Hawks. Results from the weekend’s opening matches were not available at press time.

March 19, 2026