Thompson Local News

Helping Seniors Stay Safe This Winter

Icy steps and slippery sidewalks can make getting around difficult as winter approaches.

A free winter fall prevention presentation on October 28 will offer advice on staying safe, with a focus on older adults.

 

Penny Byer says family members and neighbours can help by keeping entrances clear.

 

 

The presentation starts at 1:30, and residents can request a link to participate from home.

To learn more, tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.


Oxford House Airport Drug Seizures

Three people are facing charges after Oxford House RCMP seized drugs valued at more than 279-thousand dollars at the Bunibonibee Cree Nation airport.

 

Police say two separate searches on October 16th uncovered 91 grams of cocaine and 31 grams of crack cocaine.

 

Two women from Oxford House, aged 29 and 30, were charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

 

The younger woman also faces a charge of failing to comply with release conditions.

On October 18th, police say a luggage search uncovered more than 182 grams of crack cocaine.

 

A 21-year-old Edmonton man faces a trafficking-related charge.

 

All three were released, and the investigation continues.


Mining Expansion Plans and What Comes Next

More workers and increased production are part of Exiro Nickel’s plans for its Thompson operations.

 

City communications officer Ian Graham says the company is looking to grow, with more details about its plans expected early next month.

 

 

Graham says the company’s CEO will discuss plans for the mines and its Thompson Nickel Belt exploration assets at the Central Canada Mineral Exploration Convention in Winnipeg, November second and third.

 

He says the transition is still in its early stages, with those announcements offering residents a clearer picture of what comes next.


Manitoba RCMP execute search warrants in Moose Lake, seize drugs

On October 6, 2026, at 7:18 a.m., Moose Lake RCMP and members of the Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team (MILET), along with assistance from Manitoba First Nations Police Service in Opaskwayak Cree Nation, executed three search warrants in the community as part of a drug trafficking investigation.

 

Once inside a home on Tabacco Road, officers found and seized approximately:

  • 39 grams of cocaine;
  • Ammunition;
  • Firearm parts; and
  • Scales

A 31-year-old female from The Pas was arrested and charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and released on an undertaking while charges are pending against a 33-year-old male from Moose Lake.

 

At a residence on Pine Street, officers found and seized approximately:

  • $8,000 in Canadian currency;
  • 31 pills believed to be Percocet;
  • Air soft firearm; and
  • Drug paraphernalia

 

Seven individuals were inside the home when officers arrived. Six males and one female were taken into custody.

 

A 36-year-old female and 41-year-old male, both from Moose Lake were charged with possession for the proceeds of crime over $5,000 and released on undertakings.

 

The final search warrant was executed at an address on Portage Road, where nothing of significance was seized.

 

Moose Lake RCMP continue to investigate.


Library Funding and Safety Raised at Council Forum

Funding and safety at the Thompson Public Library were in the spotlight at the council candidates forum.

 

A resident asked how candidates would support the library, describing its value as one of the few places where people can gather without having to spend money.

 

One candidate called for more regular discussions between council and the organizations it funds.

 

 

Other suggestions included advocating for more provincial funding, increasing patrols around the library, and building partnerships with schools.


TRCC Haunted House Returns for Fifth Year

The TRCC’s haunted house returns this Saturday, with new animatronics and a few surprises waiting inside.

 

City of Thompson event coordinator Darlene Dick and facility coordinator Rihanna Thompson are transforming the multipurpose room into a series of spooky spaces.

 

Rihanna says putting it together keeps them busy.

 

 

The haunted house runs through October 30th. Admission is two dollars per person, with no booking required.

 

To hear more about this year’s haunted house, tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.


MKO Calls for Equal Role in Canada’s Future

MKO says First Nations must be full and equal partners in discussions about Canada’s future.

Responding to Alberta’s referendum, the organization says Ottawa must address longstanding issues facing First Nations, including Treaty implementation, infrastructure gaps and economic participation.

 

Grand Chief Garrison Settee says First Nations’ rights and their relationship with the Crown cannot be treated as an afterthought.

 

He says lasting unity requires governments to meet their obligations and build a future based on respect and fairness.

 

MKO wants all levels of government to involve First Nations directly in decisions shaping Canada’s economic and social future.


Thompson Man Charged Following Princeton Drive Stabbing

A Thompson man is facing an aggravated assault charge following a stabbing on Princeton Drive.

 

RCMP say officers responded to a residence on the five-hundred block around 5:55 Saturday evening.

 

Police provided care to the injured man until paramedics arrived. He was then taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

 

A suspect was arrested without incident.

 

Forty-two-year-old Shaun Leslie of Thompson has been charged with aggravated assault and was remanded into custody.


Oxford House RCMP seize large amount of drugs over two days at airport

On October 16, 2026, Oxford House RCMP were notified twice in the span of four hours by First Nation Safety Officers (FNSO) in Bunibonibee Cree Nation, to attend the community’s airport for possible drug offences.

 

At 11:28 a.m., officers arrived at the airport where a 29-year-old female had been detained by FNSOs on suspicion of bringing illicit drugs into the community.

 

She was taken into custody by RCMP and searched, with officers locating and seizing 80 grams of cocaine.

 

The female, from Oxford House, was charged with:

  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking; and
  • Fail to comply with release order conditions.

 

Police returned to the airport at 2:38 p.m., where another female suspect had arrived and was believed to be carrying illicit drugs.

 

The 30-year-old female from Oxford House was taken into custody. A subsequent search revealed that she was concealing 31 grams of crack and 11 grams of cocaine.

 

She was arrested and charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking x2.

 

Both females were released on undertakings.

 

Then on October 18, officers were called to the airport once again after a routine luggage search was flagged for possible illicit drugs.

 

After a search of the luggage, officers located over 182 grams of crack cocaine, multiple cellphones and drug paraphernalia.

 

A 21-year-old male from Edmonton was arrested and faces a charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking. He was later released on a release order

 

The community value of all drugs seized is estimated at over $279,000.

 

Oxford House RCMP continue to investigate.


Truth and Reconciliation in Education Raised at School Trustee Forum

What does truth and reconciliation mean in education?

 

That question was put to candidates at Monday’s school trustee election forum, with each given one minute to respond.

 

Answers focused on understanding historical harms, including Indigenous perspectives in classrooms, and ensuring students have equitable access to education.

 

One candidate emphasized awareness and culturally safe learning.

 

 

"Our staff and our students have the ability to provide culturally safe and competent education to our students.”

 

Other responses highlighted the Calls to Action, teacher training, and turning acknowledgments into action through school board policies.

 

Thompson’s school board election takes place next Wednesday, October 28.


CMHA’s Connection Clubhouse Helps Thompson Residents Build Skills and Find Support

CMHA Thompson’s Connection Clubhouse is giving people a free place to connect, learn new skills and build confidence.

 

The member-driven program offers weekday drop-ins, social activities and opportunities to help plan future programming.

 

Rhonda Heskin, Director of Program Operations, says members have a say in what happens at the clubhouse.

 

 

Activities include arts and crafts, bowling outings, nutrition and gardening programs, and a new opportunity to learn American Sign Language.

 

Anyone interested is welcome, with no cost to become a member.

 

Morning drop-ins run Monday through Friday from nine until eleven at 43 Falls Bay. For more information, call 204-677-6055.

 


Small Businesses Seek Tax Relief

Rising costs are leaving small business owners with less room to grow or increase employee pay.

 

Robin Betze, senior policy analyst for the Prairies with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, says owners are looking for some breathing room.
 

 

CFIB is calling on Ottawa to reduce the federal small business tax rate from nine to six per cent.

 

Hear more from Betze on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.


Westwood Rebuild Delays and Communication Questioned at Trustee Forum

Delays in rebuilding Westwood School and frustration over communication were raised at Monday’s school trustee election forum in Thompson.

 

A retired teacher urged candidates to keep their promises or explain to the community why plans had changed.

 

One trustee said the board had hoped to have shovels in the ground this fall, but insurance arrangements had delayed progress.

 

 

Trustees also acknowledged the need for more public updates, while saying confidentiality requirements limit some information they can share. No firm construction start date was provided during the exchange.

 

Thompson’s school board election takes place next Wednesday, October 28.


Métis Housing Agreement

More than 70 affordable homes for Métis elders and families are planned across Manitoba over the next five years.

 

The province and the Manitoba Métis Federation have signed an agreement worth 18 million dollars, with each contributing nine million.

 

The funding will support the Red River Métis Housing Strategy, aimed at addressing chronic homelessness and expanding affordable housing options.

 

The province says the projects will also create jobs in construction and building maintenance.


Staying Connected During The Winter

Colder weather can make it harder for some seniors to stay connected.

 

Penny Byer with the Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council says people without family or friends nearby can face greater isolation.

 

 

The council offers free drop-ins and chair yoga, along with shared meals and other opportunities to meet people.

 

Anyone nervous about attending alone can call the office for help making that first visit.

 

Hear more from Penny on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.


TRCC Wall of Fame Board Seeking Volunteers

The City of Thompson is looking for 12 volunteers to join the TRCC Wall of Fame Nomination Board.

 

Applicants should have a background in community leadership, coaching, sports associations or volunteering.

 

Experience covering local sports in the media, or recognition through a similar program, is also considered relevant.

 

Applications must be submitted by four p.m. this Friday, by emailing swiseman@thompson.ca or dropping them off at City Hall, 226 Mystery Lake Road.

 

Full qualifications and application requirements are available on the City of Thompson website.


Advance Voting Opens in Thompson

Thompson voters can cast their ballots ahead of the October 28th municipal and school board elections.

 

Advance polls run October 15th through 17th, from eight in the morning until eight at night, in the Multipurpose Room at the TRCC.

 

Voters will elect a mayor, eight city councillors and seven trustees for the School District of Mystery Lake.

 

Anyone voting must bring government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s licence or passport, or at least two other documents proving their identity.

 

Election-day voting will take place October 28th in the TRCC’s Bill Comaskey Wellness Centre.


Volunteers Needed for TRCC Wall of Fame Board

The City of Thompson is looking for 12 volunteers to help recognize local sporting achievements.

 

The TRCC Wall of Fame honours athletes, coaches, sports organizers and builders with photos and descriptions of their contributions.

 

City of Thompson Communications Officer Ian Graham explains the Nomination Board’s role.

 

 

Volunteers will serve a two-year term. People with experience in sports, community leadership, volunteering or sports journalism are encouraged to apply.

 

Applications are due October 23rd and can be emailed to swiseman@thompson.ca or dropped off at City Hall. Full application requirements are available through the city’s website.


Manitoba Expands Children’s Autism Services

Manitoba is putting five million dollars toward expanding children’s autism services through St. Amant.

 

The province says the funding will help reduce waitlists and improve access to early intervention, behavioural supports and case management.

 

Changes to St. Amant’s Early Learning Program will also allow more preschool-aged children to receive support each year.

 

The province is also accepting autism diagnoses from community pediatricians to help families access services sooner.

 

The government says that change is particularly important for children in First Nations communities and rural and northern Manitoba.


RCMP Share Halloween Safety Tips

With Halloween approaching, Thompson RCMP are reminding families to plan ahead before kids head out trick-or-treating.

 

Special Constable Rob Cleveland says parents should know where their kids are going and when to expect them home.
 

 

Cleveland also reminds kids to use crosswalks, avoid distractions while walking, and trick-or-treat on one side of the street at a time.

 

Drivers should slow down and watch closely for children crossing the road.

 

For more Halloween safety reminders from Rob, tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.


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