Manitobans are being invited to share their views on seasonal time changes and whether Manitoba should adopt permanent standard time or permanent daylight time, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced today. “Across Canada, a number of provinces and territories are ending the time change and Manitobans have made it clear they want us to look at doing the same,” said Simard. “From a lower risk of stroke to when the sun rises and sets, there are a number of things to consider, and we want to hear directly from Manitobans.” A recent analysis by Manitoba Health concluded that eliminating the time change would be better for population health than maintaining the status quo. The full report is available at: https://manitoba.ca/asset_library/en/proactive/20252026/time-policy-factsheet.pdf. Consultations are now open. Manitobans can share their feedback at https://engagemb.ca/time-change.

The Manitoba government is inviting Manitobans and visitors to get ready for the start of the 2026 camping season, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced today. “Many Manitobans start their camping season over the May long weekend, and we are excited to welcome visitors back to our provincial park campgrounds,” said Moyes. “I hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend and a safe camping season.” Most provincial park campgrounds are open for the May long weekend, although many parks have limited water services due to colder spring weather, the minister noted. Campers should bring their own drinking water. Provincial park campgrounds in northern Manitoba that were scheduled to open on May 15 are still snow covered, so opening dates are delayed at these campgrounds: Campers Cove and Pioneer Bay campgrounds in Clearwater Provincial Park are rescheduled to open Friday, May 22. Wekusko Falls, Bakers Narrows, Grass River (Gyles, Reed Lake and Iskwasum Landing campgrounds) and Paint Lake provincial parks will be delayed until at least Friday, May 29. North Steeprock Lake Provincial Park (Porcupine Hills) will be delayed until at least Friday, May 22. Affected campers with existing reservations are being notified. At Duck Mountain Provincial Park, campgrounds will be open for the long weekend, but water services will not be available due to overnight temperatures. Pit privies are available in the camping bays. Some campsites will still have snow, but reservation holders can be moved to an alternate site. For updates and information, visit www.manitobaparks.com and follow Manitoba Parks on Facebook and X. This website also contains information on reserving campsites, cabins, yurts and group use sites. Reservations can also be made by calling (toll-free) 1-888-482-2267. Reminders for visitors and campers at Manitoba provincial parks include: check the Manitoba Parks website at www.manitobaparks.com for advisories before travelling; buy and print provincial park vehicle permits online before leaving home at www.manitobaelicensing.ca; check in at campground offices upon arrival to receive camping permits; have reservation confirmation and personal identification ready for check-in; be Wildlife Smart by maintaining a clean campsite, keeping all food, trash, toiletries and cooking utensils locked in a vehicle or trailer, and pack out trash and recyclables before leaving; and keep all pets on leash. For more information on Wildlife Smart, visit https://www.manitoba.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/wildlife/wildlife_human/index.html. Campers and visitors play an important role in preventing wildfires in provincial parks, the minister noted. Here are tips Manitoba Parks visitors can follow to reduce the risk of wildfires: Keep all campfires in approved pits such as those found in campsites and check with the campground office for any campfire restrictions. Never leave a campfire unattended and always fully extinguish fires by drowning ashes and embers with water before leaving. This includes safely disposing of ashes from wood stoves and charcoal briquettes. Do not burn if it is windy, as wind can blow embers and ash. If operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), use only designated trails in provincial parks and regularly check for debris in areas around the engine and exhaust system, disposing of any materials safely. Prevent sparks by checking and maintaining all equipment, including vehicle tires, trailers and off-road vehicles, and any other equipment traveling along roadways. Also check safety chains on trailers and make sure they are well off the ground before driving. Be prepared to safely extinguish small fires by carrying a fire extinguisher, axe and shovel when travelling in the backcountry. For more information, visit www.firesmartcanada.ca. The Manitoba government is reminding campers that transporting firewood outside the city of Winnipeg is prohibited due to the presence of emerald ash borer and can result in charges and fines, the minister noted, adding that firewood is available for purchase from local retailers at most campgrounds. The Manitoba government is also reminding watercraft users and beachgoers to be vigilant against aquatic invasive species. Always clean, drain, dry and, if necessary, decontaminate watercraft and water-related equipment, the minister noted. Information on aquatic invasive species and watercraft inspection station locations is available at www.manitoba.ca/stopais.  

 Westman Communications Group (WCG) is proud to announce that Board  Treasurer, Tamra Rapsky, was awarded the Assiniboine Credit Union Community Impact  (Individual) Award. The recognition was presented on May 7 at the 143rd Annual Chamber  Business Achievement Awards Gala.  The Assiniboine Credit Union Community Impact Award recognizes individuals and businesses  that demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to the enhancement of the  community. For almost a year, Rapsky has been with WCG and serves as its Treasurer on the Board of Directors. Rapsky holds an MBA from Laurentian University, serves as a mentor to  many, and invests her time in board work, committees, and philanthropy.  “We are incredibly proud to have a leader like Tamra on our Board,” said WCG President & CEO,  Bud Keys. “This award is a testament to her deep-rooted contributions to our region. Having  her serve as our Treasurer is invaluable to WCG; her dedication ensures that our efforts remain  focused on the ultimate good of the communities and members we serve.”  The awards Gala celebrated the impact of individuals and businesses in the community, and  Rapsky, WCG Board of Directors’ Treasurer, was a part of that. Rapsky’s recognition highlights  the calibre of leadership at WCG and the shared values of community investment. For more  information on WCG’s Board of Directors, please visit our website: Board of Directors |  Westman 

L to R: Debbie Strelczik (Loans Officer, Sunrise Credit Union) presenting Our MB winner, Donna Lach with a canvas of her winning picture. Sunrise Credit Union has just wrapped up the 2026 edition of the Our Manitoba Photo Contest, with  Donna Lach being crowned the winner.  A panel of Sunrise staff selected 30 finalists from approximately 650 entries – the highest number to date.  In April, Sunrise hosted a week-long public vote on the finalists through the ourmanitoba.org website,  with Lach’s photo Inukshuk at the Shore receiving the majority of votes and claiming the top spot.  After learning about the inukshuk and how it can be a symbol of guidance, community, and survival, Lach  became intrigued by it. “When I went to Churchill for the first time, to take photos of the aurora with a  group of people in 2022, I saw this icon standing on the shore of Hudson Bay. It was "showing the way". I  was thrilled for the opportunity to capture this incredible icon on Treaty 5 land in Churchill, with the  aurora behind it,” said Lach. Winning the 2026 edition of the Our Manitoba Photo Contest has been amazing, Lach says, “I am so very  honoured to have my photo selected by the people of Manitoba. I really am flabbergasted. Thank you for  this opportunity!”  A passionate photographer for over 50 years, Lach always has had at least one camera. “Manitoba is such  a beautiful province, I think mostly I love to capture the scenes, the flora and fauna, and candid shots (of  people) that will tell a story,” Lach shared.   For years, Lach has been capturing the aurora borealis, and since 2019, she has contributed to  Aurorasaurus, a NASA-sponsored citizen-science project, as well as Skywarden in Finland. These  platforms let enthusiasts and researchers track, document, and study auroras in real time. “It’s all  volunteer work,” Lach explains, “but I’ve been invited to take part in projects that study the aurora. I have  sold a few prints because people ask, but my main focus is sharing my photos with others online."  All 12 finalists will receive a canvas print of the winning photograph, be featured in the 2026 Sunrise  Credit Union calendar, and have their work showcased on Sunrise Credit Union’s branch TVs and social  media channels. In addition, Lach claimed the Grand Prize: a $500 One-Year Term Deposit from Sunrise  Credit Union.  The 2026 contest marked the 14th edition of the Our Manitoba Photo Contest. Lach was announced as the  grand prize winner on Monday, May 12 - coinciding with Manitoba Day. Experiencing Manitoba through  the eyes of our talented participants continues to inspire and delight everyone at Sunrise Credit Union.  

A new sweet spot is coming to Brandon as Dale's Candy Co. prepares to open a retail location inside the  Shoppers Mall. The candy retailer, known for its wide selection of treats, chocolates, gummies, novelty candies, and snacks, recently appeared on the mall’s online directory as “Coming Soon.” The business currently operates a storefront at Winnipeg’s Outlet Collection mall, The addition of Dale’s Candy Co. will bring another specialty retailer to Brandon’s largest shopping centre, which features more than 80 stores and services. While an official opening date has not yet been announced, the upcoming shop is expected to appeal to candy lovers of all ages looking for unique sweets and hard-to-find treats in the city.