Free Press Community Review: East

Free Press Community Review: East

Photo by Janine LeGal On June 22, nine Villa Rosa residents celebrated earning their high school diploma’s at the nearby Misericordia Terrace.

Villa Rose graduates celebrate milestone

Janine LeGal SPECIAL TO CANSTAR 4 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Graduation time is an occasion that marks the completion of a goal, signals a new beginning, and provides a reason to celebrate that’s charged with emotions.

For Villa Rosa graduates, the significance of earning a high school diploma is especially profound.

A sanctuary of hope and support for mothers, babies, and their families during and after pregnancy, Villa Rosa offers a safe and comfortable home environment.

Despite such challenges, Villa Rosa School had nine graduates this year, the highest number in recent memory.

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Free Press Community Review: East

Sports news in brief — week of July 1, 2026

FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Maples Collegiate coach named coach of the year

The Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association recently announced its annual coaching awards.

Scott Kirkpatrick of Maples Collegiate won the male high school coach of the year award, which comes with a $1,000 cash prize.

A high school basketball coach for over 30 years, Kirkpatrick started his teaching career at John Taylor Collegiate, where he coached the junior varsity team from 1994 to 2000, and the varsity boys’ team in 1998-99. He then moved to Oak Park Collegiate, where he coached the JV boys from 2000 to 2010, while also assistant coaching the varsity squad. After moving to Maples Collegiate in 2010, he has coached both JV and varsity boys’ teams.

Community Correspondents

Supplied photo The St. Vital Museum (600 St. Mary’s Rd.) will hold its annual barbecue on Saturday, July 25 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Pictured are museum volunteers at last year’s barbecue.

Music and singing this summer

John Hindle 3 minute read Preview

Music and singing this summer

John Hindle 3 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Not everyone sings in a choir, but most of us, from time to time, belt out a few tunes in the shower, the car, or some other place where we feel safe and comfortable.

I know of a place where you can sing for fun in a relaxed and positive environment. The event is called Earthsong and is held from July 13 to 17 at the United Church in Meadowood on Dakota. Registration ($350 for the week) is open until the day before the event.

I know Jeremy Vallance who co-ordinates and directs the camp. He is fun, energetic, and no doubt makes this week very enjoyable for all the attendees. I asked Jeremy why he runs this program.

“Earthsong makes music accessible to anyone who wants to sing, regardless of their background and beliefs,” he said. “Whether you’ve never sung before or are an experienced singer, this week-long day camp brings adults together in a safe, supportive community where everyone can feel confident to express themselves joyfully, together. There’s nothing like singing to unite people, to give us a daily mental uplift bringing us laughter, a sense of inclusion and child-like fun.”

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Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Free Press Community Review: East

Supplied photo Two students are pictured at École Howden on June 19, when a working group planted 15 trees at the Windsor Park-based school and held a small tree planting ceremony.

It’s good to be green

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

It’s good to be green

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Members of École Howden’s community hope their collective efforts take root to benefit generations to come.

Folks at the Windsor Park-based school, which is located at 150 Howden Rd., have been busy working on improving the schoolyard by adding trees and a pollinator garden with native plants.

The project — aided by a Manitoba Hydro Forest Enhancement Program grant and the hands-on support of Above and Below Tree Care — is intended to create learning opportunities, biodiversity, shade, and as well as enhance the space’s climate resilience, said Miriam Rudolph, chair of the school’s parent advisory council’s playground renewal committee, and a key organizer of the initiative.

On June 19, a working group planted 15 trees at the school and held a small tree planting ceremony with a kindergarten and Grade 2/3 class, whose roles included helping with the planting and watering tasks. The staff involved with the planting process were kindergarten teacher Kim Eisner, Grade 2/3 teacher Alex Subhan, and teacher-librarian Kathleen Witkovicz. Kindergarten and Grade 2/3 classes at Howden have trees as part of their curriculum.

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Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Free Press Community Review: East

East edition news in brief — week of July 1, 2026

FP Community Review 1 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Get on the move to support stroke recovery on July 12

The Stroke Recovery Association of Manitoba is inviting folks to take part in its upcoming Wheel & Walk for Stroke Recovery.

According to the St. Boniface-based organization’s website, the event will take place on Sunday, July 12 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 247-B Provencher Blvd (across from Provencher Park).

For more information, or to register, visit strokerecovery.ca or call 204-942-2880.

Community Correspondents

Supplied photo Rossmere MLA Tracy Schmidt’s booth at Scout: Coffee + Community’s Mini Maker Market on June 14.

Summer fun is just getting started in Rossmere

Tracy Schmidt 2 minute read Preview

Summer fun is just getting started in Rossmere

Tracy Schmidt 2 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

At last, summer is here, and it arrived with a burst of creativity and community spirit!

We kicked things off with something truly special. On June 14, one of our favourite Rossmere gathering places, Scout: Coffee + Community, hosted its Mini Maker Market, filling the parking lot with colour, excitement, and the unmistakable buzz of young entrepreneurs bringing their ideas to life.

The Mini Maker Market is more than an event, it’s an experience that empowers children and youth to imagine, design, and launch their very own small businesses. From handmade crafts to inventive treats and creative services, these young makers dream big and work hard, learning what it means to take an idea from concept to customer. Along the way, they gain hands‑on skills in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, communication, and leadership, lessons that will stay with them long after the tents come down.

What makes the day so inspiring is the heart behind every booth. You can see the pride in their displays, the confidence growing with each customer interaction, and the joy of realizing that their creativity has real value. It’s a reminder of how capable, imaginative, and resilient our young people truly are.

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Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Free Press Community Review: East

File photo Plans for 565 Watt St., a 241 unit affordable apartment building, were approved by the East Kildonan-Transcona community committee on June 22.

Plans approved for affordable housing

Maryrose Villena STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Preview

Plans approved for affordable housing

Maryrose Villena STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

The East Kildonan-Transcona community committee met on June 22 to weigh in on a range of plans and community concerns.

Plans for two affordable housing developments were approved. The first, at 99 Transcona Blvd., is a 25-unit affordable housing project for veterans, and 565 Watt St., a 241 unit affordable apartment building, though the committee asked the lighting to be considered for the Watt Street development and that it be designed to complement a neighbouring development at 545 Watt St.

A public hearing was held for a variance application for 565 Watt St. to allow for smaller front and side yards for the new development, along with 145 parking spaces, and 12 accessory guest parking spaces nearby. The application was approved. Nobody registered in opposition to the application.

“I think this housing is going to be a big asset to the community and I’m looking forward to seeing it take shape,” Coun. Emma Durand-Wood (Elmwood-East Kildonan) said in support.

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Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Free Press Community Review: East

Supplied photo Lindsay is an Ojibwe and Cree creative, born and raised in Winnipeg, and a member of Maskwacis Louis Bull Cree Nation.

‘Indigenous people always have a story to tell’

Maryrose Villena STAFF REPORTER 2 minute read Preview

‘Indigenous people always have a story to tell’

Maryrose Villena STAFF REPORTER 2 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

For Indigenous artists and multimedia creators in Winnipeg, breaking into the industry can feel like a long road — but a 14-week CBC program is trying to shorten it.

The CBC New Indigenous Voices program, presented by the National Screen Institute, is a full-time, 14-week training program for 10 Indigenous creators designed to teach the essentials of filmmaking.

Cyrus Maytwayashing, 18, is one of five Winnipeg-based participants in this year’s cohort. An Anishinaabe filmmaker and writer, he has been writing stories since his early teens and picked up filmmaking about three years ago.

“Indigenous people always have a story to tell,” said Maytwayashing, who currently calls Fort Richmond home.

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Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Columns

Supplied photo Jaxson Gemon, 10, loves to play football.

Young Falcons player passionate about football

Troy Westwood 2 minute read Preview

Young Falcons player passionate about football

Troy Westwood 2 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Jaxson Gemon is a 10-year-old Grade 5 student who attends Dawson Trail School.

“School is going really well,” Jaxson said. “My favourite class is gym. I like gym because I can play a lot of games and stay active at the same time.”

Jaxson really likes sports. He is mostly focused on football, though.

“I enjoy football because my team is like a second family to me,” he said. “I enjoy being a part of the team. I also like to tackle because I am really good at it. I play defensive middle linebacker and D-line. I like my position because I am big and strong and good at pushing and tackling.”

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Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Free Press Community Review: East

Supplied photo

WPC’s Class of ’76 reunite for 50th reunion

FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Preview

WPC’s Class of ’76 reunite for 50th reunion

FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Members of Windsor Park Collegiate’s graduating class of 1976 got together recently, rekindling many fond memories for all involved.

The contingent gathered at the school and had a tour of the hallways, rekindling many fond memories for everyone involved on June 12.

As well, organizers say, a few people went to old grounds of the former Windsorian Hotel, now called Tavern United, to watch a FIFA World Cup soccer game. There were also trips to the Norwood Hotel and St. Norbert Hotel.

Some attendees travelled in from all across North America, stretching from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, and Minnesota to Florida.

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Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Free Press Community Review: East

Photo by Rylee Gerrard Transcona Collegiate Grade 10 students Kaylynn Seavers (left) and Maddison Lacey (right) beside the medicine garden they proposed and led into creation with help from geography instructor Brandi Haider.

A lively class legacy

Rylee Gerrard STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Preview

A lively class legacy

Rylee Gerrard STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Outside the front doors of Transcona Collegiate lays a crescent-shaped corrugated steel bin filled with what looks like just plain dirt with a few blueberries resting on top. But much like the Grade 10 geography class who made the bin, there’s more buried beneath the surface.

The steel bin is one of two gardens planned, built, and delivered to the community by the Grade 10s, spearheaded by Kaylynn Seavers and Maddison Lacey, under the supervision of instructor Brandi Haider.

“It felt important for our school to have,” Seavers said. “It’s something to display and last a while.”

“It marks the legacy,” Lacey said. “I’ve noticed (while building) a community has grown around the garden. It’s nice to have a community in class.”

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Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Columns

File photo United Weston captain Art King accepts the Connaught Cup in 1924 (July 28, 1924, Winnipeg Tribune).

Soccer fever gripped Winnipeg a century ago

Christian Cassidy 3 minute read Preview

Soccer fever gripped Winnipeg a century ago

Christian Cassidy 3 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Many Winnipeggers have soccer fever as they watch Canada play at the World Cup. Local soccer fans experienced a similar euphoria a century ago thanks to the exploits of the United Weston Football Club, a team which still exists today.

United Weston was created in March 1909 with the merger of the United Football Club and Weston Football Club. Both teams had their roots in the Weston neighbourhood of Winnipeg, adjacent to the CPR’s massive Weston Shops, where thousands of Irish, Scottish, and English immigrants settled.

The merged club entered the Winnipeg and District Soccer League and became perennial favourites to make it deep into the playoffs each year.

United Weston won the league and provincial titles in 1924, then fought its way to the final of the Connaught Cup, the Canadian championship for amateur soccer. What was especially exciting was that the series would be played at Carruthers Field in Winnipeg’s North End that year.

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Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Free Press Community Review: East

Supplied photo Emmanuel Lomuro will be one of the comics on the Winnipeg Comedy Showcase on Friday, June 26.

Comedy Showcase returns to Park Theatre

Maryrose Villena STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

Comedy Showcase returns to Park Theatre

Maryrose Villena STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

The Winnipeg Comedy Showcase marks its 43rd show this Friday, June 26 at the Park Theatre.

Twelve years and 43 shows in, one might wonder how comedians keep their material fresh for the crowd.

Emmanuel Lomuro, one of the show’s comics, said he was told a tip before on keeping his jokes original.

“If you tell jokes about yourself, then nobody can replicate them,” said Lomuro as he laughed over the phone.

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Free Press Community Review: East

Supplied photo The Sisler High School junior varsity girls took home the division banner at the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association’s provincial track and field meet held earlier this month. Pictured, from left: Emma Castillo, Amira Cantiveros, Janine Licup, Daveen Fornoles, and Jessica Pagtalunan.

Track and field provincials held

FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Preview

Track and field provincials held

FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

The Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association’s provincial track and field meet was held the weekend of June 12 to 14 at the University of Manitoba Stadium.

Division banners were won by St. Paul’s High School (varsity, junior varsity boys), St. Mary’s Academy (varsity girls), and Sisler High School (junior varsity girls). The AAAA aggregate banner was taken home by Sisler High School.

Garden City Collegiate sprinters took home both the silver and gold medals in the unified 4x100-metre relay, setting a new record with the gold of 53.56 seconds. Dakota Collegiate won gold for the 4x100M varsity boys relay with a time of 43.82 seconds, while St. Mary’s Academy won the varsity girls relay with a 51.41 second time. Garden City won the junior boys varsity relay with a time of 45.69 seconds, while Sisler High School won the girls junior varsity relay, finishing in 52.04 seconds.

Garden City’s Alex Logan set a new record for boys para discus, throwing 19.63 metres. Meanwhile, Kaylee Robbins of Collège Jeanne-Sauvé set a new junior varsity girls record in the qualifying round, throwing 36.11M. For the final, Robbins threw 35.34 to earn the gold medal. Robbins also set a JV girls record for shotput, throwing 13.67M to earn the gold medal. Timi Inumoh of Pembina Trails set a new record for varsity boys 100M hurdles, with a time of 13.19 seconds.

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Free Press Community Review: East

Photo by Tony Zerucha (From left) Together, Al Kinley, Ed Kuly and Guy Yerama have more than a century’s worth of contributions to baseball in Manitoba. They were rewarded for these contributions with recent inductions into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame.

Local legends inducted into baseball hall of fame

Tony Zerucha SPECIAL TO CANSTAR 4 minute read Preview

Local legends inducted into baseball hall of fame

Tony Zerucha SPECIAL TO CANSTAR 4 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

The induction speeches at the recent Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony were poignant reflections on family and community.

Elmwood baseball legend Al Kinley received his honorary life membership in recognition of decades of contributions as a player, coach, historian and administrator.

“Al believes that community involvement is as important as success on the ballfield,” chairman Dan Giesbrecht said. “His knowledge of baseball history is vast and unmatched.”

Kinley introduced fellow Giant Ed Kulyk as a coach and builder, calling him “one of my boys.”

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Free Press Community Review: East

Provincial bowls champions crowned, open houses to be held

FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Bowls Manitoba crowned the 2026 provincial men’s pairs champions on June 14 at the Norwood Lawn Bowling Club (1202 Dakota St.). Skip Jerome Kirby of Winnipeg and lead Leo Dusablon of Lac Du Bonnet were undefeated in five rounds of play. The pair now advances to the national championships in North Vancouver, B.C., from Aug. 16 to 20, while each are also eligible to compete in the provincial men’s singles championship, which is to be held June 26 to 28 at Norwood Lawn Bowling Club.

Shirley Fitzpatrick-Wong was declared the women’s provincial singles champion, advancing to the national singles championships in North Vancouver, B.C., from Aug. 21 to 25 following the pairs and fours competitions. Her sole loss in the competition was to veteran competitor Clarice Fitzpatrick, who happens to be her mother. At press time, the mother-daughter duo were to defend their provincial women’s pairs June 19 to 21 at the Manitoba Bowls Centre (1212 Dakota St.), though were results were not available.

The public is welcome to watch the action at 1212 Dakota St. as the leading men’s and women’s players compete weekly, in singles on Tuesday evenings and in fours on Thursday evenings.

Bowls Manitoba will also be hosting two open houses on consecutive Saturdays for youth aged 12 and older and families this summer.

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