Free Press Community Review: West

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With Valentine’s Day just passed, correspondent Sonya Braun ponders the meaning of love and writes that we need a call to love.

Musings on the nature of love

Sonya Braun 3 minute read 2:19 PM CST

What is love and what does it look like?

In a time where sharp divisions and outrage are the norm, where communication is detached from the tangible presence of another, where personal rights are the focus and consideration for others is often neglected–this question is crucial.

The Bible contains a famous passage on love, often quoted at weddings. Sometimes when I read it, I feel despair at ever being able to reach its standard. Do I even know how to love? But when I look at how love is defined there, I also like to imagine what a safe place that love would create and I long for it.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, NIV)

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The Diabetic Kitchen host Kevin Beaulieu is pictured during filming. A premiere screening of selected episodes will be held at the Park Theatre (698 Osborne St.) on March 10 at 7 p.m.

Food, family, and community

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

Food, family, and community

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

Karen Tusa’s latest project has a distinctly made-in-Manitoba flavour.

The Windsor Park resident is the producer of The Diabetic Kitchen, a six-episode lifestyle and cooking TV series, which premiered on Bell Fibe TV1 on Jan. 29.

The series, which was filmed last summer, was directed by George Orallo and hosted by Kevin Beaulieu. Lisa Shostal and Keri-Lynn Turney wrote and researched the series.

The Diabetic Kitchen is intended to inspire and empower people living with diabetes — as well as others interested in healthier, balanced meals — by featuring practical recipes without sacrificing flavour. The series also features appearances by registered dietitian Bailey Lakusta, who explains how meals can be balanced to support blood sugar management and overall health.

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Yesterday at 2:01 AM CST

‘It’s loud and it’s dangerous’

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Preview

‘It’s loud and it’s dangerous’

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

In the light of a setting sun, the intersection connecting Ness Avenue and Ferry Road is almost void of pedestrian traffic, safe for Tyler Crichton — head of St. James Community Coffee, the Sturgeon Creek Association, and, most recently, the Less on Ness neighbourhood group.

Crichton is mid-commute and keeping his “head on a swivel” as he surveys oncoming traffic and discarded car debris left after one of three recent car accidents at the same set of traffic lights.

The first occurred on Dec. 23, 2025, which originally garnered attention after it was caught by the security camera at St. James Burger and Chips Co. It was soon followed by two separate incidents in early January. As someone who was raised in St. James and passes through the area on his way to and from his place of work, Crichton has strong feelings about the intersection, and others like it in the city. In early February, the Charleswood resident organized the first of several planned community forums regarding Ness Avenue and some changes that could be made to increase pedestrian safety.

“You’re seeing a pattern in a lot of intersections designed in the same way,” he said. “Everyone I’ve talked to so far, in that community meeting (has brought up) speed. How fast the cars are going. How the road is designed allows people to feel like they can go faster than they should be able to.”

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

A sport for everyone

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Preview

A sport for everyone

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Table tennis is hot right now.

So hot that Marty Supreme, a recent movie about a table tennis player from New York’s Lower East Side, played by Timothée Chalamet, has earned itself nine Academy Award nominations — including best picture, best actor (Chalamet) and a best director nod for Josh Safdie.

So it’s no wonder that the Manitoba Table Tennis Association is putting in the work to make table tennis as accessible as possible to those looking to pick up a paddle and join in on the fun.

While Marty Supreme features its share of healthy movie magic, presenting the sport at its global peak in the 1950s and lacing the match scenes with energetic cuts and cinematography for maximum effect, its depiction of competitive play wasn’t that far off the mark.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Beauty from turmoil

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Preview

Beauty from turmoil

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

She’s baaack.

An art exhibit called Soulful Seasons: Transitions of Change, slated to run from March 6 to April 4 at 210 Gallery will transform the wall space with a series of colourful, abstract landscapes depicting a broad range of different emotions.

The multi-media, semi-abstract art — layered with different inks and paints — will seem familiar to many in the local art community. And it should be, as this will be the first show by artist and curator Jordan Miller since she closed Cre8ery Gallery almost a year ago.

The inspiration behind Soulful Seasons is closely entangled with the personal gravity of that change. Miller had run the space for 23 years, so its end was a significant milestone.

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Métis artist started making tiny clay pins for Orange Shirt Day and has since branched out into maple leaf pins, pink shirt pins, Pride flag pins, red dress pins, mental health symbols, and many others.

Small pins, big impact

Carolyne Christie 2 minute read Preview

Small pins, big impact

Carolyne Christie 2 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

From her home studio in Winnipeg, Métis artist and small business owner Christine Brouzes, creator of Tiny Clay Pins, is showing how something small can carry a powerful message.

Each of her handcrafted polymer clay pins is designed to spark conversation, encourage awareness, and invite people to engage with issues that matter.

“I’m a tiny Indigenous business making tiny clay pins that carry big, important meanings,” Brouzes said. Her collection includes Canadian maple leaf pins, pink shirts to raise awareness of bullying, Pride flags in support of LGBTQS+ communities, red dress pins, mental health symbols, and many other meaningful images. Orange shirt pins — complete with a glow-in-the-dark halo — are just one part of her body of work.

Brouzes originally created custom beaded medallions, but the pandemic slowed interest in larger art pieces. Everything changed after the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential schools.

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The staples of any healthy diet remain steadfast. High-fibre, low-fat and low-salt foods are always beneficial.

March is nutrition month

Lisa Lagassse 3 minute read Preview

March is nutrition month

Lisa Lagassse 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Dietitians of Canada celebrates Nutrition Month in March every year, and this year it has decided to continue with the success of last year’s theme – Nourish to flourish.

There are many healthy resources to check out. In Manitoba, Dial a Dietitian is an option for reputable nutrition guidance, and the Dietitians of Canada and Health Canada websites provide nutritional education resources.

Nutritional guidelines have changed over the years. When I was studying, we used to promote diabetic exchanges of foods for people with diabetes – now we use carbohydrate counting and glycemic index principles. We used to recommend that people with diverticulosis shouldn’t eat food with small seeds, such as tomatoes but that recommendation has long since been dropped.

More recent changes are those to the recommendations for kidney failure patients. Most renal patients were given strict guidelines on how many specific fruits and vegetables and dairy products they could have in a day. New research has revealed that these guidelines could be changed.

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Supplied photos courtesy of Sopilka Ukrainian Dance School

Sopilka Dance gala hailed a success

FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Preview

Sopilka Dance gala hailed a success

FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Sopilka Ukrainian Dance School (4-651 Stafford St.) recently celebrated 55 years in operation with a gala event on Feb. 7 at Canad Inns Polo Park.

“The event was a smashing success. with over 520 people in attendance including VIP guests and alumni from past years,” said Venessa Schreyer, president of the south Winnipeg-based school’s board of directors, who lives in River Park South.

“We heard many comments about how amazing the night was and offered an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate our Ukrainian culture through music and dance.”

Pictured: Sopilka Ukrainian Dance School members during a live gala performance on Feb. 7, and some of the members of the school with Mayor Scott Gillingham.

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Assiniboia MLA Nellie Kennedy (centre, in red) visited the Collège Sturgeon Heights Collegiate leadership class.

Future looks bright at Sturgeon Heights

Nellie Kennedy 3 minute read Preview

Future looks bright at Sturgeon Heights

Nellie Kennedy 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

As we start the second half of the school year, I find myself reflecting on a wonderful afternoon spent with an incredible group of Grade 12 students at Collège Sturgeon Heights Collegiate earlier this month.

These students spent the past several months immersed in a unique student leadership course that spanned September to January. The course was taught by Eric Vincent – a long time teacher and one of the school’s football coaches – and is designed to help students develop both individual and group management skills through a wide range of real life experiences.

I was deeply moved by the thoughtfulness of their questions. The students wanted to understand leadership beyond titles, asking what motivated me to run, what it means to be a woman in this role, how I’ve handled moments of doubt or failure, and which people inspired me most in life. What struck me more than the questions themselves was the sincerity behind them. They weren’t looking for polished answers; they wanted to understand how real people navigate real challenges. Looking at them, I saw a group of young people who weren’t just preparing for leadership but practising it now through curiosity and an eagerness to learn.

For months, these students poured their energy into the life of their school by volunteering outside the classroom to set up events, organize tournaments, support fundraisers, and co-ordinate guest speakers to come to their classes. They took ownership of problem solving and have shown a level of responsibility and teamwork that would impress any adult committee.

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Burrows MLA Diljeet Brar visits constituent Sonny Cortez at his garden.

Seed Project 2026 grows in the heart of Burrows

Diljeet Brar 3 minute read Preview

Seed Project 2026 grows in the heart of Burrows

Diljeet Brar 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

When I first imagined what would become Seed Project 2026, I was thinking about the simple joy that comes from working with the land. Back in 2022, I began asking myself how we could help more people in Burrows reconnect with nature, grow healthy food at home, and feel grounded in their community. That reflection led to an idea that has now taken root across our constituency.

It all started with community gardens. I wanted people to have a place where they could touch the soil and watch something grow. Those first gardens drew people together. I saw families digging side by side, seniors sharing advice, and newcomers planting vegetables they grew back home. The response showed me how much our community valued a deeper connection with the land.

As more residents expressed interest, I knew we could do more. That is when we began distributing free seeds to households and organizations throughout Burrows. We made it simple – email us your name, give us a call, tell us what you want to grow, and we deliver the seeds right to your door. No barriers. No complicated requirements. Just an open invitation to start gardening. Every year, people reach out quickly, and the excitement builds from the moment the first seed packets go out.

This project has taught me a great deal about our community. People want to grow their own food. They want to understand where it comes from. Many were curious about gardening but didn’t know how to begin. With a small gesture – just a packet of seeds – we helped them take that first step. Now I hear from families who grow tomatoes on their balconies, seniors who tend herbs by their windows, and children who run outside every morning to check on their sunflowers.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Making life more affordable today

Terry Duguid 2 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

We are living through a time of profound change. With the United States becoming a less predictable partner, Canada must be clear-eyed and confident about our path forward. That means standing up for our economic independence and strengthening our resilience.

Our government is working hard to diversify trade and build long-term partnerships with reliable partners around the world. By expanding new markets and deepening strategic relationships, we are protecting Canadian jobs and creating new opportunities in energy, agriculture, technology, and advanced manufacturing.

Diversifying trade is not abstract policy. It is about building the economy of today and tomorrow. It means more secure supply chains, more customers for Prairie producers, and more investment flowing into communities like Winnipeg South. It means focusing on what we can control and ensuring that Canada remains strong, sovereign, and prosperous in a rapidly changing world.

At the same time, I know that many families are feeling pressure at the checkout counter. I see it in conversations across Winnipeg South. The cost of living remains a real challenge.

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Soccer player Manon Lambert aims to play at USport level.

Stretching for success

Troy Westwood 3 minute read Preview

Stretching for success

Troy Westwood 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Growing up, 16-year-old Manon Lambert split her time athletically between hip-hop dance and soccer. But now she is pretty much focused on soccer and plays for Bonivital Soccer Club.

“I love soccer. It’s physical. It’s exciting and it’s challenging,” she said. “It demands a lot of time and energy, but the payoff is worth it.

“I play defence, mostly centre back but sometimes fullback. There is nothing like sticking a good tackle or blocking a hard shot,” she added, which must make her coaches happy.

Speaking of coaches, Manon had nothing but good things to say about hers.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

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Many people make decisions on pets based only on looks and size but making sure a pet and guardian will have a harmonious relationship is most important.

Live in peace and harmony with your pet

Jeff McFarlane 4 minute read Preview

Live in peace and harmony with your pet

Jeff McFarlane 4 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

We get a lot of inquiries about pets with anxiety. Most of these concern separation anxiety, but there are some pets with reactive issues and others with trust issues.

The one sure way to quell these issues is medication, but this is not a good idea or a long-term solution.

A lot of these issues come from early life traumas. Many rescue dogs, and most of those that are returned to shelters owing to these issues, come from unknown backgrounds, which may include bad breeding, or issues in the first few months of their lives. Dogs coming from abusive or neglectful homes can end up with many different forms of anxiety.

If they were abused and/or beaten, they can have trust issues and may fear-bite. Pets such as these should never be in a home where that could lead to injury of a child or a compromised adult. In the hands of a patient, trained handler, these issues can sometimes be overcome, and with proper nutrition and supplementation using calming herbs, the pet can even become adoptable. But they can still be triggered, so knowing the history of the pet is very important.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

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Correspondent Debbie Ristimaki writes that, while there are failings in our health-care system, it also works well for many people.

In praise of our health-care system

Debbie Ristimaki 3 minute read Preview

In praise of our health-care system

Debbie Ristimaki 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Nothing in life is perfect. More often than not, there are likely aspects of life we would like to see change and improve – whether by ourselves, our friends and neighbours or our civic leaders. The health-care system immediately comes to mind.

Like many, I have heard countless heart-wrenching stories of how the health-care system has failed those who have placed their trust in it, and I am not about to make any excuses for those failures, real or perceived. But, on the flipside, there are many positives as well – the cost of the care being just one. But there are others.

I need only look at what my extended family and I have experienced for examples.

First and foremost – we have family doctors. It did not take years, and it was not a painful process to find one. From my layperson’s perspective, I believe that was due to the fact Manitoba has a smaller population and we have seen doctors who were trained elsewhere choose to live and practise here.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

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The City of Winnipeg intends to use two rodenticides to kill ground squirrels on some athletic fields.

City plan to poison squirrels must be killed

Tracy Groenewegen 3 minute read Preview

City plan to poison squirrels must be killed

Tracy Groenewegen 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Earlier this month, a Riverview resident shared a cautionary tale with neighbours about her dog having nearly died from what she suspects was secondary poisoning.

In a post on an online community forum, the resident said her dog was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis after consuming rabbit droppings in the back yard. She issued a stern warning – stop poisoning wildlife.

Sadly, this is not uncommon. As pointed out on the City of Winnipeg’s website, pets, non-target wildlife, and even children are at risk of severe poisoning from outdoor rodenticide. Research cited on a U.S. National Park Service webpage that the city links to in its blurb on rodenticides indicates that rodent poisons move up the food chain. Primary poisoning occurs when an animal – whether or not they are the target – ingests poison; secondary and tertiary poisoning occur when predators or scavengers eat poisoned animals, their remains, or their waste.

As of 2022, it is illegal in Winnipeg for ordinary residents to use rodenticides outdoors; this can only be carried out by licensed exterminators or government agencies.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

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Hundreds of students from 17 Winnipeg School Division schools took part in the 105th annual WSD Skate Races on Feb. 18 at Canada Life Centre.

Off to the skate races

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Preview

Off to the skate races

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Blades flashed fast and furious at Canada Life Centre on Feb. 18.

That evening, hundreds of students from 17 elementary schools in Winnipeg School Division took part in the division’s 105th annual skate races, held this year in the downtown NHL rink.

“The goal of this event is to promote physical activity, healthy living, and positive sport behaviours,” said Alyson Gysel, WSD divisional physical and health education support teacher. “Building on what students learn in class, this extra-curricular opportunity allows them to explore skating as a lifelong activity.”

This year, approximately 375 students in Grades 3 to 6 took part.

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February 26, 2026