-Manitoba hydro rates are going up 4 per cent starting tomorrow. Manitoba hydro expected to bring in $218 million dollars by the end of March 2026, but now expects to lose $409 million dollars. The Public Utilities board said Tuesday that “Water inflows into Manitoba Hydro’s watershed are near the 2nd lowest level in 112 years.” They also said “the increase is necessary to protect the financial health of Manitoba Hydro in light of the current drought.”
———-
-The Town of Virden has extended its drinking water advisory on December 19th after test results confirmed high arsenic levels. A precautionary advisory was issued October 17th. The water was found to have approximately 0.25 milligrams of arsenic per litre of water The Canadian drinking water safety guideline’s limit is 0.10mg. Residents can still used town water for general use, but bottled water is recommended for drinking and food preparation.
———-
-More than 300 Pimicikamak Cree Nation residents are evacuating the area, as a downed powerline has caused outages since Sunday night. The snapped powerline across the Nelson River was discovered by helicopter, 10km north of the First Nation. Manitoba Hydro originally said power would be back today, but now say it won’t be restored until 6pm on New Year’s Day, due to difficult terrain, and the remote location.
———-
-Wally Daudrich wants to build an oil refinery south of Brandon, if he is elected the next Turtle Mountain MLA. His goal is to increase oil and gas production, and use natural resources only from Manitoba. Daudrich says oil and natural gas is here, and just needs the infrastructure. The next election is set for October 2027.
———-
-The Ukrainian Musicians Association is bringing back a traditional celebration in Brandon for the new year. UMA hopes to raise $120,000 for an expansion of its Hall of Fame, to preserve Ukrainian-Canadian music legacy. The New Year’s Eve Zabava, or Ukrainian party, is being held tonight in the Grand Salon at the Victoria Inn, with a focus on food, music, and celebrating the culture.
