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Photo by John Kendle
MHSAA AAAA boys’ all-stars were (from left): Joaquin Ong (St. Paul’s); Kobe Alejo (Churchill); Veer Brar (Maples, tournament MVP); Andrey Yamborko (Maples); Brady Penner (Dakota, also named the players’ choice award winner) and Daniel Rom (Dakota).

Maples makes basketball history

FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

The Maples Marauders won the Manitoba high school AAAA boys’ basketball championship for the first time on March 23, with a thrilling, 115-106 overtime victory over the Dakota Lancers in the final, played in front of a raucous crowd at the University of Manitoba’s IG Athletic Centre.

Up nine points with the final seconds winding down, the Marauders were swarmed on-court by classmates and fans who couldn’t contain their enthusiasm.

Grade 10 guard Veer Brar led the way for the Maples squad, contributing 36 points as the teams traded leads and scoring runs in a see-saw contest. The Lancers led 54-48 at half-time, the teams were tied at 74 at the end of the third quarter and knotted at 101 at the end of regulation time. In OT, Maples held Dakota to just five points and two shot-clock violations while scoring 14 points.

Brar was named most valuable player of the Manitoba High Schools’ Athletic Association AAAA boys tournament, Dakota’s Brady Penner won the players’ choice award and the tournament all-star team was comprised of Penner and Daniel Rom from Dakota, Andrey Yamborko from Maples, Kobe Alejo of the Churchill Bulldogs and Joaquin Ong of the St. Paul’s Crusaders.

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Lancers girls go four for five

– FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Preview

Lancers girls go four for five

– FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

The powerhouse Dakota Lancers basketball team avenged its loss in last year’s final AAAA varsity girls’ provincial final by defeating the Vincent Massey Trojans 78-73 on March 23 at the University of Manitoba’s IG Athletic Centre.

Coached by Eric Sung, the Lancers earned their fourth provincial banner in the past five seasons, led by ball-handling Grade 10 guard Quinn Kelly, who scored 25 points, and by star forward Emilie McLean, who scored 19 points and added 23 rebounds.

Uloma Isinguzo scored 18 points for the Trojans, whose balanced attack featured 16 points from Emma Yard and 14 from Ese Imiefo. Massey led 23-19 after the first quarter, but Dakota rebounded to lead 44-40 at the half and 62-58 at the end of the third quarter.

Dakota’s McLean was named the tournament’s most valuable player, while Emma Elliott of Collège Jeanne-Sauvé Olympiens won the players’ choice award.

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Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Photo by John Kendle
The Dakota Lancers AAAA varsity girls’ basketball team celebrates its 78-73 victory over the Vincent Massey Trojans at the final buzzer of the final game on March 23.

Titans bring championship banner to Shaftesbury

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Preview

Titans bring championship banner to Shaftesbury

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

The Shaftesbury Titans finished atop the Manitoba Women’s High School Hockey League’s Division 2, winning the championship banner with a 2-1 victory over the Dakota Lancers on March 18 at the Hockey for All Centre in Headingley.

“It felt amazing,” said captain Megan Humniski. “It couldn’t have gone any better than that. We were all really happy.”

“When playoffs started, they had a goal in mind, and they took it game by game,” said fifth-year coach Tom Miko. “They’re quality people first, and that’s what made the difference. They never got too high or too low. It was fun and at the end of the day they had to go home and do their homework. I’m very proud of the group as a whole.”

Humniski, a Grade 12 centre who has played for the Titans the past three seasons, scored nine goals and seven assists through 21 regular season games. In the playoffs, she scored eight goals and added five assists in nine games, leading the team by example.

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Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Supplied photo
The Shaftesbury Titans girls hockey team won the Manitoba Women’s High School Hockey League’s Division 2 championship this year. It is the team’s second championship in the past three seasons.

Glenlawn Lions girls’ win hockey title

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

Glenlawn Lions girls’ win hockey title

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

The third time was a charm for the Glenlawn Lions girls’ hockey team.

The St. Vital-based team emphatically beat the Vincent Massey Trojans in two straight games to win the Manitoba Women’s High School Hockey League’s Division1/2 East title.

The Lions beat the Trojans 6-2 at Century Arena on March 17, followed by a 5-1 victory at St. Arena on March 19.

Significantly, the championship win came on the heels of heartbreaking, back-to-back playoff final series losses in 2024 and 2025, to Shaftesbury Titans and CJS Olympiens, respectively.

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Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Supplied photo
The Glenlawn Lions girls’ hockey team won the Manitoba Women’s High School Hockey League’s Division1/2 East title recently. Pictured are (back row, from left): Brad Nechwediuk (co-head coach), Emily Deck (assistant coach), Violet Curtis, Cavell Woroniak, Daisy Aseltine, Ariel Benci,
Ava Price, Adriana Conrad, Lara Stubbs, Ashley Antunes, Trinity Benci, Anya Perchaluk, Dean Rigaux (co-head coach) and Courtney Cyrenne. (Front row, from left): Neve Halpenny, Delainey Rigaux, Heather Williams, Vayda Rigaux, Kaitlynn Gluck and Jessie Decraene.

Autism Strategy Act moves forward

Cindy Lamoureux 3 minute read Preview

Autism Strategy Act moves forward

Cindy Lamoureux 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

On March 19, the legislative assembly held a recorded vote to determine if my private member’s bill, Bill 232 – The Autism Strategy Act, should pass second reading. I am happy to report that, after quite a bit of back and forth with the government, all MLAs supported seeing it through to committee.

The bill itself is a long-term, co-ordinated strategy to provide ongoing support and services, including timely access to screening and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder; supports and services for autistic children and early learning and child-care facilities, as well as at all levels of their education; supports and services for autistic adults, including those related to employment and housing; supports and services for families and caregivers of autistic people; research on ASD; and comprehensive data collection and statistical analysis respecting autistic people.

After the bill’s second reading, on March 17, a few government members voted against moving the Autism Strategy Act onto the committee phase. Fortunately, I had the support of enough members to call for a recorded vote.

It was incredible to witness how, over 48 hours, a community petition garnered over 2,000 signatures and MLAs of all stripes shared that they had heard from their constituents about the bill. Hundreds of posts in support of the legislation were shared on social media.

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Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Supplied photo
Tyndall Park MLA Cindy Lamoureux (centre left, in blue cardigan) supporters and fellow MLAs were pleased to see the Autism Strategy Act pass second reading on March 19.

City news in brief — week of April 1, 2026

FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Winnipeg

Rainbow Stage to hold dog auditions

On Thursday, April 16, Rainbow Stage is holding auditions for dogs to perform in this summer’s production of Legally Blonde: The Musical.

The auditions will take place at Rainbow Stage’s offices at 3-100 Arthur St. Each dog will have their own audition. Handlers are encouraged to “bring treats, leashes, and anything that helps their dog shine,” according to a recent release.

Honouring volunteers

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 5 minute read Preview

Honouring volunteers

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 5 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Community centre volunteers put in long hours with little recognition, especially those who sit on the board of their local centre — but it doesn’t have to be that way.

That’s the idea behind an initiative to mount a plaque honouring all of Lord Roberts Community Centre’s past-presidents, launched earlier this year by John Graham and Ian Clark.

“The vision is to have a list of all the past presidents, as well as more pictured and information on the history of the club,” Graham said of the project. “You can’t mention every volunteer, but why not some of those who played a big role?”

Both Graham and Clark grew up in the South Osborne neighbourhood of Lord Roberts, and eventually sat on the board of directors — though never as president — of the community centre, which is located at 725 Kylemore Ave.

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Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Photo by Sheldon Birnie
Doug Loudon (left) and Noel Johnson are both past-presidents of Lord Roberts Community Centre (725 Kylemore Ave). Currently, a group of volunteers is collecting information of all those volunteers who held the post since the club was founded in 1934.

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Ukrainian emergency visa holders hope for residency

Tony Zerucha Special to FP Community Review 3 minute read Preview

Ukrainian emergency visa holders hope for residency

Tony Zerucha Special to FP Community Review 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

There are many encouraging signs for Ukrainian newcomers to Canada seeking stability as the Russian invasion of Ukraine extends into its fifth year.

Ivan Kutsak, a professional development associate of the Manitoba provincial council of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), has learned the federal government has taken steps to extend the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) and is considering a dedicated path to permanent residency.

CUAET visas allowed Ukrainians and their family members free, extended temporary status in Canada, enabling them to work, study and stay in this country until it is safe for them to return home. The initial length of these work and study permits was three years. As the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion passed in February, the nearly 300,000 Ukrainians newcomers in Canada became anxious about their status. Then word came that they could apply for extensions until the end of March.

Kutsak said recent conversations with federal officials left him hopeful that blanket extensions would be granted. That will help bring certainty to thousands of Ukrainians who’ve known anything but for many years.

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Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Photo by Tony Zerucha
Ivan Kutsak, pictured at the offices of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, holds out hope that a dedicated pathway to permanent residency will be created for Ukrainian newcomers whose arrival was prompted by the Russian invasion of February 2022.

Trees Winnipeg gears up for planting season

Christian Cassidy 3 minute read Preview

Trees Winnipeg gears up for planting season

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

When I’m not researching local history, I am busy at my day job as the executive director of Trees Winnipeg.

Trees Winnipeg was created in 1992 as the Coalition to Save the Elms, a non-profit charitable organization focused on protecting the city’s troubled elm population. The name and mandate changed in the early 2000s to help promote, preserve and replenish our entire urban forest.

The planning is well underway for our 2026 programming, despite the snow on the ground.

Our longest-running program is our annual Arbor Day celebration, held every spring in a city park. This year, our 25th anniversary event will take place in Bruce Park on June 6, and will feature a community tree planting.

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Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Supplied photo by Trees Winnipeg
Christian Cassidy is the executive director of Trees Winnipeg.

Turn the buzz into action this spring

Better Business Bureau 3 minute read Preview

Turn the buzz into action this spring

Better Business Bureau 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

A buzz is in the air. With winter’s cold grasp slowly loosening its grip, our brains and conversations are filling with ideas and plans for warmer weather. Manitoba summers are always busy, as we try to make the most of the sunshine and green grass, and springtime is the perfect time to prepare for it.

With the last of the snow falling off our eavestroughs, perennials poking their heads through the dirt in our gardens and the hum of our furnaces slowly fading out, we’re reminded there’s a lot to do to prepare for summer. We should probably check our roofs for winter damage. We may have elaborate plans to reseed the garden. And it’s time to peel off the air-conditioner cover and ensure our systems are optimized.

It’s also the perfect time to revisit all the home observations you had throughout the winter. Did you find your energy bill was too high and think about triple-paned windows? Did you notice a door sticking that previously worked fine? Did you put off projects owing to the cold that you might want to revisit before summer’s schedule fills up?

If so, there’s a great opportunity for Manitobans to see just how they can address any issues or improvements they’d like to make in or around their homes. The Home and Garden Show is coming to the RBC Convention Centre from April 9 to12. Tickets start at $7.50 for half-day admissions and children 12 and under get in free.

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Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Free Press file photo
The Winnipeg Home and Garden Show is on April 9 to 12 at RBC Convention Centre.

Strengthening food security in Notre Dame

Malaya Marcelino 3 minute read Preview

Strengthening food security in Notre Dame

Malaya Marcelino 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

As your MLA for Notre Dame, one of the most important conversations I have with families is about affordability and making sure everyone has access to healthy, reliable food. Food insecurity is a real challenge in our community, but what continues to inspire me is how people are coming together with compassion and determination to support one another.

Across Notre Dame, we are fortunate to have local partners stepping up in meaningful ways. Community-minded businesses are making a real impact. Every Monday, Seafood City donates 50 kilograms of produce, which is distributed to our child-care centres, local community kitchens and more. On Tuesdays, Harris Meats contributes 50 packages of ground beef to support those same efforts. These consistent contributions help ensure families have access to nutritious food close to home.

These efforts are strengthened by the generosity of the Schroeder Foundation. Through a yearly $25,000 donation, we can purchase milk that is delivered every week to 24 child-care centres in our community. Their commitment to supporting families, alongside their work with the Winnipeg School Division providing food subsidies, education supports, and bursaries, continues to make a meaningful difference here in Manitoba.

None of this work would be possible without the dedicated volunteers in Notre Dame who give their time each week to organize, deliver, and support these initiatives. Their commitment ensures that help reaches families who need it most.

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Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Supplied photo
Notre Dame volunteers preparing food donations for the community.

Dress for Success Winnipeg empowers women

Helen Lepp Friesen 3 minute read Preview

Dress for Success Winnipeg empowers women

Helen Lepp Friesen 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Twice a year, Dress for Success Winnipeg transforms donated clothing into opportunity. At the heart of the initiative is program manager Eston Ferraton, who ensures “all moving parts of Dress for Success move properly.”

The semi-annual sale is one of the organization’s few fundraisers, offering a wide range of clothing for just $5 per item, with a special deal – buy four, get one free.

“We have a lot of lovely, lovely things this year,” Ferraton said, talking about Dress for Success Winnipeg’s upcoming sale. “It’s a mixture of professional attire, casual wear, summer dresses, jeans – things you might wear to work or while running errands.”

Dress for Success Winnipeg began in 1997 as The Clothes Closet, providing women with clothing for work and court appearances. In 2019, the program joined the global Dress for Success network, which boasts 130 network members worldwide, including 13 in Canada. Winnipeg is the only one in Manitoba.

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Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Supplied photo by Anna Kozhukalo
Dress for Success Winnipeg’s annual spring sale is April 24.

Living an illuminated life

Heather Emberley 3 minute read Preview

Living an illuminated life

Heather Emberley 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

April is Volunteer Month, but for volunteer Julie Vogelsang every month is Fibromuscular Dysplasia Awareness Month. April just happens to be the month when Julie gears up for the national campaign throughout May to inform and support those who have FMD, as it is commonly known.

FMD is a rare disorder that causes abnormal cell growth in the walls of your arteries (the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body). Instead of being smooth and flexible, the arteries become stiff, thickened, or develop weak spots.

Many people don’t even know they have FMD if they have not had a CT scan or MRI, because their presenting health issues are usually migraines, high blood pressure, neck pain, dizziness, vertigo, shortness of breath, kidney problems or fatigue. FMD can happen at any age. Smokers are at an increased risk and smoking makes the disease worse, according to researchers at the Mayo Clinic.

Often people find out they have FMD after a stroke or heart episode. While it is not terminal, there is no cure. Many family doctors are not aware of the symptom-cause connection – which is where Julie comes in.

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Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Supplied photo
Julie Vogelsang says “don’t give up.”

Facing up to some hard truths

Janine LeGal 4 minute read Preview

Facing up to some hard truths

Janine LeGal 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

This column comes with a warning. It feels pretty personal and not everybody likes “personal.” So, please be advised.

Maybe it’s because this is the year of my champagne birthday (when you turn the same age as the year you were born.) Or maybe it’s because I have avoided dealing with my physical health concerns for many years, especially since the pandemic; always on a mission to steer clear of doctors, clinics and all things medical, out of worry and fear.

My body, it seems, had been screaming at me in all kinds of ways to take better care of it. I share this because I’m hoping it will inspire others to see a doctor when they’re feeling like something isn’t right. That, and I was inspired by other women who shared their stories of practising self-care and learning to do for themselves what they’ve always been really good at doing only for others.

So, this year I decided it was time to grow up and face my fears head on. At 62, I had my first mammogram. I’d made an appointment to get one last year at this time but couldn’t bring myself to go through with it — but I was able to do it this year. I was scared, not only about the test itself but the aftermath. I got called back and will be going for more tests, which doesn’t necessarily mean a cancer diagnosis, but it certainly has a way of bringing on heart palpitations. Breast cancer runs rampant in my family, so the fear is real.

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Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Photo by Janine LeGal
Correspondent Janine LeGal writes that she has found the courage to act on things her body has been telling her.

Rambling with… Jonathan Lipson

Weldon Rinn 2 minute read Preview

Rambling with… Jonathan Lipson

Weldon Rinn 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Say hello once again to Jonathan Lipson and his income tax service, Bold Financial.

As we approach tax season, I’m certain we are all seeking some sound personal or business tax advice and guidance. Jonathan has filed my last two years’ taxes, and he will be filing for me once again this spring. His effortless and patient way of explaining things in layman’s terms will be welcome once again. I felt I had to write a second column about Jonathan, just in case somebody missed last year’s introductory piece.

1) You indicated that you have some new exciting adventures to share, so share away…

The federal government has been busy. I’m very curious to see how this new tax-filing program of theirs will work out. It seems they’re testing a program to file simple returns for people in-house. That could help a lot of people access the benefits and refunds they’re entitled to if the Canada Revenue Agency does it correctly.

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Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Supplied photo
Financial adviser and tax preparer Jonathan Lipson is curious to see what the 2026 spring tax season will bring.

‘Champions are forever’

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 5 minute read Preview

‘Champions are forever’

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 5 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

The Béliveau Barracudas girls’ hockey team has created its own little piece of history.

The team recently won the Manitoba Women’s High School Hockey League’s Division 3 title, beating the St. John’s-Ravenscourt Eagles two games to none in the best-of-three final — winning 5-1 at SJR’s Dutton Arena on March 16, and 5-3 at Southdale Community Centre’s east rink on March 17.

It’s the first time the Windsor Park-based team has won an MWHSHL divisional title.

“It’s fantastic,” said Braedan King, the team’s head coach. “The girls worked so hard, right from training camp.”

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Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

April 3, 2026