Northern Growing Abilities is excited to bring back a beloved Holiday Tradition including twinkling lights, decorated trees, community spirit and magic with the annual  Festival Of Trees.

This will take place next month on November the 27^th and 28^th at the Creighton Community Hall. Chair person Ashlee Collins tells us they are looking for donations. " So basically what happens is we have a silent auction where people can donate what ever they want. So if they want to craft up a Wreath, Christmas Tree or Center Piece, they can donate it to us,  created how ever they want to and then people  bid on it. Then all the money that is made from the bids go's directly into our programming."

Proceeds from this year’s event will go towards the  Northern Growing Abilities residence to help build a new kitchen. Last year during the evacuation, their kitchen got flooded and insurance wasn’t able to cover it.

If you would like to make a donation this year or get more information you can contact Ashlee at 204-271-3482, or send them a message on Facebook.

COUNCIL PASSED A MOTION TO APPOINT MAYOR BRUCE FIDDLER TO THE SUMA ADVISORY COMMITTEE THROUGH THE MUNICIPAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM WAS PREVIOUSLY RUN AND ADMINISTERED FOR THE PAST YEARS BY THE SASKATCHEWAN ASSOCIATION OF RURAL MUNICIPALITIES WHO NO LONGER WANT TO DO IT. SUMA IS LOOKING AT TAKING IT OVER AND ARE SEEKING
PEOPLE TO BE ON THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO KEEP IT GOING.

COUNCIL ALSO DISCUSSED THE STATUS OF THE BOOSTER STATION WHICH WAS STRUCK BY A VEHICLE LAST FALL CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE NORTH SIDE. THE TOWN IS CURRENTLY WORKING WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND A GENERAL CONTRACTOR TO GET THE REPAIRS COMPLETED BEFORE WINTER REALLY SETS IN. COUNCIL CONTINUES TO PUSH HARD AND GET THE WORK DONE FAIRLY SOON.

The Flin Flon Creighton area SPCA held their AGM this past Wednesday at the Shelter.

President Nicole Kendrick gave her report and she thanked the Board and the Community for helping the SPCA through a difficult year.

The SPCA had to deal with a significant amount of theft and went through the process the legal way and are still waiting on the RCMP and the court system. She realizes this can take a significant amount of time, but it has been dealt with and now they know they have to remain patient.

Kendrick went on to thank their Manager Theresa who continues to better her knowledge to help benefit the Shelter. It was also noted that the Treasurer will no longer be doing the book keeping. The Treasuer will be relaying the financial report to the Board and will not be in charge of deposits.

Theresa Holiday, the Shelter Manager reported that they helped with the intake of 152 animals, which is nearly double from the year before. This was due to a significant increase in foster families.

In addition to significant increases in fosters, the local SPCA are adopting more pets outside the community.

The night concluded with elections for the Board of Directors which include Nicole Kendrick- President, Shelly Jones, Vice President

Shannon Thompson, Secretary, Jason Levers, Treasurer, Aaron Beauchamp, Tiffany Falk, Keith Klein, Chris Schultz, Christine Gulliford, Rhonda Werbicki and  Heidi Mote.

Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) wants to advise  community members that a security checkpoint will be reinstated at the entrance to Pelican Narrows.

The checkpoint is being established in response to ongoing concerns about trespassing, illegal alcohol and drug trafficking, and related violence in the community.

Peter Ballantyne has takes security measures including security at each checkpoint. Valid Id will be required and alcohol inspections will be conducted.

PBCN reminds residents and visitors that restrictions on alcohol and prohibited drugs will remain in effect and security measures are intended to prevent unlawful substances from entering the community.

Residents and visitors are asked to have their ID ready and communicate with security personnel to help avoid delays. For questions or concerns, please contact the Pelican Narrows Band Office or the Community Safety Office.

The Flin Flon Arts Council are presenting a fundraiser in the spirit of Halloween called the 2026 Graveyard Gala at the Flin Flon Community Hall.

It will take place on Halloween night, Saturday October the 31^st and the Arts Council’s Jon Davis gives us the spooky details. " I's hopefully going to be the first of many Graveyard Galas and it is a fundraiser for the Arts Council. We have everyone's favorite band On Alert playing at the social. We also have an act coming in from Saskatoon called the Salty Circus. What they do is interactive roving throughout the crowd interacting with people and a LED light show."

Creighton’s Pizza will also be on hand and there will be all kinds of prizes for Best Costumes including Best Dressed Couples, Scariest and Unique.

Tickets are $30.00 and can be purchased online with Showpass, the Flin Flon Arts Council Office or at the door. Doors open at 8pm.

The local group of Community Safety and Well Being were able to get together with the Provincial group Canadian Centre for Safer Communities and go over data that was collected in a recent survey for the Flin Flon area.

Mike Slipp chairs the group and says things are progressing well. " The meeting was fantastick as the Canadian Centre For Safer Communities presented their findings to the Steering Committee. There was 21 people from the Steering Committee that were there from all sort of sectors. The RCMP, Hospital, Women's Resource Centre, Seniors, Friendship Centre and lots of people from the general public. They presented their findings and some of their priororities that the people of Flin Flon want to have looked at in the future with this Community Safety Plan."

The meeting took place at Council Chambers last week and now they have narrowed their priorities down,  and  the Canadian Centre for Safer Communities will come back at the end of November with the first draft of the plan.

Then they will figure out how they can implement the plan and make it work for Flin Flon.

The City of Flin Flon has installed a  heavy traffic detour sign  on Highway 10A near the Perimeter.

 The detour will remain in place through the winter and into next spring to help direct semi-trucks and other large vehicles around the Perimeter.

This detour is intended to reduce heavy traffic travelling through our local streets and hills, helping to minimize traffic congestion and reduce impacts on  roadways and infrastructure.

Any questions can be directed to City Hall at 1-833-210-6435.

St Ann’s Parish in Flin Flon is preparing for one of their biggest fundraisers of the year on Saturday October the 24^th.

It will be their annual Fall Bazaar which will include a lot of different events to enjoy throughout the afternoon.

Bernadette Benson has the details. " We have got of course the tea room, and then there is the Toonie Parade with about 20 to 25 prizes. Those are donated and beautiful to win. We will have a Bake Table, Perogies for sale, the Candy Booth and tickets on a Quilt. This was donated by Rae Baumgartner and it is absolutely beautiful and tickets are $5.00 each."

There will also be a ticket draw for a Cedar Chest and a laptop computer, books and  puzzles, novelty items and St Ann’s Friday 400 tickets.

It takes place between 1 and 3:30pm and everyone is welcome.

On October 9^th,  Pukatawagan RCMP received a report that a male was being treated at the local health centre after an apparent assault.

Officers attending the health centre learned of another possible victim at a residence on Hunt Road. Police left and did find another injured male.

The 45-year-old victim was transported to the health centre in stable condition with a stab wound, but his condition worsened upon arrival. The victim was airlifted to hospital in The Pas where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services (MCS) arrived in the community to investigate.

 MCS investigators  along with assistance from Pukatawagan RCMP have arrested 41-year-old Gabriel Bighetty of Pukatawagan.

Bighetty has been remanded into custody. He is charged with manslaughter without firearm and assault with a weapon.

Pukatawagan RCMP, along with Manitoba RCMP MCS and Forensic Identification Services continue to investigate.

Flin Flon is getting ready to turn 100 in 2027 and a huge community celebration is being planned.

Right now the important thing is to be registered for the big party and all the events.

You can now register in person at Flin Flon City Hall and the registration fee is $100.00 which can be paid by cash, cheque or debit. You can also register online by clicking on the link on the Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach websites at investfdc.ca.

Your entry fee will include entry to the Senior’s 55 and over event, two Fish Fry’s, Neighborhood Party, Club Membership and a Magnet.

The committee continues to look for volunteers and if you can spare a few hours over the week of June the 29^th to July the 4^th they would like to hear from you at welcometoflinflon27@gmail.com.

Details for each event will be given when finalized.

A By- Election date for a Denare Beach Councillor position has been set for January the 27^th, 2027.

This position became available when Karen Thompson was appointed the new Mayor on September the 2^nd to find a successor to long time Mayor Carl Lentowicz who passed away earlier in the year.

Nomination packages will be available for anyone who would like to run for Council at the Denare Beach Village Office.

Requirements on being able to run include being at least 18 years of age on the day of the election. Is a Canadian citizen at the time you submit your nomination paper, has lived in Saskatchewan for at least 6 consecutive months preceding the date on which you submit your nomination paper.

You also have had to live in the municipality for three consecutive months preceding the date on your nomination paper.

For more information contact the Denare Beach Village Office at 306-362-2054.

As we  change  seasons,  there are lots of activities coming up to keep you and your family active throughout the next few months all over Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Creighton Rec Director Lindsay Shirran tells us what will be happening in Creighton. " We have a busy few months coming up here with our Fall programming. Our skate program is running on Saturday's with something for all age groups, we have various yoga's including Senior's, Gentle Hatha Yoga and Functional Yoga. Glow Hoop Dancing will start on the 18th with Kelly Blouin and there are still some spots left for registration."

The month of October will end with their Family Halloween Dance Friday October the 30^th at the Creighton Community Hall with pre schoolers at 6pm and school age children from 7 to 9pm.

This event is free and music is courtesy of DJ Dray.

We are now only two weeks away from a Municipal Election in Flin Flon  and Community Futures Greenstone and the Flin Flon Chamber of Commerce,  are going to give you an opportunity  to meet and find out more about all the candidates.

Tonight all the candidates for Mayor and City Council will be participating in Candidate Speed Dating at the Flin Flon Community Hall.

Becky Cianflone explains how the night will work. " So all our candidates have been invited to come out for the evening and we are inviting the whole community to join us.This event is a little different as the candidates do not get up and make a speech, rather we separate the group into smaller round table discussions. You will have a chance to meet with every candidate and have an opportunity to have a discussion and ask your own questions."

It takes place between 6 and 9pm tonight and the organizers are requesting that you try to be there by 5:45pm to get organized and ready for the discussions.

The City of Flin Flon are  two weeks away from wrapping up the construction project at Camp Whitney, and  they have made a lot of progress.

A huge thank you to Stack City for all of their  hard work, dedication, and commitment they have put into the rebuild of Camp Whitney.

 They have done an outstanding job and the City is very happy with the results.

There is still some clean-up, maintenance, and preparation to be completed before Camp Whitney is fully functional and ready to reopen to the public. However, they are getting closer to that becoming a reality.

The anticipated reopening of Camp Whitney is some time  in 2027 and the City looks forward to re-opening this camp to the public once again.

There are still a few more opportunities to enjoy the Flin Flon Arts Council’s Summer Time Serenade in conjunction with local business Aurora and Pine Bistro.

Tonight it will make it’s way to the Whitney Forum Lounge and will feature local artists Derek Kemp, Luke Marvin and Mike Spencer.

The Arts Council’s Interim Director Jon Davis gives us a background on what the Summer Serenade is. " Well the Summer Serenade was a program that Aurora and Pine came up with in conjunction with the Flin Flon Arts Council. We get some grant money to help emerging artists in our community and give them the opportunity  with a platform to play on. So throughout the year we have been playing at Aurora and Pine and a few other places. We are coming back to Aurora and Pine and they are taking over the lounge at the Whitney Forum."

They will be performing during  the intermissions of tonight’s Bomber game and after the game is over. So come out and support our local musicians, listen to some amazing music while enjoying great food in an amazing atmosphere.

Flin Flon and Adult Teen Challenge are inviting the community to come out for their  grand opening of their new Super Thrift store.

It take place this Saturday starting at 10am at the old CO-OP location at 31 Main Street.

Al Legore who is the Regional Director is excited to open up the new store. " It has been quite the process since the fires, but it is exciting to see us moving ahead and the Thrift Store is ready to get started. What we are going to do is have ribbon cutting at about 11:30 and sharing about the Thrift Store and how we help out the community. Then if the weather turns bad we have a big area in the middle of our store here where people can come and have coffee and cake. It will be a fun day to spend with us and we have prizes to and it is going to be a great time."

If you would like to donate towards Adult/ Teen Challenge, you can stop by their store between 2 to 6pm Tuesday through Friday  or 10 am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. You can also make donations by visiting the website at teenchallenge.tc

The Northern Health Region has announced their Influenza and Covid 19 clinics for Flin Flon.

They will take place at the Flin Flon Community Hall on Thursday October  the 22^nd  from 9:30am to 5:30pm, Saturday October the 24^th from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday October the 27^th from 10am to 6pm and Wednesday November the 4^th from 10am to 6pm.

The NHRA also invites you out to their Flu Clinic and Health Promotion Fair on October the 22^nd. Come out and get your Flu Vaccine and find out more about healthy living.

You will be able to explore ways to improve your health and wellness and discover helpful health resources and information.

For any further questions you can contact Flin Flon Public Health at 204-687-1350.

This past Tuesday, Sandy Bay RCMP received a report of a shooting in the community.

Initial investigation determined a firearm was discharged toward a vehicle, striking an adult male, who was taken to the local clinic with injuries described as non-life-threatening in nature.

There is an increased police presence in Sandy Bay in relation to this incident.

Sandy Bay RCMP have arrested an individual in relation to this investigation.

No charges have been laid at this time. The investigation into the circumstances of the shooting continues and updates will be provided when they are available.

Anyone with information should report it to Sandy Bay RCMP by dialling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

There were representatives from both Walmart and Extra Foods at the meeting via zoom  who had sent requests to Flin Flon City Council on having both their properties reassessed.

Both parties do not agree with the assessment and want City Coucil to reassess the properties. Council denied the appeals and now both parties will take their appeals to the Provincial level.

Nevada Danis the Manager of the Victoria Inn was on hand to question the Accommodation tax being raised from 5 to 7%. Danis is concerned with the increase that it may affect her business and it may end up being to expensive for guests to stay at her hotel.

Council commented that there is an agreement in place with other short term rentals in both Thompson and The Pas, but will definitely consider the Victoria Inn’s concerns very seriously.

The City of Flin Flon has also waved the rental fee for Community Futures Greenstone to hold their Candidate Speed Dating Event next Tuesday October the 13^th.

Council also wanted to remind residents about the Municipal Election coming up on October the 28^th  and let everyone know that all the polling stations will be located at Council Chambers. For anyone in assisted living there will be mobile polling stations set up at the Flin Flon General Hospital, Rotary Court, Legion Housing and Hemlock housing.

The Salvation Army in Flin Flon is holding a Fall Indoor/Yard Sale on Saturday October the 24^th.

It will take place at the Salvation Army Church at 3 Hemlock Drive and takes place between 10 and 3pm.

Nelly Brown mentions what the proceeds will be used for. " With this fundraiser, all the money that is raised we use for our social programming including our Soup Days that are in full swing and our Christmas Hamper Program. We are looking to the community for donations including anything like small appliances, household items, clothing. especially winter clothing and foot wear and Christmas items. Anyhthing a person has to give we are more than willing to take it in and include it in our fundraiser."

If you would like to make a donation you can drop off your items at the side door of the church on Tuesday October the 13^th between 2 and 4pm . If that day doesn’t work you can contact Major Jackie at 431-746-2878 to book an alternate day and time.