A powerful winter storm brought travel to a standstill across much of Manitoba over the weekend, with widespread impacts felt in the Interlake region.
Large sections of the Trans-Canada Highway were closed due to blowing snow and near-zero visibility, while several other provincial highways in and around the Interlake were also shut down or reported hazardous conditions. Manitoba RCMP urged motorists to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, warning that deteriorating weather made highways unsafe.
The storm had significant local impacts, including the cancellation of hockey games, flight delays and closures across multiple school divisions. Schools were closed Monday in the Lakeshore, Lord Selkirk, Red River Valley, Evergreen, Interlake, Sunrise and Prairie Rose school divisions, including Prairie Rose’s Hutterian colony schools.
Childcare services were also affected locally, with all Starting Blocks daycare centres in Stonewall closed, along with Stonewall Children’s Centre, Teulon Day Care, the Teulon Day Care school-age program and the Balmoral Childcare Centre.
RCMP reminded motorists that travelling on a closed highway is both illegal and dangerous, not only for drivers but also for emergency crews who may be called to respond to collisions or vehicles stuck in snow. During Friday’s storm, Portage la Prairie police issued 25 tickets to motorists who ignored highway closures. The offence carries a minimum fine of $298 and two demerit points.
Motorists are encouraged to check road conditions before travelling by calling 511 or visiting Manitoba 511 online.
