Latest news with #BrittanyPoitras
CTV News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Indigenous Circle – July 29, 2025
Regina Watch WATCH: Mick Favel brings you another edition of Indigenous Circle, featuring a report by Brittany Poitras on Next Gen Wrestlers.
CTV News
22-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
‘Once in a decade': Residents in Eston, Sask. reflect on torrential downpour that turned streets into rivers
WATCH: As Brittany Poitras explains, thunderstorms over the weekend caused severe flooding in southwest Saskatchewan. Over the weekend, thunderstorms swept across southwest Saskatchewan, leading to some truly spectacular reports of flash flooding in the communities of Eston and Assiniboia. Residents in Eston, which is located 380 kilometres southwest of Regina, could be seen walking through knee-deep water on Saturday, July 19. Some were even spotted sailing canoes down the town's streets. The town's mayor, Darcy Morrice, says the storm produced a kind of downpour those in area haven't seen in a very long time. 'It's created a lot of damage for some residents. There [are] some basements that are flooding, streets that were flooding. Yeah, it's kind of a once in a … decade kind of flood," he said. Morrice went on to say that the community's 35-foot-deep lift station where water is collected, is at an all-time high. 'It's never been full before and it was,' he said. 'They pumped out a million gallons of water out of the lift station since Saturday afternoon.' According to Crawford Luke, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Saturday's rainfall totalled 100 millimetres in some areas. 'So that would be all three rounds of rain. So, we're talking about twice the monthly average over the span of 12 hours,' he explained. Crawford says the alarming floods in the area are caused by heavy rainfall in a very short period. 'When you get a heavy downpour from a thunderstorm on top of that, there's just kind of not really the ground is not really able to absorb that extra water, and so it becomes overland flooding essentially,' he added. According to Morrice, the elevated water in the region has affected roughly three-quarters of Eston's 1,000 residents. However, thanks to the clean up efforts, Morrice says everything is 'Back to business.' While the community has been hard at work cleaning up the carnage and fixing the issues caused by the weekend storm – Mother Nature is not quite done yet. More rainfall to be expected in the coming days, although Crawford predicts the forecasted storm will not be as intense as the weekend. The threat of continued rainfall is expected to taper off by Wednesday or Thursday. 'Hopefully we can get a break from the showers and thunderstorms and our temperatures will start to rebound,' he concluded. '[Its] actually, looking quite hot as we get it into the end of the week and towards next weekend.'
CTV News
09-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
Saskatchewan's Free Fishing Weekend to allow anglers to cast a line without a licence
WATCH: On July 12 and 13, Saskatchewan residents can fish without a licence. Brittany Poitras gives us the details. WATCH: On July 12 and 13, Saskatchewan residents can fish without a licence. Brittany Poitras gives us the details. From July 12–13, anglers of all ages across Saskatchewan can cast a line without paying a fee during the province's 36th annual Free Fishing Weekend. The Ministry of Environment started this initiative in 1989, to offer Saskatchewan residents and visitors the option to fish on public waters without a licence and to increase awareness of angling opportunities in the province. While the licence requirement is waived for the weekend, all other fishing regulations like possession limits, size restrictions, and area-specific rules still apply. In addition, fishing within national parks or transporting your catch out of province still requires a licence. Maxime LeGal, a fisheries biologist with the Ministry of Environment, said that while having fun is important, so is the care of the rules and wildlife. 'If you're practicing catch and release, handle fish gently,' he said. 'Avoid sensitive areas like the eyes and gills. And make sure to read the Anglers Guide so you know the rules for the body of water you're visiting,' LeGal advised. 'Catching fish is always a bonus - but the real joy is just getting outside, spending time together, and connecting with the land.' Jason Matity, a lifelong fisherman and operator of says the weekend isn't just a chance to reel in walleye or pike—it's a time to reconnect with nature and yourself. 'When you're younger, it's kind of something to do,' he said. 'As time goes on, I do it for mental wellness… to get out in nature, see the birds, and hopefully have a chance to catch a fish.' He adds that fishing isn't just relaxing—it's also nutritious. 'We also do it to catch a meal. There's a real satisfaction in battling nature and bringing something home to the table,' he said. Families and first timers are expected to head down to local docks and lakes this weekend. The Saskatchewan Fish Hatchery in Fort Qu'Appelle is offering a special program to help beginners get started. 'We've got seven rods and tackle boxes available to borrow for free,' said Rachel Birns, Program Support Officer at the Hatchery. 'All you have to do is check in with our fishing technician on site, bring your own bait, and enjoy the day.' The gear was donated by the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, with the goal of making fishing accessible to everyone—especially those who might not want to invest in equipment just yet. 'It's a really good opportunity for those who have never tried it before,' Birns added. 'If they like it, maybe they'll purchase a licence and keep going. If not, they haven't spent a dime.' The Ministry of Environment's initial goal of promoting outdoor activity and encouraging more people to explore Saskatchewan's world-class fish and lakes is still in full-effect 36 years later. For more information on fishing regulations, visit the provincial government's website, or download the Anglers Guide.
