Your spring patio plans might be a bust

Morning from the Gateway — here's what's moving in The Pas. I saw a story come across my desk this morning out of Winnipeg that really caught my eye. They're complaining about a cold spring messing up their patio season, and I just had to shake my head. Here in The Pas, we know a thing or two about waiting for the warmth, and it's not always about just "patio season."

It sounds like Winnipeg's restaurant owners and garden centres are feeling the pinch from a cold spring, with some garden sales apparently down 40% from last year. They're talking about a "chilly impact" on businesses. And while I get that everyone wants some sunshine, this feels a bit like folks forgetting where we live. Down south, they might expect to be out on patios by now, but up here, we're still watching the Saskatchewan River levels, waiting for breakup to truly settle in, and wondering if we'll see late snow flurries near Clearwater Lake.

### Our Northern Reality

For us in The Pas and Opaskwayak Cree Nation, our rhythm is tied to the land and the seasons, not just when the patios open. We’re used to:

* Waiting for the ice to clear on the river before boat season really begins.

* Checking the winter road network schedules, knowing our connections depend on the cold.

* Understanding that "spring" can mean anything from mud to a dusting of snow, even in May.

This isn't just about restaurant profits; it's about the very fabric of how we live and prepare for the short, precious northern summer. When the Tolko mill is running, and the fishing guides are getting ready, that's when things really feel like they're warming up around here. So, while Winnipeg waits for their patios, we're still just grateful for the sun and watching for those signs that the land is truly waking up.

Phil Flett, MiTL Sports Desk.

You know, the crew on the morning show probably has some stories about trying to garden up here — catch them live at mornings.live.