Residents of Oak Tree Towers in Portage la Prairie are breathing easier after security as been implemented around the clock. Rising safety concerns linked to disruptive tenants led to months of complaints about harassment, vandalism, and frequent after-hours disturbances.
Residents praise immediate impact
Jody Pearce, a resident who works night shifts at a downtown Tim Hortons, says the new security presence has transformed her sense of safety.
“I’ve begun to feel a lot safer within the last few days. Even though I work night shift at 11 at night to 7 in the morning, I’ve come home and noticed, ‘Wow, it’s actually somebody sitting in the building—security,’ and I don’t have to panic about anything.”
Pearce notes the security rollout addresses some concerns but acknowledges lingering uncertainty about unresolved issues. She adds that while her tower has stabilized, she’s unaware of conditions in the adjacent cottages, which have also lodged complaints.
Community-driven solutions take centre stage
MLA Jeff Bereza credits residents for advocating for change.
“I think the biggest thing is we have to give huge credit to the people of Oak Tree Towers for coming forward and letting us know there was an issue. It’s about that community taking their home back, making me aware of it, making the city aware of it. And now we’ve got good changes moving ahead.”
Bereza adds that the city’s role is to listen to constituents, but emphasizes the courage of tenants who attended meetings and spoke up.
“It’s going to show a positive sign that when you want to make a difference in Portage la Prairie, a difference can be made.”
Security measures curb disruptions
Charlene Ducharme, a resident and facility employee, says the difference has been drastic.
“I think the security is marvelous. It’s been so quiet on my floor. I haven’t been woken up every 20 minutes by somebody freaking out or being high. I come home at night not being afraid of 10–15 people standing in the entrance trying to get in behind me.”
Ducharme continues, highlighting how non-resident troublemakers now avoid the building: “All the ones that do cause the grief walk up, see security, and then they just leave. It’s been pretty nice the last three days to live here.”
Ongoing challenges remain
Bereza acknowledges that work is not yet complete, particularly for cottage residents.
“We’ve got to continue to work on [the cottages] to make sure those people feel safe as well.”
Ducharme echoes this, noting systemic issues like laundry room shortages that have sparked tenant conflicts.
“We’ve lost two dryers on the main floor. Everybody’s harassing each other and fighting over it. This weekend, nobody did laundry. It’s awesome—we woke up with hot water in the morning.”
The upgrades mark a turning point for Oak Tree Towers, though tenants and officials agree that sustained collaboration will be key to addressing lingering challenges.