The City of Winkler has shut down its evacuation centre at the Meridian Exhibition Centre after receiving word from the Canadian Red Cross last week that the facility would no longer be required.
City Manager Jody Penner confirmed that the facility was cleaned and reopened to the public on June 11.
“That's right. On June 11th, we reopened after we were able to clean up the cots and all the other supplies and everything and get back to normal operation,” said Penner.
The centre had been prepared as part of a coordinated emergency response plan during northern Manitoba wildfires but ultimately went unused for housing evacuees. Penner explained that while Winkler never received evacuees directly at the centre, the city was prepared to assist at any moment.
“We knew from the beginning that we were a backup plan as needed,” he said. “And EMO did let us know how extremely grateful they were that they had Winkler as a release valve, if you will.”
Penner described how fast-moving events in Winnipeg made the province’s emergency response especially challenging.
“The situation was very chaotic as lots of evacuees arrived in Winnipeg and they were searching for places to put them in the moment… and they just expressed how grateful they were to have some places like Winkler, where they knew that they could send people if they needed to.”
He also praised the quick action of local emergency services:
“They also indicated that they were very impressed with the work of the Morden Stanley Winkler Emergency Management (formerly SERC) team in getting the facility ready so quickly.”
Several evacuees are currently staying in local hotels, supported primarily by the Red Cross, though Penner noted that the broader community has also offered assistance.
“There’s lots of people in our community that have also stepped up to help them out as needed and as they're able to,” he said. “We just think that's a great reflection on the generosity of our community.”
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Penner added, “We have seen the community step-up in helping out the evacuees staying in Winkler hotels in numerous ways and we are grateful to be able to live in such a caring community.”
At present, Manitoba Emergency Management Organization (EMO) has not indicated any further need for shelters in Winkler. Penner said the initial plan was always meant to be a temporary measure.
With improved conditions and a phased return underway for some communities, he expressed hope that evacuees still in the region may soon be able to return home.
“There seems to be some indication that some communities have a phased return, so hopefully the ones here locally are also able to go back to their home soon.”
He concluded by saying though they had the centre prepped and ready, the fact that it was not needed in the end was good news.
“The City of Winkler was happy to be able to provide this location as a back-up plan if and when needed. As it turned out it was not needed. We see this as a good thing because it means evacuees were able to secure more suitable accommodations.”