Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness of Manitoba, Bernadette Smith, says the province is responding to long-standing safety concerns at Oak Tree Towers in Portage la Prairie with major investments and collaboration.
"Safety and security are always our number one priority here in the province of Manitoba," notes Smith.
She says residents began requesting security upgrades as far back as 2021, but under the previous Progressive Conservative government, those requests went unanswered. Smith says the PCs slashed Manitoba Housing's maintenance budget by 87 per cent.
"Soon as we came into government, we formed this ministry... because this was a priority for us," adds Smith.
The province has since invested more than $5 million into Oak Tree Towers alone, with improvements such as shatterproof doors, security cameras and key card access. Smith also references Bill 12, which she says is currently being delayed by the opposition. She says the bill would prevent the sell-off of social housing units.
Security staff and community partnerships
Smith confirms that security personnel remain on-site at Oak Tree Towers and that the province continues to monitor the situation.
"We're working to make sure that the residents at Oak Tree Towers are safe, that they feel safe in their community, and that Portage la Prairie is a safe community."
"Security staff are still currently on site providing security services."
She says the province is working closely with local emergency services and Mayor Sharilyn Knox to address the concerns of tenants and the broader community.
Listening to residents and maintaining flexibility
In response to tenant questions about curfews and visitor policies, Smith says there is no blanket regulation. Instead, the province responds to the needs of each building individually.
"We listen to the residents and what the needs are in their complexes and their units," continues Smith.
She notes each complex has unique considerations and that collaboration with local leadership is key to crafting appropriate responses.
Improving housing and support systems
Smith outlines broader priorities that go beyond security. The new ministry was created, she says, to focus on mental health, addictions, homelessness and housing. She emphasizes wraparound support to help people transition from homelessness to stable housing.
"We're investing in building new social and affordable housing... so that they had a sense of hope and on to a path... into addictions recovery services."
"It's about supporting and meeting people where they're at."
She also criticizes the previous government for waiting until the year before the election to restore funding.
Procedures for tenant communication
Smith says tenants can contact the department by phone or email with complaints. For emergencies or illegal activity, they are encouraged to contact police first, then report incidents to the province for tracking.
"If there's anything illegal going on... contact the police, but also our department so that we can keep track."
"We're going to continue to do upgrades right across the province including Oak Tree Towers."
She confirms that security guards will remain in place at Oak Tree Towers for the foreseeable future, with no end date currently set.
Working together for long-term outcomes
Smith says the province is committed to listening, investing and responding to the concerns of Oak Tree Towers residents and other tenants throughout Manitoba.
"We are investing to ensure that people have affordable housing and that security and safety... is the number one priority."
"We're working collaboratively with the municipalities, with mayors, with Reeves."
She reiterates that all local municipal and political officials are welcome to join the collaborative effort with Mayor Knox and other local partners.
Contacting the province
Smith encourages tenants to use official communication channels to report issues, and says further contact details will be provided by the department's communications staff.
"They can email us."
She adds her thanks to the community for its engagement and reinforcing the province’s goal to improve safety and quality of life for tenants.
"It's about working collaboratively... and making sure that their lives are better than they were."
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