Portage la Prairie city Councillor and Deputy Mayor Joe Masi recently joined the Bear Clan Patrol for the first time, taking part in their weekly walk around the city. Masi says he already knew about the group’s work but saw first-hand how committed the volunteers are.
“They really are a great group of volunteers that help our community,” notes Masi. “They build relationships, offer support, and create a stronger Portage la Prairie.”
The patrol involves several tasks. Litter cleanup is a regular part of the walk, but volunteers also focus on more serious issues, including the safe collection and disposal of needles left in public spaces. Masi says the program is especially valuable near schools and playgrounds where children may come across discarded needles.
“They have the proper equipment and disposal boxes so that nobody gets hurt dealing with them,” says Masi.
Working alongside police and safety officers
As volunteers move through neighbourhoods, they keep an eye out for anything suspicious or unsafe. They report issues to community safety officers, bylaw officers, or the RCMP when needed, ensuring volunteers are not put in dangerous situations.
“They have radios that give them access to clan members if they are separated, and cell phones for calling CSOs or bylaw enforcement and police,” adds Masi. “If it’s something serious, they contact RCMP right away. Volunteers don’t handle those situations.”
He says the patrol works as an extra set of eyes and ears for existing safety programs, complementing city policing efforts and helping maintain a cleaner, safer environment.
A grant to support the program
Masi explains that council awarded the Bear Clan a grant in last year’s budget to help with supplies such as vests, gloves, and litter pickers. He says the funding aligns with one of the city’s key priorities.
“They really fit in with our strategic direction on community safety,” continues Masi. “That’s why we supported them through our grants program.”
The councillor says joining the patrol also gave him the opportunity to connect directly with residents. Many of the volunteers shared concerns about local issues during the walk, providing him with insight he might not have received through e-mail or formal channels.
Volunteers making a difference
The patrol runs every Friday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m., rotating through different sections of the city. Masi says there were about 15 volunteers the night he joined, with more arriving as the walk began.
“It was an hour and a half, and I really enjoyed the company,” says Masi. “The people were so friendly and I felt we accomplished a lot. We picked up needles, cleaned up debris, and flagged concerns for community safety officers.”
He says he plans to join the patrol again in September, encouraging others in the community to get involved as well.
“You meet great people, you get exercise, and you make our city better,” Masi adds. “The Bear Clan provides a great service, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to help make Portage la Prairie safer and stronger.”
To get involved contact Coordinator Jane Tully at info@portagebearclan.org.
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