Portage la Prairie has welcomed nearly 600 wildfire evacuees in recent days, with approximately 400 still in the community as of this week. City officials, provincial departments, non-profits and local volunteers have all played a role in ensuring displaced families have shelter, medical support, food and essentials.
A temporary shelter was set up in the local curling rink by the Red Cross, complete with cots, toiletries, and basic emergency supplies. As the situation evolved, evacuees were transitioned to hotels. Many have since moved on to larger support centres in Winnipeg or other communities to accommodate the large number of people.
Mayor Sharilyn Knox notes the local response has been swift and unified.
Support services for evacuees
The Department of Families is leading the province’s emergency response in Portage, while the city and several organizations serve as supporting partners. These include Southern Health-Santé Sud, the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC), Family Resource Centre and Southern Chiefs’ Organization. Medical, mental health and public health services have all been made available on-site.
Knox adds, “PCRC is the one who is working with volunteers. We have to make sure that people have a spot that they can go to and ask questions.”
She continues, “Family Resource Centre has stepped up and is providing activities for children to make sure that they have something to do.”
Keeping communities together
Most evacuees currently in Portage are from Pukatawagan, with others from Flin Flon and surrounding areas. Efforts have been made to keep families and entire communities together during this time. Some groups have been temporarily housed in other regions like Niagara Falls, where accommodations were available and support systems could be organized.
Knox says, “They had hotel space, communities could be kept together and then also down there, they had an organization similar to Red Cross that could step up and meet some of those needs.”
She mentions the involvement of Southern Chiefs Organization, which has brought cultural and practical support. That partnership connects to Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), which is offering extended assistance.
Ongoing coordination and future planning
Some people were reported to be leaving this Saturday. Although the immediate shelter phase has ended, planning is now focused on longer-term needs. The city is still determining how its role may evolve, but discussions with the province are ongoing. Regular meetings are held to coordinate between municipal leadership, the Department of Families and emergency response staff.
The city’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been partially activated, but not fully implemented as an emergency plan. Key personnel include Knox, Director of Public Safety Brad Bailey, City Manager Nicole Chychota, and city staff member Diane Van Aert, who helps manage information and logistics.
Knox notes that once the emergency is over, the City is able to take what they learned from the situation and add that knowledge for future situations like this.
Community generosity and next steps
Donations from the public, including essentials like diapers and children's medicine, were a crucial part of the early response. At this point, however, the city is no longer accepting physical donations. Those who wish to help are encouraged to donate financially to the Red Cross, which continues to match contributions.
Knox says, “If we look at what our forecast is, people are going to need supports for some time, so making sure that an organization like Red Cross is financially stable is a good way to be a part of this.”
She also reminds the public to avoid spreading misinformation and invites those interested to volunteer directly to better understand the efforts underway.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@portageonline.com.
PortageOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the PortageOnline app.