The former Manitoba Developmental Centre (MDC) in Portage la Prairie is set to temporarily reopen to house wildfire evacuees from across the province and according to Portage Mayor Sharilyn Knox, the first arrivals could come as early as the end of this week.
"It's going to be a slow rollout," Knox told PortageOnline. "It all really depends on the First Nations who decide that they want to come here. We do know that the site can hold quite a few people, but we're not so sure on exactly how many are coming at this time."
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- Thousands to flee First Nation in northern Manitoba over wildfire threat
- Portage to temporarily house wildfire evacuees at MDC site
While some evacuees are already staying in local hotels through the Red Cross, Knox says the former MDC site will help accommodate the growing number of displaced families.
The site, officially closed at the end of 2024, is being transformed into a temporary shelter with support from the provincial government and Southern Health.
“The province has been really working hard with their staffing team and some assistance,” she explained. “They're working with Southern Health to make sure that there's going to be medical needs met. There’s going to be programming there, food, laundry; all of the things. Some buildings will be used, some won’t, but the main Aspen Centre will be the hub.”
Knox acknowledges the complicated history of the MDC; a facility that operated for over a century as a residential institution for people with intellectual disabilities. But she says care is being taken to respect that legacy, particularly in collaboration with First Nations leadership.
“When we’re having evacuees from First Nations come in, [the province is] working closely with those First Nations to make sure that they're comfortable,” Knox said. “The grounds are beautiful, and from what I understand, the visits and meetings have been positive.”
She added that although the site is being used temporarily, discussions are ongoing about its long-term future.
As for local support, Knox reiterated that no donations or volunteers are needed at this time, though that may change.
“We do know that once people come into the community, specific needs can come up,” she said. “We’ll communicate that the best we can.”
The province, the City of Portage la Prairie, and First Nations leaders are working closely to ensure the safety and dignity of all evacuees.
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