With summer’s wildfires finally behind us, attention in Portage la Prairie has turned from immediate crisis response to long-term preparedness, and again, the future of the former Manitoba Developmental Centre (MDC) is front and centre.
After temporarily reopening in August to shelter wildfire evacuees from across the province, the shuttered institution, now known by its address, Site 840, is being considered by the Manitoba government as a permanent evacuation centre for those fleeing climate-related disasters such as fires or floods.
The idea has sparked cautious optimism, but also left many local leaders and community members asking questions and calling for meaningful involvement in the decision-making process.
Calls for collaboration
“We know the building is government-owned, and if they’re going to move forward with something like this, civil servants should be part of the process,” says Kyle Ross, president of the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU). “We want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.”
MGEU previously represented workers at the site when it operated as a care facility. Although the union hasn’t yet been invited to the table, Ross says they’re ready to engage and emphasizes the importance of community input.
“We’re hopeful the government will collaborate with us, and with the community. That’s always our approach because when you have local buy-in, things work better," he notes.
Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox confirmed those preliminary conversations have already started with provincial officials, including Premier Wab Kinew.
“Right now, it’s just an idea, but we're open to the discussion with the province,” Knox says. “None of these decisions or plans would ever be made without the consultation of our municipality and all of the stakeholders that are involved in something like this.”
While plans are still in the early stages, Knox is encouraged by the province’s willingness to work together.
“We know that we need to do what’s best for this province and for Portage la Prairie. We’re not quite sure what that looks like yet, but we’re happy to have those discussions.”
A site with deep roots
Before its closure in December 2024, the site was a key part of Portage’s economy. The facility served for decades as a provincial care home for adults with intellectual disabilities, employing hundreds of local workers.
That changed when the provincial government transitioned all residents to community-based supported living arrangements, a move some viewed as progressive, but left a void in Portage’s workforce.
“We did everything we could to advocate for those workers and tried to keep good, family-supporting jobs in the community. When the facility closed, we had to pivot and help folks find other roles in the civil service," Ross explains.
The closure of the facility, combined with the shutdown of the Agassiz Youth Centre, was a blow to the community. But Ross believes the current proposal to repurpose Site 840 could help Portage recover some of the lost economic activity.
“This would create more job opportunities, and if Portage doesn’t take it, it might go somewhere else."
The summer test run
Ross points to this summer’s wildfire response as proof of what Portage la Prairie can offer in a time of crisis. When evacuees from across the province needed shelter, Site 840 was quickly reopened and provided a safe, stable environment during a high-stress time.
“There’s real benefit to having a clean, ready place for people who are displaced. These are high-stress situations, but being able to offer evacuees some privacy and normalcy goes a long way,” he continues.
He adds that beyond providing humanitarian support, a long-term evacuation centre could bring meaningful benefits to the local economy and workforce.
“It would support local businesses, the community, and these people in need. Portage is a pretty welcoming place, and there’s an opportunity to show that again.”
A decision still to come
As of now, the province has not made a formal announcement about the long-term future of the site. For both city officials and labour representatives, the message to the province is clear: don’t move ahead without us.
“I’ve heard from many stakeholders in the community. They have a lot of questions, just like we do, so I will continue to communicate with the province to get some answers. At the end of the day, Portage la Prairie is our responsibility. We want to see something happen here, but we have to make sure it is the best fit for our community," Knox states.
For now, it’s a waiting game, but many see Site 840 as more than just an old building. It’s a symbol of the city’s resilience, its adaptability, and its ongoing commitment to care for its residents and neighbours alike.
“There’s a real chance here to do something meaningful,” Ross says. “Let’s make sure we do it together.”
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