PORTAGE NEWS ROUNDUP: Arrests, by-election and a store closure

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Two arrested after police vehicles rammed

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Two women are in custody following a dramatic series of events on Christmas Eve that left two police vehicles damaged and briefly ablaze. On Dec. 24 at 2:15 p.m., a Portage la Prairie RCMP officer attempted to stop a vehicle near 8th Street NW and 6th Avenue NW. Despite the officer activating emergency lights, the vehicle refused to stop. Citing public safety concerns, police did not pursue.

The suspect vehicle was later spotted on Road 70 North heading toward Provincial Road 240. Officers set up a spike belt and positioned a police vehicle to intercept. However, the suspect vehicle stopped short of the belt, reversed into a trailing police vehicle, then drove over the spikes before turning south onto PR 240. Moments later, the suspect vehicle collided head-on with another police vehicle arriving at the scene.

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A 30-year-old Portage la Prairie woman faces charges of flight from police and resisting arrest. She was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

A 32-year-old, of Portage la Prairie, has been remanded into custody on multiple charges, including assaulting a police officer with a weapon, dangerous operation of a vehicle, motor vehicle theft, flight from police, and resisting arrest.

RCMP continue to investigate the incident.

By-election for RM scheduled for the New Year

The Rural Municipality (RM) of Portage la Prairie will hold a by-election for the position of Reeve on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, Acting Reeve Roy Tufford confirmed this week. The date aligns with provisions in the Municipal Act of Manitoba, which mandates that by-elections must be scheduled on a Wednesday.

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Tufford, who assumed the role of Acting Reeve following the resignation of Kam Blight, shared that most members of council encouraged him to run for the position, citing concerns that a new Reeve without established relationships with the current council could face challenges.

“Everyone I have spoken to in the community since has encouraged me to run,” Tufford said.

“Council feels it is important to keep our council functional and effective, maintaining the same course we have been on.”

The nomination period for candidates will open on January 15th, but Tufford, who resigned from his Ward 4 seat on December 20th to comply with the Municipal Act, said he was uncertain whether anyone would challenge him for the Reeve position.

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Clothing store closing doors due to theft and violence

A Portage la Prairie clothing store will close up shop for good next year due to theft, violence and a lack of accountability for thieves and criminals. According to the owner, this is the number one reason they are going out of business.

“Retail theft was the biggest factor, one hundred percent,” Ajay Aggarwal said on Monday.

Aggarwal announced last week that Olina Fashions, a retail clothing and footwear store she co-owns with other family members, is going out of business in the new year after selling off their remaining merchandise.

“When there’s no accountability for theft, it doesn’t just hurt businesses, it damages the whole community.”

According to Aggarwal, theft along with unruly and often violent behavior led to a “toxic” environment at the store. Employees were fearful and those operating the store were continuously stressed.

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Aggarwal and other members of her family will continue to run their other businesses, Olina Development and Leasing Corporation, Olina Cannabis, Olina Jewellery, and the Taste of Spice restaurant and bar in Portage la Prairie. The nature of those businesses do not lead to the same levels of theft and theft-related issues.

MDC location a new opportunity after longtime facility closes

The closure of the Manitoba Developmental Centre (MDC) this December has sparked significant discussions about its impact and future use.

Jeff Bereza, Progressive Conservative MLA, acknowledged both the benefits and dark history of the facility, emphasizing the need for a new direction that better serves the community and the province.

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“MDC has been a significant employer for Portage la Prairie,” Bereza noted, “but it also harboured many individuals who should not have been institutionalized there. The closure, given the circumstances, was necessary.” He highlighted the ongoing need for mental health support across Manitoba and Canada, but expressed strong opposition to institutional settings like MDC as a solution.

The facility is fantastic and underutilized. The Portage School Division has already shown interest in converting it into a secondary or trades campus, addressing the shortage of tradespeople in Manitoba.”

The MDC, with its existing infrastructure for trades such as welding, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work, presents an ideal opportunity for a training hub.

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Bereza emphasized, “Not everyone pursues a four-year degree post-high school. We have a tremendous need for trades in Manitoba, and the MDC site, centrally located, could become a living campus for trade education.”

Snowmobile trails open, Club Snow Inc. calls for volunteers

Snowmobilers in Central Manitoba are enjoying a busy and exciting season as trails between Portage la Prairie, St. Claude, and beyond open for use. However, Club Snow Inc., the organization managing the region’s trail system, is urging more volunteers to join their efforts to ensure trails remain accessible and safe. “We were able to open the trail from Portage up to St. Claude and all the way through to Spruce Woods Provincial Park,” said Doug Atchison, president of Club Snow Inc. “People really love the trail between St. Claude and Portage—it’s a very busy trail and well-used.”

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