Portage la Prairie's new community bicycle repair shop's going to be opening it's doors this weekend, hosting a series of workshops. The idea for the community shop started at a Portage Active Transportation Committee presentation earlier in the year, which featured members of 'The Wrench' a community bike shop run in Winnipeg. Since that time the Canadian Mental Health Association Central Region, along with the active transportation committee started to pursue the idea.

The CMHA was able to provide a space for the shop, while grants from PCRC and Southern Health-Santé Sud helped to purchase some of the necessary equipment and tools. They're now preparing to hold two workshops over the weekend, the first is on Saturday and is an open shop for anyone to stop by and do repairs, and the second on Sunday will provide education on repairing tubes and tires, and rim brakes. They intent to hold workshops over several weekends, including throughout the winter.

It only two a few months for the group to get the shop up and running, something those involved with the program didn't expect. CMHA Executive Director Jordan Friesen says part of their quick progress was a result of just how interested the community seemed in pursuing the community bicycle repair shop.

"The community has really gotten behind this project. CMHA has gotten a lot of inquiries about when the shop is going to be open, when it's going to be up and running, and just curiosity about the principal behind it. It's a project intended to build community capacity, and be able to fix your own bike so you have a means of active transportation or physical activity."

Friesen says CMHA decided to get involved with the program as physical health is directly connected to mental health, and to create an opportunity for empowerment in learning a hands-on skill. Meanwhile Project Steering Committee Chair Ian Wassink believes the new shop will help boost the number of bicycles on Portage's roadways, enhancing the city's cycling community.

Throughout the winter, those involved with the shop will work to better utilize the space while also taking a look at future programming. While they're going to be holding individual sessions over weekends at this point, Wassink says they're also looking at expanding the community program.

"One aspect is to look at providing bicycles to the community through the earn a bike program. That way, if someone doesn't have the resources to purchase a bicycle they would be able to provide volunteer hours to the shop to earn a bike. There's also programming that can be done through the schools and that sort of thing."

Saturday's open shop runs from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 160 1st Street North West. Sunday's workshops are split into two parts, with tubes and tires focused on between 12:30 and 2:00, and rim brakes being taken on from 2:30 to 4:00, both at 234 Saskatchewan Avenue. Those hoping to learn more about the shop can contact CMHA at 204-239-6590, or send an email to info@cmhacentral.ca.