The future of Manitoba Developmental Centre was the focus of a meeting earlier this week with the province. Portage Mayor Irvine Ferris, along with the task force looking after the future of MDC met with Portage la Prairie MLA Ian Wishart and Families Minister Scott Fielding Monday, to discuss how to keep the centre relevant. Ferris says much of that meeting focused on ensuring the province was well aware just how important the facility is to the area, especially for the economy. Ferris says MDC is Portage's third largest employer, providing 500 jobs, and the total value of the labour income for direct local spending is $72.5 million.

A shift from institutionalized care to community-oriented care, along with the aging population of the clients at the facility has led to questions over just how long the MDC can operate with its current operations. The discussions surrounding the facility have been ongoing for many years, but the new task force has been meeting with the government to get provincial support. Ferris says the meeting with the new Families minister went well, adding Fielding seems supportive of their work.

"Dave Omichinski and myself had met with the former minister Kerri Irvin Ross in January, but obviously, there has been a change in government and a change of ministers. So I wanted to show him our terms of reference, and he's fine with them, and also showed a real willingness to work with us on this."

Ferris says the centre's likely able to continue with its current operations for several more years but says it's never too early to start planning. He cites other major corporation closures in Portage la Prairie as one reason they feel it's vital to start planning early.

"In 1989 and 1990 we saw the closure of Campbell's Soup at approximately 300 jobs, the closure of CFB Southport. There was no prior notice, no planning, nothing like that. I think this is very, very important for the community going forward in the years ahead to keep these very good jobs here, and the economic benefits that go with it."

While they've been able to meet with the new minister, they're also hoping the minister will come down to the centre to see the work they do. However, Ferris says they're also going to be conducting tours for CEOs this summer, in an effort to better understand the possible future uses of the grounds, and staff.