Public safety event reveals lack of engagement
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PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE — Local officials are expressing deep frustration following what they describe as “abysmal” attendance at a public safety open house intended to address crime and community policing in the city.
The event, held the evening of March 25 at Stride Place, was organized by the RCMP, the City of Portage la Prairie, and the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC). It featured presentations from the local RCMP detachment and Community Safety Officers (CSOs), alongside volunteer groups that included the Bear Clan, the Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) and Crime Stoppers.
Mayor Sharilyn Knox took to social media in an emotional video statement to address the lack of community engagement.
Approximately two members of the public were in attendance at the open house, aside from members of each participating organization. (Photo by Renee Lilley)
“I have to say that the attendance was abysmal,” Knox said. “We purposely do something to help inform or help people get involved in a solution, and nobody shows up. I honestly felt for the organizations that were there … none of them have easy jobs.”
The mayor noted that despite constant criticism regarding public safety on social media, very few residents took the opportunity to provide the direct feedback the RCMP was seeking for its local policing priorities.
Colin Doyle, chair of the city’s public safety committee, echoed the mayor’s disappointment. He noted that while some residents claimed they were unaware of the event, it had been advertised extensively across multiple platforms.
“We always hear crime is front and centre in our city, and then when it counts, nobody shows up,” Doyle said. “It was a good opportunity for people to actually get their feedback … a lot of information was there for the taking.”
Doyle highlighted that many of the organizations in attendance were seeking new volunteers to help bolster safety initiatives. The groups present included: the Portage Justice Committee: focusing on restorative justice; Portage Bear Clan: providing community support and patrols; COPP and Crime Stoppers: assisting in crime prevention and reporting; the Community Safety Office: providing stats and information on local safety programs.
Both officials urged residents to move beyond social media criticism and support the volunteers working to improve the community. Residents seeking to get involved are encouraged to contact the mayor’s office directly by emailing sknox@city-plap.com to be connected with local safety organizations.
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