Several major highways in southern Manitoba faced closures last Friday due to hazardous driving conditions, stranding numerous travelers. Residents of two small communities stepped in to provide warmth and shelter to those affected.
Manitoba Communities Extend Hospitality
In Elie, residents opened the Elie Community Centre, accommodating roughly 20 people and two dogs who had sought refuge after the Trans-Canada Highway was shut down from Headingley to Portage la Prairie. “We’re friendly Manitoba. So if we didn’t open our doors, who would we be, right?” expressed Cheryl Stock, the centre’s president.
Closure Details and Recovery Efforts
Blowing snow led to the closure of several highways, including parts of at least three major routes in southern Manitoba. By Saturday noon, all highways reopened except for a segment of Highway 26 from Portage la Prairie to Highway 248, according to Manitoba 511.
- Date of Closure: Friday
- Highway affected: Trans-Canada Highway from Headingley to Portage la Prairie
- Community Involvement: 10 volunteers came together quickly to provide necessary supplies
- Residents of Elie: Approximately 700 people
Upon realizing the number of stranded travelers through social media posts, Stock quickly mobilized volunteers to establish temporary shelters. Within one hour, they secured beds, blankets, and pillows, ensuring that everyone had a comfortable space to spend the night.
Additional Support Offered to Travelers
In Oakville, another small community, local volunteers opened the Oakville Community Centre for stranded motorists. This shelter welcomed around 75 individuals who spent the night in comfort, thanks to the contributions of local residents.
- Community Club President: Eric DeLong
- Number of Guests: Approximately 75 individuals
- Amenities Provided: Food, cots, and mattresses
McKay, a traveler with her son, described their anxious journey, encountering low visibility that slowed traffic near Portage la Prairie. After being stranded for nearly two and a half hours, they found their way to the Oakville Community Centre, where kindness abounded. “People were just outpouring support,” she remarked, noting the sense of community that flourished during this challenging time.
Both Cheryl Stock and Eric DeLong emphasized the importance of community support. “A lot of people would have probably ended up in their vehicles for the night,” DeLong noted, praising the swift actions of volunteers who rose to the occasion. “I’m just eternally grateful for the generosity we encountered,” McKay added, highlighting the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity.
As Manitoba welcomes stranded travelers amid the Trans-Canada Highway closure, the unity and support displayed by local communities serve as a remarkable testament to the power of kindness during difficult circumstances.
