The RM of Portage la Prairie council met Tuesday and selected one of its councillors to stand on the Manitoba Developmental Centre task force. Reeve Kam Blight says Garth Asham was chosen.

"There is an MDC task force in place now," says Blight. "The city (of Portage la Prairie) met with us on January 11 to discuss the RM's involvement. The RM is 100% behind the city and this task force. We're trying to find ways to re-purpose the facility when the time may come to preserve the use of that facility, but also to sustain those jobs. That's very important and critical to our communities. We appointed Garth Asham to be part of that committee, and I'll be the alternate. We'll be there to help look into possible ideas going forward in that area. This is just us coming into the picture now to be a part of the process."

Garth Asham (photo by Mike Blume)

Garth Asham, RM of Portage la Prairie councillor for ward 1, says, "I think it's going to be interesting because the MDC plays such an important part in the community in terms of the economic spin-off, and residential areas for the handicapped folks we have. I think my role will be just as an advisor or committee member to come up with some alternative ideas, or avenues, that MDC can be utilized for."

He notes MDC's such a vital part of the whole community, and the buildings there are still in very fine condition, making them suitable for a wide range of possible uses.