Over the weekend, the Canadian Red Cross reached out to RRC Polytech to request our assistance to shelter wildfire evacuees.

We are preparing to support approximately 200 Manitobans by offering a shelter space at the Notre Dame Campus.

We are anticipating that supplies and cots will be delivered today to help set up a temporary shelter in the North Gym. The South Gym will also be used as a recreation space for evacuees. 

As part of this effort, the North Gym and Loft (including changing room facilities), and South Gym will be closed to students and staff until further notice. Otherwise, there will be no impact to day-to-day operations on campus.  

Making our spaces available is an important way we can support evacuees during this difficult time and welcome them to campus as they seek safety and comfort. The Canadian Red Cross will manage the shelter, which will operate 24/7 while evacuees are on site. RRC Polytech will assist the Red Cross as needed to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. 

This work is being led by Safety, Health and Security Services who have engaged a coordinated team of representatives from areas across the College and have set up an Emergency Operations Centre located at AB37. We are all working together to ensure evacuees are supported and have what they may need while staying with us.  

Later today, we may reach out to staff who are available to help with setting up the shelter alongside the Canadian Red Cross. We will keep you informed if assistance is needed. 

We continue to take direction from the Canadian Red Cross and at this time we will not be accepting clothing or other donations at this site. As we learn more and understand how we can best support the evacuees on campus, we will continue to keep you informed.  

RRC Polytech has always been here to support our community, and we appreciate your assistance and understanding as we work together to help those affected by the wildfires. 

We will continue to provide regular updates on the shelter site at NDC through rrc.ca/marcom and Staff and Student News to keep you informed. 

Thank you for your compassion and support, and for welcoming evacuees to the RRC Polytech community.