By Renee Lilley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Portage Graphic Leader The Manitoba government plans to reopen the former Manitoba Developmental Centre (MDC) site in Portage la Prairie as a temporary shelter for wildfire evacuees starting Friday, August 8. The announcement, made by Mayor Sharilyn Knox, signals the community’s role in addressing the urgent need for accommodations for those displaced by ongoing wildfires across the province. Mayor Knox shared the update via social media, emphasizing that this is a “short-term solution” while the province works to secure more suitable, long-term accommodations. The initiative involves a collaborative partnership between the provincial government, the City of Portage la Prairie, and First Nations leadership, all working to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for the incoming evacuees. “We know the site’s history, and I…