When a winter storm shut down the Trans-Canada Highway recently, local community hubs transformed into makeshift refuges for hundreds of stranded travellers. The Oakville Community Club and the Herman Prior Activity Centre in Portage la Prairie opened their doors as emergency shelters on Jan. 16, after accidents and deteriorating conditions left motorists with nowhere to go. Meanwhile, in nearby Portage la Prairie, the Herman Prior Activity Centre housed 124 motorists as local hotels reached capacity. The City of Portage la Prairie officially activated the site to ensure those trapped by the storm remained safe. Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox credited city administration, the fire department and community safety officers for the rapid response.