(Urban biker image via Shutterstock)
Two grants will help support the development of a community bicycle repair shop in Portage la Prairie.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) — Central Region along with the Portage Active Transportation (AT) Committee have received $4,300.
Funds will be used to purchase bicycle repair tools and equipment, as well as the hosting of repair workshops to educate community members interested in learning how to repair their bikes.
“We are incredibly excited about this project and the support we’ve received from Healthy Together Now and the PCRC (Portage Community Revitalization Corporation),” said Jordan Friesen, executive director for CMHA Central.
“These funds will help us lay the groundwork for the project and take it from an idea to a reality.”
The goal is to set up three to five repair stations inside the volunteer-run shop.
“We also hope to install some storage solutions to organize all the used bike parts we receive,” added Ian Wassink, chair of the project steering committee.
Community members have donated nearly 70 used bikes and frames so far and donations continue to pour in.
