Over 100 Manitobans with intellectual disabilities being housed in a 100-year-old provincial institution will be transitioning to community living.

Families Minister Rochelle Squires says the Manitoba Developmental Centre (MDC) is the last of its kind to house large amounts of people with intellectual disabilities in one facility.

"MDC is home to many people, in some cases, it is the only home they have known for the majority of their life.," the minister says.

With the broader move across the country and more Manitobans choosing to community-based living, Squires says the government is now turning in that direction. She says while MDC is the last of its kind and size is Canada.

"Years ago when I was a reporter, I remember standing in the Minister of Family's office, this was 2004, 2005, in that era and hearing the government of the day talking about this transition plan, and I remember talking to members of the community about desires to more forward with this community living."

More than a decade after reporting on it, Squires is making the change. A big push came from the government witnessing health concerns in community living.

"To be honest, COVID has certainly opened our eyes to the risks imposed on individuals living in an institutional setting. We are very very fortunate that there was not a massive outbreak at MDC, but the risk was certainly highlighted."

Over three years, those living will be moved into community living facilities not operated by the province. The province is working with organizations such as Abilities Manitoba to identify potential new placements. Staff at MDC will be working with families to help them find new homes. for their loved ones.

"Community living is not only more dignified, but it is safer for our residents," Squires says, noting that each resident has their own needs and will need appropriate housing and staff to care for them.

Squires says that there will be government jobs for each of the hundreds of employees whom she expressed appreciation for if they wish to remain provincial employees.

The Government will be working with the City of Portage la Prairie to identify uses for the massive building once it is void of residents.