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BUSINESS INFORMATION |
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Portage la Prairie and area is a progressive
community with an area population of approximately
20,000 inhabitants. Located in south central
Manitoba on the picturesque Assiniboine River,
Portage la Prairie is, and has always been an
important transportation centre, dating back to its
inception as a fur trading post. Today it is
connected to the rest of Canada via the Trans-Canada
Highway and Yellowhead Highway, with service from
both major railroads, a trans-continental bus
service, and via air through Southport Aerospace.
Strategically situated in the centre of the
continent astride major east-west transportation
routes, (only forty-five minutes west of Winnipeg,
one hour north of the international border, and one
hour east of Brandon) Portage la Prairie is in an
ideal position to accommodate additional industries.
Residents of Portage la Prairie utilize the
Assiniboine River as their water source. A flood
control dam provides an ideal reservoir which
ensures more than adequate water supply for all the
community's need. The quality of the treated water
is extremely high and there is ample capacity for
additional water production. The distribution system
provides a reliable system of conveying treated
water to all the users.
Agriculture, related processing and services,
remains the major industrial focus of our area. The
affordable land prices, good drainage and excellent
soil conditions have been conducive to the high
agricultural output of our region. The farming
community of the Rural Municipality of Portage la
Prairie produces many speciality crops such as
carrots, onions, asparagus, parsnips, beans,
rutabagas, cauliflower, broccoli, peas, potatoes,
various grains and oil seeds, strawberries, saskatoon
berries, raspberries, and much, much more. Much of
the R.M. of Portage la Prairie is under irrigation,
and additional acreage can be incorporated into the
existing irrigation system. The diverse agricultural
production of the Portage area has drawn many food
processing plants to the city. These include McCain
Foods Ltd., Can Oats Ltd., and JR
Simplot’s newest Canadian potato processing plant.
An ideal home for all new businesses, Portage la
Prairie has approximately 550 acres designated for
industrial and industrial reserve use city wide.
Some "infill" industrial development could occur in
the Western and Railway Industrial areas. Of the 550
acres of industrially designated land, the City has
over 200 available acres which is principally
located in the McMillan Industrial Park.
The City has been very successful in its attempts to
attract industry. The most important attributes from
a business opportunity standpoint are our central
North American location, our diverse agricultural
production, the wide array of food processing
options, and our progressive business attitude.
Portage la Prairie residents are also extremely
proud of their education system, health care
services, multitude of recreational facilities, arts
and culture opportunities, housing selection,
service clubs, religious services and the range of
media services. Wildlife also abounds in the area as
it is home to one of the nation's largest flocks of
Canada Geese.
Click here for more |
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TOURISM
& SPECIAL EVENTS
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Portage la Prairie Manitoba has something for
everyone!
Tourism Information:
Tourism Portage la Prairie Website
In early 2001, the City of Portage la Prairie created the Tourism
Advisory Committee (TAC). The purpose of the TAC is
to encourage tourism development within the City of
Portage la Prairie and to tourism providers in order
to attract more tourists, increase their length of
stay, and increase the volume of tourism products
and encourage the development of tourism assets and
attractions.
The Diversional Sign Advertising Policy allows community groups access to
the advertising panel located on the three
diversional signs on #1 Highway to promote major
events or activities occurring in the City of
Portage la Prairie.
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All events must create
a high profile and significant economic benefit for
the City through the large number of estimated
spectators and tourists.
The Tourism Logo Policy allows use of the Portage la
Prairie Tourism Logo and Slogan on flyers,
newsletters, event tickets, menus or others items in
a positive manner. The Tourism Logo Policy outlines
rules and regulations when using this logo.
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For
more information
on any of these
initiatives contact the Economic & Community
Development Department at:
Phone: 204-239-8334
Fax: 204-239-1532
Email:
info@city-plap.com |
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RECREATION
FACILITIES |
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Portage la Prairie is
home to a variety of different recreation groups. If
you are looking for one in particular, the Portage
Regional Recreation Authority
may be able to help
at 204-857-7772 or
www.pcucentre.ca |
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PRRA
Operated Facilities
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Splash Island
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Republic of Manitobah Park
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PCU Centre
Non-City Operated Facilities
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Southport Golf Club
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The Portage la Prairie
Regional Library
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Southport Bowl
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Southport Recreation Centre
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Herman Prior Senior Services
Centre
- for information call 204-857-6951
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Portage Curling Rink
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Portage Golf Club
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William Glesby Centre |
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RECREATION PROGRAMS |
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These
programs are now the responsibility of the
PRRA |
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GRANTS |
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Outdoor Rink Grant
Not for Profit Organizations are
eligible to apply for the outdoor rink grant for a
maximum of $500. As many grants are approved as
budget allocations allow.
Hosting Assistance
Grant
The City of Portage la Prairie provides this
grant to encourage local organizations to host
events in our City. It is accessible to non-profit
groups to assist in offsetting their costs to
attract public festivals, special events,
conferences, sport, art or heritage events or
projects in the community of significant nature.
These public affairs must attract widespread
community involvement and/or participation and
thereby generate significant economic or
recreational benefit to the Community.
Hosting Grant Policy
For
More Information:
Contact the City of Portage la Prairie Economic
Development Department at 204-239-8334
or
email
info@city-plap.com |
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SPECIAL EVENTS
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Often community groups need assistance in planning a
special event, regardless of whether or not it is
held in a
City owned or operated facility.
Community Event Permits
Events involving Alcohol, if open to the public,
require a “community event permit” approved by City
Council.
To submit a
request for a community event permit, forward a
letter to the City outlining the details of your
event approximately 5-6 weeks in advance.
After approval by City Council,
if selling alcohol, organizers must contact the
Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) to obtain
a permit. It is further recommended that you
contact a MLCC Inspector who may be available to
clarify your responsibilities as an event permit
holder.
An official agreement
will need to be signed with the City and event
organizers. Event organizers will be required to
provide evidence of a minimum of $2,000,000.00 (two
million dollars) public liability insurance, naming
the City as an additional insured for the event.
This must be filed with the City by providing a true
certified copy of the insurance policy upon the
signing of the agreement.
Please contact 204-239-8337 or
info@city-plap.com for more information.
Special
Event Insurance
Due to the increased demand to host
special events on City property such as parks,
or in City owned and operated facilities, and due to
the increased expense in obtaining adequate
liability insurance, the City recognizes the need to
provide special event insurance options to those
non-profit groups and organizations hosting these
special events.
A
policy has been developed in order to identify the
requirements and specifications that may determine
whether or not an event is eligible for liability
coverage under the City’s Municipal Insurance
Program.
Please contact 204-239-8337 or
info@city-plap.com for more information.
Road
Closures
Road closure
requests must be in writing and include:
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the streets to be closed
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the date of the requested
closure
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the length of time the road
will be closed
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the reason for the closure
Road Closure requests should be
forwarded to the appropriate Department as follows:
For Island Park 204-239-8334, For closures other than
Island Park 204-239-8337
For Island Park:
Forward requests to the City Manager.
Requests should be received at least 3 weeks prior
to event to allow for review and notice to residents
on the Island.
For closures other
than Island Park:
Forward requests to the Manager of Administration
For Parades:
Forward requests to the
Fire Department or call (204) 239-8340 |
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HERITAGE
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Portage la
Prairie has a rich historical past. There is a need
to
protect and conserve our existing heritage
resources as reminders of this past for future
generations.
Portage Heritage
Advisory Committee:
In accordance with
Bylaw 08-8411, the Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC)
is an advisory body appointed by Council to advise
on heritage matters. The Committee can recommend
various actions, but it cannot commit the Council to
these recommendations. Council holds the ultimate
authority in heritage matters.
The Committee exists to:
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Advise Council on matters arising out of the
Heritage Resources Act
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Advise Council on criteria for evaluation of
properties of architectural or historical value.
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Maintain and prioritize a list of significant
properties worthy of conservation.
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Recommend to Council buildings, sites and artifacts
for designation under the Heritage Resources Act.
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Advise Council on means of conserving heritage
properties and areas.
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Advise Council on current heritage conservation
legislation and formation of municipal legislation
to conserve heritage properties and areas.
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Recommend to Council programs and activities to
increase public awareness of heritage conservation
issues.
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Advise Council on any matters relating to buildings
and areas of architectural or historical
significance.
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Advise Council on properties and artifacts owned by
the city.
Heritage Advisory Committee By-Law
Residential Inventory of Potential Heritage Sites
Heritage
Designations:
Who Can Ask for Designation:
A proposal for
municipal designation may come directly from
Council, the Heritage Advisory Committee or from a
member of the public.
Determining the Significance of a Site for
Designation:
A point system based on
the prominence of previous owners, age (of a
structure), importance as a landmark, architectural
qualities and exterior integrity is used to
determine the significance of a site. On occasion,
aspects of the interior may also be considered.
The Process:
The designation
procedure is designed not only to make the owner
aware of the process, but also to protect their
interests.
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Upon evaluation of the home, the HAC may
recommend to Council that the designation process
should proceed.
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HAC evaluates potential municipal designation.
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A Municipal designation bylaw is prepared for
Council consideration and may be given first
reading.
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After first reading, a Municipal Notice of
Intent of the proposed designation is issued. A
copy of the By-Law must be sent by registered mail
to the owner, any lessee of the affected property
and Historic Resources Branch.
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The Notice of Intent must be published in two
successive issues of the local newspaper and filed
at the Land Titles office. This must include a
declaration that Council intends to designate the
site and set a date, time and place for a public
hearing (no earlier than 21 days after the Notice of
Intent).
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If no objections are raised at the public
hearing, Council may give second and third reading
to adopt the By-Law to designate the site, or it may
decide not to proceed with the proposed designation
and publish a Cancellation Notice of Intent.
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When objections are raised at the public
hearing, Council may:
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resolve not to proceed with designation and publish
a Cancellation Notice of Intent
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amend the By-Law and adopt as amended
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refer the objection to the Municipal Board
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If the matter is referred to the Municipal Board,
the Board will set a time, date and place for a
public hearing. At least 21 days before the
hearing, the Board will serve notice to the City,
Historic Resources Branch, the owner, any lessee for
the site, plus any parties who either objected or
made representation at the previous hearing. A copy
of the notice of hearing will also be published in
two issues of the local newspaper.
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After the Municipal Board hearing, the Board will
submit to the City a report of its recommendations,
with reasons. The City may cancel the designation,
amend and adopt the By-Law, or adopt the By-Law in
its original form.
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Once Council declares a location municipally
designated, a Municipal Heritage Notice is sent to
the owner, any lessee of the site, and the Minister
of the Historic Resources Branch. The notice is
also published once in the local newspaper and filed
at the Land Titles office.
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Should a Notice of Appeal be submitted, Council
may:
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revoke the designation or
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refer the appeal to the Municipal Board for a
hearing and recommendation
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The Owner & Designation:
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A potential heritage site, for which a Notice of
Intent has been issued, is protected from any
alteration until a decision has been made.
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During the designation process or following
designation, ownership of a Municipal designated
heritage site may be transferred. The owner must
inform the new owner of the process and/or that the
site is a designated heritage site. The owner must
also inform the City of this change of ownership.
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For a designated heritage site, Council requires
the owner to obtain a Heritage Permit before the
site can be altered, renovated, developed or
enlarged. The purpose is not to limit renovations
and improvements, but to encourage the owner to make
changes that are sympathetic to the historic and
architectural qualities of the site.
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The City’s Department of Economic and Community
Development will assist home-owner’s of designated
sites by providing contacts for possible grants and
individuals/organizations with expertise in
altering/renovating historic sites.
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AGE FRIENDLY CITIES |
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 In
2006, the City of Portage la Prairie participated in
the World Health Organization Global Age-Friendly
Cities Project. The project included the study of
eight domains relating to aging. The Age-Friendly
Cities Report highlights key findings and presents
recommendations arising from the research.
An Age-Friendly Community enables individuals of all
ages and abilities to live active lives, to enjoy
good health, to live in security and to participate
in society.
The Age-Friendly Cities Advisory Committee is
appointed by City Council to consider aging related
issues in the City of Portage la Prairie and:
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To provide advice,
consultation and recommendations to the City of
Portage la Prairie on policies and issues
related to creating an Age-Friendly environment.
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To develop and
implement an annual action plan for Portage la
Prairie based on the recommendations in the
Portage la Prairie Age-Friendly Cities Report
and other information that may come to the
attention of the Committee.
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To review and
determine appropriate follow-up to aging related
issues brought to the attention of the Committee
by Council, Advisory Committee Members or
citizens at large.
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To raise awareness
of the benefits of Age-Friendliness throughout
the community.
The group is comprised of
representatives from the City, Herman Prior Seniors
Centre, Portage Service for Seniors, RHA Central
Manitoba Inc., Canadian Mental Health Association,
Portage Regional Library, Portage Friendship Centre
and seniors in the community. The group develops a
strategic plan each year to ensure focus on the
issues at hand.
On September 14, 2011
the Portage la Prairie Age Friendly Advisory
Committee launched the
Senior's Resource Guide. Click
Here for a Copy.
History
Creating a Community Brochure
Its Your Business Brochure
For More Information or to become part of this
initiative, contact:
Portage la Prairie Age-Friendly Cities Advisory
Committee
City of Portage la Prairie
97 Saskatchewan Avenue E.
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0L9
Phone: 204-239-8337
Fax: 204-239-1532
Email:
swilliams@city-plap.com
AGE FRIENDLY CITIES
RELATED LINKS:
Age Friendly Manitoba
Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat
Age
Friendly Community-University Research Alliance, Centre on Aging,
University of Manitoba
Age
Friendly Cities Guide
Age Friendly Rural and Remote Communications: A Guide
Seniors Resource Network
Age
Friendly Communities - International Federation on Aging
Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
Public Health Agency of Canada
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