The Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie was incorporated in 1879. It is the largest land area municipality in Manitoba. The R.M. is centrally located in the Province of Manitoba, with its west boundary about 97 kilometres from Brandon, Manitoba's second largest city, and its east boundary about 48 kilometres from the City of Winnipeg.
The Assiniboine River flows from east to west through the R.M., and serves not only the agricultural industry, but also the tourism industry. The river's banks have given the province its largest tree - a 115-foot Plains Cottonwood - located 18 kms southwest of Portage la Prairie.
The City of Portage la Prairie is located at the centre of the municipality. The municipality is bisected by the Trans Canada Highway. The RM. also receives service from both major rail lines. Residents and visitors of the municipality enjoy rural living knowing that they are only a short distance away from the city's shared health and education facilities.
History
The Rural Municipality of Portage La Prairie is rich in history. St. Anne's Anglican Church was completed around 1864, and is one of the oldest log churches in use in Western Canada. The Fort la Reine Museum was set up in 1967 to commemorate Canada's Centennial and to preserve the history of the region.
Economic Base
The most recent addition to the municipality's economic base is a $120 million potato processing facility being constructed by Simplot Canada Ltd. The new facility is being built in the RM's Poplar Bluff Industrial Park, located just west of the city of Portage la Prairie. When completed in 2003, the plant is expected to employ some 200 people.
The Southport Aerospace Centre is located in the R.M., and was a Canadian Forces Base until 1990. Today, it is a flight training base, as well as, a recreational, industrial and residential facility.
Major Attractions
The R.M. of Portage la Prairie is located in the Central Plains tourism area - the "Land of Echoes and Legends". The R.M. offers many campgrounds for families and vacationers.
St. Ambroise Provincial Recreation Park is located on the south basin of Lake Manitoba, with a treed campground and numerous picnic sites stretching along the fine sands of a beach ridge. It is also a staging area for migratory birds and a haven for birdwatchers.
The Delta Marsh is located at the southern tip of Lake Manitoba, the 17th largest freshwater lake in the world. This marsh is one of the best known large natural wetlands in North America and is the most prominent waterfowl area in the Northern Great Plains. The most spectacular aspect of the marsh is the breeding, staging and moulting of waterfowl. This spectacle has attracted visitors from around the world. The North American Wildlife Foundation and the University of Manitoba both maintain research facilities at the marsh.
The Portage Sandhills provide many acres of undisturbed land. Hunters, crosscountry skiers and those who just wish to enjoy nature and its wildlife can enjoy the beautiful Sandhills.
