Built on the banks of the winding Assiniboine River, Portage La Prairie, or simply Portage to the locals, lies on the gently rolling plain of the Canadian Prairie. Lake Manitoba, home of the world famous Delta Marsh Research Station, is one of the bigger lakes in Canada and lies only 15 minutes north of Portage La Prairie.
History
The first Europeans credited with the "discovery" of the Portage area were Radisson and Groseilliers. They explored the region in search of furs between 1658 and 1690. Pierre Gaultier de Varnes Sieur de la Verendrye established Fort la Reine on the site of what is now known as Portage la Prairie in 1738. The name Portage la Prairie reflects this early voyageur heritage because it derives its meaning from the "Prairie Portage" that the early explorers had to endure when transporting goods from the Red and Assiniboine Rivers across Lake Manitoba.
The City of Portage La Prairie began as a permanent settlement in the 1850's, surrounding the fur-trading outpost of Fort la Reine. Established on the banks of the Assiniboine River in 1739, the fort provided much needed supplies to the voyagers traversing the waters of the west. In the 1760, the French lost control of the fort to the expanding Hudson's Bay Company. In the late 1840's, the Reverend William Cochran and a new group of settlers were drawn to the area for a different reason, some of the finest soils in the west. The arrival of the Trans continental railway in 1880 secured Portage La Prairie a major local center.
Economic Base
The present day Portage La Prairie is a thriving community home to over 13000 citizens. When the surrounding areas are included, the trading area grows to over 50,000 people. The community offers a high quality of life to its residents, and a sense of friendly country hospitality in a decidedly urban setting. A strong work ethic gives rise to a enterprising and talented workforce that supports both small business and major industry alike, and makes Portage la Prairie competitive in today's growing world market. Located just south of the city, the Southport Aerospace Center is home to a number of international high-tech and manufacturing firms. The area surrounding Portage also produces some of the best potatoes in North America, and McCain's Processing Plant provides french fries and related products to companies such as McDonald's worldwide. Simplot Canada which has currently constructed a $120 Million facility in the outskirts of Portage la Prairie begain french fry processing in the summer of 2003. The fertile local soil also supports vegetable processing and an extensive horticulture industry, selling shrubs and ornamentals.
Major Attractions
Throughout the year, Island Park, surrounded by beautiful Crescent Lake provides ample opportunity for outdoor fun.
Crescent lake is also home to Water Ski Manitoba. This world class training facility has hosted both the Provincial and Western Canadian Water Ski Championships.
Also located on Island Park is the newly constructed "Splash Island" which offers something for everyone!
Featuring:
-Lazy River
-25 M Lap 3 lane area
-Tot pool with Water Umbrella and Spray Arches
-A relaxing Rock Waterfall
-Bubbler Bench
-Mini Geysers
-Double-wide Kiddie Mini River
-Slide "Bubblegum Run"
-194ft.Open Winding Waterslide called "Splash Attack"
-175ft. Enclosed Super Waterslide called "Funnel Tunnel"
-group rentals available
Splash Island will create a unique and fun aquatic experience, which residents and visitors alike will remember and want to return to.
The Splash Island building houses a full concession area with two sliding glass pass through windows: one to serve customers within the Pool area and one to serve customers visiting Island Park. The building features a covered central entrance , a men's and women's changeroom with showers and lockers, two fully equipped family change rooms, a first-aid/lifeguard room, and information/pay booth.
The facility has a maximum capacity for 479 people and will offer a number of public swim times seven days a week.
Splash Island is located on the City's beautiful Island Park, which is home to many recreation and sport facilities and annual special events. There are newly renovated tennis courts, playground areas, picnic sites, a hedge maze, a self-guided arboretum, a scenic duck pond, washroom facilities, a deer and a bird pen, and a fantastic 18 hole golf course. The addition of Splash Island makes Island Park a significant recreational asset to the community.
Island Park also plays home to the Portage Exhibition and Fair which runs in July. The PortageEX is the oldest running fair in Manitoba.
The Fort la Reine Museum and Pioneer Village is located at the junction of Highways 1A and 26. Here, you can step back in time and explore an 1800's era settlement complete with trading post, blacksmith's shop, stable, schoolhouse, print shop, church, and much more! Open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekends -- May to mid-September
The streets of downtown Portage La Prairie are lined with history as many buildings date back to the turn of the century and beyond. Portage Heritage Incorporated provides a self-guided walking tour through the downtown area in the summer months.
"Year 6 of Island of Lights Another Successful Event!"
Manitoba Hydro Power Smart Island of Lights, presented by A Channel came to an end January 9,2005. The show delighted visitors of all ages over the 7 weeks that it was open, and received unprecedented praise from all that attended.
Manitoba's premier drive through Christmas light show has brought visitors from Winnipeg, Brandon, and numerous rural communities, as well as over 3300 out of Province visitors over the last 6 years.
Not only has this show attracted National attention by winning the 2000 Canadian Parks and Recreation Association Award of Excellence for Innovation, but it again surpassed attendance goals. Portage la Prairie and the Island of Lights also won National acclaim in February 2002 and February 2004 when it was awarded the prestigious Winterlights Celebration Award. Further, the show was recognized as the national, Attractions Canada Provincial Award Winner and went on to compete against other 10 other Provincial Award winners.
The goal of the light show is to create excitement, attract tourists, and bring the Christmas season alive like never before! It is a MANITOBA FIRST.
From the comfort of your vehicle, many of the dazzling light displays came to life through the magic of animation. The drive through light show featured over 13 theme areas with more
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
Three shopping malls in Portage La Prairie are home to numerous stores selling everything from household items to unique arts and crafts.
Crescent Lake and Island Park Provide many opportunities for indoor and outdoor fun year round. From sports fields to skating, walking to skiing, any recreation enthusiast is sure to find activities they will enjoy.
Manitobah Republic Park houses 11 soccer fields, 9 base ball diamonds, 2 beach volleyball courts, batting cage, 1 football/rugby field, washroom facilities and a canteen area for the sports enthusiasts. This park is also available for tournament bookings.
Island Park is also home to a horseracing track. Harness races are run throughout the summer months.
The Portage Spillway and Reservoir offer summer activities such as fishing, boating and swimming from the sand beach. Winter anglers will also enjoy the challenge of ice fishing for Walleye and Perch.
Fort La Reine Museum provides a unique look at our past as one strolls down an 1850's era street complete with costumed shopkeepers and authentic artefacts.
Other Information
Access
The four lane divided Trans Canada Highway runs adjacent to Portage La Prairie. As the major East-West route in Canada, the highway provides easy access to Winnipeg 75 kilometers to the east, and other major centers beyond. The Trans Canada Highway also provides access to many north-south routes with easy access to the United States and many other points.
Trucking
Two local firms serve Portage La Prairie locally and abroad. Easy access to the Trans Canada Highway means unlimited access by all of the major international carriers for long distance trucking needs. Purolator and Loomis courier services also provide regular service to and from Portage La Prairie with over-night service available to many points.
Industrial Land
2 major industrial parks provide acres space to major Portage La Prairie businesses. The parks have easy access to the Trans Canada Highway as well as proximity to rail and air facilities. In certain areas, land is provided to those companies promising major developments, free of charge
Water Services
The Assiniboine River provides Portage La Prairie with an abundant supply of fresh water, and a modern treatment facility and distribution system provides piped water to almost all residents of the city.
Sewage Collection & Treatment
A new $30 million Wastewater Pollution Control Facility was constructed in Portage La Prairie in 1997. This state of the art wastewater treatment plant operates on the southeast corner of the city, and almost all areas of the city are served by the piped system.
Landfill & Eco-Center
The City of Portage La Prairie operates a landfill site in cooperation with the surrounding Rural Municipality of Portage La Prairie. Regular garbage collection is provided to all residences and a recycling center offers environmental support. Recyclable material is picked up curbside for residents on a biweekly basis, and a drop off service exists for other residents.
Education
Education services are provided by a number of different facilities in Portage La Prairie. Portage Collegiate and Arthur Meighen High Schools house senior high students while offering many programs and extra-curricular activities. There are also numerous junior high and elementary schools, and licensed nursery schools and day cares. K - 9 French Immersion is also offered in the Portage la Prairie School Division. Portage la Prairie is also home to the Westpark Private School.
Health Care
Portage La Prairie & District RegionalHospital is a modern facility that serves the surrounding area with 109 beds and 15 doctors on staff. Areas of Specialization include radiology, physical medicine, dialysis, chemotherapy, geriatric medicine, obstetrics, and intensive care.
Police & Fire
Fire fighting services in Portage La Prairie are provided by a combination of professional and volunteer firefighters, backed by a fleet of modern fire and rescue equipment.
The R.C.M.P. Detachment includes a rural policing unit as well as the policing of the City of Portage la Prairie. The Detachment includes 39 members and 11 civilian employees.
