Building a bigger, better Portage

Vern May wants new businesses to settle in Portage la Prairie, but not at any cost.

May, Portage Regional Economic Development’s executive director, said it’s better to wait for a business to set up shop for the long term than to have a business open and then close within a few months.

He believes that supporting existing businesses is also important to keep the community vibrant.

"How can we help existing businesses?"

He also realizes that no matter what type of new businesses opens in the city or municipality, they can’t stop an outflow of residents between 18 and 25 years who leave to pursue post-secondary education or career opportunities. However, May hopes that those former residents will return with their families as their values change.

May said the average cost of a home is about $200,000, and that’s approximately $100,000 lower than a similar house in Winnipeg. The reasonable housing market is coupled with a good school system and recreational opportunities for youth — factors that make it an attractive place to live for young families.

The City of Portage’s population is about 13,300 with 6,000 living in the RM of Portage la Prairie, May said, adding that these populations include a fairly high percentage of younger residents.

"We’ve got a younger demographic than many other rural municipalities."

Long Plain, Dakota Tipi and Dakota Plains First Nations are situated within PRED’s area. May said there’s a potential for urban reserves to be established in Portage, bringing investment and jobs.

"There’s always a spin-off effect from new employment opportunities as it means more money flowing within the community."

A positive factor for future investors is the supply of open land located within the Portage bypass. May said he’s like to see the McMillan Industrial Park grow to include more agri-businesses.

The City’s proximity to major rail lines and the Trans-Canada Highway helped sway Roquette, a global leader in innovative plant-based food ingredients, to locate its new $400-million pea protein manufacturing facility just southwest of Portage. The new facility, expected to begin production in 2019 will employ about 150.

"You need to paint a picture for investors. You need to be ready when investors come," May said. This could mean making an initial public investment in infrastructure that will pay off later.

PRED and other community groups are working with Tourism Manitoba to develop a brand for the Portage region that will be used in promotion and marketing.

For more information on PRED, see www.plprecd.ca