Portage businesses, facilities reopening

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/06/2020 (2009 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The mayor of the City of Portage la Prairie is hoping that the federal and provincial governments will help stimulate the local economy by funding infrastructure projects.

“This is the time to be doing infrastructure,” Irvine Ferris said, speaking to The Headliner on June 1. “We don’t think this is the time to be curtailing spending.”

Like all Manitoba communities, Portage la Prairie’s economy has slowed over the past two-and-a-half months, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some businesses closed, while others faced challenging restrictions. However, Ferris said, things are gradually beginning to return to normal.

“Our businesses and city residents have done a great job of flattening the curve. We’re seeing that reflected in the community.”

Ferris said building projects are moving ahead, with the Roquette pea processing plant located just outside city limits on schedule to open later this year.

Ferris said local social agencies have continued to serve those in need, coming up with new ways to deliver services, such as a soup kitchen based at the Portage Family Resource Centre on Princess Avenue.

“This has been a busy and challenging time, but people have really come through,” he said.
Large events planned for Portage, including the Manitoba Air Show at Southport, RBC Cup hockey tournament, and annual Potato Festival — that usually would draw tourists to the community — have been cancelled this year due to pandemic restrictions.

Ferris is hoping that local residents and visitors from other parts of Manitoba will consider touring Fort la Reine Museum (2652 Saskatchewan Ave. E) and spending time at Splash Island, which is expected to open for the summer months with restrictions in place.

He added that people need to be cautious when in public but he hopes to see local berry farms open for U-pick business.

The doors of city hall (97 Saskatchewan Ave. E) are now open to the public with reduced hours in place. Ferris said City services are also available online at www.city-plap.com and by phone at 204-239-8309.

“It’s been a very interesting year so far,” he said. “But our community will come through this.”