Portage la Prairie, Manitoba

F or a small city in the central plains region of Manitoba, Portage la Prairie is making massive strides in the realm of industrial development and future-proofing its economy for the next generation. Strategically located a mere 47 miles west of Winnipeg along the Trans-Canada Highway, its name was derived from the French word “portage”– meaning to carry a canoe overland between waterways. In this case, between the Assiniboine River and Lake Manitoba; two natural beauties that, today, accentuate the enjoyment derived from living and business building in this surprising community. Portage la Prairie has recently been reaping the benefits of massive investments in large industrial – $1.2 billion in just over two years. For a community of 13,000, that’s hugely significant. In fact, it’s the largest period of investment in the history of the city. Recently, Business View Magazine spoke with Vern May, Executive Director, Portage la Prairie Regional Economic Development, about the reasons