The Region of 2015 Community Profile

Portage Regional Economic Development Table of Contents

About the Region 1

Demographics 2 Population 2 Household Income 2 Workforce Education Attainment 2 Employment Rates & Distribution 3 Occupation by Sector 3 Leading Employers 4 Schools in the Region 4 Schools within the Division 5

Higher Education 6 Closest Four Year Institution 6 Closest Community/Technical College 7

Payroll Costs 7 Canadian Pension Plan 7 Employment Insurance 7 Workers Compensation 8

Transportation 8 Distance to Six Nearest Metro Areas 9 Closest International Airport 9 Closest Civil Airport 9 Closest Port 10 Closest Customs Port of Entry 10

Utilities 11 Natural Gas 11 Electricity 12 Water 14 Landfill and Waste Management 15 Telecommunications 16

Research Base 16

Business Support Services 17

Government 18

Taxation 19 Personal Income Tax 19 Corporate Income Tax 19 Federal and Provincial Sales Tax 20 Property Taxes 20

Quality of Life 21 Climate Data 21 Culture and Recreation 21 Health Services 24 Religious Services 25 About the Region of Portage la Prairie

The region of Portage la Prairie consists of the City of Portage la Prairie and the surrounding rural municipality. Portage la Prairie is the fourth largest city and is located in Southern . It is a major service centre for the Central Plains region of Manitoba containing regional government offices, retail and distribution services. Within the central time zone, Portage la Prairie has unparalleled access through rail and air to all markets across Canada, the US and Mexico. It is located between the province’s two major centres ( and Brandon) and is central to 80% of Manitoba’s population.

1 Demographics

Population Region of Portage la Prairie Population by Age Group Region of Portage la Prairie Percentage of Population

Under 19 4852 24.7%

20-34 3343 17.0%

35-54 5543 28.2%

55-69 3747 19.0%

70+ 2186 11.1%

Total 19671 100.0%

(Source: Financial Post Canadian Market Demographics) Household Income Household Income Family Income Per Capita Income

City of Portage la Prairie $82,755 $88,955 $27,426

RM of Portage la Prairie $64,454 $77,130 $27,338

(Source: Financial Post Canadian Market Demographics) Workforce Education Attainment Education Level % of Population Over 25 Years

Less than High School 29.4%

High School Diploma Only 24.5%

Trades Certificate 13.5%

College/University Certificate 21.0%

Bachelor or Graduate Degree 12.0%

Less Than High School High School Diploma Only Trades Certificate 12% College/University Certificate/Diploma 29% Bachelor or Graduate Degree 21%

14% 25%

2 Employment Rates & Distribution City of Portage la Prairie RM of Portage la Prairie

Employment Rate 63.3% 66.0%

Unemployment Rate 4.7% 4.5%

Class of Worker

Employee 93.4% 85%

Self-Employed 6.6% 15%

Source: National Household Survey 2011, Statistics Canada. Occupation by Sector Sector Percentage of Population (Workforce)

Business and Management 22.3%

Natural and Applied Sciences 1.6%

Health 10.6%

Government and Social Services 4.7%

Education 4.7%

Arts, Culture and Recreation 2.1%

Sales and Services 25.9%

Trades and Transportation 13.3%

Primary Industry 9.9%

Manufacturing, Processing and Utilities 4.9%

Total of Workforce Population 100%

Business and Management 5% Natural and Applied Sciences 10% Health 22% Social and Government Services Education 13% Arts, Culture and Recreation 2% Sales and Services Trades and Transportation 11% Primary Industry Manufacturing, Processing and Utilities 5% 26% 2%5%

3 Leading Employers Major Employers

Southern Regional Health Authority

Government of Manitoba

Portage School Division

McCain’s

Simplot

Portage Mutual

Schools in the Region

Education within the City of Portage la Prairie and parts of the Rural Municipality is provided by the Portage la Prairie School Division. The School Division serves over 3,300 students in the City of Portage la Prairie, the Town of Oakville and several Hutterite colonies. There are seven schools with Kindergarten to Grade 8 programs, 10 multi-level Hutterian schools and one High School Campus serving grades 9-12.

Portage la Prairie School Division

Address 535 3rd Street NW Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2C4 Website: http://www.plpsd.mb.ca Phone: 1-(204)-857-8756

Total Enrolment (2014) 3,384

Number of Schools 18 (7 in Portage la Prairie, 1 in Oakville, 10 Hutterian Schools) Employees 498 (271 professional staff, 227 support staff)

4 Schools within Division School Grades Enrolment Address

Ecole Arthur Meighen 5-8 339 201 River Road School Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3W2 Telephone: 1-(204)-857-3405 Ecole Crescentview K-4 429 751 Crescent Road East School Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0Y2 Telephone: 1-(204)-857-3475

Fort la Reine School K-6 189 36 13th Street NW Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2T5 Telephone: 1-(204)-857-7687

La Verendrye School K-8 379 500 7th Avenue NW Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0A5 Telephone: 1-(204)-857-3478

North Memorial School K-6 141 410 6th Avenue NE Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0B4 Telephone: 1-(204)-857-4564 Oakville School K-8 142 Box 130 Oakville, MB R0H 0Y0 1-(204)-267-2404

Yellowquill School K-8 380 3000 Crescent Road West Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2B6 Telephone: 1-(204)-857-8714

Portage Collegiate 9-12 1094 65 3rd Street SW Institute Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2B6 1-(204)-857-6843

While the Portage la Prairie School Division serves most students within the Region of Portage la Prairie, in some instances the following School Division serve some in the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie:

- Prairie Rose School Division. For more information see: http://www.prsdmb.ca - Prairie Spirit School Division. For more information see: http://prairiespirit.mb.ca - Pine Creek School Division. For more information see: http://www.pinecreeksd.mb.ca

5 Higher Education

Closest Four Year Institutions Institution University of Manitoba

Campus Fort Garry Campus

Address 66 Chancellors Circle, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2

Telephone 1-800-432-1960

Website www.umanitoba.ca

Total Enrollment 29,759

Undergraduate 25,363 Graduate 3,748 International Students 13% of all students; representing 104 countries

Operating Budget $604,000,000

Research Funding $136,800,000

Distance from Portage la 97 km Prairie

6 Closest Community and Technical College Institution Red River College

Campus Portage la Prairie Campus

Address 32-5th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba R1N 1J2

Telephone (204) 856-1915

Website http://www.rrc.ca/index.php?pid=410

Distance from Portage la Within the community Prairie

Payroll Costs

Payroll costs for employers and employees apply to employees and employers in Manitoba, irrespective of community. These include:

- Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) - Employment Insurance (EI) - Workers Compensation (WCB)

Canadian Pension Plan Federal CPP Premium Rates (2015) Amount

Maximum Pensionable Earnings $53,600

Basic Exemption $3,500

Maximum Contributory Earnings $50,100

Employee Contribution Rate 4.95%

Maximum Annual Employee Contribution $2,479.95

Maximum Annual Self-Employed Contribution $4,959.90

Source: Canada Revenue Agency Employment Insurance Federal EI Premium Rates (2015) Amount

Maximum Annual Insurable Earnings $49,500

Maximum Annual Employee Premium $930.60

Maximum Annual Employer Premium $1302.84

Percentage Rate 1.88%

Source: Canada Revenue Agency

7 Workers Compensation Board (Source: Worker’s Compensation Board of Manitoba) WCB Information

Sectors for rates classification Sector 1: Agriculture and Forestry Sector 2: Mines, Quarries, Oil Wells Sector 3: Manufacturing Sector 4: Construction Sector 5: Transportation (Communication and Storage) Sector 6: Trade Sector 7: Service Industries Sector 8: Public Administration Sector 9: Optional Coverage

Each sector has sub-sectors with individual rates for firm type. For more information see: www.wcb.mb.ca

Maximum Assessable Earnings per worker $121,000

Transportation

Portage la Prairie has some of the best transportation advantages in the country. Its central location combined with a fully developed and diversified transportation infrastructure ensures the effective shipping and receiving of goods.

Rail: Portage la Prairie is served by Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railways, both provide freight and both give north-south and east-west service. The mainlines of both major railways run through the city with the city’s industrial park serviced by municipal owned lines. The connection to both railways provide a connection for Portage to the Port of Churchill, Canada’s only Arctic seaport and the North West Passage.

Road: The city is located on the Trans Canada Highway #1 stretching from coast to coast. Portage la Prairie is the only city in the country that is connected to both the Trans Canada and to the Yellowhead Highway #16 which connects Portage la Prairie with the major cities in north western Canada.

8 Distance to Six Nearest Metro Areas City Miles Kilometres

Winnipeg, MB 47 75

Fargo, ND 263 423 Regina, SK 301 485 Bismarck, ND 337 542 Thunder Bay, ON 495 796

Minneapolis, MN 497 800

Closest International Airport Winnipeg James Richardson International Airport (YWG)

Distance from Portage la Prairie 82.5km

Hub Status Yes

Number of Runways 2

Runway Lengths 2,650 feet and 3,350 feet

Hours of Operation 0330 to 2100

Closest Civil Airport Southport Airport (Portage/Southport CYPG)

Distance from Portage la Prairie Within community

Number of runways 4

Primary Runway 13R-31L – 2132 m by 45 m

Secondary Runways 13L-31R – 954 m by 45 m 08-26 – 813 m by 30 m 01-19 – 928 by 45 m

9 Closest Port

CentrePort Canada Way

Location Winnipeg River, Lake or Ocean Inland port, Sea Corridor Channel Depth N/A Turning Basin N/A Barging Facilities N/A More than 150 businesses are already General Cargo Facilities; Containerized operating at CentrePort Canada, many of Facilities; Storage Facilities them in the transportation, logistics, warehousing and manufacturing sectors Railways Serving Port 3 # of Freight Forwarders Serving Area 20 # of Import/Export Brokers Serving Area 10 + # of International Courier Firms Serving Area 5 +

Several other Canadian ports can be accessed by train from Portage la Prairie, including:

- The Port of Churchill http://www.portofchurchill.ca/ - The Port of Thunder Bay http://www.portofthunderbay.com/ - Port Metro Vancouver http://www.portmetrovancouver.com/ - The Port of Prince Rupert http://www.rupertport.com/

Closest Customs Port of Entry

Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (CBSA 510) 2000 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, Location MB R3H 0Z7 Type of Entry Point Airport

10 Utilities

Natural Gas Source: Manitoba Hydro

Provider Manitoba Hydro/Centra Gas

Type of Customer Residential

Basic Monthly Charge $14.00

Primary Gas- Quarterly Rate Service ($/m3) $0.1665

Supplemental Gas ($/m3) $0.1605

Transportation to Centra ($/m3) $0.0395

Distribution to Customer ($/m3) $0.1025

Provider Manitoba Hydro/Centra Gas

Type of Customer Small General Service Commercial

Basic Monthly Charge $14.00

Primary Gas- Quarterly Rate Service ($/m3) $0.1665

Supplemental Gas ($/m3) $0.1605

Transportation to Centra ($/m3) $0.0395

Distribution to Customer ($/m3) $0.1025

Provider Manitoba Hydro/Centra Gas

Type of Customer Large General Service

Basic Monthly Charge $77.00

Primary Gas- Quarterly Rate Service ($/m3) $0.1665

Supplemental Gas ($/m3) $0.1605

Transportation to Centra ($/m3) $0.0394

Distribution to Customer ($/m3) $0.0498

11 Provider Manitoba Hydro/Centra Gas

Type of Customer High Volume Firm Service

Basic Monthly Charge $1,221.42

Primary Gas- Quarterly Rate Service ($/m3) $0.1665

Supplemental Gas ($/m3) $0.1605

Transportation to Centra ($/m3) $0.0049

Distribution to Customer Sales Service ($/m3) $0.0178

Distribution to Customer T-Service ($/m3) $0.0091

Demand Transportation ($/m3) $0.4182

Demand Distribution ($/m3) $0.1671

Provider Manitoba Hydro/Centra Gas

Type of Customer Interruptable Service

Basic Monthly Charge $1,254.45

Primary Gas- Quarterly Rate Service ($/m3) $0.1665

Supplemental Gas ($/m3) $0.1710

Transportation to Centra ($/m3) $0.0037

Distribution to Customer Sales Service ($/m3) $0.0100

Distribution to Customer T-Service ($/m3) $0.0074

Demand Transportation ($/m3) $0.1232

Demand Distribution ($/m3) $0.0855

Alternate Supply Service $0.0128

Electricity Provider Manitoba Hydro

Type of Customer Residential

Basic Monthly Charge NOT exceeding 200 Amp $7.28

Exceeding 200 Amp $14.56

Plus Energy Charge: $0.07381/kWh

Source: Manitoba Hydro

12 Provider Manitoba Hydro

Type of Customer General Service Small -single phase

Basic Monthly Charge $19.73

Plus Energy Charge: First 11,000 kWh $0.07381/kWh Next 8,500 KWh $0.05381/kWh

Balance of KWh $0.03552/kWh

PLUS Demand Charge: First 50 kVA of Monthly Recorded Demand No Charge

Balance of Recorded Demand $9.09/kVa

Provider Manitoba Hydro

Type of Customer General Service Medium

Basic Monthly Charge $29.36

Plus Energy Charge: First 11,000 kWh $0.07752/kWh

Next 8,500 KWh $0.05381/kWh

Balance of KWh $0.03552/kWh

PLUS Demand Charge: First 50 kVA of Monthly Recorded Demand No Charge

Balance of Recorded Demand $9.09/kVa

Provider Manitoba Hydro

Type of Customer General Service Small -three phase

Basic Monthly Charge $27.82

Plus Energy Charge: First 11,000 kWh $0.07752/kWh

Next 8,500 KWh $0.05381/kWh

Balance of KWh $0.03552/kWh

PLUS Demand Charge: First 50 kVA of Monthly Recorded Demand No Charge

Balance of Recorded Demand $9.09/kVa

13 Provider Manitoba Hydro

Type of Customer General Service Large (Exceeding 750 V but NOT exceeding 30 kV) Energy Charge $0.0339/kWh

Plus Demand Charge $7.72/kVa

Type of Customer General Service Large (Exceeding 30 kV but NOT exceeding 100 kV) Energy Charge $0.03105/kWh

Plus Demand Charge $6.61/kVa

Type of Customer General Service Large (Exceeding 100 kV

Energy Charge $0.03009/kWh

Plus Demand Charge $5.88/kVa For more information see: https://www.hydro.mb.ca/regulatory_affairs/energy_rates/electricity/ current_rates.shtml

Water

Water Availability

Major Source Assiniboine River

Percent of Population Served 100%

Water Treatment/Production

Provider City of Portage la Prairie

Rated Capacity 34 megalitres a day

Average Daily Demand 19 megalitres a day

Peak Demand 23 megalitres

Sewage Treatment/Production

Provider City of Portage la Prairie

Rated Capacity 25 megalitres a day

Average Daily Demand 15 megalitres a day

14 Water and Sewer Rates

Schedule of Gallons per quarter Water/1,000 gal Sewer/1,000 gal Total Water Quarterly Rates (min-max) and Sewer

Domestic 0-50,000 5.42 8.17 13.59

Intermediate 50,001-500,000 4.38 8.17 12.55

Wholesale 500,001-4,000,000 4.21 5.57 9.78

Variable 4,000,001- 1.73 5.57 7.30

Minimum Charges per Quarter

Meter Group Water Customer Water Sewer Water and Total Size in Capacity included Service Commodity Commodity Sewer Non- inches Ratio in Gallons Charge Charge Charge Total Sewer Quarterly Quarterly Minimum Minimum

5/8 1 3,000 $19.15 $16.26 $24.51 $59.92 $35.41

3/4 2 6,000 $19.15 $32.52 $49.02 $100.69 $51.67

1 4 12,000 $19.15 $65.04 $98.04 $182.23 $84.19

1 1/2 10 30,000 $19.15 $162.60 $245.10 $426.85 $181.75

2 25 75,000 $19.15 $380.50 $612.75 $1,012.40 $399.65

3 45 135,000 $19.15 $643.30 $1,102.95 $1,765.40 $662.45

4 90 270,000 $19.15 $1,234.60 $2,205.90 $3,459.65 $1,253.75

6 170 510,000 $19.15 $2,284.10 $4,140.70 $6,443.95 $2,303.25 Source: City of Portage la Prairie Water & Sewer Rates By-Law 12-8562

Landfill and Waste Management

Name Portage Regional Landfill

Location 26095 Provincial Road #227

Contact 1-204-871-4549

15 Telecommunications

Research Base

Provider Shaw MTS

Company Address 630 Third Avenue SW 333 Main Street Calgary, AB Winnipeg, MB T2P 4L4 R3C 3V6 Websites www.shaw.ca www.mts.ca

Contact Numbers

Personal 1-888-472-2222 1-204-225-5687

Business Small/medium: 1-877-742-9249 1-204-225-4249 Enterprise: 1-866-244-7474

Services Internet, telephone Internet, telephone, mobile phone Portage la Prairie is home to two important research centres in the Province. Given the importance of agriculture in the region, our two research and development facilities are related to the agriculture and agrifood industries respectively.

Food Development Centre 810 Philips Street Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3J9 1-(204)-239-3150

16 http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/food-and-ag-processing/food-commercialization/food- development-centre/index.html

The Food Development Centre can help clients with research and product development, nutritional analysis, improving products, expanding product value and

Business Support Services can help clients meet regulatory requirements.

Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre- Portage Sub Station 1-(204)-857-4441

The Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre’s main goal is the investigation and demonstration of economically and environmentally sustainable crop production. This is achieved through research into crop diversification and improved crop production technology.

Portage Regional Economic Development 56 Royal Road North Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1V1 1-(204) 856-5000 www.plprecd.ca

The Portage la Prairie Chamber of Commerce

17 Government

56 Royal Road North Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1V1 1-(204) 857-7778 http://www.portagechamber.com/ Email: [email protected]

Community Futures Heartland 11-2nd Street NE Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1R8 1-(204)-239-0135 http://www.heartlandcfdc.com/index.html Email: [email protected]

Municipal

City of Portage la Prairie

Form (Structure)/Number of elected officials 1 Mayor & 6 Councillors

Mayor Irvine Ferris elected October 2014

Next Election October 2018 (4 year term)

City Manager Jean-Marc Nadeau

Source: City of Portage la Prairie

Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie

Form (Structure)/Number of elected officials 1 Reeve & 6 Councillors

Reeve Kam Blight elected October 2014

Next Election October 2018 (4 year term)

Chief Administrative Officer Daryl Hrehirchuk

Source: Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie

Provincial

Source: The Legislative Assembly of Manitoba

18 Government of Manitoba

Form (Structure) Westminster Style Parliament

Number of Members of the Legislative Assembly 57

Electoral system Single-Member Plurality

Legislature Convenes “The Legislative Assembly may meet at any time

A.From the First Monday in February to Thursday of the second full week in June, except during the week designated under The Public Schools Act as spring break or vacation; and

B. From the first Monday after Labour Day to Thursday of the first full week of December Political Parties New Democratic Party of Manitoba; Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba; Manitoba Liberal Party

Premier

Taxation

Name of Premier Greg Selinger

Party Affiliation New Democratic Party of Manitoba

Elected 4 October 2011

Next Election 19 April 2016

Provincial Government Representation Member of the Legislative Assembly Ian Wishart

Constituency Portage la Prairie

Party Affiliation Progressive Conservative

Federal Government Representation (Source: Parliament of Canada) Member of Parliament Candice Bergen

Constituency Portage-Lisgar

Party Affiliation Conservative Party of Canada

19 Personal Income Tax Details Federal Provincial Local

Earned Income 15%-29% 10.8%-17.4% 0%

Source: Canada Revenue Agency

Corporate Income Tax Small Business Manufacturing Non-Manufacturing

Federal

Rate 11% (up to $500,000) 15.0% 15.0%

Provincial

Rate 0% (up to $425,000) 12.0% 12.0%

Combined Federal and 11% (up to $425,000, 27.0% 27.0% Provincial Tax Rates after 23.0% up to $500,000)

Source: Canada Revenue Agency Federal and Provincial Sales Tax Rate Notes

Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) 5% GST on business input is fully recoverable

Provincial Sales Tax (PST) 8% For information on exemptions, please see: http:// www.gov.mb.ca/finance/taxation/taxes/retail.html

Property Taxes (Source: City of Portage la Prairie; Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie) City of Portage la Prairie

Mill Rate (2014, includes school division levy)

Residential 37.804

Commercial 49.194

Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie

1. Portioned Assessment

Residential 45% of the total assessment is used to determine taxation level, which is referred to as the portioned assessment (i.e., $250,000 x 45%= $112,500 portioned assessment.)

Commercial 65% of the total assessment is used to determine taxation level, which is referred to as the portioned assessment (i.e., $250,000 x 65%= $162,500 portioned assessment.)

20 Quality of Life

Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie

Farm 26% of the total assessment is used to determine taxation level, which is referred to as the portioned assessment (i.e., $250,000 x 26%= $65,000 portioned assessment.)

2. Education Tax a. Residential and farm properties are only levied the municipal and local education tax (i.e., Portage la Prairie School Division, Prairie Spirit, Prairie Rose, Pine Creek, depending on which school division the property is located within), whereas commercial properties pay municipal, local education and the Provincial Education Support Levy. The Provincial Support Levy for 2014 was 11.39. b. Residential properties are eligible for a rebate on education property taxes paid to a maximum of $700 (2014). Commercial and farm properties are not eligible for the Education Tax Rebate. Residential Property Tax Example: Commercial Property Tax Example Assessed value: $250,000 Assessed value: $250,000 Property taxes: Property taxes: $250,000x65%x12.36/1000= $2,008.50 $250,000x45%x12.36/1000= $1,390.50 Local school taxes: $250,000x65%x14.54/1000= $2,362.75 Local school taxes: Provincial Education Support Levy $250,000x45%x14.54/1000= $1,635.75 $250,000x65%x11.39/1000= $1,850.88 Total Gross Taxes: $3,026.25 - Education Total Taxes: $6,222.13 Tax Rebate ($700) = $2,326.25

The Region of Portage la Prairie has many amenities for all to enjoy. The following section highlights the quality of life in Portage la Prairie. It has been noted that Portage’s greatest asset is the abundance of green space. The region features St. Ambroise Provincial Park, access to Lake Manitoba and Delta Marsh, an important breeding and migration staging area for waterfowl, songbirds and other wildlife. The region offers the peace of rural living and many of the amenities available to those in urban centres. It’s proximity to Winnipeg, Manitoba’s capital city, allows access to additional cultural and sporting events from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, NHL hockey, CFL Football and more.

Climate Data

Canadian Climate Normals 1971-2000 | Station Name: PORTAGE SOUTHPORT A | Climate ID: 5012320 Source: Environment Canada Temperatures Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Daily Average (∞C) -16.3 -12.9 -5.6 4.3 12.4 17.1 20 18.5 12.4 5.5 -4.8 -13.7

Standard Deviation 4.4 4.2 3.2 2.5 2.6 1.7 1.4 2 1.4 1.6 3.1 3.9

21 Temperatures Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Daily Maximum (∞C) -11.2 -7.7 -0.6 10.4 19.3 23.4 26.3 25.1 18.4 11 -0.4 -8.9

Daily Minimum (∞C) -21.4 -18.1 -10.6 -1.9 5.5 10.8 13.6 11.8 6.3 0 -9.1 -18.5

Precipitation Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rainfall (mm) 0.4 0.2 6.3 23.5 49.2 80.9 72.8 71.1 57.2 28.2 5 2.6 Snowfall (cm) 30 22.4 24.4 12.6 2.6 0 0 0 1.3 10.6 23.2 27.2 Precipitation (mm) 21 16.2 26.8 34.5 51.7 80.9 72.8 71.1 58.5 37.1 22.2 22 Average Snow Depth (cm) 18 19 13 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 12 Median Snow Depth (cm) 17 18 13 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 11 Snow Depth at Month-end (cm) 20 19 8 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 9 17

Culture and Recreation

Water Activities

Splash Island

Outdoor waterpark featuring two giant water slides, a kiddy slide as well as a spray area. The waterpark also features three 25 meter swimming lanes, a lazy river and a zero-depth entry. For more information see: http://www.pcucentre.ca/Splash_Island.html

PCU Centre

Home of Manitoba’s largest indoor wave pool, two NHL sized ice surfaces, an indoor walking track, a fully equipped fitness centre. It also features meeting and event rental space. For more information see: http://www.pcucentre.ca

22 Ice Surfaces

PCU Centre

Description above

BDO Centre

Offers a single ice surface. Home of the Central Plains Capitals AAA Midget hockey team. For more information see: http://www.bdocentre.com

Green Space and Parks

Island Park

Often described as the jewel of Portage la Prairie, Island Park is located in the south central Portage la Prairie. It is a beautiful green space that features a children’s play structures, walking paths, tennis courts and plenty of space for picnics or events. The island is also home to several recreational amenities. Splash Island, PCU Centre, Portage Golf Club and the Portage Ex campground are all located on the island.

Rotary Republic of Manitobah Park

70 acres of green space in the City of Portage la Prairie. Features, 9 ball diamonds, 6 fenced diamonds, 1 football/rugby field, 5 soccer pitches and 7 mini soccer pitches, 2 beach volleyball courts, a batting cage and washroom facilities.

23 Other Recreational and Cultural Activities

Golf

The Region of Portage la Prairie features two golf courses. Portage Golf Club located on scenic Island Park features 18-holes. For more information see: http://www.portagegolfclub.ca.

The second, Southport Golf Club, is located 3km south of the City of Portage la Prairie.

Fort la Reine Museum

The Fort la Reine museum is located on the east edge of the City of Portage la Prairie. It is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Canadian Prairies and the history of the City and the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie. For more information see: http:// www.fortlareinemuseum.ca/#

Health Services

24 Hospital

Portage and District General Hospital 524 5th Street South Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A8 1-(204)-239-2211

Acute Care Beds 88

24 Hour Emergency Yes

Health Care Centre and Services

Long Term Care Facilities

Douglas Campbell Lodge 150 9th Street SE Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3T6 1-(204)-239-6006

Lions Prairie Manor 24 9th Street SE Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3V4 1-(204)-857-7864 Diagnostic Services (Lab and Xray) Located at Portage and District General Hospital

Assisted/Supportive living facilities Contact: Southern-Health Contact: Manitoba Housing

Physicians Location

Physicians Portage Clinic 140 9th Street SE Portage la Prairie, MB 1-(204)-857-3445 (20 Physicians)

Portage Clinic Satellite Office 59 Royal Road North Walk-in Clinic

Dentists and Other Health Care Providers

Dentists 5 Offices

Naturopathic Health Care practitioner 1 Office

Chiropractic Services 4 Offices

Physiotherapy Services 1 Office

Religious Institutions

25 Type Number

Churches/Places of Worship 16

26