Citizens of Portage la Prairie can look forward to smoother commutes. City Council greenlighted their Roadway Infrastructure Investment Strategy at last night’s council meeting, aiming to improve the city’s roadways between 2025 and 2027. The initiative responds to the severe damage caused by the winter and spring of 2024 that saw extended freeze-thaw cycles accelerate roadway deterioration as well as addressing ongoing maintenance requirements.
Transportation Committee Chair Terrie Porter explains the strategy focuses on three key areas: road resurfacing, road reconstruction, and annual maintenance and repair of potholes and surface cracks. She says additional funding for the strategy comes from resources made available after the completion of the Causeway Project, allowing the city to access $700,000 annually from the Community Building Fund (formerly the Gas Tax Fund). Porter is pleased to see the increased investment come at no additional cost to taxpayers and says the strategy has been well received. "It's a great plan, and the fact that administration has come up with it, with council totally supporting it, is wonderful.” Porter says each area of focus will be considered with plans developed in response to ever-changing weather and road conditions.
City Manager Nathan Peto emphasized the strategy's long-term planning approach. "Previously, we evaluated priorities annually, but now, with consistent funding over the next three years, we can take a more proactive approach, focusing on specific areas for reconstruction and resurfacing. "
Peto adds the plan includes the option to adjust allocations yearly based on road conditions and other emerging priorities.
“We recognize that every year is not going to be like the last and it allows flexibility so that administration can come forward to outline the priorities to Council and have the special allotment of funds approved every year in our capital budget process that allows us to focus on the issues that are most front-and-center every year.”
He says the adaptability of the plan is crucial, as is the multi-year approach.
"This allows us to think more long-term, to really focus on particular areas that we couldn't necessarily complete in a year and complete a section rather than just a portion. It means we can be more proactive and looking a little farther down the road."
Peto says the community will be kept informed about progress through annual budget processes and updates on priority projects.
“The strategy keeps administration accountable in terms of this additional funding and where it's being spent. So everybody, not only Council but the community, are aware that we're taking this extra money. We're really trying to get the most leverage out of it to improve our roads in our community."
Councilor Porter encourages residents to reach out with any road-related concerns they may have. "Our operations department hears a lot through service requests, whether it's potholes or sidewalk repairs. It's part of the job, but it's exciting when we can direct residents to a solid plan like this."
