With a new Youth Hub and extensive community-based initiatives, the Portage la Prairie Revitalization Corporation is reflecting on a year of achievements that are shaping the city’s future. They held their Annual General Meeting Tuesday at the MNP Exhibition Administration Building and Chair Mark Diboll expressed enthusiasm about the organization's recent accomplishments and plans for the future.
“It’s been an amazing year. There’s lots of stuff going down that we’re just now going to be able to share with the community,” Diboll said. Among the key developments is the Youth Hub, a new project Diboll described as an essential addition to the city.
Diboll highlighted the dedicated work of the PCRC staff in securing the grant funding needed to move these initiatives forward. This year, the PCRC received $1.8 million through grants, nearly tripling a $500,000 total from five years ago.
“And that growing total is thanks to the staff, we’ve got excellent staff. They do everything from writing the grants in the first place to seeing them through at the other end and the beauty of it is, we reach so many people in so many different facets of life.”
Diboll gave special recognition to PCRC’s Community Facilitator Rachel Templeton for her work. “She’s done a tremendous job of finding grants so that we can transition that money into the community and benefit those that need it.”
Executive director Mari Kozar also acknowledged the efforts of the PCRC team. “I’m very proud of the hard work our team has put in over the past year to fill gaps in our community and secure further funding for the upcoming year. We are always looking for new ways to support our community.”
City councillor Ryan Espey addressed the board on behalf of the City of Portage la Prairie, praising the PCRC for its adaptability and wide-ranging impact.
“We rely on the PCRC in countless ways. In many respects, it’s like a Swiss army knife—adaptable, versatile and ready to meet the diverse challenges our community faces,” he said. “While many organizations have a specific focus, the PCRC stands out for its ability to be everything our community needs whenever it is needed.”
As the PCRC looks ahead, it is also saying goodbye to outgoing board members Alana Daniels and Matt Boschman. Diboll expressed his gratitude for their contributions. “Alana and Matt contributed immensely,” he said, noting that the organization is seeking new members to join the board. “If there are folks out there who want to come and see how it works and care for people in the community, we’re always looking.”
Portage Community Revlitalization Corporation Grant recipients for 2023-2024 year:
Portage Collegiate Institute - PCI Community Basketball Court Update
Prairie Fusion Arts and Entertainment - Mental Health Art Exhibit
Big Brothers Big Sisters - Go Girls Healthy Body and Minds
Yellowquill School - Basketball Courts
Crecentview School - CVS Playground Improvement
Family Resource Centre - Summer Programs
Portage Bear Clan - Sept 30 Truth and Reconciliation Gathering
Portage Learning and Literacy Centre - Summer Youth Engagement
Portage la Prairie Local Immigration Partnership - Diwali
Sunset Palliative Care - Dinner of Hope
Portage la Priaire Legion Branch #65 - Remembrance Day Luncheon
Reaching Home - Meeting with Meals
Portage Regional Economic Development PRED - Socio Economic Impact Assessment
Prairie Fusion Arts and Entertainment - PFAE Open House
Soup Kitchen - Post Holiday Lunch