A newly approved street in Portage la Prairie will be named “Gladys Cook Way” in honor of the late Gladys Cook, one of the community’s most respected and influential advocates. Councillor Faron Nicholls says the roadway, at the corner of Crescent Road and Bridge Road, which once housed the Gladys Cook Education Centre, will recognize Cook’s lasting contributions and dedication to the city.
“Design has already started on that road to lead into the southeast development, and it's going to be known as 'Gladys Cook Way,'" says Nicholls.
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Cook passed away in Portage on May 9, 2009, after making the city her home since the 1950s. As a Residential School survivor, she supported countless Indigenous people as a counsellor and dedicated her career to reconciliation, healing, and justice. Her contributions to Canada earned her numerous honors, including the Governor General’s Award, the Order of Manitoba, the Canada 125 medal for outstanding citizenship, the Premier’s Award for extensive volunteer work in Manitoba, the YM/YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, as well as the National Aboriginal Achievement Award.
Council selected the name after the Heritage Committee brought it forward at a meeting earlier this month, emphasizing that the decision is part of a broader effort to support reconciliation and honour Indigenous heritage.
“Gladys was an iconic person for the city, and Canada, for that matter. The whole story is just wonderful in terms of Gladys and the hard work she did here in Portage over the years. It's a great representation, and we couldn't think of a better name to give it."
Along with the road’s English name, a secondary sign will display her spirit name, “Topahdewin,” meaning “she stands with spirits in four directions,” in recognition of her Dakota roots.
With design work already underway, construction on Gladys Cook Way is expected to wrap up in the summer or fall of 2026, with a formal naming ceremony to follow upon completion.