A key stretch of Royal Road in Portage la Prairie is set to get a brighter, safer look thanks to a $5,000 grant.
The Holiday Avenue committee received the funding through the Revitalize Portage Grants program, which is administered by the Portage la Prairie Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC) and funded by the Government of Manitoba.
Mari Kozar, executive director of the PCRC, notes the grant supports the group’s Light Up Royal Road South project. The initiative extends decorative star lighting from Saskatchewan Avenue to the Causeway.
“We saw it as an excellent crime prevention initiative to really light up that pathway after dark and it'll be beautiful once it's completed,” Kozar says.
The Holiday Avenue Project was chosen during the PCRC’s spring intake of its small grants program.
“We run small grants that are funded through the province of Manitoba Municipal Relations Department and we run that program twice a year,” Kozar adds.
Local volunteers driving change
Kozar remarks that the Holiday Avenue committee has been a strong force in making Portage la Prairie more inviting and attractive.
“They're a great group of volunteers,” she continues. “They want to make the community a more beautiful place and they do it all on their own time and they're constantly volunteering and looking for innovative ways to improve this community.”
Last year, the group also received a PCRC grant to fund winter lighting in Vopni Park, which helped create a warm and welcoming atmosphere during the colder months.
More grants available this fall
Kozar mentions another intake of applications will open soon for community groups looking to improve their neighbourhoods.
“We do have some other grant recipients from this spring and then we will do another intake for October 1st,” she says.
The PCRC’s Revitalize Portage Grants aim to back small-scale projects that boost safety, community spirit, and the look of local neighbourhoods.
Residents interested in applying or learning more can contact the PCRC at admin@portagecrc.com or call 204-240-PCRC (7272). The office is located at 56 Royal Road North in Portage la Prairie, and more information is available online at www.portagecrc.com.
This latest funding will help bring more light, and peace of mind, to Royal Road, thanks to the dedication of local volunteers and the support of the provincial government.
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