Portage

Portage la Prairie residents will see a major change in how their garbage is collected starting August 1st, 2025.

The City is launching a new automated curbside garbage system designed to improve efficiency, enhance worker safety, and reduce litter, marking a significant shift from the current manual pickup method.

Binning the previous system

Under the new system, every eligible household will receive a large, City-provided 360-litre black garbage cart delivered approximately one week before their scheduled August collection.

Berry lovers will be happy to hear that the U-pick season has now started. 

Across the Prairies, strawberry U-pick seasons typically start in early July. Raspberries and Saskatoons are then often available from late July through August. 

Andy Loewen is the owner of Friedensfeld Honey and Berry Farm, located east of Friedensfeld in Manitoba. He says their strawberry U-pick season officially got underway on Friday. An opening day of June 27th is a little bit earlier than normal for their farm.

It was an evening filled with pride and plenty of applause as the Community Foundation of Portage and District (CFPD) celebrated the next generation of local leaders at its 31st Annual Celebration.

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is reporting that more and more young people are ending up in emergency departments following a crash with an off-road vehicle (ORV).

School’s out for the summer, and for Grade 8 classes, the final bell marked more than just the start of holidays. It signalled the beginning of an exciting new chapter as they look ahead to high school in the fall. Last week, the Oakville School community came together for a farewell BBQ, honouring the students who are heading to high school this fall. Approximately 150 students, faculty, and family members gathered to recognize the students’ achievements and share in their send-off.

Portage la Prairie has received its third consecutive clean audit opinion for its annual financial statements, marking a significant achievement under the current City Council and administration.

The approval of the 2024 audited financial statements by Council on Monday solidifies this streak, underscoring strong financial management within the Manitoba municipality.

Money well managed

City Councillor and Finance Chair Joe Masi confirmed the results, emphasizing the rigorous process behind the audits.

Portage la Prairie’s Kinley Cleaver is trading local courts for the national stage.

The 12-year-old Grade 7 student jets off to Langley, BC, this July 25-28, representing Winnipeg’s Attack Academy Basketball at the highly anticipated national championships. Kinley, balancing basketball with fastball, confirms hoops hold her heart as she prepares for her biggest competition yet.

"I'm definitely feeling nervous," Kinley admits candidly about the upcoming nationals. "But I'll have my team and my coaches there to support everybody, and I hope we do good."

Yellowquill School continued a growing tradition on June 26 with its second annual powwow, bringing students, families, and community members together to celebrate Indigenous culture and mark the end of the school year.

This year’s event welcomed around 100 guests and featured dancers, singers, and drummers; including performers who travelled from well beyond the local area. The grounds of the Portage la Prairie school were filled with music, movement, and teachings that reflected the strength and beauty of Indigenous traditions.

Shovels dig, volunteers cheer, and the sounds of construction blend with laughter as the Peony Farm community, backed by the RM of Portage la Prairie, builds a vibrant new playground and recreation hub this week.

Driven by a shared vision for safer, modern amenities, the project replaces outdated equipment and adds exciting multi-seasonal features for all ages, fueled by remarkable local support and volunteer sweat.

The Portage Learning and Literacy Centre celebrated its 2025 Graduation and Achievement Ceremony Thursday afternoon at Stride Place, in partnership with the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) Adult Learning Centre program.

A diverse group of determined students marked the completion of their high school education, each one stepping forward with hope and vision for the future.