Paint it gone: Portage offers free graffiti cleanup

The Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC) is once again rolling out its summer graffiti removal program, offering a no-cost service to help clean up vandalized spaces around the city.

PCRC executive director Mari Kozar explains the long-running program gives residents an easy way to report graffiti and get it taken care of, whether it’s on their own property or not.

PCI athletes shine at 2025 awards night

Portage Collegiate Institute celebrated a stellar year of athletic achievement Tuesday night at Stride Place, honouring over 220 student-athletes at the annual PCI Athletic Awards.

The electric ceremony recognized major award winners across numerous sports, spotlighting standout performances while celebrating the collective spirit of Saints athletics. Dozens of team photos were snapped throughout the evening, culminating in a large group photo capturing all the award-winning students present.

Portage hotel owners charged in labour trafficking case

Two hotel owners in Portage la Prairie have been charged following a months-long investigation into what officials are calling a serious case of labour trafficking, which involves forcing or coercing people to work under unfair or illegal conditions, often through deception or threats.

The investigation began back in February, when local RCMP officers were called to a disturbance at a hotel in town. While responding, officers spoke with some of the workers and learned that something more troubling might be taking place behind the scenes.

Tears, cheers and triumph at PCI’s 2025 grad ceremony

Excitement, emotion, and quiet nerves filled Stride Place yesterday morning, as just under 190 Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) students sat side by side for the final time as high schoolers. The crowd of family, friends, and educators looked on proudly as the Class of 2025 prepared to walk across the stage. 

The ceremony, which kicked off at 10 a.m., marked the end of one chapter and the start of a brand new one for the grads, after years of hard work, late-night study sessions, and personal growth.

Weed worries grow at Crescent Lake amid chemical ban

Weed growth is becoming more visible along Crescent Lake this summer, and city officials say there’s a good reason why.

Jocelyn Lequier-Jobin, director of operations for the City of Portage la Prairie, explains that the herbicide previously used to control aquatic vegetation is no longer permitted.

“In the past, we had always used Reward herbicide for controlling weed growth in the lake,” says Lequier-Jobin. “Last year, we were told that we were not able to use it anymore, that it could potentially cause harm to fish was the reason.”

Portage la Prairie rallies to support wildfire evacuees

Portage unites to support wildfire evacuees

City steps up with volunteers, supplies, and cultural care

Mari Kozar, executive director of the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC), says the community of Portage la Prairie responded with remarkable generosity and speed as evacuees from northern Manitoba arrived due to wildfires.