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A significant announcement for the community has been made, one that has been in the works for quite some time. The Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC) first wrote a grant in 2021, and several more since then, to establish a youth hub. Executive Director Mari Kozar explains that the goal is to break down known barriers for youth.
The location is 1200 Saskatchewan Avenue W, at the corner of 12th Street NW.
She says they discovered these barriers through their efforts with the Community Mobilization program and the former Communities Building New Futures pilot project, which wrapped up last spring.
"We know that youth in our community need more support, and we have finally been approved for over $2.5 million through Public Safety Canada over five years to do this work. That means youth will have another place to go for support if they're struggling with addictions, mental health, if they need help filling out paperwork, or getting connected to the right services. They can come here, and we will help them do that work. There will also be a recreation component and a cultural component with this."
Different recreational opportunities will take place in partnership with existing organizations in Portage. Kozar adds that more supports focused on youth needs will be created. A youth advisory committee will be established, with the help of young people, to steer the project.
"On Thursday, October 17, we will open at 9 a.m. for youth to come by, check out the space, and access services. On October 15 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., we will be opening the space to service providers working in our community so they can meet our staff and see what we offer."
Once the youth hub officially opens, Kozar says the first Thursday will see the doors open at 9 a.m., operating until 8 p.m.
"Eventually, we hope to extend these hours later into the evening. We know youth still need support during that time. We hope to get a good sense over the next few months of what that will look like. We follow federal youth guidelines, so this is for ages 15 to 29. However, if someone is a little younger, we will consider them on a case-by-case basis."
Kozar adds there is also a cultural aspect to the program.
"We wrote this application with our population in mind. We have a high Indigenous population, and sometimes, those supports look different. When we wrote this application in 2021, we received guidance from the Portage Urban Indigenous Peoples Coalition. They named our project 'Tawacin on Kiksuye,' which means 'Learns by Heart' in Dakota. We thought that was a beautiful way of naming our project, appealing to youth and ensuring we offer support in a culturally appropriate way."
Kozar says cultural supports have been of extreme importance in the project’s development.
The Family Resource Centre (FRC) will be greatly impacted by this project, and Executive Director Melissa Morrison notes they are ecstatic about it.
"It's really hard to do everything in one place. For us, it's about supporting parents from those thinking of having a family all the way to empty nesters. That’s a large range to facilitate in one space. This youth space is huge because, as we were looking to expand and offer more youth services in the community, it means we don’t have to do it in our building. We get to be part of something bigger, which is what you always want to see — collaboration and community."
With City Council, the RCMP, and the Fire Department involved, Morrison says the collaboration between city organizations is clear.
"This has been a four-year work in progress, talking to different community partners about what this could look like and what could be offered in Portage. It's exciting to see it coming to fruition, thanks to provincial and federal funding streams. We’re really excited to see how much of an impact this will have on youth in the community."
Morrison thanked Kozar and the PCRC for continuing to push to make the youth centre a reality.
Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox says it’s a significant day for the city and surrounding areas, calling it "incredibly exciting."
"This is so important for our city and the youth here. We know youth need supports. We want them to be successful, healthy, and safe, and this programming will help them do that."
Knox highlights the long-term impact a program like this can have.
"We need multi-generational approaches. If we can reach youth aged 15 to 29 and offer the supports they need, maybe they’ll make healthier choices and become successful adults. We want our community to support them."
The hub will be situated in the heart of Portage, and Knox expresses confidence that the PCRC will facilitate the project effectively.
"We're so proud to see the collaboration between stakeholders. Creating supports for youth is a community effort. Crime prevention isn’t about policing; it’s about ensuring people have what they need for their basic needs, whether it’s mental health or addictions support. These programs will help with that."
The Mayor adds council has been working on these initiatives and seeing these efforts move forward.
"One of the five pillars of our strategic direction is crime prevention, health, and safety of our community. So, we're really happy to be able to just check one of those boxes on this initiative."
Portage la Prairie City Manager Nathan Peto shares the excitement.
"I think we've been talking about this for three years now. To finally see this project come together and provide proactive services for youth will have a positive impact on them and the community."
He emphasizes the importance of securing seed funding to initiate a project of this magnitude.
"We’ve laid the foundation for growth in youth services — not just for youth in trouble, but for all youth. Providing an extra resource or helping hand when needed is a real positive for our community."