The Holiday Avenue Project (HAP) is on a mission to make Portage la Prairie a safer and more beautiful place to be. Through ongoing projects, the group has created a lasting impact by transforming local spaces to bring residents together.
A new vision
Secretary Heather Graham explains HAP began when a small group of women noticed how brightly decorated other communities were at Christmastime, while Portage seemed to be missing out.
"They decided to decorate some of the pots along the avenue, and the response was huge," Graham notes.
This small act quickly grew, with the group working closely with the city to transform public spaces. One of their most notable projects was the lighting at Vopni Park this past winter.
“It was just magical; like something you'd see in a big city somewhere and the response that night was overwhelming.”
Funding challenges and a lasting impact
Beautifying the community comes at a cost and HAP faces the ongoing challenge of securing funds to support their efforts.
“We're a nonprofit, so we rely on sources from whatever we can do, whether it be fundraising, grants, or donations from businesses," Graham explains.
Currently, the organization is raising money through a 50/50 draw to support ongoing and future projects.
The funds are essential for completing improvements at Vopni Park and beginning work at Heritage Square, an area the city has long wanted to revitalize.
“The lighting is a permanent fixture, and we found it can turn a very dark corner into something magical. We're not sure yet what Heritage Square is going to look like, but we do use commercial lighting when we're lighting up these areas and the cost of that is substantial, but if you do it right the first time, it lasts a lot longer.”
As well as making spaces beautiful, HAP has learned lighting is a great way to make the people of Portage feel safer to be out at night.
“We have discovered that lighting makes an area very warm and inviting, and people feel safe in a well-lit environment. One of our main focuses is the safety of the people that are coming to use the areas that we are fixing up.”
Community pride and support
The success of HAP is largely due to the support of volunteers and local businesses.
"It’s not just us doing it, we rely on others to help us. If somebody's looking to do a little or do a lot, we welcome them to get in touch with us because we would love to have extra hands. It's contagious when people feel that they can be a part of something. And it doesn’t have to be anything major. Whatever people feel they can help us with, we’re thankful for it all. It adds up and it makes a big difference.”
Spring will bring even more projects, including another canoe of flowers in partnership with the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF). This time the canoe will be placed at the city’s west end, to tie it together with the one already on the east. HAP is also excited about its annual Garden Tour, which takes place on July 12.
A safe and beautiful Portage
Their mission is, and always has been, simple: to create a safe, beautiful environment for everyone in Portage.
“We’re hoping people in Portage will be proud of what we’re doing. The people of the city deserve to have something nice to look at when they’re driving or walking along. If we can put a smile on somebody's face, then our job is done. When you compare what you're seeing now, to five or six years ago, it makes a difference," Graham says.
Lori Carlson-Judson, executive and co-chair of the HAP Garden Tour, says as the project continues to grow, the team is committed to making Portage a place that everyone can enjoy, fostering a sense of community pride that will last for years to come.
“All efforts combined our Avenue looks terrific now and the work that we do further beautifies the city. I remember hearing so many negative comments, and I hear that tone changing.”