Portage

Parker Scherr has made Portage la Prairie his home for the past three years, and his journey is a testament to the power of community support and resilience. The 20-year-old hockey player, currently in his final year with the Portage Terriers, reflects on a career shaped not only by his athletic achievements but also by the kindness and generosity of the community that embraced him.

Kim Scherr, Parker's mother, recalls the uncertainty when Parker first moved from Olds, Alberta, to join the Terriers.

Portage la Prairie RCMP tracked a stolen vehicle from Dakota Tipi First Nation to a quiet downtown parking lot last Thursday, culminating in the arrest of a 35-year-old woman now facing serious charges.

Just before 8:00 am on March 27, Portage la Prairie RCMP received a call of a stolen vehicle from Dakota Tipi First Nation.

Police were given a description of the vehicle and, several hours later, were able to locate the vehicle, in a parking lot on 1St Street NW.

Earlier this week, the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) issued their first cash advances with the 2025 Advance Payments Program for the upcoming growing year. More than 1750 producers across Western Canada received more than $310 million to finance their operations. Dave Gallant, Vice President of Finance and APP operations at CGA, talks about the benefits of the program for Western Canadian producers. 

Gasoline prices in Portage la Prairie recently dropped to $1.36 per litre, leaving many residents puzzled after hearing reports of fuel selling for as low as $1.16 in cities like Winnipeg and Brandon. The drop follows the federal government’s temporary pause on the consumer carbon tax—a move that's created both relief and confusion across Manitoba. 

Terry Giercke, chaplain of the United Commercial Travellers (UCT) in Portage la Prairie, has dedicated 12 years to the social and fundraising organization. The group, which supports local youth initiatives and seniors, is currently raising funds for an accessibility swing on the town’s island through calendar sales.

As the season ends and all equipment has been removed, the Skating on the Crescent Committee is urging the public to stay off the ice on Crescent Lake. With rapidly changing weather conditions, the ice is becoming increasingly unstable and dangerous.

"At this time of year, we would never recommend going on the ice," the committee stated in a response to PortageOnline.

"The depth of the ice changes daily with fluctuating temperatures, and it’s difficult to determine which areas are safe."

The Portage Coed Soccer League (PCSL) is launching its first season this spring, offering adults in Portage la Prairie a new recreational soccer option. Organizers are excited to bring fresh opportunities to the community for those who are unable to play in other leagues on the weekends. 

A fresh start 

Jolene Dayholos, a volunteer, explains the idea for the league. 

Portage la Prairie’s recent feature on World Atlas has struck a chord with local leaders about our community’s identity and storytelling. 

World Atlas noted that Portage la Prairie is one of nine most friendly communities on the prairies. 

Mitch Tilk, coordinator of the Local Immigration Partnership Program, talks about the benefit of seeing recognition like this while at the same time encouraging residents to redefine how they present their hometown. 

A Winnipeg man is facing impaired driving charges after RCMP responded to reports of an erratic driver on Highway 1 near Portage la Prairie last week.

On March 26th, Portage la Prairie RCMP were sent out to a call of an erratic driver on Highway #1, west of Portage la Prairie.

Police were able to locate the suspect vehicle near Sydney and pulled over the vehicle on the side of the road.

The 49-year-old driver, a man from Winnipeg, displayed signs that he was intoxicated.

A spokesperson for Canadian Foodgrains Bank says they are very grateful for a recent funding announcement by our federal government. The Canadian government is providing a $4 million grant for Canadian Foodgrains Bank to address the growing hunger crisis in Sudan. 

According to Canadian Foodgrains Bank, nearly 25 million people in Sudan are facing acute hunger since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023. That makes up more than half the population. As many as 640,000 people are already experiencing famine-like conditions in five identified areas.