Portage

Canada's tourism industry might be in for a boost as Canadians boycott the United States and spend their travel dollars closer to home this year.

In a report released May 29, the Conference Board of Canada estimates the net economic benefit for the domestic tourism sector could be as high as $8.8 billion.

The think tank said its April travel intentions survey suggests roughly 27 per cent of Canadian respondents are considering a trip to the U.S. in the next few years - down from more than 50 per cent in the same survey last November.

Fire up your appetite and your community spirit – Dufresne Furniture & Appliances in Portage la Prairie is hosting a sizzling summer barbecue in support of the Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).

Grilling, Giggling, and Giving Back

Demonstrating their commitment to their new home, members of the Association of Nigerians in Portage la Prairie rolled up their sleeves this past weekend for a community cleanup initiative.

Targeting the green space around the Portage Homestead Co-Op and extending towards the nearby tracks, approximately 14 volunteers collected several bags of litter on Saturday morning.

Southport’s skyline feels complete again.

The community’s beloved CT-114 Tutor aircraft, missing from its post for the past couple of years, now proudly stands reinstalled as the "Gate Guardian" at the entrance to the Southport Aerospace Centre, marking a joyful homecoming for a piece of local and national aviation history.

As wildfire evacuees continue arriving in Portage la Prairie, a local animal rescue is stepping up to help the four-legged members of their families.

Rest Stop Rescue, based in Portage, is providing a range of support to evacuees with pets.

The group is helping with everything from transportation to veterinary clinics, to securing medication and covering other urgent care needs. So far, they’ve assisted three evacuees.

Officials in Manitoba and Saskatchewan say areas affected by wildfires aren't expected to see much relief in the weather forecast in the coming days.

More than 30,000 people in those provinces have been forced to leave their homes as wildfires threaten their communities.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said Tuesday that there would be challenging days ahead due to a lack of rain in the forecast.

Farmers are winding down their seeding operations in Manitoba

Cereal Specialist Anne Kirk put together this week's crop report and says provincially 95 per cent of the crop is now in the ground.

Summer has officially arrived in Portage la Prairie, at least at Splash Island.

The popular outdoor pool on Island Park kicked off its season Monday, welcoming swimmers for the first official day of summer fun, proving that even cloudy skies can't dampen the spirit of the season.

Despite the grey and cool weather, the unmistakable sounds of splashing and laughter filled the air as a couple of local student classes were the first to break in the water for the year.

For those wondering how anyone could brave the cool temperatures, the secret is in the water.

Local groups and individuals in Portage la Prairie continue working together to support evacuees from northern Manitoba wildfires, as dozens of displaced residents remain in temporary accommodations across the city.

Mari Kozar, executive director of the Portage la Prairie Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC), says they’re coordinating support efforts with the city and other stakeholders.

Ag in Motion showcases the latest advancements in agricultural technology and equipment, and brings together farmers, industry leaders and ag experts from across Canada. 

The show takes place every July near Langham, Saskatchewan, and is Western Canada’s largest outdoor farm expo. Find out more information about this three-day farm show here or visit the Ag in Motion news feed on The Western Producer's website.