Portage la Prairie, Manitoba
From Freepedia
- For the rural municipality see Portage la Prairie, Manitoba (rural municipality)
Portage la Prairie is a city in the Canadian province of Manitoba. As of 2001, the population was 12,976. The population in 1996 was 13,077 (-0.8 percent change). The area of the city was 24.67 square kilometres.
Portage la Prairie is located approximately 70 kilometres west of Winnipeg. It sits on the Assiniboine river, which flooded the town persistantly, until a ditch north to Lake Manitoba (The Assiniboine River Floodway) was built to divert the flood waters. The local economy is largely dependent on agriculture and supporting industries. Portage is also home to McCain Foods and Simplot potato processing plants, which provide french fries for McDonalds and Wendys.
Portage is a farming town. It has all the amenities you can expect in larger cities, but with considerably less crime. The main attraction to this town is the community aspect. Everyone knows everyone else. It is common for people to wave at each other when they drive down the street. Portage is famous for its Strawberry festival. It is the world Strawberry capital, and has a celebration during the early summer. Many U-pick Strawberry farms are within 5-15 minute driving range of the town.
Contents |
Attractions
City Hall
This limestone structure was designed by Thomas Fuller, who designed the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. It was opened in 1898 and declared a historical site in 1986.
Fort la Reine Museum and Pioneer Village
Depicts life in the 1800s complete with a blacksmith shop, trading post, country church, schoolhouse, and several restored homes. The original fort was built in 1738 by the French explorer Peirre Gaultier de la Verendrye and served as his headquarters for 15 years. The Museum also railway caboose and the 1882 official rail car of William Van Horne, builder of the CPR. Open May to mid-September weekdays 9 am to 6 pm and weekends 10 am to 6 pm. Admission charged.
Manitoba Museum of the Titanic
Only museum dedicated to the RMS Titanic and has one of the largest exhibits of Titanic artifacts. Over 150 items from Titanic survivors and victims inlcuding pre-voyage promotional items and a deckchair. It is located on the Portage mall.
Portage Arts Centre & Gallery
Monthly exhibits, gift gallery, art classes, and art rental program. Open year round 11 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Saturday. Free admission
External links
| Manitoba Communities | Image:Manitoba flag.png | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Manitoba Cities: Brandon | Dauphin | Flin Flon | Portage la Prairie | Selkirk | Steinbach | Thompson | Winkler | Winnipeg | ||||
|
Manitoba Regions: Winnipeg Capital Region | Central Plains | Eastman | Interlake | Northern | Parkland | Pembina Valley | Westman | ||||
