News Roads & Paving
Road in Portage la Prairie getting $25 million overhaul

A 1.5 kilometre stretch of roadway in Portage la Prairie, Man., is getting a $25 million makeover.

The Manitoba government is investing $8.3 million in what it calls a major upgrade to Saskatchewan Ave. W. to help improve the well-being of residents and visitors to the area, Premier Brian Pallister announced. The total cost of the project is $25 million, with the city ($4.2 million) and the federal government ($12.5 million) covering the balance.

“Every day, thousands of Portage la Prairie residents and other Manitobans use Saskatchewan Avenue as a vital route to work, school or other important destinations,” said Pallister. “Our government is proud to invest in this significant infrastructure project that will improve the quality of life for residents and travelers, by providing access to reliable roadways, safe and accessible outdoor spaces and opportunities for active transportation.”

Project overview

The project will cover approximately 1.5 kilometre of Saskatchewan Ave. W., from 8th Street W. to Elm Street. The upgrades will include:

• improved, safer roadways;
• improved and added sidewalks and pedestrian crossings;
• full accessibility measures;
• improved and environmentally-friendly land drainage control;
• underground water and wastewater works;
• safer vehicle parking;
• cycling lanes;
• improved energy efficient lighting;
• community-enhancing, business-friendly gathering spaces; and
• environmentally-friendly linear green space development.

“Our government understands the importance of investing in critical infrastructure improvements, so we are very pleased to partner with the federal government and the City of Portage la Prairie on this significant project,” said Central Services Minister Reg Helwer. “This investment will help stimulate the economy and create jobs, and support communities as we recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Ottawa, City kicking in additional funds

In addition to the $8.3 million from the province, the Government of Canada will contribute $12.5 million and the City of Portage la Prairie will contribute $4.2 million, for a total project cost of $25 million.

“The City of Portage la Prairie is pleased to work with our federal and provincial funding partners to commence redevelopment of Saskatchewan Avenue West,” said Mayor Irvine Ferris, City of Portage la Prairie. “This project has been a top priority for city council and we are excited to see these infrastructure improvements that will provide safer traffic flows, enhanced drainage, street level beautification, improved reliability of our utility servicing, and upgraded paths for pedestrians and cyclists.“

The premier noted the City of Portage la Prairie and surrounding area is experiencing significant economic growth, particularly in the agri-business sector. Both the city and the surrounding Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie have consistently communicated the need for significant investment to address the area’s infrastructure needs.