Portage La Prairie

Portage la Prairie (pronounced in English) 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 Kilometre s.

Portage la Prairie is located approximately 70 kilometres (45 miles) west of Winnipeg . It sits on the Assiniboine River , which flooded the town persistently 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 la Prairie is also home to the McCain Foods and Simplot potato processing plants, which provide french fries for McDonalds , Wendy's , and various other commercialized restaurant chains. It is also home of former Prime Minister Of Canada , Arthur Meighen , who was a lawyer in Portage la Prairie during his residence. A high school and an avenue are named in his honor.

Portage la Prairie is a farming city. Agriculture is the city's main industry. Portage la Prairie is famous for its Potato Festival. It is the world strawberry capital and North American potato processing capital. Many U-pick strawberry farms are within 15 minute by car. In central Portage la Prairie, there is a peninsula known as Island Park. Every winter, the "island" has a festival of lights consisting of Christmas lights decorating a driving path around the perimeter.

ATTRACTIONS

City Hall

Portage la Prairie's city hall is a limestone structure that was designed by Thomas Fuller , who also 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

Fort La Reine 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 Pierre Gaultier De Varennes Et De La Vérendrye and served as his headquarters for 15 years. The museum is also home to a railway caboose and the 1882 official rail car of William Van Horne , builder of the Canadian Pacific Railroad . 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''

The Manitoba Museum of the ''Titanic'' is(or was) the only museum dedicated to the RMS ''Titanic'' and had one of the largest exhibits of ''Titanic'' artifacts. Over 150 items from ''Titanic'' survivors and victims included pre-voyage promotional items and a deckchair, which were on display for visitors to observe. It was located at the Portage la Prairie mall. Now closed.

Portage Arts Centre & Gallery

The Portage Arts Centre & Gallery has monthly exhibits, gift gallery, art classes, and art rental program. Open year round 11 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Saturday. Free admission.

SPORTS

Portage la Prairie is home to the team, who play in the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League . Both teams play in the Portage Centennial Arena.

EXTERNAL LINKS

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Portage La Prairie