State of the City Address

As delivered by Mayor Sharilyn Knox at the Portage la Prairie & District Chamber Event
State of the City, RM & Schools
Thursday, April 18th at CanadInns

I am humbled by the privilege and responsibility bestowed upon us by the citizens of Portage la Prairie. Serving as your mayor and working alongside my council colleagues and administration team has been a journey of personal growth and fulfillment. Together, we share a vision for our city—a vision of progress, unity, and prosperity. It is this shared vision and strategic direction that guides our actions and decisions as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

We are excited to enter the final phase of the Saskatchewan Avenue project. It will transform our main corridor into a source of pride for our community. `I extend my gratitude to our business community and residents for their patience and support throughout this ambitious project, as well as recognizing my previous council colleagues for their determination to get this project done.

Now, who would've thought that our comprehensive snow removal plan would be so effective that even Mother Nature wants in on the action? I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing snowflakes plotting escape routes, trying to avoid our diligent operations team and Lucy the Loader. But, if Mother Nature decides to give us another break next winter, we won't complain—we'll just consider it a testament to our city's preparedness and efficiency.

It might not come off as the most thrilling part of our city, but our steadfast commitment to enhancing our wastewater and water infrastructure stands as a cornerstone of our utility's economic strength. It drives sustainable growth and prosperity throughout our region.

Through strategic investments in modernizing and expanding our systems, we bolster our city's appeal as a destination for businesses. We continue to prove it time and time again.

Partner projects such as the Poplar Bluff Industrial Park, the twinned pipeline, and the new reservoir are nearing completion, thanks to collaborative efforts with key stakeholders. These endeavors, with a total investment nearing $20 million dollars, will alleviate peak demand pressures on our water distribution system and safeguard our city's vital assets for years to come.

Let me tell you, We are excited to embark on new initiatives across various sectors.

In the realm of public safety, plans for the renovation of the Firehall and the replacement of the Rescue truck are underway. The acquisition of a Drone by the Fire Department, in collaboration with other City departments, promises to enhance emergency response capabilities significantly.

Our dedication to community safety and well-being has led to the implementation of  a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering a sense of security and belonging. The implementation of our Community Safety Officer program stands as a crucial initiative in ensuring the well-being and security of our residents and businesses. By hiring dedicated officers, we are bolstering our capacity to address local safety concerns effectively and proactively. This program not only complements the efforts of our local RCMP but also enhances community policing by fostering stronger connections between law enforcement and the neighborhoods they serve.

Moreover, the involvement of our provincial government underscores the significance of this endeavor, showcasing a collaborative approach to addressing public safety challenges in our province. Through this program, we aim to create safer environments, build trust within our business community, and promote a sense of security and belonging for our residents. We are excited to rollout this this program to you in the coming weeks.

Portage la Prairie continues to invest in its future, with recent developments including the inauguration of the MacKenzie-Knight daycare facility, a partnership with the RM, and completion of Phase One of the accessibility project at City Hall.

These initiatives show our dedication to providing essential services and fostering a sense of belonging for all residents.

I need to mention our new hospital, as it stands as a beacon of progress, a testament to our commitment to the well-being of our citizens. A nearly half a billion-dollar investment happening in our city. It is a foundation for growth and opportunity for our region. This investment isn't just about bricks and mortar; it's about creating more jobs, expanding services, and ultimately enriching the lives of every member of our community.

In the realm of tourism, Portage la Prairie is poised to become one of Manitoba’s premier destinations, in a province with the fastest growing tourism industry in the country.

With a dedicated Tourism Coordinator, guaranteed funding for the next four years through another funding partnership agreement with the Rural Municipality, and strategic assessments in place, we are committed to elevating our city's profile and maximizing its potential as a regional tourism hub.

Economic development remains a top priority, with continued investment attraction efforts and the development of PRED’s comprehensive 10-year strategy. Through applications to initiatives such as the Community and Economic Development Investment Program, and growth of our Developer Day initiative, we aim to create an environment conducive to business growth and prosperity.

Now, how about the blank slate we’ve been given with the transfer of the Agassiz Youth Centre land to the City? This is an opportunity for new development and exciting times ahead. With this transfer, we embrace another chance to shape the future of our community and unlock its full potential. One thing's for certain: the future's looking bright.

Our municipality is committed to reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities, recognizing the importance of acknowledging past injustices and working towards healing and understanding.

Through meaningful engagement and partnerships with our First Nations neighbors, Indigenous organizations, and the Manitoba Metis, we strive to build stronger relationships, provide opportunity and create a more inclusive and equitable community for all.

Our plans include the development of new recreational facilities such as the Koko Platz community club, Heritage Square enhancements, and the expansion of active transportation with the new path from Elm to Westpark School.

In addition to our ongoing collaborations with the Parks Committee and their continued expansion of Simplot Central Park and Rotary Skate Park, and the Junk Yard Dogs activity park, We're also dedicated to enriching our community's cultural landscape.

Through our community partnerships and granting process, we're proud to support initiatives that celebrate the vibrant diversity of our community, enhancing cultural, recreation and arts programs for all to enjoy.

While we celebrate our achievements, we must also acknowledge the challenges that confront us. Economic uncertainty, social disparities, and environmental concerns pose significant obstacles to our city's growth and development. As we continue to work on Implementing a community safety and well-being plan, we aim to bolster our city by fostering a secure environment, promoting social cohesion, and addressing diverse needs effectively. It is through our collective efforts that we will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger than ever before.

It is essential to recognize and express gratitude to those who have contributed to our city's success. The collaboration, communication and partnerships we have with our provincial and federal governments help us move forward.

I extend heartfelt gratitude to my council colleagues for their collaboration and commitment to serving our community with excellence and integrity.

Our skilled city administration team, led by our esteemed city manager, exemplifies professionalism and dedication, ensuring effective governance and the delivery of quality services to the residents of Portage la Prairie.

From our dedicated city employees and volunteers to our community partners and organizations, each individual and group plays a vital role in making Portage la Prairie a great place to live, work, and thrive. Whether through volunteering, civic participation, or grassroots initiatives, your contributions are invaluable in building a vibrant and resilient community. I urge each of you to lend your voices, ideas, and talents to the collective endeavor of shaping our city's future.

Looking ahead, we are proud to say that as a council our city's strategic priorities and initiatives are clear.

In closing, let us forge ahead with optimism and unity, knowing that together, we have the power to shape a future that reflects the best of who we are as a community.

Thank you.