IDEAS • ACTION • CHANGE
Our Ideas
Crime
My main initiative will be to invest in community policing. We need to embrace the diversity of Portage la Prairie with a policing policy that includes community policing, with support systems for addiction and mental health. Community-oriented policing, including foot patrols, bike patrols, returning to neighbourhood beats for officers, and the establishment of resource centres in order to be proactive, as opposed to reactive.
Open and Transparent Local Government
It should go without saying, city council works for you, the citizens of Portage la Prairie. An open and transparent civic government is paramount to a successful city.
Economic Growth
We need to find ways and incentives to attract new businesses. We need to work with the Chamber of Commerce and business leaders to encourage locals to support local businesses. We need to create an environment where people want to do business and then identify and support local entrepreneurs. We need to work towards a vibrant and rejuvenated downtown.
Growing our Tax Base
We currently have a stagnant population base. We have major factories and operations like Southport, McCain Foods, Simplot, and Roquette, which combined, employ thousands of people, many of whom live and commute from outlining areas. One actually runs buses from Winnipeg to transport employees to and from work. City Hall must find ways to entice and incentivise these employees to buy homes, rent apartments, and shop locally. This is a great way to increase our tax base.
Government Waste
We need to rein in discretionary spending and cut red tape for private individuals and businesses. Financial statements are a tool for holding civic governments accountable for the use of taxpayer dollars. As such, financial statements need to be understandable and meaningful for the purposes of accountability.
Indigenous Community
City Hall needs to partner with and understand the challenges and needs of Indigenous peoples in our community. Portage has deeps roots in Indigenous culture and should be showcasing the very best it has to offer. I remember as a child going to Island Park and being mesmerized by the Totem Pole on the lake bank, attending my first Pow Wow, and seeing the unbelievable First Nations Dancers for the first time. This culture at our fingertips should be celebrated and shared.
Senior Care
This is very personal to me. With two aging parents in the community and many friends in the same situation, I am fully aware of the need for more housing, homecare workers, healthcare aids, and transportation options. Seniors are the backbone of any thriving community and should be able to live with the affordable care they require and the dignity they deserve.
Retention of
Young Adults
City Hall must engage the youth of Portage like never before. We need to understand what they want in order to keep them living and working here. We need to make Portage a dynamic, safe, fun, and entertaining city where young people want to work, play, and raise
their families. The next generation of Portagers deserves much more than we are currently offering.
The Revitalisation of Crescent Lake
Enough discussion, it is time for action. Crescent Lake should be a source of pride in our community. Growing up in Portage, I remember a vibrant lake with sports activities, paddle boats, jet skis, and canoe rentals. I remember hosting power boat racing, and skiing competitions. It’s time to move forward with a serious plan to make the lake and the island the crown jewel of Portage la Prairie that it should be.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is a real need and a great business opportunity for Portage. With staffing shortages, seniors with transportation needs, and a thriving new immigrant community, affordable public transportation is imperative to help grow our city.
New Canadians
We must offer programs and housing assistance to those who choose to make Portage their home. An energetic and diverse community that works for everyone is an absolute necessity in today’s changing world.
Civic Beautification
We need to create infrastructure to house community gardens, tree plantings, and flower beds to create beautiful, lively neighbourhoods. Ensure that common areas, back allies, and vacant properties are kept clean, and neat in appearance. These efforts will have a great impact on the community when we work together to beautify our town.