Manitoba Government Invests $5 Million Toward Portage La Prairie Field House
Press Release
January 23, 2026
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE—The Manitoba government is investing $5 million toward the city of Portage la Prairie and Portage la Prairie Planning District multisport indoor field house through the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for Municipalities (Manitoba GRO) program that will encourage active living, strengthen local sport development and foster economic growth, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced here today.
“Today’s investment reflects our government’s commitment to building strong, healthy and vibrant communities across Manitoba,” said Simard. “The Portage la Prairie field house is exactly the kind of regional project that delivers lasting value by expanding opportunities for active living, supporting local sport development and creating spaces that bring people together. By working collaboratively with municipal leaders, First Nations partners and community organizations, we are helping ensure this facility becomes a cornerstone for growth and well-being in the region for generations to come.”
The regional field house will be located in Southport, offering a centrally located facility that complements the community’s existing recreational amenities. Designed as a multi-use, flexible space, the field house will feature an indoor turf system and modular flooring, allowing for year-round access to a wide range of sport, wellness and community programs. As a regional asset, the facility will serve residents of the Portage la Prairie region and communities across southern Manitoba, supporting active living, community connection and regional growth.
The project plan is the result of a strategic partnership between City of Portage la Prairie, Rural Municipality (RM) of Portage la Prairie and Southport Aerospace Centre Inc. The plan strongly supports several key aspects of the City of Portage la Prairie’s Strategic Plan.
“The field house is about more than bricks and mortar, it is about building a healthier, more connected region,” said Mayor Sharilyn Knox, City of Portage la Prairie. “This $5 million commitment from the Manitoba government reflects strong partnership and shared belief in the future of Portage la Prairie as a growing regional hub for sport, wellness and community life.”
The RM of Portage la Prairie has also partnered to help fund the conceptual design phase. The project has received support from surrounding First Nations communities and local organizations. By bringing together municipalities, First Nations and community partners, this project demonstrates a clear understanding of the importance of collaboration and working together to achieve shared regional benefits.
“The RM of Portage la Prairie would like to thank the Manitoba government for this amazing contribution to the this much-needed field house project for our region,” said Roy Tufford, Reeve, RM of Portage la Prairie. “In Manitoba, where our climate limits the amount of meaningful exercise you can do outdoors for a large portion of the year, having an amazing indoor fieldhouse to be used for numerous kinds of physical activities will have beneficial health impacts for our citizens. Amenities like this will provide more reasons why living in our region is a good life choice.”
Manitoba GRO is an application-based program designed to help municipalities advance critical infrastructure that supports growing and sustainable communities. For 2025-26, up to $42 million in funding is available to all municipalities located outside Winnipeg to support infrastructure projects under the key investment themes of renewal, innovation and climate resiliency.
– 30 –
For more information:
- Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
- Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
- Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.
ILR5
