Fisher Avenue in Portage la Prairie became much brighter last night, as 52 light standards were turned on along the walking path. City Councillor Melissa Draycott outlines the project.

"This is Phase 2 of our Fisher Avenue project. What it is is an upgrade to a walking path making things safer. The lights were turned on tonight as a part of that complete project. This is one of the paths we hope to link up to in Portage, with some of the others paths that are here."

She explains a variety of groups took part in making the project possible.

"There has been consultations with different organizations such as the Active Transportation Committee and the Parks Committee has had some good influence in this as well. Funding is also of course a major component of that because we have to have the money available to us in order to make the upgrade. The province of Manitoba has been substantial in that as well with their support."

Draycott notes safety of residents is a priority to Council, adding it's great to provide a safer pathway for people to enjoy.

"That makes this particular path a little bit safer for people who are walking across it. Not only can they see their environment, they can also see the rest of the surroundings, other people that are using the path and people in the area. It has a major safety component to it."

Draycott notes they're happy to be in Phase 2 of the project and are looking forward to moving into Phase3.